Man United director reveals details of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s meeting about academy stars

Manchester United’s director of academy Nick Cox has detailed the meeting Sir Jim Ratcliffe had with the academy staff.

Ratcliffe and the INEOS team are taking control of sporting affairs at Old Trafford and have been assessing the club and the staff within.

Sir Dave Brailsford, who is known for his high standards, has had conversations with countless playing and non-playing staff at the club, and Cox has explained that the pair have spoken with those involved in the United academy.

“Yeah, absolutely. Yeah, they were very clear. We have spent time with Dave and Jim,” he told the Manchester Evening News. “They both presented to the academy staff this week and we have had a lot of informal conversations as well.

“It is very early days, they are still learning about the club, albeit Jim is a huge supporter. Jim is very familiar with the club, being a lifelong fan. But you don’t have to spend long here to realise that.

“But they are building relationships, trying to understand where the help and support might be needed to help us to get better.”

Of course, right now the Under-18s are flying at the top of the U18s Premier League North table, winning 14 out of 14 fixtures.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have also risen through the academy to become important first-team players for Erik ten Hag.

Cox has explained that Ratcliffe and the INEOS team understand the importance of the youth academy and that was shown through their ‘enthused’ approach when meeting the staff.

“Naturally, they have a really good understanding of the history of youth development here and the role it has played in our history and the role it is playing today in terms of helping our team perform,” added Cox. “So from our perception, from the academy staff’s perception, exciting times ahead.

“I think the staff were incredibly enthused and appreciated the fact that they dedicated some time which is a really busy time for them because there are a lot of new people to meet and new information for them but they came and spent considerable time with every person in the room.

“And that same approach has been taken across different functions in the club and will do, I imagine, in the coming weeks.”