[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Academy Arena [@academyarenaUTD](/creator/twitter/academyarenaUTD) on x 63.4K followers Created: 2025-02-04 10:34:55 UTC Academy director Nick Cox has often spoken about the need to appropriately prepare academy players for first team football. A big part of this comes down to exposing them to environments that are similar to the first team. These could include: - high pressure academy matches - academy games/tours in other countries - academy games at Old Trafford/first team grounds - playing vs senior opposition (EFL Trophy/National League Cup) - training regularly with the first team - included in match day squads for the first team - loans/pro experience programme Even someone as talented as Kobbie Mainoo went through this exact process (apart from loan) in a calculated manner. With outgoings, a lack of signings and potential injuries, we may see scenarios where academy players will have to be thrown into the deep end. Fortunately, I feel United’s academy programme does a very good job at doing all of the above. However, these are variables that, for the most part, prepare players mentally. You then also have to consider the level of quality they posses, as well as their ability to deal with the physicality and intensity of top flight football. Many of the ‘most talented’ players at United may not tick a lot of these boxes. But, it could allow for magical moments like we saw with Marcus Rashford back in 2016.  XXXXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [playing](/topic/playing) [countries](/topic/countries) [arena](/topic/arena) [Post Link](https://x.com/academyarenaUTD/status/1886725115859116458)
[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]
Academy Arena @academyarenaUTD on x 63.4K followers
Created: 2025-02-04 10:34:55 UTC
Academy director Nick Cox has often spoken about the need to appropriately prepare academy players for first team football. A big part of this comes down to exposing them to environments that are similar to the first team. These could include:
- high pressure academy matches
- academy games/tours in other countries
- academy games at Old Trafford/first team grounds
- playing vs senior opposition (EFL Trophy/National League Cup)
- training regularly with the first team
- included in match day squads for the first team
- loans/pro experience programme
Even someone as talented as Kobbie Mainoo went through this exact process (apart from loan) in a calculated manner.
With outgoings, a lack of signings and potential injuries, we may see scenarios where academy players will have to be thrown into the deep end. Fortunately, I feel United’s academy programme does a very good job at doing all of the above. However, these are variables that, for the most part, prepare players mentally. You then also have to consider the level of quality they posses, as well as their ability to deal with the physicality and intensity of top flight football.
Many of the ‘most talented’ players at United may not tick a lot of these boxes. But, it could allow for magical moments like we saw with Marcus Rashford back in 2016.
XXXXXXX engagements
