80 Years Of Homegrown Players At United

A homegrown player has been included in every Manchester United first-team squad since 30 October 1937, which was exactly 80 years ago today.

The club is proud to have reached the remarkable milestone following the 1-0 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday, when Academy graduates Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Scott McTominay were all named in Jose Mourinho’s 18-man squad.

With talented goalkeeper Joel Pereira, young defender Axel Tuanzebe and injured midfielder Paul Pogba also in the first team, it looks like the record of consecutive matches will not halt any time soon.

Amazingly, the last senior outing that did not include a homegrown player was against Sheffield Wednesday on 23 October 1937, when Walter Crickmer's Reds ran out 1-0 winners at home.

Since then the club has forged a reputation for developing young players and the iconic Busby Babes are perhaps the most distinguished examples, as well as the world-famous Class of ’92 crop that included Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the two Neville brothers, Gary and Phil.

The Academy is a fundamental part of the club and Lingard is among the current crop of graduates who are performing in the first team. Jesse made his 97th senior appearance against Spurs on Saturday and the England international believes it is important that the proud youth record is maintained.

"It’s huge," Lingard told us last Friday. "It’s always good to have local lads and Academy players in the first team, with the experienced lads as well. We’ve got a good mix at the moment.

"I am definitely proud to have came through the ranks to play for the first team. Growing up as a fan of Manchester United as well means that putting on the shirt is always a real honour for me. You always have to try your hardest and give 100 per cent, whenever you have the shirt on."

On Tuesday night, when Benfica visit Old Trafford in the UEFA Champions League, the club can move to 3,883 consecutive matches with a youth player in the squad.