Man Utd’s Homegrown Talent Record Is the Best In England and Europe

Man Utd’s reputation to be the bastion of homegrown talent appears to be on the rise. While recent years have seen the Red Devils splurge heavily in the transfer market to purchase players from elsewhere in Europe, under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a return to the past ethos appears to be on the horizon.

This campaign has seen United field youthful squads, even breaking records in certain cases. This has largely been to a positive effect, although several chinks still need to be ironed out.

Sure enough, the youthful legs ace statistical tests too as the club holds an enviable record.

Man Utd have the highest percentage of homegrown talent in their squad across Europe’s top-five leagues as per Tifosy.

At 40.7%, United’s present roster is dotted largely with products from their illustrious academy as well as few other players who were honed in England.

The opportunities that the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Brandon Williams, and Jesse Lingard enjoy at Old Trafford is testament to the same.

As for the likes of Paul Pogba, the premium paid to get him back from Juventus can be kept aside in this regard due to the academy influence.

Athletic Bilbao come second with 37.5% of their roster comprising of homegrown talent.

The English presence is stark with Chelsea the other Premier League club in the top leagues table at no.7 with a relatively paltry 29.6% of their first team squad being as such. Reigning Premier League champions, Man City, and prospective winners of this campaign, Liverpool, have 15.4% and 12.5% respectively.

United also excel when the radar is specified to all domestic leagues in English football.

Even though homegrown players can also be brought for extreme fees, such figures also reflect the trust that is placed on upcoming talent.

It will be interesting to see whether this young side is able continue their excellent pre-lockdown momentum June 17 onwards as well.