Manchester United are attempting to monetise their academy in a bid to match their Premier League rivals. The Red Devils are putting a greater emphasis on young talent, not only with a view to strengthen their first-team but also improve the club's finances.
New Strategy Already in Action
It's a strategy that has already seen highly rated goalkeeper Radek Vitek leave on a permanent basis, despite an impressive loan spell with Bristol City last season and United's lack of depth in the goalkeeping department. Vitek, 22, was sold to Middlesbrough in a deal rising to £14million, with United inserting a 35 per cent sell-on clause plus a buy back option.
The Mail report that United acknowledge the view that their historic conveyor belt has slowed over the past few years, while the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea have made millions from their academy products. It's added that 19-year-old left-back Harry Amass could be sold for roughly £7m plus add-ons before deadline day on September 1.
Youngsters on the Move
Meanwhile, 22-year-old midfielder Toby Collyer is understood to be available. Fans may question the idea of offloading youngsters ahead of a season in which Michael Carrick's side will play at least 48 matches, having qualified for the Champions League.
Carrick's own son, Jacey, is a first-year scholar with United and the Red Devils boss is regularly spotted watching youth-team games at Carrington. Jacob Devaney, one of several youngsters to feature in pre-season, spoke in July about how Carrick's presence makes a difference.
Youth Players Praise Carrick
"It's really important," Devaney, who captained United's under-21 side last term before a half-season loan spell in Scotland with St Mirren, said. "We speak about it as a group.
"It's great to have Michael there at the games, and even when we were in training a week before the first-team, I think he was out at every session with the staff.
"It's nice that he has knowledge of what you're doing and he's obviously not afraid to throw the youth in. He's shown that last year. It's positive to have someone like him in the building."
