Travis Binnion, a highly regarded Manchester United academy coach who played a key role in developing Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, has left the club after eight years. His departure follows the exit of first-team coach Michael Carrick and his staff.
A Key Figure in the Academy
Binnion worked in various academy roles for seven years before stepping up to coach the first team in January, initially alongside Darren Fletcher during his caretaker stint before being retained by Carrick. When Carrick was sacked, his coaching staff, including Binnion, followed him out the door.
Binnion was respected within the club and the industry. One representative recalled sometimes disagreeing with the 40-year-old but always respecting his professional and frank communication. Another said Binnion's first-team opportunity was well deserved when he stepped up to work as a coach at the beginning of the year.
"I think he will be a genuine loss," read a text message from a former academy employee who worked closely with Binnion.
Developing Young Talent
Binnion was involved in the journeys of 17 debutants from the academy. With some players, like Mainoo and Garnacho, he played a particularly important role in their development. Mainoo and Garnacho were the star names in the Under-18 team that Binnion guided to FA Youth Cup glory in 2022, and they both went on to score in United's FA Cup final win against Manchester City in 2024.
Garnacho made his first-team bow before the Youth Cup final, but Mainoo did not make his debut until eight months later, when he played against Charlton in January 2023. Erik ten Hag had been appointed the summer before, and Binnion had earned the Dutchman's trust through his expertise in the academy. His work involved regular dialogue with Ten Hag's assistant, Mitchell van der Gaag, and he was responsible for recommending which young players should take part in first-team training.
Binnion gave Van der Gaag regular reports on Mainoo's progress in the months leading up to his debut. In October 2022, the Manchester Evening News reported that Binnion would instruct the midfielder during games, noting the advice he offered in a U21 game against Fleetwood.
Respected by Players and Staff
Binnion joined United as the U16s coach in 2016 having arrived from Sheffield United, before becoming U18 boss and, in the summer of 2023, officially U21 boss. His full title as U21 manager was head of player development and coaching, and he became known as the "conduit" between the first team and academy.
It's understood Binnion was involved in bringing Darren Fletcher back to the club and helped to develop other coaches in the academy. He was not flashy and did not shout about his work, but sources say he was highly regarded by staff across the club. That is why Ten Hag wanted Binnion to oversee a first-team pre-season fixture against Wrexham in the United States in 2023. Binnion also played an important role in facilitating the transition from Ten Hag to Ruben Amorim.
In recent seasons, he played a big part in the development of Toby Collyer and Shea Lacey. Collyer made 13 appearances for United's first team before being sold to West Brom for £3million over the summer. Lacey was on the bench as a 15-year-old when Binnion managed a Youth Cup fixture against Stoke in January 2023, and the youngster is now seen as the most exciting emerging prospect in the first team.
Benjamin Sesko namechecked Binnion when he was asked about his personal improvement last season, partly putting his good form down to "work with Travis after training". United insiders say he was "brilliant" with the club's forwards, who benefited from his innovative shooting sessions at the end of training, and that he eventually led many of the actual sessions.
Binnion has a young family and continued to attend every youth fixture, showing support for young players. Sources say Binnion "went out of his way" in his first-team coaching role to help academy players. Binnion's own playing career was cut short by a few bad injuries, which led him to explore coaching when he was just 21 with Sheffield United. The final page has turned on his eight years at Carrington, but his contribution during that time should not be overlooked.
