Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has launched a scathing attack on the club's handling of their academy system, labelling the recent exodus of young talent as "embarrassing" and deeply concerning for the future of the historic club.
United Legends Sound the Alarm
The shocking criticism comes as fellow Class of '92 graduate Nicky Butt breaks his silence about the worrying trend emerging from Carrington. Butt, who previously headed United's academy, revealed his frustration at seeing promising youngsters consistently slipping through the net.
"We're losing too many good players," Butt stated emphatically. "When you see the quality leaving, it's genuinely worrying for the club's long-term prospects."
Scholes Doesn't Hold Back
Scholes, never one to mince his words, was even more direct in his assessment. The former England midfielder expressed his disbelief at United's inability to retain their most promising prospects.
"It's actually embarrassing," Scholes declared. "The number of players United are losing from their academy is staggering. These aren't average talents - we're talking about genuine prospects who could strengthen the first team in years to come."
The Growing List of Departures
The situation has reached a tipping point with several high-profile academy products choosing to continue their careers elsewhere:
- Charlie McNeill's return to Manchester City
- Teden Mengi's move to Luton Town
- Zidane Iqbal's departure
- Several other promising youngsters seeking opportunities away from Old Trafford
This trend represents a significant shift from United's historic reputation as the Premier League's premier developer of young English talent.
A Broken Pathway to Success?
Both legends pointed to a concerning breakdown in the traditional pathway from academy to first team that once made United the envy of world football. The famous "Class of '92" that produced Scholes, Butt, David Beckham, and the Neville brothers stands as a testament to what United's youth system can achieve when functioning properly.
"Something has to change," Butt insisted. "We built our reputation on developing world-class players from within. If we lose that identity, we lose what makes Manchester United special."
Scholes echoed this sentiment, warning that continued neglect of the academy could have serious consequences for the club's ability to compete at the highest level while maintaining financial sustainability.
The Future at Stake
With United already struggling to keep pace with rivals both domestically and in Europe, the deterioration of their famed youth system represents another significant challenge for manager Erik ten Hag and the club's hierarchy.
As Scholes bluntly put it: "When the lifeblood of your club starts draining away, you know you've got serious problems that need immediate attention."
