How Torpey aims to make Man Utd's academy 'best in the world'

Manchester United's commitment to youth development is legendary and the source of huge pride. Stephen Torpey left Brentford to join United as their Academy director in August 2025, following the exit of Nick Cox to become Everton's technical director. In his first extensive media chat, BBC Sport heard the 44-year-old's thoughts on one of the most celebrated youth systems in the English game.

"It's the pinnacle of youth football," he said. "Being here every day and watching the talent we've got, knowing I'm shaping this club is amazing for me. " Second in their respective Premier League 2 and under-18 leagues and into the latter stages of three prestigious knockout competitions, including the FA Youth Cup, in which they play Sunderland in the quarter-finals at Old Trafford on Wednesday, United's results at youth level this season have been excellent.

Yet in October, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed standards in the academy had 'really slipped'. Torpey says he felt Ratcliffe was addressing the infrastructure - which has been left behind in the £50m revamp at United's Carrington training ground given it was focused mainly on the men's senior side and the women's team. "Ultimately, I think that was based on things like facilities," he said.

"It's like decorating your home. You do one room and another doesn't feel the same as the rest of the house. You could say the academy building isn't as advanced as where the first team is right now.