BUILDING ON PROUD TRADITION

NEW ACADEMY BOSS ON HOPES FOR CLUB'S FUTURE

- By STEVEN RAILSTON

UNITED’S new academy boss Stephen Torpey wants to improve the club's youth facilities.

M.E.N. Sport exclusively revealed in July that Torpey was being considered to as Nick Cox’s successor, and the club officially unveiled their new man in September.

During Cox’s nine-year stint as academy boss he played a pivotal role in the United academy renaissance, secured top youth signings and oversaw an FA Youth Cup triumph in 2022.

Torpey relocated to Manchester from Brentford. He was previously at City, where he spent nine-and-a-half years working in different positions alongside Jason Wilcox.

The 44-year-old has been spotted at academy fixtures alongside Wilcox, and he recently gave his first interview since his arrival from Brentford in a lengthy conversation with club media.

Torpey said: “I know this is Manchester United, we've done amazing things in youth, but I feel it's my duty now to continue that.

“You know, I’ve heard my predecessor, Nick [Cox], talk about carrying on the baton, and I believe in that.

“T've been very fortunate to have the tours around Old Trafford and Littleton Road and The Cliff and realise the heritage, you know, and I got to thank [club historian] Jason Leach for taking me around and showing me the ropes on. that.