Manchester United have produced some of the greatest players ever seen in English football, but there are countless more footballers that fail to make the grade at Old Trafford.
While every youngster that rises through the ranks with Manchester United will dream of becoming the next David Beckham or Marcus Rashford, the harsh realities of football mean the majority will have to earn their crust elsewhere.
We’ve done some digging to investigate what’s become of the five youth teamers that Man Utd released last summer.
D’Mani Mellor
Mellor made one appearance for the first team, playing in the Europa League tie with Astana in 2019, which ensured he featured in every age group for United.
But the striker was released last summer, joining League One side Wycombe Wanderers and making 12 appearances for his new club between July and January.
The 22-year-old is spending the remainder of the season on loan at Rochdale, where is yet to score in nine matches.
Reece Devine
Devine never appeared for the United first team and, with the likes of Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane ahead of him in the pecking order, it was always a tall order for him to do so.
The defender was snapped up by Swindon Town, but lasted just 53 minutes of his debut in March before suffering a serious hamstring injury. We wish him well on his recovery.
Connor Stanley
After joining United’s academy from Birmingham City in 2018, Stanley was named in the club’s Europa League squad two years later.
Unfortunately, the winger never got to play for United and joined League One promotion hopefuls Bolton last summer.
Stanley is yet to appear for Wanderers either, spending time on loan at non-league sides Bamber Bridge and FC United of Manchester. As of March 2023, he’s turning out for the former outfit.
READ: Revisiting Man Utd’s 10 wonderkids from FM 2013 a decade later
Paul Woolston
Woolston was sadly forced to retire from football at the age of 23 last summer after a succession of injury problems.
“To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now,” the goalkeeper told United’s official website.
“I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level.
“Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent Manchester United during my time here.
“The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal.
“Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future.”
Martin Svidersky
Svidersky was reportedly offered a contract by the incoming Erik ten Hag, but chose to pursue his career away from Old Trafford.
“I experienced a lot of nice moments in Manchester, but also difficult moments. They definitely strengthened me and taught me a lot. I tried to use every second,” Svidersky told Flashscore.
“I think I made the most of my time. It’s true that I didn’t manage to fulfil the dream I came for was very close but I chose a different path.”
The Slovakian midfielder made the choice to join La Liga side Almeria, but is yet to actually appear for his new club. The grass isn’t always greener…
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