Manchester United keeping academy youngsters engaged during lockdown

The parent of one of Manchester United’s academy players has praised the club for their approach to the coronavirus lockdown in an interesting blog written for the Guardian. Tanya Aldred, who usually covers cricket for the same newspaper, was stood on the touchline when her five-year-old son was spotted by a scout five years ago. He remains a part of United’s academy side, and is enjoying the treats the club have laid on during the difficult days of lockdown.

Aldred mentions that United veterans Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ryan Giggs have all held Q&As with the youngsters, with Marcus Rashford scheduled to do the same on Friday morning. Aldred singles out academy head Nick Cox for special praise. The club have been in “regular contact” with families and encouraged the kids to “enjoy their childhood, explore learning for themselves, use their imagination and be creative”, urging parents and carers not to force them to train when they don’t want to.

It’s an interesting and thoughtful read, and argues that though “Premier League football may be greedy and selfish, but it can also be life-enhancing and compassionate.” Head on over to the Guardian for the full piece.