Man Utd on brink of losing 88-year record as new season nears

Manchester United may be set to lose one of the most remarkable traditions in football as the 2025/26 season approaches. According to The Athletic, United have included at least one academy graduate in every first-team matchday squad since October 1937. That’s a total of 4,321 consecutive games, spanning 88 years, 44 major trophies, and three European Cups.

This tradition reflects United’s deep-rooted commitment to youth development, which produced legends such as the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92. The current threat to that record arises from uncertainty around key youth players like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Garnacho has been linked with a move to Chelsea, while Mainoo may stay, but any injury or suspension could still jeopardize the streak.

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The data reveals a worrying trend: last season saw an average of 4.51 academy players per matchday squad  a drop of over six players from the season before. If this downward trend continues, United could be forced to field a squad without a homegrown player for the first time in nearly nine decades.

As Manchester United prepare for the new season under manager Ruben Amorim, preserving historical records may take a back seat to winning results. However, the potential loss of the club’s iconic youth representation record is drawing attention from fans and historians alike.

United’s academy has long been a symbol of their identity, producing talents that have shaped the club’s success over generations. Yet, financial pressures, changing football dynamics, and player ambitions are making it harder to retain homegrown stars. Garnacho’s interest in a move and the increasing reliance on big-name transfers raise questions about the academy’s role moving forward.

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Injuries or suspensions to players like Mainoo, who’s considered one of the few remaining top prospects ready for the first team, could be enough to snap the 88-year streak. Despite these concerns, the club remains hopeful that rising talents can step up and keep the tradition alive.

The new coaching staff may not prioritize this legacy, focusing instead on rebuilding the team’s competitive edge. Still, many fans see the academy run as more than a statistic   it represents Manchester United’s DNA.

The coming season will reveal whether United can balance both legacy and ambition   or whether a new era means letting go of one of football’s longest-standing traditions.