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Manchester United shut down seven development centres in bid to streamline their youth academy

Club want to focus on using better facilities with a smaller group of players to maximise returns

MANCHESTER UNITED have decided to close SEVEN of their development centres.

The club want to streamline their academy system - focusing on a smaller group of players getting better coaching at better facilities.

 Manchester United are to streamline their academy system
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Manchester United are to streamline their academy systemCredit: PA:Press Association

According to the Daily Mail, United were concerned at stockpiling too many youngsters and seeing some of them slip through their fingers.

The club will still operate 17 centres in the North West, for young players who could be considered for promotion to their full academy.

The closing of the centres will affect six to eight-year-old players in one of the most competitive regions of the country for youngsters.

With Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton all competing for players, Huddersfield Town last week took the decision to downgrade their academy from five to four.

The report states that United will have around 20 staff at each of the 17 sites in an attempt to have a programme which allows more focus on individual players.

The club is also considering a name change in a bid to ease pressure on young players - they will also be looked at as training courses, complete with a certificate, rather than solely as an audition.

 Local lad Marcus Rashford came through the academy system at the club
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Local lad Marcus Rashford came through the academy system at the clubCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Despite having scouts and contacts across the globe, United continue to have 70 scouts working in the North West, with 12 of those full time.

They are very keen to keep a local contingent of players on their books, as well as keeping a strong connection with amateur clubs in the area.

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