How is Manchester United trying to preserve their academy tradition?

To address the potential threat, United have included 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, a midfielder signed from Manchester City, in the traveling party for the Tottenham match, as he meets the criteria to be considered an academy graduate.

Home / Sports / Manchester United's 88-Year Academy Tradition Faces Threat Amid Mainoo Injury

Manchester United's 88-Year Academy Tradition Faces Threat Amid Mainoo Injury

Q: What is the significance of Manchester United's academy tradition?

Manchester United has included an academy graduate in their first-team squad for 4,332 successive games since 1937, a remarkable tradition spanning 88 years and 44 major trophies.

Q: How is Kobbie Mainoo's injury affecting this record?

Kobbie Mainoo, who has been the sole academy graduate in United's first-team squad in recent games, will miss the upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur due to a minor injury, raising concerns about the future of this historic streak.

8 Nov

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Summary

Manchester United's 4,332-game streak of including an academy graduate is at risk
Kobbie Mainoo's injury could break the historic record dating back to 1937
Club signs 18-year-old Jack Fletcher to potentially preserve the unbroken sequence

Manchester United's 88-Year Academy Tradition Faces Threat Amid Mainoo Injury

On November 8th, 2025, Manchester United faces a potential threat to their historic youth development legacy as Kobbie Mainoo, the sole academy graduate in their first-team squad in recent games, will miss the upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur due to a minor injury.

This absence raises concerns about the future of United's remarkable streak, which has seen an academy graduate included in their first-team squad for 4,332 successive games since 1937. This tradition has been a cornerstone of the club's identity, spanning 88 years and 44 major trophies, including three European Cup triumphs and 18 league titles.