Man Utd appoint Darren Hughes as Head of Academy Development after 11-year spell at Man City

"With United always keen to improve their academy setup, they've now appointed a new Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology. Like Torpey, who arrived in 2025, Hughes joins United after working previously at City, where he held multiple roles. Hughes' most recent role at City was Head of Coaching, but he now crosses the city to take up a different role at Carrington."

"As reported by the Training Ground Guru, Hughes will focus on long-term player and coach development, methodology, coaching programmes, competency frameworks and alignment with EPPP. Hughes will report to Torpey, but the pair have already worked together at both City and Liverpool. The role was advertised in February before Hughes emerged as the outstanding candidate."

"Many players who have 'made it' at the highest level have developed under Hughes. They include Curtis Jones, Jarrel Quansah, Oscar Bobb, Romeo Lavia, Cole Palmer, and Nico O'Rielly. On top of that, it is understood that Hughes helped ex-Man City star Ilkay Gundogan when he was doing his coaching badges."

Manchester United has strengthened its academy structure by appointing Darren Hughes as Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology. Hughes joins the club following an 11-year tenure at Manchester City, where he most recently served as Head of Coaching. He will report to Academy Director Stephen Torpey, with whom he has previously collaborated at both City and Liverpool. Hughes will oversee long-term player and coach development, coaching programmes, competency frameworks, and EPPP alignment. His appointment follows the role's advertisement in February. Hughes has a proven track record developing elite players including Curtis Jones, Jarrel Quansah, Oscar Bobb, Romeo Lavia, and Cole Palmer, positioning him to significantly enhance United's academy prospects.

Read at United In Focus