Manchester United's academy reeling from staff churn and Ratcliffe's brickbats

"At a recent staff meeting attended by Wilcox, it was discussed how the academy had been somewhat neglected while the focus was placed on turning around the first team's fortunes. Although 50m has been invested in renovating the training facilities, the academy staff are working in prefabricated structures behind the main building, situated in the players' car park, but there are plans for a modernisation to match the first team's infrastructure."

"The academy is in flux after Nick Cox, its long-time leader, left in September to become technical director at Everton. His replacement, Steve Torpey, joined from Brentford and is an ally of United's director of football, Jason Wilcox. The pair worked together at Manchester City and the introduction of another former employee from there implies a literal blueprint is being followed."

"Comments from Wayne Rooney, who has two children, Kai, 15, and Klay, 12, in the United setup, were not welcomed by senior figures but others were happy for them to be aired publicly. The culture of that football club has gone, Rooney said. I see it on a daily basis. I see staff losing jobs, people walking out of jobs. I've got two kids at that football club"

Manchester United's academy has faced declining standards and is in transition after long-time leader Nick Cox left in September to become Everton's technical director. Steve Torpey joined from Brentford as the new academy director and is an ally of director of football Jason Wilcox; both previously worked at Manchester City, suggesting a familiar blueprint. Staff reported the academy was overlooked while focus remained on the first team. Despite a 50m investment in training renovations, academy staff are working in prefabricated structures in the players' car park, with plans for modernisation. Sir Jim Ratcliffe clarified his comment referred to facilities, and staff expressed strong emotion; Wayne Rooney criticised the club's culture while noting his two sons are in the setup.

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