UNITED legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton have officially opened the club's stunning new é8m Academy training centre at Carrington.

The two knights were joined by club captain Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Nicky Butt and David May for the unveiling of a new plaque marking the latest chapter in the club's golden history.

Sir Bobby, who played 606 games for United scoring 198 goals, said: "This building is a million miles away from the brick buildings I grew up with and hopefully it will help Manchester United stay in front of the rest of the clubs in England."

Upped the numbers

Reds boss Sir Alex added: "When I started 16 years ago we had a staff of eight. Now we have more than 30, which shows you how far we've come. I'm proud to be involved with United and hopefully there's more to come."

The complex, which is called the Trafford Training Centre and took more than a year to build, contains state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor astroturf pitches, 11 changing rooms for under-nine to under-16 players, the latest medical and treatment facilities and a parents' lounge.

The Academy is responsible for coaching around 120 schoolboys aged nine to 16 and 38 scholars in the under-17 to under-19 groups.

Star pupils

Fifteen players who have started for the first team this season, including the famous class of '92 consisting of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Butt and Gary and Phil Neville, have gone though the club's academy ranks.

Academy director Les Kershaw believes the club's new and improved youth system and facilities are helping encourage kids to pursue their dreams.

Kershaw thinks youngsters have suffered in the past because there was no real provision for education. He said that could have dissuaded parents from letting their children attend.

With Dave Bushell, an education officer on hand there is no danger of the kids neglecting their studies.

"Our aim is to give the players not only a football education, but an education and make them more rounded individuals," he said. "If someone does not make it as a footballer, it's our duty to ensure he goes out into the world a fuller person."

Who will be the next youth team stars to break into the first team? Have your say.

Tweet