JJ Gabriel, Ratcliffe criticism and 'special young talents' - Man United academy chief aiming to be 'best in the world'

Steven Railston Tue, 17 March 2026 at 12:09 pm UTC·10 min read When Sir Jim Ratcliffe singled out the Manchester United academy as having "slipped" with some of his customary direct feedback in October, he highlighted the appointment of Stephen Torpey as evidence of change.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torpey is the latest Old Trafford recruit from the Manchester City blueprint Ratcliffe so admires, and that introduction from the United co-owner was pretty clear. “The academy has really slipped at Manchester United," Ratcliffe said. "You need the academy to be producing talent all the time. It helps you financially. That’s not a light switch. You don’t solve...