Long-serving Manchester United man Paul McGuinness has resigned from his role as under-18 manager, with his young side currently bottom of their league.

The news follows Executive Vice Chairman Edward Woodward announcing to investors that there would be news regarding the overhaul of the academy in the coming days.

McGuinness leaves United after 28 years

McGuinness has been a stable influence at Manchester United for over 20 years, having been in charge of the under-18 side for the last 11 years, seeing thousands of players move in and out of his team, with many going on to play for the first team at the club, or elsewhere in top European leagues.

The academy at United is severely underfunded and has suffered from a lack of attention but Woodward has conducted a report on the state of affairs and is now looking to make changes.

McGuinness is the son of former-United manager Wilf McGuiness who was the successor of legend Sir Matt Busby. McGuiness did not last long, but contributed immensely as a coach for the club, as his son has done too.

Coach has seen almost 100 players pass through to first team

Paul said that "it has been an honour and a privilege to follow in my father Wilf's footsteps" with both father and son 'serving' their club. After 28 years and under three different managers, McGuinness says he can leave as a proud man. He has "seen 86 academy players develop to make their debut for the first team [at United] and 23 to become full internationals has been thoroughly rewarding."

Now world-famous, Paul Pogba played under McGuinness as well as regular England international and Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck as well as Everton's Tom Cleverley

More recently, players like Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have risen to the United first team after learning from McGuinnes.

Borthwick Jackson against Willian of Chelsea | Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Borthwick-Jackson against Willian of Chelsea | Photo: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Woodward's shake-up of the academy is a good thing, with it requiring attention and a change. Former-United midfielder and current youth coach Nicky Butt is set to be handed a large role within the new structure, as United look to match rivals Manchester City's huge development and funding for young players.

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About the author
Harry Robinson
Deputy Editor-in-Chief at VAVEL UK, and Manchester United Editor.