Man Utd's new Academy Director says aim is to prepare players to win 'biggest honours'

Manchester United saw Stephen Torpey start as the club’s new Academy Director, a major step that continues the comprehensive restructuring.

Torpey, whose appointment was announced in August, officially commenced his role at Carrington this week, succeeding Nick Cox, who recently departed to become Technical Director at Everton.

He arrives with an outstanding track record in elite youth development, most recently serving as Academy Director at Brentford, where he led the rebuilding of their youth structure.

Under his leadership, the Bees’ academy successfully relaunched a full programme from U9s to U18s and earned promotion to Category Two status. His philosophy there was centred on building "the most caring and progressive academy in the world."

The appointment is a clear choice by Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, who previously worked closely with Torpey at Manchester City.

Torpey spent nearly a decade at City, rising to Head of Academy Coaching and playing a crucial role in the development of players who have since progressed to the first team, including Cole Palmer, James McAtee, and Rico Lewis.

He also has coaching experience from the Foundation phase at Liverpool, reported ManUtd.com.

Speaking on his arrival, Torpey expressed his ambition to uphold the famous tradition of youth development at Old Trafford.

“I am really proud to have this opportunity to lead Manchester United's Academy,” he said. “Our primary aim being to produce players ready to support a first team capable of challenging for the biggest honours.”

Wilcox praised the new director: "Stephen's record of youth development is outstanding... We will work closely together to ensure that the Academy continues to foster the right environment to nurture our young players."

Torpey's extensive experience and proven ability to build pathways are expected to be vital as United seeks to restore its dominance by integrating more homegrown talent into the senior squad.