What Woodward has said about the Man Utd academy in statement

Ed Woodward has reiterated the Manchester United academy remains a 'huge part' of the club as they prepare to mark the milestone 4,000th game.

"The academy is huge part of who we are as a club and what we want to achieve," Woodward said. "We ultimately want to develop young players who are talented enough to wear the Manchester United shirt, but we also want to develop good people who are humble, confident, disciplined and creative.

"This milestone also gives us an opportunity to reflect on some of the teams and individuals who have helped to bring so much success to Manchester United and to remind us of the ongoing importance of developing the next generation of young players."

Butt added: "This is an amazing record; it tells you everything about Manchester United. The ultimate aim for the academy is to get players into the first team and for that to have happened for 4,000 consecutive games is an extraordinary achievement.

"So much goes into the development of an individual player; there are coaches, scouts, kit men, chefs, ground staff, teachers, landladies, drivers and so much more.

"Everyone at the club plays a vital role and should be extremely proud of this milestone."