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As a lifelong Manchester United fan, I’ve lived through the highs of the Class of ’92, a group of young players who came from Manchester United’s academy and became stars. We had David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt. They helped United win many trophies, including 6 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, and 1 Champions League. These players are the reason Carrington is considered a prestigious academy.
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Unfortunately, the academy is no longer living up to its name as recently I've experienced the hopeful hype around every “next big thing” from Carrington. We’ve hyped up the likes of Januzaj, Jesse Lingard, and Chong. Even our brightest talent in recent times, Mason Greenwood, was forced out of the club due to controversies. Its been disappointing. Some made it. Most didn’t.
But lately, I’ve been watching Barcelona's La Masia and I’m starting to accept the painful truth that they’re cooking something we can’t replicate.
In the past we've seen them produce stars like Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, Puyol...just to name a few. Now it seems that another new brand of generational talents are beginning to rise from their ranks.
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Lamine Yamal is barely 18 and already toying with elite defenders. Gavi, Pedri, Fermin López... it's like they’re cloning Iniesta in batches. While Carrington tries to produce work-rate wingers and sideways-passing midfielders, La Masia is out here crafting world-class players. Artists. Ballers that play like they were born in a rondo.
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United still has talent, no doubt. But what La Masia is producing right now? It’s not just a golden generation. It’s a factory running on vibes, vision, and generational sauce.
And as much as it hurts to admit… we might just be watching football’s best academy in full flow!