The next batch of young talent is already rolling off the Manchester United conveyor belt – having excelled off the pitch as well as on it.

 

Heading the list is Northern Ireland international defender Jonathan ‘Jonny’ Evans, who spent a period on loan last season helping Roy Keane’s Sunderland into the Premier League, having completed a similar spell at Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

 

Nineteen-year-old Jonny has already earned plaudits from Sir Alex Ferguson – normally cautious in his praise of up-and-coming talent. “He has been here since he was 12 years of age. We have an academy in Belfast which has produced some terrific young players  – and the scouting system in that part of the country has been very, very good to us.

 

“Jonny has wonderful composure, temperament, balance and stature and is an absolutely outstanding prospect,” Sir Alex added.

 

Educationally, Jonny attended Belfast High School in Newtownabbey, before moving to Ashton on Mersey High School in Manchester once he had been signed up by United.

 

Having achieved nines GCSE’s – all of which were A or A* grades – he has also completed the full framework including a BTEC National in Business and Finance, plus AS level Maths. He achieved Distinction Grades for his BTEC National Diploma and looks to have a great future ahead of him.

 

Another of the ever-growing United contingent to have a loan spell at Antwerp FC is Ryan Shawcross who completed a full BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance also with Distinction Grades.

 

Ryan, who also completed all aspects of the framework, has a full professional contract and played for the United’s first team in the shock Carling Cup defeat at Southend last season.

 

Kieran Lee also made his competitive debut for United in the Carling Cup – and had a happier introduction, scoring the winner at Crewe. Kieran has completed his apprenticeship and studied for the BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Performance and Excellence).

 

Another United youngster who has experienced first team football as a substitute and on loan to Antwerp is Fraizer Campbell. Fraizer has completed the full framework in Sports Excellence, including the BTEC National Certificate in Sport (Performance and Excellence).