Rebuilding a Giant | Manchester United | EASFC 25

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 00:21

I'm going to do a bit of a rejigging here. Sorry but bear with me.

Basically restarting from the 2027 offseason post quad. Going to do a rebuild where I only use academy players. Basically ignore the updates I've done so far for the 2027-28 season. Sorry I know this is hard to follow.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 00:24

United Announce to Return to Academy Roots in 2027-28

United plan to maximize their focus on the academy for the foreseeable future.

After completing a historic treble in the 2026–27 season, Manchester United are embarking on a radical new chapter for 2027–28: a full commitment to an academy-only squad model. In a bold philosophical shift, United will now field a team made up exclusively of current or former academy graduates, reinforcing the club’s long-standing identity as a developer of elite talent rather than a buyer of ready-made stars.

The move is as much cultural as it is strategic. From the Busby Babes to Ferguson’s Class of ’92, United’s greatest eras were built on youth, courage, and continuity. Continuing with the 3-4-2-1 system while using youth, underscores that intent, emphasizing width, partnerships, and attacking freedom over rigid positional play. It is a conscious step back toward the principles that defined United at their most feared.

There is also a clear financial logic behind the decision. INEOS view the academy-first model as a sustainable way to remain competitive while controlling wage growth and transfer spend, ensuring long-term stability without sacrificing ambition. Rather than chasing the market, United aim to shape it, trusting Carrington to produce the next generation of leaders.

Fresh off a treble, United are not retreating. They are resetting, confident that their roots, once again, can power their future.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 00:45

Mason Greenwood Returns to Manchester United for £85M

Greenwood makes a controversial return to the club.

Manchester United have completed the controversial return of Mason Greenwood from Marseille for £85 million, a move that has sparked intense debate among supporters and pundits alike. Greenwood rebuilt his reputation in France with strong performances and a noticeably lower public profile, focusing on football while avoiding off-field distractions. United conducted extensive internal reviews before approving the deal, believing the player has taken meaningful steps to rehabilitate his image and mature personally. From a sporting perspective, Greenwood adds a proven goal threat entering his prime years. The club acknowledge the sensitivity of the decision but feel comfortable moving forward, emphasizing accountability, strict conduct standards, and a belief in second chances.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 01:02

Dwight McNeil Joins United for £30M

McNeil joins Greenwood as another returning academy player in the summer window.

Manchester United have secured the return of academy graduate Dwight McNeil from Real Betis for £30M. The 24-year-old Englishman will slot in at LCM, bringing creativity, work rate, and versatility to the midfield alongside fellow United graduates. McNeil’s familiarity with the club’s ethos and experience in La Liga make him a strong addition, providing both depth and quality in central areas. The board are pleased to bring back another homegrown talent to the squad, reinforcing United’s commitment to their academy pipeline while strengthening key positions ahead of a competitive season.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 01:19

Dean Henderson, Axel Tuanzebe Headline Four Player Swoop

Henderson (left) and Axel Tuanzebe (right) are both set for returns to their boyhood club.

Manchester United have bolstered their squad with four key acquisitions, all former academy graduates, as the club looks to strengthen its goalkeeper and defensive options. Dean Henderson returns from Villarreal for £16.2M, bringing Premier League experience and shot-stopping ability to challenge Lucas Perri. Teden Mengi joins from AZ for £15M, adding versatility and athleticism to the backline. Axel Tuanzebe comes back from Ipswich for £4M, offering familiarity with United’s defensive philosophy, while 22-year-old Willy Kambwala arrives from Frankfurt for £7M, providing additional depth at center-back. Henderson is expected to claim the #1 shirt at GK ahead of prospect Louie Baldwin, while both Kambwala and Mengi are expected to be first choice options in the back 3.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 01:33

Hannibal Mejbri Rejoins United for £24.6M

One of the most expensive academy signings ever for United at £10M, the young midfielder rejoins the side.

Manchester United have re-signed 21-year-old midfielder Hannibal Mejbri from Burnley for £24.6M. A former United academy graduate, Mejbri will take up the RCM role, bringing creativity, energy, and technical skill to the middle of the park. His arrival allows Kobbie Mainoo to push higher into the LAM role alongside Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, forming a dynamic attacking trio. Mejbri’s vision, passing, and ability to link midfield and attack make him a perfect fit for Amorim’s plans, while staying true to United’s commitment to developing academy-linked talent. Fans will be excited to see him make an immediate impact in the first team.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 01:44

United Sign Brereton Diaz for £5M

The Chilean will provide cover for Rashford at striker.

Manchester United have signed 28-year-old striker Ben Brereton Díaz from Southampton for £5M. The former Chile international will serve as a backup to Marcus Rashford in the striking role, providing depth and attacking options off the bench. Brereton Díaz impressed at Southampton with his physicality, movement, and finishing ability, and is expected to adapt quickly to United’s style under Amorim. His acquisition adds experience and versatility to the forward line while staying financially sensible, giving Rashford quality support as the team continues to blend academy graduates with carefully targeted signings.

RMJH4 · Post by **RMJH4** » 30 Dec 2025, 05:20

Ok I can absolutely follow this, back to our roots!

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 08:06

RMJH4 wrote: ↑
30 Dec 2025, 05:20
Ok I can absolutely follow this, back to our roots!

Think this will add a layer of challenge for sure.

Post by **Xixak** » 30 Dec 2025, 08:26

United Sign Charlie Savage from Reading for £5.2M

Savage graduated from the academy in 2021 but never made a senior appearance, now, he'll get his chance.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Charlie Savage, bringing the 24-year-old left-sided central midfielder back to the club from Reading. A former United academy graduate, Savage returns to Old Trafford as a reliable depth option behind Dwight McNeil at LCM. Since leaving United, he has matured into a composed, hard-working midfielder, valued for his passing range, tactical discipline, and understanding of the club’s culture. His return fits neatly into United’s academy-focused rebuild, adding experience, familiarity, and squad balance while reinforcing the pathway for former graduates to re-establish themselves at the highest level.

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