****: HOW UNITED ARE DEVELOPING WINNERS
Nicky **** has explained how Manchester United are working to breed a winning mentality and has challenged four first-team stars to ensure that it continues.
United's Head of Academy, who was part of the club's famous Class of '92, knows what it takes to come up through the ranks and turn talent into trophies.
In a fascinating interview with ManUtd.com, **** gave an insight into the beliefs that he and his coaching staff are trying to instill, and says you have to be a winner to succeed at Old Trafford.
“I think it’s massive to develop mentally," he said. "Wherever it is, you’ve got to have the right mental attitude towards work and towards other people. You’ve got to be a good person, and I believe that, even though a few inevitably slip through the net as in any other walk of life, we produce good people here. Hopefully they work in football but, if not, they go on to do other things successfully.
“It’s drilled into you from an early age. It’s all well and good being a United player, but you need to be a winner. Ultimately, if you’re not winning things here, you won’t last long, and that’s a fact. The manager will look to someone else who can win.
"This club has built its foundations on winning, we’ve always won things and been successful. We’ve had dry spells, like any club, but we always get back to winning. If you’re not a winner, if you’re not brought up with that winning mentality, you’re going to struggle in the first team."
Asked about the club's wider ethos, **** said it's up to Academy graduates Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba, as well as new club captain Michael Carrick, to carry on those traditions, particularly when it comes to new signings.
“People like Marcus, Jesse and Paul, people who know the system, they have to carry the club now. As well as Michael Carrick, who knows the place inside out. These young players who come in for a lot of money might not know the club or the environment or the area, so it’s up to those guys to incorporate them into United and instill those beliefs.
"They need to be introducing them to Kath on reception [at the Aon Training Complex], letting them know how long she’s been here at the club. They have to know about how many players she’s seen come through those doors down the years and decades. They need to recognise the laundry people, the canteen ladies, the chefs, the groundstaff and security lads – they’re part of our family and you need to say 'good morning' to them every single day.
"When you come to United, the players are the superstars and the ones everyone wants an autograph from but, when you come into this building, we’re all equal. We all have a role and, without one, we don’t have a team. Without the kit guys or the bus drivers, without the security guards and canteen staff, there wouldn’t be a football club. It’s important for the players to let the new lads know what Manchester United is all about."
