Manchester United has completed the appointment of a new academy director, and Stephen Torpy will be making a move from Premier League rival Brentford to Old Trafford
Manchester United will appoint a new academy chief after Nick Cox becomes Everton’s technical director. Cox spent nine years as United’s academy director, and his departure was confirmed in June.
At the time, United welcomed Cox by creating a “exceptional and unique culture” within the academy setup, leaving behind “a great shape that will attract world-class talent and continue to develop young people who have grown up.”
And United are trapped in his replacement. As first reported in the Manchester Evening News, Brentford academy director Stephen Topey is on the verge of joining the club.
Torpee joined Brentford in January 2024, previously heading the academy coaching for Manchester City and spent time as Lead Foundation coach at Liverpool. During his stay in the City, Torpie was believed to have supported the development of Cole Palmer, Ricor Luis, James McAtee and others. He also works closely with Jason Wilcox, City’s academy director and now United’s football director.
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In an interview with the Times earlier this year, Torpy explained his philosophy.
“We invite parents to talk to under the age of 18,” he said. “We have a young player on the brink of being a professional, but he is still a minor.
“We asked them and they said, “How do you want to go with this? Do you want to be present to mom and dad when you’re trying to join the B team, or do you want to start taking this to yourself?”
“It’s realistic, but it’s about choosing the right moment for the right individual as well and not making it. “You’re 16 now – you don’t have any parents anymore.”
“When players go out for the first team and you work with them from a very early age, they feel like your own. There’s no better feeling for the fans than seeing one of your own.
“I think that’s the challenge here. We’re short on fans at GTECH, playing in the Premier League and seeing them represent the club they love, and trying to create the same special feeling for the fans.”
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