MANCHESTER UNITED have swooped on arch rivals Man City in their latest bid to strengthen the club’s academy.
The Red Devils have poached Darren Hughes from the Citizens to become United’s new Head of Academy Football Development and Methodology.
Hughes has spent almost 12 years at the Etihad in a number of roles, most recently Head of Coaching.
Prior to this he was Head of Individual Player Development and also spent time working with the Under-11, U16 and U18 groups including players such as Cole Palmer, Oscar Bobb and Nico O’Reilly.
He also previously spent seven years working at Liverpool’s academy helping develop the likes of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah.
Hughes was appointed to the role by United’s new academy director Stephen Torpey, who is re-shaping the academy after joining last September following the departure of Nick Cox.
Torpey has also previously worked at City and Liverpool.
Hughes will start work at Carrington in six months due to his contract terms with City.
United advertised the role in early February, saying it was “fundamental to the long-term vision of United in identifying and developing the best coaches and the best young players.”
Hughes is not the first member of staff to swap the blue half of Manchester for red.
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN
Omar Berrada became the club’s CEO in 2024 having worked at City under Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain.
United’s academy has undergone serious changes in recent years with success in the FA Youth Cup in 2021-22.
They will play Sunderland on March 18 for a place in the next round of the prestigious competition.
They were the U18 Youth League winners in 2023-24 as well.
Current prospects at Carrington include Shea Lacey – who has made his first-team debut – JJ Gabriel, and Chido Obi.
Ticket + hotel room for Man Utd games from £175
GET tickets to see Man Utd at Old Trafford with our hand-picked deals.
The packages, offered by Sports Breaks, include an official match ticket and an overnight stay in a hand-picked hotel.
Man United Home Games
*If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue.
