Everyone connected with Manchester United is deeply saddened to hear that former academy star Joe Thompson has passed away at the age of 36.
The Manchester United academy has been responsible for 253 youth players graduating into the first-team, with Harry Amass being the latest, making his debut on 16 March 2025.
It is renowned as one of the most established academies in the world after producing the Busby Babes and the Class of 92, including names such as George Best, Norman Whiteside, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Paul Scholes and more.
Not every player who makes it into the academy becomes a United first-team player, though. Some go on to enjoy careers at other clubs or in different industries, such as Oliver Gill, who left the youth system to focus on his studies despite being a decent footballer capable of making it in the professional game.
This week, we’ve been met with devastating news regarding a former United youth player.
Ex-Man Utd starlet Joe Thompson dies aged 36
Former Manchester United academy star Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.
The brave footballer had made over 200 appearances for Rochdale while battling cancer, which he suffered his third diagnosis from last year
Thompson retired from football in 2019 after joining United’s academy from the age of nine before signing for Rochdale, where he spent 13-years of his playing career.
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