Does Manchester United run academy trials?
Carrington Training Centre · Carrington, Trafford
No open trials, in the club's own FAQ. United says every player who comes in has first been assessed by one of its scouts, that Premier League rules limit numbers per age group, and that the way to be seen is to play for a good town, district or Sunday team where regional scouts watch. Below the academy sits a Pre-Academy for Under-7s and Under-8s that Rashford, Greenwood and McTominay all came through, with a family meeting before a child joins and four satellite hubs besides Carrington, all within an hour's drive.
4 ways players actually get in.
Scout assessment first, then invitation for trial and assessment at Carrington. Pre-Academy for the youngest, by invitation.
- 01Scouted at town, district or Sunday league football
The club's stated route. A national network of regional scouts monitors competitive junior football and sends regular reports. Players of high potential are invited for trial and assessment.
Official page ↗ - 02Pre-Academy, Under-7 and Under-8
Scouted, unregistered groups preparing for Under-9 registration. A meeting with the child and family happens before joining. Runs at Carrington and four other hubs, everyone within an hour's drive.
Official page ↗ - 03Grassroots club visits and the Emerging Talent team
Local grassroots teams are invited into Carrington for sessions with academy coaches, and an Emerging Talent team works with grassroots and school coaches across age groups. Being at a club United works with helps.
- 04Scholarship at 16, no application
There is no scholarship form. Places go to players already registered, decided by staff many months before school ends.
- Greater Manchester
- Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside borders
- National network for older age groups
- EPPP limit: 1 hour travel U9 to U11, 90 minutes U12 to U16
- Ask which hub and whether it is Pre-Academy or an academy trial. Pre-Academy is unregistered and there is a family meeting first.
- Ask what the assessment period is and when you hear. The FAQ says scouting comes first, then trial and assessment.
- The one-hour rule is measured by route finder, not as the crow flies. Check it before anything else.
- Keep the town or district team. It is where United says its scouts look.
WSL academy, PGA Category 1.
Girls' academies are licensed by the FA, not the Premier League. How the girls' pathway works.
United Women hold a Category 1 PGA licence with age groups in the Northern Division. Recruitment is by scouting and ETC referral across the North West; there are no bookable girls' trials.
Three things parents get sold.
- Manchester United, FAQs: can I get a trial? ↗
- Manchester United, How the Pre-Academy programme is thriving, Sep 2021 ↗
- The Athletic, Inside Manchester United's academy: Recruitment, Apr 2024 ↗
- Premier League Youth Development Rules (travel limits, registration) ↗
Last verified 6 September 2026. Spotted a change? Tell us and we will re-check within a week.