Charlie Grace

Wed 24 September 2025 20:15, UK

Manchester United have made a new addition to the club, and it’s someone who will be familiar to Bryan Mbeumo.

Man United beat Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday and the win has bought Ruben Amorim more time after his side’s rocky start.

Some have suggested that Amorim is proving critics wrong with Man United’s stats, claiming that the Red Devils are one of the Premier League’s most creative teams.

Despite a big summer spend of over £200 million, some have criticised the recruitment this summer at Old Trafford, with reports now emerging that Man United were offered Conor Gallagher on deadline day.

Gallagher would have solved many of the midfield woes in the early part of this season that Amorim has faced, but a new midfielder may now be on Man United’s radar.

Man United confirm appointment of Stephen Torpey

That midfielder, Mouhamed Dabo, will link up with United’s new academy director, who is familiar with summer signing Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester Evening News has reported the club’s new appointment is Stephen Torpey, who has joined Man United from Brentford, taking over from the outgoing Nick Cox.

Torpey, speaking to club media, said: “It is obviously a great time to be joining as the club enters an exciting new era. I can’t wait to play my role in continuing the incredible tradition of youth development here.”

While a club statement read: “Stephen Torpey has started work as Manchester United’s new academy director.

“Joining from Brentford, Stephen’s appointment as successor to Nick Cox was announced in August. Cox has joined Everton, where he’ll serve as technical director.

“Torpey has recently led the rebuilding of Brentford’s youth structure, including the relaunch of a full academy programme from Under-9s to Under-18s. Prior to his January 2024 arrival at the west London club, he had led academy coaching across all groups at Manchester City, and at the foundation phase, with Liverpool.”

There has been concern over Man United’s much-hailed record of naming an academy graduate in every matchday squad since 1937, which appears to be under threat with Amorim at the helm of the club.

Stephen Torpey comes with a track record to salvage Man United’s legacy

That iconic tradition may still have legs, though, as Torpey comes to Carrington with a track record of getting academy graduates into the first team.

During his three and a half years at Man City, Torpey saw the likes of Liam Delap, Cole Palmer, and Rico Lewis all break into the first team.

While Delap and Palmer have now reconnected at Chelsea, the likes of Lewis and Nico O’Rielly have both featured in large parts for City recently.

United fans will surely be hoping Torpey can continue that trend on the red side of Manchester, with the likes of Sekou Kone, Shea Lacey and Harry Amass all having first-team potential.