Manchester United's forgotten talent once compared to Paul Scholes looks destined to leave

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Neil Wood helped 17 academy players make their first-team debuts at Manchester United during his tenure at the club. Wood spent three years at United as the head coach of the Under-23s and when Salford City appointed him in May 2022, club sources indicated they were happy with his decision to take his first job in senior management.

With the club's blessing, Wood departed for an opportunity he couldn't reject and he left strong relationships behind. ALSO READ: Mainoo is something for fans to look forward ALSO READ: Salford 4-3 United U21s - as it happened Wood took Salford to the League Two play-offs in his first season in charge and although results have been difficult at the start of the new campaign, the Class of '92 ownership have remained patient with their manager.

The EFL Trophy, which some critics want rid of, is not considered a priority for most football league sides and Salford were already out of the competition prior to the visit of United's youngsters to the Peninsula Stadium.

But the competition is useful for Premier League academies and United sources have previously indicated they use EFL Trophy matches to give 'elite young players' the platform to perform against higher opposition.