{"id":53577,"date":"2025-07-10T07:55:14","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T07:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/53577\/"},"modified":"2025-07-10T07:55:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T07:55:14","slug":"man-utd-introduce-new-award-in-memory-of-former-youth-player-first-winner-announced-next-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/53577\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd\u00a0introduce\u00a0new award in memory of former youth player, first winner announced next week"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Manchester United have announced plans to introduce a new award in memory of Joe Thompson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Father-of-two Joe Thompson died on 17 April following three battles with lymphoma<\/a>, aged 36.<\/p>\n

The former Rochdale star joined Manchester United\u2019s academy<\/a> in 1998, playing youth team football alongside future graduates Tom Cleverley, Danny Drinkwater and James Chester.<\/p>\n

But not every player who makes it into the academy becomes a United first-team<\/a> player. Some move elsewhere to other clubs, like Thompson, who established himself as a star at Rochdale.<\/p>\n

Thompson gained a lot from his time at United, and it helped him throughout his career. He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.<\/p>\n

United paid an emotional tribute to their former academy star after he passed away, saying: \u201cA man who epitomised our club\u2019s values \u2013 we are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cA warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe\u2019s family and friends at this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thompson remains part of United\u2019s thoughts, and they have now ensured that he will be forever remembered at Old Trafford for his contribution as a youth player.<\/p>\n

\"OldPhoto by OLI SCARFF\/AFP via Getty ImagesMan Utd introduce the Joe Thompson award<\/p>\n

Three months on from when Thompson passed away, United have announced plans for a new award in the former youth-team player\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

According to ManUtd.com<\/a>, the Joe Thompson Award will be presented each season to a player or staff member from the U18 or U21 teams.<\/p>\n

The candidates must be someone who represents the values of a United player, like Thompson did.<\/p>\n

\n

We are proud to announce the launch of a new award in memory of the late Joe Thompson \ud83c\udfc5<\/p>\n

The accolade will be presented each season to a player or staff member from our U18s or U21s sides who represents the values of a Manchester United person, like Joe did \u2764\ufe0f<\/p>\n

\u2014 Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 9, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

The following characteristics are crucial: resilience, honesty, integrity, humility, innovation and a relentless work ethic.<\/p>\n

United named the award after Thompson, who never shied any from any of the difficult battles he faced in life.<\/p>\n

When will Man Utd announce the first winner of the Joe Thompson Award?<\/p>\n

United fans won\u2019t have to wait long to find out the initial winner of the Joe Thompson Award.<\/p>\n

It has been revealed that the first winner will be announced by United next week.<\/p>\n

There will be many contenders for the award after strong seasons for the youth teams at United.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, the first team can take note by winning more football matches next season.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n