Fortune worked with United’s Under-23 side after returning to the club in 2019 (Picture: Getty)

Quinton Fortune has spoken of his pride over seeing Manchester United?s former academy graduates flourishing in the Premier League ? but admits he would ?love? to see them back in the current side at Old Trafford.

Former South Africa international Fortune, who made 126 appearances for the club, returned to United in 2019 as assistant coach for the Under-23 side, leaving a year later to take up a first-team role at Reading.

During his spell back in Manchester, the former midfielder worked with the likes of James Garner, Angel Gomes, Teden Mengi and Anthony Elanga as they progressed through the youth ranks. Andreas Pereira, then a member of the first-team squad, was another Fortune says he was ?fortunate to work with?.
None of those young starlets were ultimately deemed first-team quality, moving onto new pastures. Gomes is thriving in France with Lille after being released in 2020 with Mengi impressing at Luton Town after being hampered by injuries earlier in his career.

Now at Fulham, Pereira caused United countless problems in midfield on Saturday having joined the Cottagers for a fee of around £10million in 2022. Garner and Elanga meanwhile joined Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively in the summer for a combined fee that could rise to £30m.

A proud Fortune praised the progress made by that crop of youngsters, hailing their bravery for ?leaving the nest? and ...