Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard still dart back across to the Manchester United academy at Carrington and practise shooting at the targets on the wall where they once learnt their game. Academy prospects chasing the same dream notice such enduring commitment to self-improvement.

Scott McTominay still leaves his car round the front at Carrington, rather than in the first-team car park at the back. Academy hopefuls note this too. They also see Paul Pogba strolling over to greet his old coaches. They understand the dedication and humility required to make it at Manchester United.

The focus will be on these four today, playing some part in the Manchester derby, but the head of the academy, Nicky Butt, and head of youth development, John Murtagh, are