“It is an unbelievable stat,” says Nicky Butt, puffing out his cheeks as he sits in a chair at Carrington. “It’s something we’re very proud of.”



When Everton visit Old Trafford on Sunday the number of games in succession where a youth-team graduate has been named in Manchester United’s squad will reach the quite incredible milestone of 4,000.



It is a sequence that perhaps requires a moment to fully appreciate.



Four. Thousand.



In every one of United’s last 3,999 matches, at least one player whose first professional contract was with the club has been named on the bench or in the starting line-up. With Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Jesse Lingard and various others to choose from, you can guarantee Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will ensure the counter ticks over to 4,000 this weekend.



“They can only impress you when you give them a chance,” says Solskjaer. “It’s definitely going...