EFL club looking to replicate Man Utd’s academy revolution with former Sir Alex Ferguson coach overhauling youth setup

RENE MEULENSTEEN upgraded Manchester United’s youth system while working under Sir Alex Ferguson – and now he has similar plans at Stockport. The Dutchman, 62, has bagged a new role as the League One side’s director of football methodology. Rene Meulensteen has bagged a new role at Stockport Credit: Stockport County The Dutchman was Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United Credit: Getty – Contributor And Meulensteen, who jetted out to the World Cup as Iraq’s assistant boss, is making a stunning bid to unearth hidden gems at Stockport. He worked as United’s technical skills development coach before becoming Ferguson’s right-hand man. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! Meulensteen now wants to mimic the academy revolution he oversaw at Old Trafford. The former Fulham chief said: “I will try to help the academy as much as I can. “We’re going to implement the skill development programme in the same way I did at United. “That will be brought in at the foundation phase at grassroots level so all those coaches will get educated. “We want to make sure Stockport has a skill development element that runs through all the age groups all the way up to the Under-18s, so that becomes an integral part of our performances on the pitch. “You will then see our players have a good defensive structure and they are comfortable on the ball. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Meulensteen wants to upgrade Stockport’s youth system Credit: Getty “We also want them to be able to change the angle when under pressure and to dominate in one-on-one situations. “We want to align all of those things a little bit more in the longer term because that is what you should do with academies.” Meulensteen’s arrival at Edgeley Park came a matter of weeks after his son, Joppe, joined Stockport boss Jimmy McNulty’s backroom staff. And the Hatters will be looking to get their League One campaign off to a winning start when they head to Plymouth today. Stockport narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship after losing to Bolton Wanderers in the play-off final last season. Rene Meulensteen spoke exclusively to SunSport via Tipman Tips Comment now