Man U academy uses Messi’s image to motivate young players

A photo of Lionel Messi cleaning his own boots is being used to motivate aspiring youth graduates at Manchester United academy.

Many legendary players have played for Manchester United over the years. From Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona to the crop of players in the class of 92 which contained players like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham. Even Cristiano Ronaldo is an iconic player for the Reds and is loved by many of the Old Trafford faithful.

It might surprise many then to consider the fact that Manchester United academy dressing room has a picture of Messi, archrival to Ronaldo on the wall of their academy dressing room. The photo was taken after a friendly match between Croatia and Argentina at Upton Park in 2014, a game where Messi dazzled with some brilliant show of skills. The picture shows Messi cleaning his own boots and according to writer Henry Winter’s article on The Times, the picture was hung on the wall to send a message to the young graduates of the academy.

Photo: Twitter

A bit of humility can go a long way to producing characters capable of making the team shine on the pitch. That has been Manchester United’s motto for a long time and the fact that the club has hung a picture of a legend who has never played for them only portrays the attitude that the club wants to entertain -- for if Messi can clean his own boots then so can the academy players and that in turn will help them keep their feet on the ground.

Apparently, one United youngster has already learned from the Messi example. The youngster at 21 has already made 20 appearances for the first team, however he still parks his car in the academy car park and not where the other first team players park their cars.