Paul McGuinness was immersed in the world of Manchester United as a player and coach for 28 years.
Paul learnt his craft from his father Wilf, a Manchester United Manager and was mentored by the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Tony Whelan and more. PDP Editor Dave Wright sits down with Paul to discuss his personal journey, sharing incredible stories of the culture and family values of the club and how he and his colleagues instilled them in the academy.
Paul also speaks of his time coaching Paul Pogba, Jesse Lindgard and others, the use of mix aged groups, creative play and cage football. Having overseen 86 graduates at the Manchester United Academy, Paul is a man with a wealth of knowledge for all coaches to learn from.
Show Notes
0:00 – 4:10: Introduction, Paul’s background and coaching experience
4:10 – 8:46: Lessons picked up from mentors on coaching journey, especially Sir Alex Ferguson
8:46 – 12:18: Insight into why Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson were so successful developing young players
12:18 – 15:00: Core values and how they were applied within the academy at Manchester United
15:00 – 16:16: Paul’s views on the modern day young players and are they getting too much too soon?
16:16 – 20:58: How were the core values and principals upheld and managed
20:58 – 26:58: Consistent playing style between 1st team and the academy, practical ways this was implemented – ‘The Chain’
26:58 – 36:44: Mixed age groups – Why can be such a positive within youth development
36:44 – 38:50: Advice around ‘stretching’ players who are at the top of your group/team
38:50 – 40:06: Paul discusses when accountability comes in terms of maintaining high standards amongst young players
40:06 – 44:00: Paul’s beliefs on what effective coaching looks like
44:00 – 48:48: How Paul’s coaching views have evolved over time after gaining experience
48:48 – 52:00: Player observations – Tips on how the best scout players
52:00 – 56:46: How the added money in youth football at academy level has added challenges to current player development
56:46 – 1:01:10: Advice for developing coaches
1:01:10 – 1:05:28: Key attributes and characteristics of the best coaches
Key Takeaways
4:10 – 8:46: Lessons picked up from mentors on coaching journey, especially Sir Alex Ferguson
16:16 – 20:58: How were the core values and principals upheld and managed
20:58 – 26:58: Consistent playing style between 1st team and the academy, practical ways this was implemented – ‘The Chain’
40:06 – 44:00: Paul’s beliefs on what effective coaching looks like
56:46 – 1:01:10: Advice for developing coaches
Image Source: depositphotos.com
