Reds have lost unsung hero at Carrington after 21 years

"MANCHESTER United was life-changing. I was a working-class lad from Stretford and we went to Wales on holiday because we couldn't afford to go abroad," said Neil Harris.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

"My dad worked three jobs. I've been to places with the club that I never thought I would visit and it's been a hundred per cent fun along the way, with some unbelievable experiences." Harris worked for United for 21 years but left the academy this summer following a club-wide restructure initiated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe that made 250 staff members redundant.

When Harris' departure was confirmed, he received personal messages from Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and Axel Tuanzebe, along with an outpouring of love and support that he was overwhelmed by.

"I was blown away and couldn't reply to everyone," he admitted.

"People were saying 'you should be so proud of the impact you've had! I've always thought a coach should want to be remembered for being a good person, a good developer and somebody who, if a parent saw you in a pub, they're going to buy you a pint. That's what it's about." The Manchester Evening News contacted Harris once the dust had settled on his exit from the club he dedicated his working life to. The emotion of his departure from the academy was still relatively raw, but he kindly agreed to sit down for a chat in a coffee shop in Altrincham.

Harris can offer two decades' worth of insight into United's academy. There were countless highs, some lows and invaluable memories made during his time at the club, but most importantly, he has helped hundreds of children become better football players and better people.

"Coaching isn't just on the grass," Harris said. "At the start of every season we handed out a questionnaire to find out do they have a dog, do they do anything outside of school, do they have a single parent or does nana and grandad raise them? You make that human connection.