Manchester United has launched a new initiative to increase its engagement with local schools and grassroots clubs across Manchester and the North West of England.

The Emerging Talent Programme will operate as a link between local communities and curriculum-based charitable work undertaken by the Manchester United Foundation and the club’s elite youth academy.

The club's youth academy is widely recognised as among the best in professional football for identifying and developing talented players.

The new programme will look to widen the reach of the academy, by delivering a range of projects to identify talented footballers across the region. The most talented ones will be offered the opportunity to attend development programmes at the club’s Emerging Talent Centre.

“We are committed to our presence and activity within our local community in Manchester and beyond," said Nick Cox, head of academy for Manchester United.

"The new Emerging Talent programme enables us to radically increase the number of schools, grassroots clubs and communities that we interact with across the region."