Manchester United great Wayne Rooney says Jose Mourinho had no interest in the academy during his time in charge.
Derby boss Rooney served as club captain during Mourinho’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.
Rooney, 36, had become used to a great link between the United academy and first-team during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at the helm.
But that eroded under Mourinho’s stewardship.
Appearing on Monday Night Football, Wazza said: “The distance between the academy and the first team and the manager, especially under Mourinho, was huge.
“It was almost as if they didn’t exist, if you like.
“Having the relationship they had with Sir Alex for 26 years and then not being allowed anywhere near the first team…
“It’s almost like there was a divorce between the first team and the academy.”