MANCHESTER United's future could owe much to the city of York and its football club.

Waiting in the Old Trafford wings and itching to establish themselves at the Theatre of Dreams are former York youngsters goalkeeper Nick Culkin and striker Jonathan Greening.

Groomed by City's much-envied youth system, both are highly-rated at Old Trafford and are expected to go on and have medal-laden careers.

But by the time they become first-team regulars the York influence at United could be very much greater.

For hot favourite to take charge of arguably the biggest club in the world when Sir Alex Ferguson retires in two years time is his current right hand man, York-born Steve McClaren.

Some 18 months ago, few had heard of the former Nunthorpe School pupil until he was earmarked by Sir Alex to succeed Brian Kidd.

In McClaren, previously assistant to Jim Smith at Derby County, the United supremo knew he had got a man with a reputation as one of the country's brightest and most innovative young coaches.

Sir Alex's shrewdness and faith was rewarded when United went on to compete their memorable Treble that same season and recaptured their Premiership crown this year.

As a player, McClaren played for York City Boys and Yorkshire Schoolboys before joining Hull City.

He played 178 League games at Boothferry Park before a £70,000 transfer to Derby in 1986.

He also had spells with Bristol City and Oxford United, where his career was cut short by injury.

He opted to join Bristol City in February 1988 rather than join York City after the then York boss Bobby Saxton had agreed a £30,000 fee with his Derby counterpart Arthur Cox.

At Oxford he graduated to youth team coach under ex-City boss Denis Smith before moving to Derby in the summer of 1995.

McClaren coached a Football League representative side which played the Italian League in November 1995 and was regarded as the eventual successor to Smith at Pride Park.