Ethan Hamilton Named Dundee FC Player of the Year Following Successful Campaign
It has been another season where Manchester United’s academy influence has been felt far beyond Old Trafford, with former youngsters continuing to make their mark across European football.
The club’s youth system has produced countless professionals in recent years, many of whom have gone on to carve out steady careers after leaving United.
From England’s lower leagues to top-flight football in Scotland and beyond, several ex-United players have been recognised for strong individual campaigns.
One of those players is Ethan Hamilton, who has now been rewarded for a standout season in Scotland.
Ethan Hamilton wins Dundee FC 2026 Player of the Year
The former Manchester United academy midfielder was named Dundee’s Andrew De Vries Player of the Year after an impressive campaign at Dundee FC, as they announced on X.
Ethan Hamilton made 40 appearances across all competitions during the season, scoring twice as Dundee finished ninth in the Scottish Premiership.
The recognition caps a strong individual year for the 27-year-old, who has steadily rebuilt his career since leaving Manchester United permanently in 2020.
Hamilton spent five years at Old Trafford’s academy between 2015 and 2020, progressing through the youth ranks but never making a senior competitive appearance for the first team.
He was, however, named as an unused substitute in an FA Cup tie against Huddersfield Town in 2018, the closest he came to breaking into the senior setup.
During his time at United, he also gained experience through loan spells at Rochdale, Southend United and Bolton Wanderers before moving on permanently.
Since leaving, he has continued his career across English football with Peterborough United, Accrington Stanley and Lincoln City, before making the switch to Scotland.
Hamilton is not the only former United-linked player to pick up end-of-season recognition this year.
Ex-United midfielder Juan Mata also earned a Player of the Season award during his stint with Melbourne Victory, highlighting the continued global reach of United’s former players.
Together, it emphasises how Manchester United’s academy continues to produce professionals who go on to build meaningful careers across different leagues and levels of the game.