Man Utd introduce Joe Thompson Award
Thompson played in the same United academy side as former England international and new Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley and Danny Drinkwater, who went on to win the Premier League title at Leicester City.
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He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time last year.
Thompson retired in 2019 after a playing career that included 203 appearances for Rochdale, plus spells at Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.
He returned to United to play a central role in the launch of the club's Academy Alumni programme, which offers aftercare to former academy players.
United said first winner of the Joe Thompson Award will be announced next week, adding: "It will be given each season to a player or staff member from our under-18s or under-21s who represents the values of a Manchester United person, like Joe did, displaying characteristics like resilience, honesty, integrity, humility, innovation and a relentless work ethic, with a focus on the community."
The club said the award is intended as a "lasting tribute" to Thompson, "whose story of courage, perseverance and positivity touched the hearts of fans all around the world".
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