Our Academy players at Manchester United continue to benefit from fantastic experiences as the season draws to its conclusion, with the Under-21s on the march in the Premier League 2 play-offs…
THIRD-YOUNGEST STARTING XI
Our starting line-up in last Sunday’s defeat at Brentford was the third-youngest team ever to be fielded in the Premier League, by any club. That speaks volumes to a wider trend in recent weeks, with regular involvement for all of Chido Obi (who became our youngest-ever starter in the competition), Harry Amass and, most recently, Tyler Fredricson.
We’ve also seen several players on the bench for crucial games in the Europa League, including Bendito Mantato and Jaydan Kamason for last week’s 3-0 win at Athletic Club.
As senior player Mason Mount remarked recently, “for all the young lads to be involved in that experience and be there and celebrate with us is unbelievable.”
U21s IN PL2 PLAY-OFFS
Despite such significant first-team involvement for many of Travis Binnion’s Under-21s squad, United have progressed to the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals, where we’ll play Manchester City, away from home.
After a fifth-placed finish in the regular league campaign, United have come from behind in both the round of 16 and quarter-final. Ethan Wheatley, Tyler Fletcher and Sekou Kone netted to down Everton 4-2 before a 4-1 triumph over West Ham United, with goals from Wheatley, James Scanlon, Sam Murray and Sam Mather.
Semi-final fixture information, including ticketing and broadcast details, will be communicated as soon as possible on ManUtd.com and the United App.
U18s FINISH SECOND
Saturday’s 4-0 win over Stoke City confirmed second spot in the Under-18 Premier League for the young Reds. An own goal supplemented Victor Musa’s double and another off the bench for Gabriel, an Under-14.
Only fine margins have separated Adam Lawrence’s side from another remarkable set of silverware across several competitions. After winning three trophies last time out, the youngsters were knocked out of the U18 Premier League Cup at the quarter-final stage, by eventual winners West Ham, and the FA Youth Cup at the semi-final stage by eventual winners Aston Villa.
In the league, we’ve narrowly lost out on top spot to Manchester City.
Our final league game will be played against Sunderland on Saturday, and is live on MUTV, where coverage begins five minutes before the 12:00 BST kick-off.
CUP SUCCESSES
Congratulations to our Under-15s on their victory in Premier League Floodlit Cup northern final. The young Reds came from three goals behind at Manchester City's Joie Stadium to draw level and force extra-time, where they scored another to win 4-3. We'll now face Chelsea in the national final.
Well done also to our Under-14s, who won the Premier League International Tournament, played at St George's Park over the weekend. The team defeated Chelsea 4-0 in the semi-finals before a 3-0 victory over City in the final. Congratulations, lads!
U16s END SEASON FOR EXAMS
Our Under-16s’ programme concluded last Saturday to allow the players to fully focus on their exams over the coming weeks.
Post-match, players and parents dined together to mark the end of the children’s time as ‘schoolboys’, celebrating the fact that every single player involved has achieved scholarships, either here at United or with another club.
Any player leaving United at this stage is given full support to find a new club, and we’re pleased that they have all done so in good time before exams and ready to settle in for the new season. We wish the best of luck to them all, and look forward to welcoming our new scholars into the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21) over the summer.
U8s SIGN AT OLD TRAFFORD
Earlier this week, the next generation of United players enjoyed the most special of days at Old Trafford. Each year, the new intake of Under-8s sign their first registration with the Academy, with their families watching on. The youngsters get to experience what it’s like to play on the famous turf at the Theatre of Dreams, have the chance to meet many members of the first-team squad and some club legends.
But in addition to that, it’s a day for fun, ensuring it fits in with the Academy’s core philosophy to maintain a child-like experience for the young people involved with our set-up. You can see what the day was like last year in Lifeblood: Climbing the Mountain, or keep your eyes peeled for further details from this latest ceremony in Inside United, the club’s official monthly magazine.
COMING UP
Both the Under18s and Under-21s still have games to play. We’ll communicate information on our Premier League 2 semi-final against City as soon as possible, but we know that the younger age group play their final competitive game of the season this Saturday.
MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE
Saturday 10 May | UNITED U18s v West Ham | 12:00 | Live on MUTV
TBC | Manchester City v UNITED U21s | TBC | TBC