Academy Briefing: First senior goals for duo

LIFEBLOOD: DEVELOPING PEOPLE - OUT NOW

The latest instalment of our behind-the-scenes documentary series was released to MUTV subscribers. Manchester United fans are able to learn why our young Reds wear black boots, how they’re educated, what kind of trips they go on and when they’re presented with the historic club blazer.

Lifeblood: Developing People is available to watch now, featuring an exclusive interview with Kobbie Mainoo and insight into the rising star’s development as a person as well as a footballer.

NOLAN AND BENNETT SCORE FIRST SENIOR GOALS

Congratulations to James Nolan, who scored his first senior goal on Saturday while on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The 18-year-old full-back came off the bench to earn a point for the Scottish League One side against Cove Rangers.

Well done also to Rhys Bennett, who netted his first in midweek, scoring a 91st-minute equaliser for Fleetwood Town in their EFL Cup tie at Stoke City. Unfortunately, Bennett’s Cod Army were defeated in the subsequent penalty shoot-out. Bennett was one of several Academy alumni to feature for Fleetwood, with Mark Helm starting and Mipo Odubeko coming off the bench. As always, staff at the Academy are proud to see these players’ continued progress away from the club.

Goalkeepers Elyh Harrison (Chester), Tom Wooster (Farsley Celtic) and Tom Myles (Runcorn Linnets) all started for their respective sides at the weekend, gaining crucial experience in the senior game.

UNITED ENTER NEW NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

United will take part in the new 32-team midweek National League Cup.

Travis Binnion's team, who already gain experience against senior opposition in the EFL Trophy, now have added opportunity to test themselves against National League clubs, with the action getting underway next month.

The fixtures are to be played at the National League stadia, with those clubs keeping all the gate receipts, providing valuable support for this level of the game. United are in Group B and will play Altrincham, Forest Green Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale. Read more details here.

FIRST YEARS JOIN PROGRAMME

Samuel Lusale (forward, 17) and James Overy (defender, 17) have joined United as first-year scholars. The pair will train and play with the Professional Development Phase Group (U17-U21). They join the 10 young Reds who were inducted as scholars back in July. We would like to Samuel, James and the full intake the very best for their future careers.

The full list of first-year scholars is now: Daniel Armer (Defender), James Bailey (Midfielder), Cameron Byrne-Hughes (Goalkeeper), Frederick Heath (Goalkeeper), Amir Ibragimov (Forward), Godwill Kukonki (Defender), Samuel Lusale (Forward), Bendito Mantato (Forward), Albert Mills (Defender), James Overy (Defender), Dante Plunkett (Defender) and Jim Thwaites (Midfielder).

UNDER-18s WINNING STREAK CONTINUES

Manchester United's Under-18s continued our impressive start to the campaign with a convincing 4-0 victory at Middlesbrough.

Gabriele Biancheri's clinical strike provided the perfect early boost and the captain doubled the lead from the spot after the break.

Further goals from Victor Musa and Bendito Mantato wrapped up a thoroughly deserved triumph for Adam Lawrence's boys at Rockliffe Park. Read a match report here.

United: Byrne-Hughes; Kamason, Armer, Kukonki, Plunkett (Bailey 62); Baumann, T. Fletcher (Thwaites 66); Mantato, Fitzgerald, Scanlon (Ibragimov 62); Biancheri (c) (Musa 66).
Sub not used: Heath.
Scorers: Biancheri 7, 53 (pen), Musa 79, Mantato 90.

UNDER-21s DEFEATED IN DERBY

Manchester City triumphed in a tight mini-Manchester derby at Carrington on Saturday lunchtime. The Blues had taken a first-half lead through Farid Alfa-Ruprecht after both sides — United through Sam Mather and Jack Fletcher — had a couple of close chances apiece.

United levelled after the break through Ethan Wheatley’s composed, low finish and Ethan Ennis and Fletcher both threatened the City goal soon after. But it was the visitors who led again instead as Jaden Heskey, son of former England striker Emile, converted Alfa-Ruprecht’s ball 20 minutes from time.

As the Reds sought a late equaliser, Will Dickson ensured victory for City after 77 minutes with a third goal. Read a full match report here.

United: Graczyk; Ogunneye (Missin 87), Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; Devaney (Curley 64), Collyer (c); Ennis (Sharpe 64), J. Fletcher (Rowe 64), Mather; Wheatley.
Unused sub: Murdock.
Goal: Wheatley 56.

UPCOMING FIXTURES AND COVERAGE

U21s v Doncaster, 24 Sep: We travel to Rovers on Tuesday night for our second EFL Trophy game of the campaign. The match will not be broadcast live on MUTV, but rolling updates will be provided in the United App. Tickets are available here.

An impressive double from substitute Jack Fletcher inspired a remarkable three-goal comeback in our opening group stage game at Barnsley, with the several hundred travelling Reds treated to a thrilling tie. It’s the first of three consecutive senior stadium experiences for the side, who then play at the grounds of Salford and Norwich.

U21s v Norwich City, 27 Sep: There's Premier League 2 action this Friday night and an opportunity to play at a former Premier League ground in Carrow Road.

There will be an away section for travelling United fans, who can buy tickets on the Norwich website (£2 adults, Under-18s go free). The support of any Reds who can attend will be greatly appreciated by players and staff.

The match will not be broadcast live on MUTV. Look out for updates in the United App.

U18s v Blackburn, 28 Sep: Our young Reds will look to extend a 100 per-cent league record when hosting Rovers in a Saturday 11am kick-off at Carrington. The match will be available to watch live for MUTV subscribers.

U21s v Hertha Berlin, 1 Oct: Salford City's Peninsula Stadium is the venue for our first Premier League International Cup fixture of the 2024/25 season (19:00 BST). United's international opponents this season are Hertha Berlin, Nordsjaelland, PSV Eindhoven and Sparta Prague.

The match will be broadcast live on MUTV for subscribers. Find more details on the tournament here or head to Salford City’s website to buy tickets, priced £3 for adults and £1 for kids.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Tue 24 Sep | U21s v Doncaster Rovers (not live)
Fri 27 Sep | U21s v Norwich City (not live)
Sat 28 Sep | U18s v Blackburn Rovers (live)
Tue 1 Oct | U21s v Hertha Berlin (live)
Sat 5 Oct | U18s v Tottenham (live)
Sun 6 Oct | U21s v Liverpool (not live)