Academy Briefing: U21s to host West Ham
Here’s everything you need to know from our world-famous youth set-up over the last seven days…
U21s INTO QUARTER-FINALS
Our Under-21s progressed into the Premier League 2 play-off quarter-finals with a 4-2 win over Everton at Leigh Sports Village last Friday night.
The visitors had led after just 37 seconds, through Martin Sherif, who netted another after Ethan Wheatley’s well-taken 10th-minute leveller.
The United striker, who became the club’s 250th Academy graduate last April, scored a second equaliser of the night, shortly after half-time, as the young Reds pressed high up the pitch.
Tyler Fletcher’s edge-of-the-box shot from a Sekou Kone pass put Travis Binnion’s side ahead and the latter then benefited from a significant deflection to further extend the advantage.
U21s 90 in 20: United v Everton
U21s 90 in 20 | Extended highlights from Leigh, where United faced Everton in the PL2 round of 16 on Friday...
The Reds will now play West Ham United, who beat Sunderland on Saturday, in the quarter-finals.
The game will be played at Leigh Sports Village again, on Monday 5 May (15:00 BST).
Support would be greatly appreciated by the players and staff for what will be a highly competitive game. Tickets are available on the LSV website now, here, while the game will also be shown live on MUTV.
U18s FINISH SECOND
Our Under-18s earned a point on the road with a 96th-minute equaliser against third-placed Everton to complete a dramatic 4-4 draw.
Jim Thwaites, Victor Musa, Gabriele Biancheri and Shea Lacey scored United’s goals in an entertaining encounter.
Although the young Reds have two league games remaining this season, we are guaranteed to finish second. The next two games are at home against Stoke City (Friday 2 May, 18:00 BST) and Sunderland (Saturday 10 May, 12:00 BST).
Both matches will be shown live on MUTV.
U18s highlights: Everton v United
GOALS GALORE | See all the drama from an entertaining 4-4 draw against the young Toffees...
PROMOTION CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to Ethan Ennis, who made an assist in a vital 2-1 win for Doncaster Rovers over Bradford City, which confirmed their promotion to League One. Ethan joined Rovers on loan in January and has made 16 appearances across all competitions.
Defender Jack Kingdon also has cause for celebration, having helped Rochdale to qualify for the National League play-offs, as he has made 14 appearances since joining in January.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of Academy alumni celebrating similar achievements. Oliver Rathbone, Matty James and Sam Smith all helped Wrexham gain promotion to the Championship, where Ethan Laird's Birmingham City are headed, while Hannibal and Josh Brownhill (Burnley) and Largie Ramazani and Joe Rothwell (Leeds United) played their parts in securing Premier League spots in 2025/26.
Over in Italy, graduate Scott McTominay has been one of Napoli’s key players as they aim for the Scudetto. These players are, of course, just a pick of the many Carrington graduates and alumni enjoying success across the world.
How Obi almost scored a first senior goal
CHANCES | Young substitute Chido Obi almost scored his first senior goal with these opportunities…
FIRST-TEAM EXPERIENCE
Several Academy graduates continue to gain experience with Ruben Amorim’s senior squad. Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson and Chido Obi were all in Sunday’s matchday squad for the game at Bournemouth, with Obi coming off the bench to help United earn a point late on.
COMING UP
The Under-18s host Stoke City at Carrington on Friday evening, while the Under-21s welcome West Ham to Leigh Sports Village on Bank Holiday Monday (15:00 BST).
MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE
Friday 2 May | UNITED U18s v Stoke City | 18:00 | Live on MUTV
Monday 5 May | UNITED U21s v West Ham United | 15:00 | Live on MUTV
Saturday 10 May | UNITED U18s v Sunderland | 12:00 | Live on MUTV