Academy Briefing: Old Trafford night approaches

UNDER-19s AT OLD TRAFFORD

Our U19s qualified for Europe’s elite club competition at their age group, the UEFA Youth League, by winning an unprecedented trio of trophies last season under Adam Lawrence’s tutelage.

Lawrence’s charges began their Youth League campaign with an exciting tie against FK Zalgiris, triumphing 5-2 in Vilnius in October as they became the first United team to represent the club in Lithuania.

In the return leg at Leigh Sports Village earlier this month, United were dominant 6-0 winners to ensure qualification for the next round.

With 65 goals in 16 games so far this season across all competitions — a scoring rate of more than four per game — the young Reds are certainly entertainers.

In a tight, hard-fought contest played on astroturf in the Netherlands, United lost 2-1 to AZ, winners of the 2022/23 competition.

An exciting return leg awaits at Old Trafford. You can be there, and your support would be greatly appreciated by Academy staff and players. It’s your chance to watch the next generation of United stars on the stage where so many have honed their talents before, including most recently Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Get your tickets now (£3 adults, £1.50 kids).

LIFEBLOOD NOW AVAILABLE TO STREAM FOR FREE

United’s behind-the-scenes Academy documentary series is now available to watch for free.

Having originally been available for MUTV subscribers, after a period of exclusivity, the four full Lifeblood films are available for registered users on ManUtd.com and the United App and now also on YouTube.

Watch Episode One: History

Watch Episode Two: Innovation

Watch Episode Three: Developing People

Watch Episode Four: Climbing the Mountain

A brand-new Lifeblood short film is available to watch now, following the U19s on their historic trip to Lithuania in the UEFA Youth League. Watch now below.

UNDER-21s DEFEATED IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

Despite Ethan Wheatley’s well-taken chipped opener, our U21s were defeated 3-1 by Czech side Sparta Prague in the Premier League International Cup.

The Saturday lunchtime Carrington fixture was turned on its head by the visitors before half-time, with United unable to come from behind after the break.

KOBBIE CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTMAS CARD WINNER

Congratulations to Zak from our U10s team who beat off strong attempts from his team-mates to win the Foundation Phase’s Christmas Card competition.

Among many good entries, Zak’s stood out and, as a result, he received a signed shirt from Academy graduate no. 246 at Carrington last week. Zak and second and third-place Kian (U9s) and Nicolas (U10s) also received two tickets to a first-team fixture. Well done, boys!

COMING UP

United’s U19s host AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday evening. Due to the 19:00 GMT’s kick-off clashing with senior UEFA Champions League fixtures, MUTV cannot show the game live. Instead, we’ll provide live updates on the United App and ManUtd.com, with highlights to follow as soon as broadcasting restrictions lift.

Later in the week, our U21s’ Premier League 2 fixture against Southampton will be shown live, likewise next week’s FA Youth Cup third-round tie with Coventry City.

Meanwhile, across the Academy, our kids will be gearing up for Christmas and enjoying the festivities. On Monday, players from the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21) were at Old Trafford to help wrap presents with the Manchester United Foundation.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Tuesday 10 December | U19s v AZ Alkmaar | Old Trafford | 19:00 | Not live, clash with senior UEFA fixtures | Tickets here

Saturday 14 December | U21s v Southampton | Carrington | 12:00 | Live on MUTV

Wednesday 18 December | U18s v Coventry | Leigh Sports Village | 19:00 | Live on MUTV

All times listed in GMT.