Academy Briefing: New competition begins

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP CAMPAIGN BEGINS

The newest entry to United’s Academy schedule is the National League Cup. It’s a 32-team midweek competition in which 16 sides from Premier League 2 test themselves against 16 teams from the National League, England’s fifth tier. All fixtures are played at National League stadia, with those clubs keeping all the gate receipts.

In this inaugural season, featuring four groups of eight from which the top two progress into the knockouts, United are in Group B and will play Altrincham, Forest Green Rovers, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale. Should the young Reds progress, the quarter-finals will begin in early February.

Our first game is this week, at Forest Green Rovers, who have enjoyed a good start to their National League season. They currently sit second behind Barnet, but with two games in hand.

MUTV carries global live coverage of the game, with build-up beginning five minutes before the 19:00 BST kick-off.

NEW SCHOLAR JOINS UNITED

Chido Obi-Martin, 16, is the latest to join United’s group of first-year scholars. Last week, Samuel Lusale and James Overy’s moves to the club were confirmed.

“All three young players will join up with our Professional Development Phase as they adjust to life in Manchester and become acquainted with their new team-mates,” wrote Nick Cox, Director of Academy, in his latest column.

“It can be a difficult process for some players, while others slot right in. Whatever the scenario, our staff will be on hand to care for these young boys and make sure their experience at the Academy is an overwhelmingly positive one that sets them up for life.

“Good to luck to Samuel, Chido and James and congratulations to the families and wider support networks involved in these boys' journeys. Signing for Manchester United should be a proud day for everyone involved.

“I’d also like to take a moment to praise our outstanding recruitment staff, led by Luke Federonko. Their roles can be lonely and require unsociable hours and they don’t often get the same praise as the coaches, but they deserve to.”

SPIRITED UNDER-18s BEATEN BY SPURS

After a disappointing first hour saw United trailing 4-0 in this U18 Premier League Cup group stage game, the young Reds maintained composure and belief to mount a comeback. Substitute Shea Lacey scored two in as many minutes to set up an intense final period, in which Gabriele Biancheri’s penalty put United within one goal of a draw. However, Spurs held firm to take the win, and, after a 2-1 win in the opening game at Leicester, United will now look for victory in our final group fixture against Leeds United in November to progress. Highlights are available to watch below.

UNDER-21s LOSE TO LIVERPOOL

Our Under-21s suffered a narrow Premier League 2 defeat to Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday.

A second-half finish from Tyler Morton was enough to earn the visitors a 1-0 victory in the lunchtime kick-off, despite a closely fought encounter with few outstanding goalscoring chances.

WHEATLEY ON AWARD SHORTLIST

Striker Ethan Wheatley has been nominated for Premier League 2’s September Player of the Month. Our 250th Academy graduate — who made his senior United bow in April — netted four times in two appearances during the month, including a hat-trick at Norwich City’s Carrow Road.

The other nominees are: Farid Alfa-Ruprecht (Manchester City), Jamie Mullins (Brighton & Hove Albion), Callum Osmand (Fulham), Freddie Simmonds (Brighton & Hove Albion), Charlie Whitaker (Everton), Harry Whitwell (West Bromwich Albion) and Jacob Wright (Manchester City).

Well done, Ethan!

ALJOFREE MAKES SENIOR BOW

Congratulations to Sonny Aljofree, who made his first senior appearance in football while on loan at Accrington Stanley. The 19-year-old defender helped his side to a crucial three points with a 2-1 win over Morecambe.

Speaking to Stanley’s club media post-match, Aljofree said he was “over the moon.”

“It’s been something that I’ve worked for my whole life and for it finally to happen… I’m buzzing.”

Read more from the young centre-back’s interview here.

LOANEE GOALKEEPERS FACE OFF

Well done to both Elyh Harrison and Tom Wooster who both kept clean sheets as their Chester and Farsley Celtic sides faced off in the National League North.

Another loanee goalkeeper, Tom Myles, also celebrated a clean sheet at the weekend, helping Runcorn Linnets to a draw against Wythenshawe Town.

Defender Rhys Bennett put in a fantastic last-minute, last-ditch block as he made a sixth appearance for loan side Fleetwood Town.

That’s a pick of the performances from our players out on loan this week. Check back later this week for a full round-up on how they’ve progressed so far this season.

COMING UP

Many of our young players will be away with their international teams over the next fortnight. Well done to all those called up and good luck.

Our Under-21s play on Wednesday night in the National League Cup against Forest Green, with live coverage on MUTV beginning at 18:55 BST.

Travis Binnion’s side are next in competitive action on Friday 25 October away at Newcastle United, with Adam Lawrence’s Under-18s playing on Saturday 19 October at Sunderland.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Wednesday 9 October | Forest Green Rovers v UNITED U21s | Live on MUTV
Saturday 19 October | Sunderland v UNITED U18s | Not live on MUTV
Friday 25 October | Newcastle United v UNITED U21s | Not live on MUTV
Saturday 26 October | UNITED U18s v Nottingham Forest | Live on MUTV
Friday 1 November | Sunderland v UNITED U21s | Not live on MUTV
Saturday 2 November | UNITED U18s v Leeds United | Live on MUTV