Binnion: Our lads get great opportunities
Manchester United’s Academy players are given great opportunities to test themselves against older and more experienced opposition, according to the club’s Head of the Professional Development Phase.
Travis Binnion spoke to MUTV following the Under-21s’ huge 10-1 triumph over Stoke City on Saturday, and praised the younger players in his squad who had also performed in Tuesday’s EFL Trophy tie against League Two side Stockport County.
“I think it is really good for the back four to play two games in a few days - one against a senior side away, one at home.
U21s highlights: United v Stoke City
Watch all the goals from an extraordinary Premier League 2 game at Leigh Sports Village...
“Our lads get a fantastic opportunity. Their age is irrelevant really. The opportunities are always there for them to play up [in a higher age group].”
The most pleasing element for Binnion from the victory over Stoke wasn’t the remarkable scoreline; it was the way his side applied the lessons of the three matches they had played prior to the Potters’ visit to Leigh Sports Village.
“I think the game the other night [away to Stockport] was a tough game, as you’d expect,” he explained.
“You learn the most in that type of game. What you want to see then is that you use what you have learned in your next Under-21s game.
“I think across the four games we have played [this season] we have been consistent with our approach. We should have won every game – today is our first win – but it is nice to see us learn from those games and put into practice what we need to be better at, which is scoring goals.”