Bolton 0 United 5: Wanderers put to the sword by rampant Reds

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Bolton Wanderers U18s	0-5	Manchester United U18s

-	-	Brandão 15
-	-	Curran 56
-	-	King 77, 80
-	-	Norwood 85

 
United’s under-18 side continued their impressive and goal-laden start to 2009 with a resounding win over near-neighbours Bolton at Wanderers’ Lostock Farm academy base this morning. Despite dominating possession and practically camping in the home side’s half right from kick-off, the Reds only had Evandro Brandão’s fine early strike to show for their efforts and dominance at half-time, but Paul McGuinness’ charges rectified that in the second half, adding goals from Chris Curran, skipper Oliver Norwood and a quickfire brace from Josh King, the Norwegian’s first academy league goals for the club.

United 0 Liverpool 0: Fierce rivals play out reserve bore draw

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Manchester United Reserves	0-0	Liverpool Reserves

 
It would be fair to say that this is not one of those United-Liverpool clashes that will live long in the memory. Despite both teams fielding strong starting lineups featuring a number of players on the fringes of the two clubs’ respective title challenges, this was a game that never really got going, a game pretty much entirely starved of goalmouth action or drama. Ole Solskjaer’s side probably shaded things as far as possession and territory are concerned, but to all intents and purposes the two teams cancelled each other out on their way to a goalless draw that did little to improve their respective league positions.

Reds add third Norwegian youngster to their ranks

United have completed the signing of Norway Under-16 captain Etzaz Hussain from third-tier side Langhus IL.

Blackburn 2 United 1: Experience tells as reserves suffer defeat

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Blackburn Rovers Reserves	2-1	Manchester United Reserves

Villanueva 55, 57

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Brandy 61

 
United returned to Premier Reserve League action after the winter break with a trip to a chilly Christie Park in Morecambe, but came up just short against an experienced Blackburn Rovers side for whom forward Carlos Villanueva was in inspired form. The Chile international bagged a quickfire double just before the hour mark, and while the Reds responded with a Febian Brandy goal that was beautifully crafted by Davide Petrucci, the home side held on to take all three points.

United 3 Everton 2: Morrison at the double as U18s grab dramatic late win

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Manchester United U18s	3-2	Everton U18s

Morrison 17, 89	-	Craig 61
Ajose 51	-	????? 79

 

United 3 Accrington Stanley 0: Youthful reserves get LSC defence off to a comfortable start

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Manchester United Reserves	3-0	Accrington Stanley Reserves

Macheda 4	-	-
Brandy 19	-	-
Petrucci 51	-	-

 

Yes, you’re not seeing things – United’s reserve side actually took to the field yesterday afternoon, for the first time in a month, and just the third time in the last 9 weeks. Accrington Stanley were the visitors to The Cliff, United’s famous former training ground in Salford, for this Lancashire Senior Cup first round tie as the Reds began the defence of the trophy they won in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first competitive match in charge, back in July. Early goals from Kiko Macheda and Febian Brandy effectively killed the game off as a contest before the game was twenty minutes old, and a deserved gloss was added to the scoreline early in the second half when Davide Petrucci – fresh from a stunning brace for the academy last weekend – curled home a sublime free-kick.

United 4 WBA 1: U18s pick up where they left off

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Manchester United U18s	4-1	West Bromwich Albion U18s

Petrucci 29, 74	-	Lake-Gaskin (pen) 53
Norwood 31	-	-
Ajose 55	-	-

 

Tošić checks in, Ljajić on his way, Djuričić to follow?

Having already added Zoran Tošić and Adem Ljajić to the ranks this January, United could be set to further swell the Serbian contingent at Old Trafford with the signing of 16 year-old playmaker Filip Djuričić.

Bantams beaten as Drinkwater strike earns Reserves friendly victory

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reserve side got a much-needed run-out at yesterday as Bradford City were the visitors to Carrington.

Brady leads rout as United youngsters blow away the post-Christmas cobwebs in the Lyme Valley

A youthful United reserve side got right back into the swing of things after the Christmas break with an emphatic 7-1 thrashing of Newcastle Town at the Lyme Valley Stadium yesterday evening.