Saturday August 20th, 11am
Trafford Training Centre, Carrington

	-
Manchester United U18s	1-2	Portsmouth U18s

Lawrence 89		Colson 22
		Grant 68

 
United’s new-look academy side fell to an unfortunate opening day defeat at Carrington as an oft-outplayed Portsmouth took all three points in smash and grab fashion.

Paul McGuinness’ team offered glimpses of a potentially promising future throughout but were undone by a glaring lack of cutting edge and some naive defending, the visitors netting twice against the run of play to leave the Reds too much to do, Tom Lawrence’s late strike ultimately proving to be in vain.

With the majority of last season’s Youth Cup winning side graduating to the reserve setup, McGuinness’ starting XI had a very fresh, inexperienced look to it. Left-back Tyler Blackett saw regular action last year, as did Tom Lawrence and Gyliano van Velzen, two-thirds of a fluid front three, but the remainder of the side had just 40 appearances at Under-18 level between them. Skipper Luke McCullough and fellow second-year Luke Hendrie joined Blackett in the back four after experiencing seriously injury-hit debut campaigns (the same could be said of goalkeeper Liam Jacob), new scholar Matt Wilkinson filling the other defensive berth. The all first-year trio of Mats Dæhli, Jack Rudge and Joe Rothwell formed the midfield, with Lawrence and van Velzen being joined by another new-boy, Jack Barmby, in the forward line.

The young Reds started well in perfect conditions, making the most of the pristine Carrington turf to move the ball quickly and imaginatively, if perhaps not as incisively as they’d have liked. The first sight of goal for the home side came when Rudge fired over from the edge of the box, and that would prove to be a sign of things to come as United struggled to convert their dominance of possession into genuine goalscoring chances.

Almost inevitably, Portsmouth managed to do that with pretty much their first attack and took a shock lead through George Colson, who was allowed to run unchallenged to the edge of the United box before finding the corner with a low strike that, while well-placed, could possibly have been dealt with better by Jacob, who reacted to the shot in a manner similar to that of David de Gea for Edin Dzeko’s strike in the Community Shield a fortnight ago.

Tom Lawrence - Fine late goal was too little, too late (Photo from www.nimilkcup.org)

Undeterred, United’s new breed continued in much the same vein, the imposing McCullough starting moves from the back and the front six almost displaying some Barcelona-esque tiki-taka, the final ball sadly just lacking. With the front three all showing a desire to cut inside or drop deep, the edge of the Pompey box became seriously crowded and a repeated area of frustration for those in red shirts as slick, promising moves were snuffed out by sheer weight of numbers and lack of options out wide or in behind.

Dæhli should have done better with his left-footed effort after fashioning a great chance for himself with the aid of Rothwell, and a low Barmby cross caused panic in the six-yard box of Pompey keeper Matt Gledhill, but a Rothwell shot from range that drifted harmlessly over just before the half-time whistle encapsulated a frustrating first 45 for McGuinness’ youngsters.

The second half continued in similar vein, United well on top but with the added frustration of a series of injuries disrupting their play and Lawrence (rightly) having a fine goal ruled out for a trip on a defender. One of those injuries forced McGuinness – without a defender on the bench – to replace the stricken Wilkinson with debutant midfielder James Weir, and as the back-line underwent some serious reorganisation, Portsmouth took advantage. A dangerous left-wing freekick was curled into the near post where the unmarked Alex Grant dispatched a free header past Jacob, whose misjudged attempt to claim the set-piece had left him in no-mans land.

Having struggled to break down the massed ranks of Portsmouth’s defence all game, things were never going to get any easier with the visitors having a 2-0 lead to sit on, but United’s youngsters weren’t going to go down without a fight – new breed perhaps but same old mentality and spirit. The last ten minutes saw the Reds’ most concerted period of pressure, Dæhli and Van Velzen narrowly failing to bundle the ball over the line after Gledhill went AWOL, and Barmby only managing to find the Irish U19 keeper’s midriff after terrific work from Lawrence.

Then, as the game moved into its final minute, the latter finally came up with the goal the Reds’ play had merited. Dæhli did superbly to create space on the left and allow Rothwell to pick out Lawrence 18 yards out, the Welsh teenager sidefooting adroitly past Gledhill. Game on? Not quite, although the spate of second half injuries did offer a few more minutes in which to hunt an equaliser, Barmby coming closest with practically the last kick of the game as his fierce low strike deflected across the face of the goal and – unfortunately for United – away to safety as the final whistle sounded.

Not the result McGuinness and his young charges will have been hoping to start the new season with but it’s performances and development that count as this level and, on that score, there was plenty to be encouraged by. A technically-gifted but generally small, slight and inexperienced group, there will inevitably be some tough days ahead over the next few months, but it’s over the next few years and beyond that we’ll see the best of these kids, so patience will be required and rewarded.

Captain Luke McCullough was perhaps the standout performer in a red shirt, with Mats Dæhli, Joe Rothwell and Tom Lawrence all being worthy of honourable mentions. A trip to face the productive Southampton academy is next on the agenda for the U18s in a week’s time.

 
UNITED
1. Liam Jacob
2. Luke Hendrie
3. Tyler Blackett
4. Matthew Wilkinson (14. James Weir 67)
5. Luke McCullough (c)
6. Jack Rudge
7. Mats Møller Dæhli
8. Joe Rothwell
9. Jack Barmby
10. Tom Lawrence
11. Gyliano van Velzen

Booked: Blackett

Referee: D Costello

Portsmouth U18s: Gledhill, Tallack, Butler, Stockford, Webster, Grant, Wheeler, Colson, Maloney, Awford, Higgins.
Subs: Vine, Branford, Warren, Harris, Fitz-Harris.

Friendly
Wednesday July 27th 2011, 7.30pm
Prenton Park, Birkenhead

	-
Tranmere Rovers	1-1	Manchester United XI

McChrystal 4

Lingard 34

 
United’s reserves continued their hectic pre-season programme with a creditable – if somewhat dour – 1-1 draw against League One Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

The hosts took an early lead through Mark McChrystal but Jesse Lingard’s strike brought the Reds level before half-time. With Warren Joyce’s side playing their third game in four days, fatigue was an obvious factor as an uneventful second 45 largely passed both teams by and the game drifted towards an always-inevitable draw.

The home side took the lead early on with a strike from close range from defender Mark McChrystal, who tapped home following a fantastic free kick from the right which struck the bar. Tranmere continued the early pressure, with great strength and agility shown by Enoch Showunmi creating a one on one opportunity for Robbie Weir, but keeper Tomasz Kuszczak pulled off a good save to prevent the hosts from extending their lead.

United’s first chance came to John Cofie after 27 minutes but was sliced high and wide of the Tranmere goal. Moments later Kuszczak pulled off a fabulous double save firstly to deny John Welsh’s close range shot and then tipping over Adam McGurk’s attempted volley. Soon after United took full advantage of a sloppy pass back from Andy Robinson as Darron Gibson started off a chain of passes involving Drinkwater and Cofie before Jesse Lingard slotted home in off the post from 20 yards out to make it 1-1.

Robinson nearly made amends almost instantly as he quickly turned with his back to goal from a loose ball and shot only for it to be deflected off a United head for a corner. Rovers nearly entered half time with the lead as Robbie Weir held off a defender on the edge of the area and rocketed a shot which whipped off Kuszczak’s goal frame. It was the last chance for any team to go ahead in the first half.

The second half saw changes for both teams as Joss Labadie replaced the impressive Weir for the home team and Davide Petrucci replaced first team candidate Darron Gibson for United. It was a lively start for both teams as Cofie first shot straight at Coughlin on 47 minutes and Atkins narrowly missed the target soon after for the hosts.

The tempo slowed down as chances for both teams became few and far between between. McGurk had a chance
from 25 yards out but failed to hit the target whilst Lingard was denied a chance to grab a second as
McChrystal saw the danger off. Tranmere made a handful of substitutions in the space of ten minutes including a change of strikers and centre half.

United spurned one real chance as Will Keane mistimed his run and deflected the shot out for a goal kick.
but the home side had the remaining chances to go ahead. McGurk sliced his cross and nearly baffled Kuszczak as it went towards his goal but the United keeper recovered in time. Joss Labadie tried a chip attempt on the United goal but narrowly shot wide. The last real chance fell to trialist Nikolaj Misiuk as McGurk wormed his way through the United defence before playing the ball across the six yard box with the trialist inches away from scoring his first goal for the club.

The full time whistle went as a dreary second half came to a close ending the scores even at 1-1.

The potential was clearly shown today as both teams had talented players on the pitch. Paul Pogba
was the main man for United as he orchestrated the team from the wing and later on in the middle
of the pitch. He is a man to look out for in the future.

Adam McGurk showed real talent and technique throughout the match, nearly setting up two goals for
his side. Ian Goodison at the tender age of 38 put in a solid performance against an ever-growing
United side.

Report by Adam Coe & Jack Fletcher, 16

 
UNITED
1. Tomasz Kuszczak
2. Larnell Cole
3. Sean McGinty
4. Oliver Norwood
5. Michael Keane
6. Zeki Fryers
7. Danny Drinkwater
8. Darron Gibson (c)(12. Davide Petrucci 45)
9. John Cofie (14. Will Keane 55)
10. Paul Pogba
11. Jesse Lingard

Referee: J Waugh

Tranmere: Coughlin, Kay (Holmes 79), McChrystal, Goodison (Raven 65), Bakayogo, Welsh (Power 79), Weir (Labadie 45 HT), Robinson (Taylor 61), Akins, Showunmi (Misuk 69), McGurk.
Substitute not used: Courtney.

Friendly
Monday July 25th 2011, 7.30pm
Somerset Park, Ayr

	-
Ayr United	0-1	Manchester United XI

Norwood 54

 
Oliver Norwood capped off a worthwhile visit to Scotland for United’s Reserves with a sublime curling effort to beat a competitive Ayr United side 1-0 at Somerset Park.

After beating Spartans 7-1 twenty-four hours earlier, there where high hopes for more goals from a United side that contained experienced first team players Darron Gibson and Tomasz Kuszczak. However, Norwood’s goal on 54 minutes was all that separated the two sides.

United started brightly and passed the ball about crisply without creating any clear cut chances. The
first real chance fell to Danny Drinkwater on 12 minutes when he was played through by Davide Petrucci, only to find his prodded effort at goal deflected on to the post and out for a corner. Petrucci then turned from provider to perpetrator when a slack pass allowed Ayr to bear down on goal, and only an excellent last ditch challenge in the box by Zeki Fryers prevented United from going behind. In the throes of that attack, Tom Thorpe pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury and was replaced by Larnell Cole, who slotted in at right-back with Michael Keane moving to centre-back.

Man of the Match Paul Pogba

The reshuffle in defence seemed to unsettle United for a bit and allowed Ayr to come in to the game more. However, Drinkwater should have given United the lead on 28 minutes when, after excellent play by Gibson and Paul Pogba, he was in on goal with only the keeper to beat but hit it straight at him – given his recent goal scoring form you would have fancied him to put United 1-0 up. As the game ebbed and flowed, another gilt edged chance fell the way of Will Keane. Pogba intercepted a long cross field ball before surging up the pitch to get on the end of a raking pass from Norwood. He collected the ball and played in Keane who saw the whites of the keepers eyes but again failed to find the back of the net with the last real chance of the first half.

The raft of expected half time substitutes didn’t materialise but with the game not getting going in the second half, the ineffectual Petrucci was replaced by Jesse Lingard on 52 minutes to try and give United more width. Two minutes later United finally broke the deadlock with a delicious strike from Norwood. Pogba laid the ball off to him 25 yards from goal and he curled the ball first time in to the top corner leaving the keeper no chance. That goal alone was worth the admission fee and showed why he is so highly rated by his international manager, Nigel Worthington.

The goal sparked United in to life for 5 minutes but with Ayr working hard and often having eleven men behind the ball United couldn’t find a way through. With no real width in the team and Will Keane having the tendency to drop deep, the play became congested in the centre of the park where Ayr where quick to close down and thwart any potential danger. The game petered out with United being restricted to long range efforts from Gibson, Pogba and Norwood.

As the full time whistle blew, United were deserved winners but could bemoan poor finishing for not making the margin of victory greater. Nevertheless it was a good workout for the United boys. Paul Pogba picked up the sponsors Man of the Match award but special mentions go to Larnell Cole and Zeki Fryers who were excellent throughout. The Reserves now move on to Prenton Park where they will face Tranmere on Wednesday night at 7.30pm.

Report by Michael Higgins who you can follow on twitter @justmick32

 
UNITED
1. Tomasz Kuszczak
2. Michael Keane
3. Sean McGinty
4. Oliver Norwood
5. Tom Thorpe (12. Larnell Cole 15 (18. Luke Giverin 88))
6. Zeki Fryers
7. Danny Drinkwater
8. Darron Gibson (17. Max Lonsdale 90)
9. Will Keane (19. Michele Fornasier 75)
10. Paul Pogba
11. Davide Petrucci (14. Jesse Lingard 52)

Referee: C Richmond

Attendance: 2,876

Ayr Utd: Cuthbert; J Robertson (Donnelly 82), Malone, Smith, Campbell (Armstrong 55), Geggan (R Robertson 68), Trouten Hart 75), Burke (Tiffoney 61), Moffat (Paterson 68), Roberts (Wardlaw 76), McGowan (Shankland 75).

Paul McGuinness’ young Reds will attempt to reach the 14th Youth Cup Final in the club’s illustrious history, with Sheffield United awaiting tonight’s victors. While away goals aren’t a factor in this competition, United’s performance in coming back from 2-0 down in West London will provide encouragement, as will the likely returns of midfielder Ravel Morrison and defender Tyler Blackett, who both missed the first leg through suspension. Jesse Lingard (a scorer at the Bridge) and Sean McGinty are likely to make way, giving a predicted XI of:

Sam Johnstone; Michael Keane, Michele Fornasier, Tom Thorpe, Tyler Blackett; Larnell Cole, Paul Pogba, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Gyliano van Velzen; Ravel Morrison; Will Keane.

Chelsea are also boosted by a return from suspension, with skipper Daniel Pappoe set to take his place at the heart of the Blues’ defence.

After an enthralling first leg it’s all set up for another thrilling encounter, one United fans would be foolish to miss out on. Tickets are just £3 and will be available from the Old Trafford ticket office right up until kick-off – with nearly 6000 attending the first leg, hopefully at least as many will turn out tonight to get behind the Reds’ next generation. For those who really can’t make it, MUTV will be showing the game live at 7pm, with Gary Neville providing co-commentary, while I’ll be providing live updates as usual on Twitter throughout the evening.

If you are following the game from home and fancy some pre-match buildup, I’ll also be appearing on BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘Red Wednesday’ show in the hour before kick-off – you can listen online here.

Finally, for some pre-match reading if you’re so inclined, you can read a detailed preview of the semi-final here and a brief match report from the first leg here.

FA Youth Cup Semi-Final, First Leg
April 10th 2011, 12.30pm
Stamford Bridge, West London

	-
Chelsea U18s	3-2	Manchester United U18s

Chalobah 30, 42		Lingard 56
Devyne 72		Pogba 77

 
 
A storming second half display by United’s youngsters has left their FA Youth Cup Semi-Final with Chelsea finely poised, the West London club leading 3-2 after Sunday’s enthralling first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Trailing 2-0 at the break to two set-piece efforts from Blues centre-back Nathaniel Chalobah and second-best throughout that first 45 minutes, Paul McGuinness’ side responded superbly after the break and goals from Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba – albeit sandwiching an against the run of play strike from Chelsea’s Bobby Devyne – were the least they deserved for an eye-catching and dominant second half performance that will give the Reds plenty of encouragement when they seek to overturn a one goal deficit at Old Trafford in ten days time.

More to come…

 
UNITED
1. Sam Johnstone
2. Michael Keane
3. Sean McGinty
4. Tom Thorpe (c)
5. Michele Fornasier
6. Ryan Tunnicliffe
7. Larnell Cole
8. Paul Pogba
9. Will Keane (15. Mats Møller Dæhli 89)
10. Jesse Lingard (14. Tom Lawrence 84)
11. Gyliano van Velzen

Referee: G Ward

Attendance: 5,518

Chelsea: Blackman, Kane, Kalas, Chalobah, Deen-Conteh, Saville, Ince (Nkumu 62), McEachran (c), Nditi (Baker 70), Devyne (Sampayo 85), Lalkovic.
Subs Not Used: Tomlinson, Davey.

Paul McGuinness’ side have reached the semi-final stage for the first time since 2007 and now take on the holders for the right to face Sheffield United – conquerors of Aston Villa in the other semi – in the final. A crowd of over 7,000 is expected at Stamford Bridge for Sunday’s first leg, which kicks off at 12:30pm, and the Reds will be hoping to set themselves up nicely for the return leg at Old Trafford on Wednesday 20th April (tickets are still available for that second leg – please see MUFC’s official site for details).

United’s progress through the competition thus far has been impressive in a number of different ways. Single-goal victories over Portsmouth and West Ham were achieved in much more dominant and emphatic fashion than the scorelines suggest, while the 1-0 win against West Ham at Upton Park was a fine example of digging deep to get a result when not quite on top form. The quarter-final against Liverpool meanwhile showcased the incredible spirit within the squad, with the young Reds roaring back from two goals down to record a remarkable and memorable triumph at Anfield.

The quality of opposition, particularly in the last three rounds, has ensured United have had to do things the hard way, and it gets no easier in the last four. As mentioned, Chelsea lifted the trophy last year after an eye-catching, free-scoring run through the competition, and that they’ve managed to advance to the latter stages once more with relatively few of last year’s starters involved is testament to the rapid recent improvement in the youth setup at the West London club.

Will Keane - scorer of the winner at West Ham, his return from injury couldn't be better timed

United will also have to tackle the holders without at least three of their most impressive performers this term. Ten-goal leading scorer John Cofie will sit out both legs of the tie as he recovers from recent knee surgery, while Ravel Morrison – inspiration behind the comeback against Liverpool and perhaps the team’s leading light – will miss the first leg through suspension after picking up a red card on reserve duty last month. England U17 defender and first-choice left-back Tyler Blackett also misses the first leg as a result of indiscipline after being dismissed in the last round at Anfield, although Paul Pogba – also sent off that day – is free to play after serving his one-match ban.

Injury also rules out Zeki Fryers (Blackett’s likely replacement at left-back) and first-years Luke McCullough (groin) and Lee Hendrie (hip), while striker Will Keane is touch and go to start, having only recently made his return from a thigh injury – with Cofie absent and no other natural forward in the squad, the 18 year-old reigning United Young Player of the Year may be pressed into action earlier than would be preferred, having played just the second half in each of the academy’s last two league games.

Those injuries and suspensions, combined with a relatively consistent selection policy in the tournament so far this season, makes it fairly easy to forecast the eleven initially tasked with keeping United’s bid for a record 10th Youth Cup crown on track. The likely spine of the side – Sam Johnstone in goal, captain Tom Thorpe at centre-back, Ryan Tunnicliffe in central midfield and Keane up front – are all England U19 internationals. Michele Fornasier should partner Thorpe in the centre of defence, with that pair flanked by Michael Keane at right-back and Sean McGinty on the left.

Pogba will team up with Tunnicliffe in what must be one of the strongest academy engine rooms in the country, with Larnell Cole – perhaps the squad’s most underrated talent – lining up on the right of midfield and Dutch 16 year-old Gyliano van Velzen taking the left-wing spot. With Will Keane leading the line, the only real question mark comes in who will play the supporting role in what will likely be a 4-4-1-1 formation. Jesse Lingard is the most obvious candidate, having featured in more academy games than any other player this term, but recent strong showings from Welsh starlet Tom Lawrence have given McGuinness another serious option.

So what of our opponents? There’s no-one better placed to give us the low-down on Dermot Drummy’s side than Phil from TheChels.net, who kindly answered our questions:

After winning the competition last year, Chelsea are in the semi-finals again. With a number of youngsters in and around the first team and starring at youth international level as well, is it fair to say the hefty investment in the youth system by Roman Abramovich is starting to come to fruition?

It very much is, but it’s important to understand that investment isn’t as simple as buying players from abroad, as is so often attributed. It’s in the facilities, the coaching, the opportunities given to schoolboys to have day leave from school to get additional time on the field practicing. It’s in expanding the network of scouting both at home and abroad to identify talent as quickly as possible and bring them in to educate them the way the club wants to. We’ve not had a terrible record of bringing players through historically, but the investment in the club since 2003 has taken us to unprecedented levels, and that means the academy has to produce players who can play alongside the very best in the world.

 
I’ve covered United’s run to the last four elsewhere in this preview, but tell us a bit about Chelsea’s progress through the competition this season.

If I had to use one word to describe it, I’d probably use ‘spirited’. In all but one round we’ve gone behind but come back to win 2-1, and on the other occasion we had our backs to the wall at Sunderland in the first half before a strong comeback in the second. The resolve and self-belief on display has grown round on round and in the Quarter Finals against Watford, you could visibly see that nobody was affected by being a goal down inside ten minutes.

Whereas last year’s team swept all before them and scored freely, this year’s team is stronger mentally, and for what it lacks in offensive firepower, it makes up for in heart and desire.

 
What sort of line-up and system can we expect to see from the Blues on Sunday?

Typically, the club tries to use a 4-3-3 system throughout the academy, and whatever we see Dermot Drummy adopt will have its roots in that, for sure. However, due to injury and the personnel available, I think we’ll see two defensive minded midfielders, two attacking minded ones, a winger and a striker. It’s more fluid than it would appear on paper but for simplicity’s sake we’ll call it a 4-2-3-1.

Jamal Blackman will be the goalkeeper, with an expected back four of Todd Kane, Tomas Kalas, Rohan Ince and Aziz Deen-Conteh. Nathaniel Chalobah and George Saville protect the midfield, with Josh McEachran and likely Anton Rodgers ahead of them, supporting Bobby Devyne and Milan Lalkovic in attack.

Alternatively, Kane – the youth team’s top goalscorer this season with eight goals (plus two at reserve level) – could be pushed into midfield with Ben Sampayo at right-back; or schoolboy Adam Nditi may get the nod on the left wing.

 
Which players would you pick out as the stars of the side?

Josh McEachran will grab all the headlines, and for good reason. He’s made fifteen senior appearances this season and is a regular in the England Under-21 squad despite having only turned 18 a month ago. However, there’s also Nathaniel Chalobah, still a schoolboy, who has been a reserve team regular this season and has five goals to his name, with two in the Youth Cup. He captains England Under-17s and can play either in the centre of defence or in midfield. Milan Lalkovic will be the team’s main goal threat and is in fine form for the reserve team, with two goals and four assists in his last four outings.

 
United are missing some key players, but Chelsea have their absentees as well. Who are they and how keenly will their absence be felt?

For the first leg, we’ll be missing our captain and our most in-form player. Daniel Pappoe was sent off in a reserve fixture against Blackpool and his absence will be felt both physically and from a leadership point of view. Ahead of him, Billy Clifford – a talismanic figure in the Youth Cup so far – will miss both legs after picking up a knee injury. His absence creates the midfield conundrums outlined above.

Long-term absentees also include Philipp Prosenik, James Ashton – who would’ve each played key roles – and Reece Loudon.

 
What are your impressions of this United side?

It’s very impressive, especially through the spine of the team, and has quality in depth. I think Tom Thorpe is a wonderful prospect at the back, and I don’t need to tell any United fans how good Pogba and Tunnicliffe look. Even without Morrison in attack, you’ve shown that you can more than get by without recognised attackers, even with Keane’s potential return. It’s hard to find a weakness, as you can pass anyone off the park and do battle with anyone physically.

 
Finally, a prediction – both for Sunday and for the tie as a whole?

It’s going to be close for sure, and for me will come down to whichever team has the best depth players. On paper it might be decided by a McEachran or a Pogba, but on the pitch it’s going to require the effort of more than the starting elevens on Sunday lunchtime, and that’s the charm of things like this. I’m going to go for a very narrow Chelsea win both Sunday and overall, but would not be at all surprised if it went the other way.

For a full Chelsea perspective on the tie, you can read Phil’s detailed preview here and/or follow him on Twitter – @chelseayouth.

Meanwhile I’ll be at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and will be providing my own updates on Twitter as usual, as well as attempting to answer any of your questions in advance of and after the first leg.

April 4th, 1.30pm
Trafford Training Centre, Carrington

	-
Manchester United U18s	1-2	Liverpool U18s

Lawrence 32		Morgan 23
		Massacci own goal 45

 
The U18s’ eight-match unbeaten run came to an end as Liverpool gained a measure of revenge for last month’s FA Youth Cup exit with a 2-1 win at Carrington.

A makeshift United side – featuring just two of the starting eleven from that thriller at Anfield – fell behind midway through the first half to a goal from Liverpool’s top scorer Adam Morgan, and while Tom Lawrence produced a fine equaliser ten minutes later, Paul McGuinness’ side found themselves in arrears again on the stroke of half-time through an own goal by the unfortunate Alberto Massacci. The visitors were good for their lead, and while United had their chances to snatch a point in the second half, Liverpool kept them at bay to record a deserved win.

 
UNITED
1. Conor Devlin (c)
2. Alberto Massacci
3. Luke Giverin
4. Michele Fornasier
5. Sean McGinty
6. Charni Ekangamene
7. Tom Lawrence
8. Paul Pogba (16. Kenji Gorré 68)
9. Rafael Leão (14. Will Keane 46)
10. Jack Rudge
11. James Wilson

Referee: P Dermott

Liverpool U18s: Stephens, Rafferty, Smith, Sama, McGiveron, Roddan, Sterling, Hajdu, Morgan, Adorjan, Ngoo.
Unused subs: Hatch, Belford, Dunn, Mukendi, Clair.

March 31st, 1.30pm
Trafford Training Centre, Carrington

	-
Manchester United U18s	2-0	Sunderland U18s

Lawrence 62 (pen)
W.Keane 90

 
United’s U18s extended their impressive recent unbeaten run to eight games with victory over Academy League Group D title challengers Sunderland at a blustery Carrington.

The Black Cats came into the game in formidable form and look well-placed to qualify for the end of season national play-offs, but an under-strength United side – missing almost the entire XI likely to start in the upcoming FA Youth Cup semi-final with Chelsea – dealt superbly with both the conditions and the opposition to run out 2-0 winners.

The Reds shaded the majority of a scrappy game and finally converted that superiority into a ead just after the hour mark, Tom Lawrence converting from the penalty spot after Gyliano van Velzen was crudely brought down. With reigning MUFC Young Player of the Year Will Keane making his long-awaited return from injury and settling things with an injury-time tap-in, Paul McGuinness could reflect on another thoroughly satisfactory outing for his young team.

More to come…

 
UNITED
1. Joe Coll
2. Alberto Massacci
3. Luke Giverin
4. Michele Fornasier (c)
5. Sean McGinty
6. Charni Ekangamene (12. Jack Rudge 67)
7. Tom Lawrence
8. Mats Møller Dæhli
9. Rafael Leão (16. Will Keane 67)
10. Ravel Morrison
11. Gyliano van Velzen

 
Sunderland: King, Marrs, Oliver, Egan, Watson, Mitchell, Armstrong (Gorrin, 11), Harrison (Laing, 70), Callaghan, Knott (Honeyman, 65), Laidler.
Subs not used: Brace, Dickson.

March 26th, 12.30pm
Trafford Training Centre, Carrington

	-
Manchester United U18s	2-1	Newcastle United U18s

Cole 36		D.Taylor 41
Giverin 83

 
Just as their Reserve counterparts had done earlier in the week, Paul McGuinness’ U18′s dug deep to grind out a 2-1 win over Newcastle at Carrington.

The two sides went into the break level after the visitors’ Dan Taylor had cancelled out Larnell Cole’s stunning opener in the dying minutes of the half, and the Magpies looked the more likely to take all three points as they had much the better of the second 45. Heroics from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone helped to keep the Reds on level terms however, and it was United who snatched the win late on as substitute Luke Giverin popped up at the far post to finish off a flowing move and notch his first goal for the club.

More to come…

 
UNITED
1. Sam Johnstone
2. Alberto Massacci
3. Tyler Blackett
4. Tom Thorpe (c)
5. Michael Keane
6. Charni Ekangamene (14. Mats Møller Dæhli 30)
7. Larnell Cole
8. Ryan Tunnicliffe
9. Tom Lawrence (12. Luke Giverin 76)
10. Ravel Morrison
11. Jesse Lingard

Booked: Lingard

Referee: D O’Rourke

Newcastle: Jak Alnwick, Alex Nicholson, Michael Riley, Ben Sayer, Louis Storey, Jamie Smith, Ryan McGorrigan, Patrick Nzuzi, Dan Taylor, Aaron Spear (Lee-Ryan Toland 80), Marcus Maddison (Dennis Knight 60).
Subs not used: Ben Robinson, Billy Ions, Nathan Evans.

Saturday March 19th 2010, 11am
Moor Farm Training Centre, Oakwood

	-
Derby County U18s	2-2	Manchester United U18s

Ball 1	-	Lawrence 40
Hendrick 56	-	Pogba 75

 
After last week’s Youth Cup thriller at Anfield, United’s U18s returned to league action and once again showed their resilience to come from behind twice and earn a point against Derby at Moor Farm.

The Reds found themselves behind in controversial circumstances inside the first minute when Callum Ball’s header was dubiously adjudged to have crossed the line, but Paul McGuinness’ side rallied to control the first half and draw level just before the break with a fine strike from Tom Lawrence. The second half followed a similar pattern, the hosts striking early through captain Jeff Hendrick before drawing level once more with a sensational strike from their own skipper Paul Pogba, and while there was still time left for United to push for the winner their play deserved, Derby held out to ensure the points were shared.

More to follow…

 
UNITED
1. Sam Johnstone
2. Alberto Massacci
3. Luke Giverin
4. Sean McGinty
5. Tyler Blackett
6. Michael Keane (14. Larnell Cole 70)
7. Jack Barmby
8. Paul Pogba (c)
9. Tom Lawrence
10. Jesse Lingard
11. Gyliano van Velzen

Ref: T Hollidge

Derby: Severn, Cole, Sharpe, Witham, Lelas, Galinski, Richards, Hendrick (c), Ball, Thomas, Hegarty (Dillon).