Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup campaign for 2021/22 is off to a strong start.
United played Scunthorpe United at Old Trafford, the first competitive game most of these under-18s players had played at the stadium.
The young Red Devils raced into a two goal lead through Sam Mather and Alejandro Garnacho, before Scunthorpe pulled a goal back before half-time. Garnacho’s goal was an acrobatic volley after being teed up by Charlie McNeill.
Maxi Oyedele then scored for United early in the second half through Maxi Oyedele, who scored a low shot from outside the penalty area. McNeill added a fourth goal after a mix-up in the Scunthorpe defence.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
Scunthorpe scored another consolation to bring the score back to 4-2, with United controlling the game to see out what was a comfortable and entertaining win.
United’s line-up was: Radek Vitek; Marc Jurado (c), Tyler Fredricson, Louis Jackson, Sam Murray; Maxi Oyedele, Kobbie Mainoo, Sam Mather, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Alejandro Garnacho; Charlie McNeill. Subs used: Dan Gore, Ethan Ennis, Manni Norkett.
Garnacho and McNeill star
Alejandro Garnacho was the star of the show, setting up Mather’s goal after winning the ball in the penalty box and then passing to his teammate.
Garnacho’s goal was spectacular, receiving a lay-off from Charlie McNeill, heading the ball into the air, before scoring an acrobatic volley at the Stretford End.
This was Garnacho’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions, and the 17-year-old is making a real name for himself.
Teammate Charlie McNeill also has eight goals in all competitions for the club too, while Sam Mather took his assist tally to nine.
When did United last win the FA Youth Cup?
A FA Youth Cup win for United is well overdue. The last time United won the FA Youth Cup was in the 2010/11 season.
The team included Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Ravel Morrison. United have had a few close calls since, but not been past the semi-finals. Last season United were eliminated by Liverpool.
United have won the competition 10 times, more than any other club. Last season’s victors were Aston Villa.
In the next round, United will play Reading, with the tie set to take place in January.
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