Bolton Wanderers manager Ian Evatt has explained why he came close to “clapping” Manchester United’s U21s during last night’s EFL Trophy tie.
Travis Binnion’s young Reds were beaten 4-0 by the League One side in the round of 16 clash at the University of Bolton Stadium where 1,600 travelling Reds were in attendance.
United were trailing 2-0 heading into the dying stages of injury time, but the Whites scored a further two goals to make the scoreline look far more comfortable for the former Premier League side.
Bolton boss explains why he came close to ‘clapping’ Manchester United’s U21s
United had reached the last-16 in the competition for the first time and Binnion’s starting XI was made up of players that travelled with Erik ten Hag’s first team to Spain for mid-World Cup friendlies against La Liga sides Cadiz and Real Betis.
Starting XI: Bishop, Jurado, Bernard, Hardley, Murray, Iqbal, Savage, Hansen-Aaroen, Emeran, Shoretire, Hugill.
With the game goalless after the opening quarter of an hour, United’s youngsters put together a breath-taking one touch move which ripped the hosts apart.
Marc Jurado, Shola Shoretire, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Joe Hugill combined before Shoretire’s effort was smothered by Bolton stopper James Trafford.
Bolton’s boss was full of praise for Binnion’s youngsters after the game and he said he enjoyed watching United’s impressive counter-attack.
Speaking via The Bolton News, Evatt said: “Credit to them, they came with what they do. That is their gameplan, they didn’t change for us.
“They backed themselves, they had one real crisp counter attack on transition in the first half. I enjoyed watching it, I think I would have clapped if it had gone in!
“I thought they gave us a good game.”
With United’s participation in this year’s EFL Trophy all but over, it could result in some players heading out on loan next month.
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