Tahith Chong and James Garner were probably a bit aggrieved not to be part of Manchester United’s first team squad this week.
We asked this week if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would rotate his side to involve the youngster after their involvement in the group stages.
It seems for now that the time for experimentation is over, and United are taking the knockout stages super seriously.
Chong and Garner were part of an under-19s side which took on Club Brugge in a friendly match this afternoon.
It was a crucial game for United’s young players, many of who have not played a game in well over a month.
United’s under-23 match was called off against Swansea on Friday due to an illness among the opponents.
So today’s game was an important game and one which Chong and Garner passed.
Chong netted the opener in a second half before Garner netted a ‘glorious solo goal’ as described by the club’s official website.
The report reads, “The Reds’ victory was sealed when Garner drove from the halfway line, ploughing through the heart of Brugge’s midfield and defence, before beating the keeper to register a glorious solo goal.”
Garner particularly is in a tough spot because he was denied a loan move in January but his path to United’s first team appears blocked for now.
Perhaps his goal will help him catch Solskjaer’s eye again and get another chance.
Angel Gomes also started as did goalkeeper Matej Kovar who was returning from injury.
Teden Mengi and Dylan Levitt were also among the starters, while Hannibal Mejbri came of the bench.
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