An impressive clean sheet laid the platform for Manchester United’s EFL Trophy victory over Bradford City.
Dutch youngster Dillon Hoogewerf provided the attacking incision to lead the side to the win.
Hoogewerf was a half-time substitute with the game goalless at the break, and went on to inspire a 3-0 victory.
After Charlie Savage’s deflected strike led to United’s first goal, credited as a Yann Sango’o own goal, Hoogewerf took over.
The 18-year-old was willing to run with the ball and take players on and this created all sorts of problems for the League Two side.
Goal and assist
Hoogewerf’s dribbling led to United’s second goal. He carried the ball towards the touchline and right side of the penalty area, and with two players around him, he squeezed a cross in which bypassed the goalkeeper and left Joe Hugill with a tap in.
His goal was even more impressive. Hoogewerf took advantage of a counter attack after a break forward by Charlie Wellens, before Shola Shoretire slipped Hoogewerf in with a neatly weighted pass.
There was still plenty left for Hoogewerf to do, who ran 10 yards with the ball before unleashing a fierce strike which arrowed into the corner of the net to make it 3-0.
It was nearly four. Hoogewerf’s through ball set substitute Alejandro Garnacho free for a one on one and the forward curled the ball past the goalkeeper only for it to whizz inches wide.
Hoogewerf needed only 18 touches to decide the game. He completed 11 of 13 passes, creating two goalscoring chances and scoring one goal.
The strike was his second goal of the season following an earlier goal against City, and his first assist.
Since stepping up to the under-23s, Hoogewerf has mainly been on the bench to start the season, making three of his five appearances as a substitute. A performance like this one should earn him a few more starts.
Reaction
United supporters were left impressed with Hoogewerf’s performance. Here is a look at some of the reaction on social media…
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- Michael Carrick might have provided a hint on Patrick Dorgu plans as transfer priority becomes clear
- Who is Tynan Thompson? Exciting Spurs wonderkid linked with move to Man Utd
- Ruben Amorim’s biggest wonderkid success story is ending brutally as Man Utd pre-season begins
- Dan Gore will hope for better Man Utd pre-season outing vs Wrexham than he had in 2023
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- Man Utd star Lisandro Martinez could now receive ‘rare’ World Cup prize if Argentina beat Spain in final
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