On Friday night, Old Trafford played host to Travis Binnion’s U21 Manchester United side, signing off for Christmas in style against Borussia Dortmund.
The International Premier League Cup continued with Manchester United picking up a vital victory, having lost heavily to Anderlecht in the tournament last time out.
United welcomed Borussia Dortmund to the Theatre of Dreams on Friday night, scoring a 2-0 victory against the German side.
Sum up Gabriele Biancheri’s goal scoring performance in one word…🏴
Both of United’s goals came through Gabriele Biancheri. They were impressive finishes from Biancheri, from tight angles, which just showcased how good the 19-year-old is in front of goal, backing up the belief he is among the most lethal finishers at the club.
Biancheri’s clinical goals were assisted by Chido Obi and then James Scanlon. However, in terms of securing the three points, it was another player who was even more important.
Will Murdock shines in goal for Manchester United U21
Biancheri takes the headlines after this result, and rightly so, because he was the match winner for his wonderful finishing, but without the heroics of Will Murdock in goal.
Murdock made a series of impressive saves on his way to keeping a clean sheet in the game, with some massive stops to deny Dortmund chances that really could have been goals.
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This performance was the best Murdock has made all season, showing exactly what he is capable of on his best day.
Murdock was poor against Tamworth, and this just shows that he needs to work on the consistency in his game, as performing like this every week would surely have him on a very clear trajectory to goalkeeping stardom.
Other standouts for United against Dortmund were Tyler Fletcher, Sekou Kone, Diego Leon, James Overy, and Dan Armer. With Fletcher in particular running the show in midfield, furthering the likelihood of him heading on loan.
Manchester United U21 set for title charge after Christmas
United are looking good in the Premier League International Cup, sitting second in Group D, which is on form to enter the next stage once the group stage is completed.
However, United’s U21 side are also in a title race in the Premier League 2, with a game in hand on leaders Ipswich Town, in which victory would mean a return to first.
United’s U21 side is among the best in the country right now; however, the new year might see Binnion with a very different team available to him, with several of the players who started against Dortmund likely to be loan-bound in January.
Biancheri is a likely loan exit for United, while so are Kone and Leon. But there are U18s ready to step up.
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