Harry Amass and Ethan Wheatley impress despite Man Utd U21 defeat to Arsenal

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As the Manchester United first team began their campaign with a win, the U21 side were not so lucky.

Erik ten Hag watched his players beat Fulham on Friday night 1-0 at Old Trafford, with Joshua Zirkzee shining.

It was another dominant performance by Manchester United – despite Fulham having a couple of chances on the break.

But ultimately a 1-0 is enough to hand United the perfect start to the Premier League season.

Also in action on Friday were the U21s as they began their Premier League 2 campaign in defeat. Here’s everything that happened and who impressed for the academy.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Manchester United U21s lose to Arsenal

There is a lot of excitement about this year’s U21 group – following last season’s disappointment – because it will have a lot of the treble-winning U18 side in it.

But on match day one, there was no joy in the way of three points as United succumbed to a 4-2 defeat by Arsenal.

It was four first-half goals which United paid the price for – but encouragingly United then won the second-half with a goal in the 46th minute by Ethan Ennis who is fresh off signing a new contract – then in the 87th by Ethan Wheatley.

United also played the final 30 minutes of the game with 10 men after Ethan Williams was dismissed with a red card in the 60th minute.

Harry Amass assisted Wheatley, and it’s good to see him back in action after his impressive summer form for the first team.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Amass? Man Utd Age, Position, Nationality, Stats

Amass and Wheatley continue impressing

Both Amass and Wheatley are on the cusp of first-team regularity for United, but due to squad additions this summer, there is not as open a path for them as first thought.

Amass in particular looked likely to be promoted, but he is now back in the U21s with Noussair Mazraoui’s signing allowing Diogo Dalot to be utilised on the left side.

However, it has to be said that if Amass’ performances continue at this level, Ten Hag will soon have no choice but to bring him into the fold.

With Europa League football likely to hand United some favourable draws, we would be shocked if both Wheatley and Amass were not in the picture for those games.