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Academy

James Nolan makes Manchester United under-18s debut

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Manchester United’s under-18s scored five at the weekend in a dominant win over Wolves.

The 5-1 win followed a 6-1 victory over Stoke in the previous home fixture a fortnight earlier.

The match was special for one player in particular, young midfielder James Nolan.

Nolan came off the bench with 20 minutes to go, a reward for impressive displays for United’s under-16 side.

He replaced Zidane Iqbal, who scored two of the goals in the 5-1 win, along with Charlie McNeill (2) and Dillon Hoogewerf.

Nolan is expected to make the jump to United’s under-18s on a regular basis next season.

He sent a message out after the match expressing his delight at making his debut for the 18s.

Nolan was joined by 16-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who has been involved with the under-18s throughout the season.

Mainoo came off the bench for Omari Forson with 11 minutes to go.

It is normal for young players to be tested above their age groups as a taster towards the end of the season as the club plan for the next.

The likes of McNeill and Iqbal are likely to step up to the under-23s next season, following in the footsteps of Shola Shoretire and Anthony Elanga.