Key points
Manchester United’s U18 side were back in action after three weeks off this weekend against Leeds in the Premier League North.
Just like the first team, Manchester United’s U18s hadn’t played a game in almost a month, with the international break being followed by a week off.
But this won’t have been a quiet week, with Darren Fletcher’s side now facing a run-in with four trophies on the line.
United will battle Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup semi-final next week, before also facing the Eagles in the final of the Premier League Cup the following week.
United’s run in started against Leeds in the league on Saturday, and Fletcher’s side claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to Jay McEvoy and JJ Gabriel’s goals.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
Victory has moved them clear at the top of the table.
You can follow along with the game as it happened below.
- 🚨Leeds 0-2 (McEvoy, Gabriel) Manchester United
Full time
Dominant win for United, could have been much more than 2-0 in the end. Strong performance and another win.
[Link]United close again
United break through Jay McEvoy as he rides a handful of tackles and emerges between two defenders to then find Gabriel who sees his effort force a good save.
[Link]Nkoto chance saved
United are getting through Leeds every time they have the ball now, with Nkoto seeing his latest effort saved. Should have done better.
[Link]2-0 Manchester United
Gabriel sees his penalty saved, but the goalkeeper palms it into the danger zone, and he scores on his second go.
[Link]Penalty to United
Poor back pass from Leeds’ defender allows Gabriel to pounce onto the loose ball, and the goalkeeper takes United’s number 10 down. Penalty.
[Link]Brown hits the post!
Ajayi does so well to beat his defender and get a cross in, which Junior Brown meets to head against the post.
[Link]United pushing for a second
Ajayi and Brown have both had shots in the past few minutes, United starting to turn the screw.
[Link]1-0 Manchester United
Jay McEvoy opens the scoring with a brilliant strike from outside the box on his left foot into the bottom corner. Really well taken.
Assist: Helafu
[Link]JJ Gabriel misses one-on-one
Gabriel misses a one-on-one opportunity; United will be disappointed not to be leading here.
[Link]Gabriel gets a half chance
United have been too slow in possession, but when they quicken play up, the Leeds defence looks so shaky, with Gabriel the latest to get a half chance.
[Link]United come close
Best chance of the game so far as Ajayi runs the Leeds right back ragged before finding Bradbury in the box, the goalkeeper manages to keep it out.
[Link]United dominant but lacking attacking edge
United beginning to knock it around nicely, but little joy in terms of going forward.
[Link]Ajayi forces a save
Good play from the German winger, cuts inside on his right foot and forces a save, which wins a corner.
[Link]First scare for Leeds
United have a first-half chance as the Leeds goalkeeper comes flying out, misses the ball, which sees Ajayi then crowded out so he can’t take advantage.
[Link]Ibrovic-Fletcher faces his old side
One familiar name in the Leeds side is their number nine, Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, who departed United in January.
[Link]United U18 love playing Leeds
In the past two games against Leeds U18, United have scored eight and 13, respectively. Hopefully, another big scoreline today.
[Link]Harley Emsden-James set for U18 debut
Emsden-James was signed last summer but this season he has been with the U16s and U17s, but today he step up into Fletcher’s side.
[Link]
Manchester United confirmed XI
Byrne-Hughes, Helafu, Mills (C), J. Watson, Plunkett, McEvoy, Shah, Brown, JJ Gabriel, Ajayi, Bradbury
Subs: Heath, Overy, Nkoto, Thwaites, Emsden-James
[Link]United’s season will be made or broke in next three games
As of right now, United are still in the running to win a quadruple this season, but the next three games are key.
After the Leeds game, United face Palace next Friday at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup semi final before heading to Selhurst Park for the Premier League Cup final a week later.
Meanwhile, victory in the league is vital to avoid letting City run away with it.
[Link]United U18s are right in the title race
With five games to go in the league, United are joint top of the U18 table with Man City, although the Sky Blues have a game in hand.
Victory over Leeds would move United clear at the top, adding pressure onto City, who don’t play in the league this weekend.
Every game from now until the end of the season is effectively a cup final.
[Link]How to watch United U18 vs Leeds
The game is being played away from home at Thorp Arch Grange, but United fans can watch live on MUTV from 11.55 am GMT.
[Link]Manchester United U18 vs Leeds LIVE
We will bring you all the latest updates from the game LIVE as they happen.
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