Key points
Saturday morning saw Manchester United U18 take on Manchester City in a derby battle at the top of the league table.
Despite City being dominant all season, this wasn’t the case as Manchester United dominated at the City Football Academy, thrashing the hosts 3-1 in the end.
It could have been more, but goals through JJ Gabriel, Chido Obi and Jim Thwaites meant a late Tyrone Samba stunner was merely consolation.
It is a win that builds momentum ahead of the FA Youth Cup next week and ignites perhaps a chance of the league title race being reopened.
Manchester City 1-3 (Gabriel, Obi, Thwaites) Manchester United
3-1 Manchester United
Thwaites is back from injury and he’s back scoring free-kicks. This one was special as it curled away from goal, right to left and into the top corner.
[Link]2-1 City
City pull one back against the run of play. Unsavable strike from outside the box, excellent.
[Link]2-0 Manchester United
Obi rounds out an impressive performance with the goal he deserves. Strong finish.
Assist: Kukonki
[Link]1-0 Manchester United
More brilliant football as JJ Gabriel scores the opening goal! Chido Obi’s pressing wins the chance and then Gabriel coolly rounds the keeper with help of Obi’s decoy run.
Assist: Obi
[Link]Half-time
Really promising half of football from United. Need to keep this up in the second half.
[Link]Obi hits the post again!
After a free-kick was won by Brown, Obi stepped up to take the set-piece, and the goalkeeper palmed it onto the post. So close.
[Link]Obi hits the post!
Ajayi does brilliantly to carry the ball half the pitch through defenders and tackles before laying it off to Obi, who picks out the far corner, but he was too precise as it hits the inside of the post and rolls back across the goal-line.
[Link]Brilliant save from Byrne-Hughes!
Looked like a sure goal but at full strength he gets a fingertip to the ball and puts it wide.
[Link]Obi shows excellent feet
Evades four tackles with quick feet before being tripped. Wins a dangerously positioned free-kick.
[Link]United come close!
Great play by United down the left with Ajayi, Kukonki and Gabriel combining to slip Obi in but from the edge of the area with his back to goal, the shot is saved comfortably.
[Link]Chido Obi working hard
Chido Obi is doing so well with his pressing, forcing City into errors and not letting them build from the back. Encouraging to see.
[Link]United dominating possession
Five minutes in and City have barely had the ball as United play a patient passing game. Two minutes of straight possession lead to Godwill Kukonki driving through the lines, setting JJ Gabriel up, but his shot is saved. Well played by United.
[Link]Kick off is delayed
No sign of the players yet at the City Academy ground but kick off is expected to be imminent.
[Link]United going all in for derby glory
It speaks volumes the strength United have shown in this one, clearly desperate to win the derby.
City are too, dropping players down from their U21 side.
Chido Obi is the big surprise.
[Link]Confirmed Manchester United XI
Byrne-Hughes, Helafu, Mills, Armer, Kukonki, McCormack, McEvoy, Brown, Gabriel, Obi, Ajayi.
[Link]Bradbury on fire
Louie Bradbury has been red hot this season, and in his last five games across U18 and U21 he has scored six goals.
If this continues, it could be a matter of time before he’s getting first-team opportunities.
[Link]
JJ Gabriel avoids suspension
Last time out, the U18s beat West Brom 4-3 in the Premier League Cup quarter-final and JJ Gabriel was sent off.
However, it was an incredibly soft decision and after an appeal from United, the decision was overturned and Gabriel’s suspension was withdrawn.
This makes him eligible today and for Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup fifth round vs Oxford United.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at 11am GMT, with MUTV’s coverage starting at 10.55am on Saturday morning.
[Link]How can I watch United vs City U18s?
The match is being played at the City Academy ground, but United fans are able to watch the game live on MUTV. You will need a subscription, but if not, we will have all the latest right here.
[Link]Manchester United U18s vs Man City LIVE
Welcome to United in Focus’ live coverage of the youth derby clash.
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