After Wednesday’s heroics, Manchester United were presented a far more difficult game on Saturday against Newcastle.
After a poor few weeks, Wednesday saw Manchester United in red-hot form during the FA Youth Cup fifth round. Following a loss to Man City and also West Ham and then a disappointing draw against Liverpool this result was much needed.
Adam Lawrence watched on as United thrashed Chelsea 5-1, a scoreline which flattered the Blues with the home side by far the superior side and saw a handful of chances go amiss.
Chido Obi was the star of the show in United’s big win, while there was also a standout display from James Scanlon who wowed his teammates.
Neither of the goalscorers from the Chelsea game were involved on Saturday, as they are in contention for the first team on Sunday. This did however see Amir Ibragimov return to the starting line-up along with Gabriele Biancheri who continued his comeback. Shea Lacey showed incredible talent upon his introduction as well with a dominant cameo.
But the Newcastle goalkeeper was the man of the match as he kept the scoreline at 0-0.
Read below for all the updates from the match as they happened.
Manchester United 0-0 Newcastle
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Full time
Manchester United held to a frustrating 0-0 draw – the first time this has happened in two years. Shea Lacey was the standout performer off the bench as he toyed with the Newcastle defence, reinforcing the belief he is ready for a step up. Ultimately, it was Newcastle’s goalkeeper who will take the man of the match award for his brilliant display, denying Gabriele Biancheri and Amir Ibragimov more than once.
[Link]United knocking on the door
Lacey slips Biancheri through before the Welshman beats one defender but there were three more around him and the move broke down.
[Link]Ibragimov close!
Brilliant football from United with Thwaites playing it to Lacey who lifts a cross onto Ibragimov’s head but the Newcastle goalkeeper makes a brilliant point-blank save.
[Link]Lacey causing mayhem
Within a minute of his introduction, Lacey shows his class and forces another save. Also has another shot held, the dangerman for the rest of the match!
[Link]Ibragimov close
Ibragimov with some brilliant solo play dribbles through the midfield before forcing a good save from outside the box.
[Link]The game is there for the taking
It’s half-time and United will feel they should be leading, with dominance in every aspect bar the scoreline. If United can just get one goal, it feels as though there could be a couple. Would be very surprised if the scoreline stays like this.Se
[Link]Newcastle miss chance to take lead
Newcastle with the best chance of the game against the run of play, with the No.11 missing a one-on-one.
[Link]Goal for United ruled out
Biancheri has the ball in the back of the net but it’s ruled out for offside.
[Link]Halt in play
Brief stoppage in play as Biancheri goes down holding his far following a collision. He’s back up now and will continue.
[Link]Manchester United XI
Byrne-Hughes; Kamason, Mills, Kukonki, Plunkett; T. Fletcher, Bailey; Musa, Thwaites, Ibragimov; Biancheri
Bench : Heath, Armer, Overy, Lusale, Lacey
[Link]How to watch
Manchester United will kick-off against Newcastle at 12.30 pm, live on MUTV for those with a subscription.
[Link]Manchester United U18 vs Newcastle LIVE
Welcome to United in Focus’ live coverage of Manchester United against Newcastle.
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