Key points
Manchester United’s U18s are back in action this weekend for the second U18 Premier League clash of the season.
Darren Fletcher led Manchester United to victory during his first league game in charge of the U18s last weekend, beating Everton 1-0 thanks to an Amir Ibragimov penalty.
The scoreline could and should have been more substantial, with JJ Gabriel in particular being a threat down the left side.
Well this week, United got the goals they deserved and so did Gabriel, with the 14-year-old scoring twice in the game.
Bendito Mantato got a goal and two assists, while Amir Ibragimov scored a brilliant goal from range.
Kai Rooney rounded out the scoring with his first after being promoted to the U18s.
United in Focus will have all the latest updates from the game as they happen.
Manchester United (Mantato, Gabriel x2, Ibragimov, Rooney) 5-0 Middlesbrough
Full time
Dominant win for United with an Adam Lawrence-esque scoreline with JJ Gabriel the standout performer.
[Link]5-0 Manchester United
Kai Rooney scores his first U18 goal thanks to a big deflection.
Assist: Mantato
[Link]4-0 Manchester United
Gabriel with his second of the game, excellent goal as he fires with power into the top corner from inside the box on his left foot. Great performance up front.
Credit to Jim Thwaites for a top class pass and Mantato for the assist.
Assist: Mantato
[Link]3-0 Manchester United
Amir Ibragimov from range! What a goal as he curled it into the far upper corner unchallenged, making it look very easy for his second of the season.
Assist: Lusale
[Link]Kukonki proving to be key in a high press
United’s press has kept Boro in their own box and Kukonki is a huge part of this winning three tackles on the edge of their area in just a few minutes to keep the attack alive.
[Link]United pushing for a third
Pressure firmly on Boro’s defence now, as Thwaites plays an excellent trivela pass out to Lusale. What a player he is.
[Link]United close again
Almost three as Mantato forces a big save from the Boro keeper. United want another before half-time.
[Link]Amir Ibragimov off the line
Byrne-Hughes was beaten but Ibragimov gets back sliding to clear the ball of the line. Very mature midfield performance by Ibragimov here.
[Link]2-0 Manchester United
JJ Gabriel makes it 2-0, converting after Samuel Lusale’s shot was blocked. A real striker’s goal from the 14-year-old.
[Link]1-0 Manchester United
Bendito Mantato scores a brilliant solo goal after cutting inside on his left foot, finding the near corner.
Assist: Overy
[Link]United come close
First big chance of the game falls to JJ Gabriel but his shot drags just wide. Good play from United in build-up.
[Link]JJ Gabriel starting as false nine
Interestingly, Fletcher hasn’t gone with a recognised number nine, but we have to assume it will be Gabriel through the middle, potentially interchanging with Mantato who is back at an U18 level.
[Link]Manchester United XI
Byrne Hughes (GK), Overy, McCormack, Mills, Kukonki, Thwaites, Ibragimov, Bailey, Mantato, Lusale, Gabriel.
Subs: Watson, Heath (GK), Shah, Brown, Rooney.
[Link]Ruben Amorim will be watching JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel is likely to play for the U18s today, with Ruben Amorim no doubt watching after reports this week that he has been keeping an eye on the 14-year-old’s performances.
[Link]
How to watch Manchester United U18s
The game is being broadcasted live on MUTV for those with a paid subscription. But we will be sharing live updates as and when they happen throughout the game.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Manchester United’s U18s will kick off against Middlebrough at 12pm GMT on Saturday 23rd of August.
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