Key points
The November international break has arrived but there is still plenty of football to watch around Manchester United.
As Ruben Amorim wraps up his first full day in charge of Manchester United, Travis Binnion and the U21s were in EFL Trophy action against Huddersfield.
United were unbeaten in the tournament, having beaten Barnsley and drawn with Doncaster – winning on penalties.
Prior to Tuesday’s final game of the group stage against Huddersfield, a draw was enough to secure progression to the knockout stages – but the loss means United are out.
The United squad will be weakened due to internationals – but this could provide an excellent opportunity for multiple players to impress. You can follow along live here throughout the night.
Huddersfield (Wiles, Healey, Kasumu, Lees) 4-1 (Musa) Man Utd U21
2-1 Huddersfield
Healey restores the home team’s advantage. As things stand, United will crash out.
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Half-time
It’s all square at half-time, but the biggest talking point from the half will surely be Sekou Kone’s withdrawal through possible injury after a nasty tackle. Hopefully, just a precaution as it was just a contact injury and he walked off the pitch.
[Link]1-1 Manchester United score
Victor Musa equals things up with a brilliant back-heel flicked finish after Ethan Ennis’ great play down the right.
[Link]1-0 Huddersfield
The home side is ahead with an amazing goal from range by Wiles which left Mee hopeless in goal as it nestled in the top corner.
[Link]Jayce Fitzgerald with an excellent pass
Not much to shout about 13 minutes in, but one real touch of class was Jayce Fitzgerald’s volleyed outside-of-the-foot pass which almost resulted in a chance. Slow going so far… the game needs a spark.
[Link]Early Sekou Kone touches
Sekou Kone is getting plenty of time on the ball in the opening stages and looks impressive each time with his progressive dribbling and passing.
[Link]Amorim meets the squad at Carrington
Not related to tonight’s game, but United have now released images of Ruben Amorim meeting the players left at Carrington such as Leny Yoro.
A first chance to watch Sekou Kone
While missing some of the big attacking names, United fans will get a chance to watch Sekou Kone for the very first time. It will be very exciting to see how he plays against League One opposition – it could give us a real marker of where he is at.
[Link]How Man United line-up
Mee; Malacia, Kingdon, Fredricson, Ogunneye; Kone, Fitzgerald, Rowe; Williams, Musa, Ennis
Subs: Graczyk, Amass, Mather, Jackson, Moorhouse, McAllister, Missin
Manchester United academy players on international duty
Tonight United may be without several academy players who are joining up with their international sides – although it is not clear if they will be absent or not.
Zach Baumann, Ethan Wheatley, Jack Fletcher, Bendito Mantato, Tyler Fletcher, Gabriele Biancheri, Chido Obi-Martin, Samuel Lusale and Jacob Devaney.
[Link]Tyrell Malacia is involved
Manchester United’s rarely seen Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia is in a match squad for the first time since the 2022/23 season.
Malacia is part of the squad as he steps up his recovery after a nightmare spell out with knee problems.
Manchester United U21 can qualify for the knockouts
After beating Barnsley 3-2 and drawing 3-3 with Doncaster (winning on penalties), United only need a draw to progress tonight, while a win would see Travis Binnion’s side top the group.
[Link]Welcome to United in Focus’ live coverage of Manchester United U21 vs Huddersfield
Follow along for all the latest build-up and game coverage.
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