Key points
Manchester United have a huge week across all age categories, with the U18s, U21s and also the first team in action over the next few days.
The coming week will test Manchester United as a club from top to bottom with injuries meaning the U21s on Tuesday night could be lacking key players who are now firmly in Ruben Amorim’s plans.
So as a result, United fielded a weak U21 side on Tuesday in the National League Cup, with no natural striker in the squad at all.
Due to this, United were pushed a side by Sutton United in a 3-0 thrashing albeit the scoreline did not reflect the game, with United missing plenty of chances.
Despite the defeat, Amir Ibragimov was very exciting and could have scored one of the goals of the season if it hadn’t been for the woodwork.
Follow below for the game reaction as it happened.
Manchester United 0-3 Sutton United
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Amir Ibragimov impressive
Despite the loss, Ibragimov once again looked at home against senior opposition. He looked quicker and stronger than his opponents despite being 16. Clearly he was also a level above his teammates and looked like the standout on the pitch.
Exciting months ahead for Ibragimov…
[Link]Full time
United are defeated 3-0 by Sutton, with the scoreline not reflecting the game. Sutton took their chances while United didn’t.
[Link]Half-time
It’s half-time and United trail 1-0 somewhat against the run of play, but Binnion will know his side must improve to progress here.
[Link]Sutton 1-0
After Ibragimov’s effort Sutton have scored in a moment of poor defending which Moorhouse will have wanted to do better.
[Link]Ibragimov nearly scores goal of the season
Ibragimov is denied by the post after a mazy run from the midfield line, toward the Sutton goal all while cutting in from the touchline. Beating a handful of defenders, Ibragimov shot from range to be agonisingly denied… he is a stupendous talent.
[Link]Sekou Kone playing on the right
Early signs are that Kone is actually playing further forward and almost as a right winger at times. Interesting usage of the midfielder.
[Link]Manchester United prioritising the FA Youth Cup
While a strong team, the line-up Travis Binnion has named does see some notable exclusions.
Chido Obi, Gabriele Biancheri, Fletcher twins, James Scanlon, Harry Amass and Shea Lacey all not involved tonight which suggests a very strong team for the U18s on Friday night.
[Link]Manchester United XI
XI: Murdock; Ogunneye, Fredricson (C), Kukonki, Murray; McAllister, Kone, Rowe; Thwaites, Moorhouse, Ibragimov.
On the bench: Myles, Plunkett, Mills, Lusale.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Manchester United’s game against Sutton kicks off at 7 pm GMT and will be live on MUTV.
[Link]Welcome to Sutton United vs Manchester United U21 live
United in Focus’ live coverage will provide all the latest from the National League Cup quarter-final.
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