Manchester United under-21s, under-18s and FA Youth Cup fixtures: Academy football returns

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Manchester United’s academy sides return to action this week after the Christmas and New Year break.

The under-18s played their last game on December 20, beating Sunderland 1-0 with a goal from Dan Gore.

Meanwhile the under-21s‘ last match was December 19, a 2-0 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Premier League International Cup.

It hasn’t all been rest for the youngsters, however, with Erik ten Hag including the likes of Rhys Bennett, Zidane Iqbal, Shola Shoretire and Kobbie Mainoo in first team training sessions and even matchday squads over the last fortnight.

This quartet could continue with the first team amid FA Cup and Carabao Cup games, allowing others the chance to step up with academy football returning – or it could be judged that they need minutes and should drop back down to the under-21s.

It will be manager Erik ten Hag making the decision, now he has taken oversight of the under-21s, directing who will start, and how many minutes players will play, even if he won’t be in the dugout.

Manchester United under-21 fixtures

Ten Hag won’t be in the dugout for 21s games, and it would be impossible for him to be for their next game, as it takes place at the same time as the first team’s FA Cup tie with Everton on Friday night.

Below are all five under-21 games for January. Friday’s game with Fulham will not be on MUTV due to the FA Cup.

• Fulham v Manchester United, January 6, 7pm
• Manchester United v Liverpool, January 14, 5pm
• Manchester United v West Ham, January 20, 7pm
• Manchester United v Feyenoord, January 24, 7pm
• Manchester United v Blackburn, January 27, 7pm

Leading goals and assist providers at under-21 level this season can be listed here.

FA Youth Cup

Manchester United’s defence of the FA Youth Cup continues with a fixture against Stoke City next week. United beat Crystal Palace 3-1 in the last round in December, to kick off this season’s campaign.

The fourth round game against Stoke next week will be shown on MUTV.

• Stoke City v Manchester United, January 11, 7pm

Under-18s fixtures

The under-18s first league game of 2023 will come after the FA Youth Cup tie, with three matches to be played in January.

• Blackburn v Manchester United, January 14, 11am
• Manchester United v Liverpool, January 21, 11am
• Wolves v Manchester United, January 28, 11am

Leading goals and assist providers at under-18 level this season can be listed here.