In 2020 Manchester United raided La Liga to sign three academy players from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

While Alvaro Fernandez netted on his under-18s debut last season and Alejandro Garnacho not soon after his, ex-Barcelona talent Marc Jurado has had to wait a little while.

Jurado, 17, scored his first ever Manchester United academy goal at the weekend.

Manchester United v Stoke City - U18 Premier League
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images

The teenager scored the equalising opener as the under-18s made it three wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over Stoke City.

Jurado rose highest to connect with a powerful header from a Sam Mather corner.

Jurado is now expected to be involved in the UEFA Youth League tie against Villarreal in midweek, having started the 1-0 victory over Young Boys a fortnight ago.

While teammate Fernandez has stepped up to the under-23s, Jurado is a year younger and United are not rushing him. Instead he has been given the responsibility of captaining the under-18s and after a tough start to the campaign, he appears to be relishing it.

Notable day for Manchester United’s under-18s

Defender Willy Kambwala made his first start in 11 months after making his comeback as a substitute a week earlier.

Sonny Aljofree also made his first start for United’s under-18s in defence.

This was a second league win of the season for the under-18s and in the last two games in all competitions the side has scored four goals.

Manni Norkett (2) and Alejandro Garnacho followed up Jurado’s opening goal.

Related Topics

Have something to tell us about this article?
Let us know
Close