Manchester United’s under-23 team played their first match since March this week.
It was a friendly game against Salford City, in which there were plenty of substitutions as United looked to give as many players as much game time as possible.
United did lose the game against the League Two side 2-1, but what was important was simply getting back out on the pitch for the young players for the first time in months.
18-year-old midfielder Mark Helm scored United’s goal direct from a free-kick.
It was an impressive strike which you can see below, with Helm posting a video of the goal onto his Instagram page.
Helm was a regular for United’s under-18s in the FA Youth Cup run last season. He also played four times for the under-23s.
For the under-18s he scored three goals and provided four assists, which included a free-kick against Leicester. Clearly set pieces are a speciality for the young central midfield.
This season could be a breakthrough year for him in terms of establishing himself as an under-23s regular and this was a great way for him to start.
This match was the first of seven under-23s friendly matches United will play between now and September 5.
The next one is against Swindon Town on Tuesday (18th), where midfielder Charlie Wellens will face the team managed by his dad Richie.
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