Manchester United’s academy players have had almost a month off. The players were all due to have a fortnight’s break over the festive period, and the fixtures in 2021 were curtailed by Covid.
Both the under-18s and under-23s saw fixtures cancelled in mid-December, and there is some good news on the horizon as the players prepare to return and get 2022 off to a good start over the week ahead.
Here is a breakdown of what you need to know about United’s upcoming academy fixtures…
Under-23s
The timing of the next under-23 game could not be worse. United do not actually have a game this coming weekend, instead having one on Monday night.
Yes, the same Monday night the first team are in FA Cup action against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
The under-23s face Tottenham at 7pm, looking to avenge a 1-0 defeat earlier in the campaign courtesy of an injury-time goal.
Fixtures follow against Manchester City on Saturday January 15 at 7.30pm, an unusual time, followed by Brighton away on Friday January 21 at 7pm.
This is a tough stretch, with United facing teams sitting in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th in the table. United currently rank 7th and will be without defender Teden Mengi, who has now been loaned to Birmingham.
Under-18s
The under-18s are the first of the academy sides to return to action, with a game this weekend on Saturday January 8 at 11am against Blackburn Rovers. This will be a tough match with Rovers top of the table.
The next under-18s league game comes on Saturday January 22 at 11am against Everton, who are one place below 7th placed United in the division.
FA Youth Cup
United’s under-18s will all be looking forward to the FA Youth Cup match against Reading next week, Thursday January 13 at 7pm.
The team were spectacular in beating Scunthorpe at Old Trafford in the last round and they will be motivated to get through and try to land a home draw.
There is one more cup game for the under-18s to look forward to as well, which comes just days after the Youth Cup and may suit those who don’t start.
On Saturday January 15, United’s under-18s are in action in the Premier League Cup away against West Brom at 11.30am.
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