Young Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt played his first senior game last night.
It was not for the Red Devils, but for loan club Charlton Athletic. And things did not go according to plan for the League one side.
A 3-0 defeat against West Ham in the EFL Cup means Levitt has already experienced top-flight opposition. Now he will be hoping to build on his first start with a weekend outing.
Levitt will spend the season in the third tier as he looks to prove his worth from afar.
The teenager is regarded as one of the best passers at United. He also models his game on a certain Paul Scholes. Now it is time to see if he can justify the hype.
Speaking to London News Online after the match, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer talked about the United loanee.
Patience is key
“Young Dylan, he started a little bit nervy,” Bowyer said. “But you could see what he’s going to bring us. It’s going to take him a little bit to settle in.”
That is not surprising given Levitt’s age and his experience thus far. The United youngster has 38 appearances for their U18s and 23 outings for the U23s.
In that time he has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists. but it is further back where he could have the most impact this season.
As Levitt showed for Wales, he can be a tidy ball-playing number six. He could allow the players ahead of him to shine with his brilliant range of passing. But, for now, it is about settling in his new surroundings.
On the night, the United loanee had an 85% pass completion rate and 58 touches of the ball. With three tackles and two interceptions, he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in.
No other player on the night managed more tackles than the United prospect.
Here is how some fans reacted to the United man’s first appearance out on loan:
Josh Cullen easily man of the match last night. Charlton were the better side for about 40 minutes. Impressed with Levitt's passing, Williams looked good too. Lacking in the final third but we won't be facing that sort of quality in the league. Positive display I reckon #CAFC
— Jamie (@JamieBoxallYT) September 16, 2020
Levitt was superb. Great touch, vision and passing. Baker didn’t look out of place against Premiership quality either. Williams and Doughty linked well. Both big players for us this season
— Bray Ash (@brayash24) September 15, 2020
Doughty and Barker showed some class once again, Levitt improved in the second half and Aneke caused a few problems after coming on. Competed for parts of the game against many premier league level players. No complaints from me tbh
— Football Fan (@Charlton_Fan) September 15, 2020
Here’s what I do really like about Levitt so far. He’s making himself available to his defence any time Charlton win the ball back. An outlet that’s been needed.
— Benjy Nurick (@BenjyNurick) September 15, 2020
Also really like that he immediately wants to look forward and play to runners in between the lines.#whufc 2-0 #cafc https://t.co/P1sXRwaH3I
First thirty minutes we were outclassed, but it was all Charlton for the last 15. To be honest, it’s a great work out for the lads. Levitt for example looked nervous, but really grew into the game. Need a stronger striker though.
— Jimmy Seed (@JamesMSeed) September 15, 2020
I’m reserving judgement on Dylan Levitt. Hasn’t been great tonight but this is his first professional club game as I understand… I will give him a few more games before deciding. #cafc
— Ben (@hxntcafc) September 15, 2020