Ethan Galbraith’s impressive array of passing was on show once again for Manchester United’s under-23 side on Monday night.
The Northern Ireland international provided the assist for Charlie McCann to score United’s goal in a 3-1 defeat, with the equaliser coming just before half-time.
McCann still had plenty to do when he received the ball, twisting, turning, before scoring from 20 yards out.
What was key was the position he collected the ball in. Galbraith found him in a pocket of space and played a clever forward pass, taking two Everton midfielders out of the game.
Galbraith was unlucky not to already be on the scoresheet himself. Earlier in the half he went on a run of his own through the midfield, curling the ball past the keeper towards the bottom corner from outside the box, only for the ball to slide narrowly wide.
United started the second half as the better team before getting hit on the break and ultimately falling to a 3-1 defeat.
Galbraith the standout player
With United’s side lacking the likes of Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri, plus Amad Diallo and countless players out on loan, just being able to compete strongly at this level last night was a plus.
Galbraith helped United run the game for the best part of 70 minutes and he was most unlucky to end up on the losing side.
In the last game against Arsenal it was Galbraith’s defence splitting long ball which saw Hannibal Mejbri win a penalty and an Arsenal player sent off.
It was great timing for Galbraith to put in a showing like this, with United short on first team midfielders due to injury, and with a Europa League second leg game upcoming with the team 4-0 up. Don’t be surprised if he is in the squad on Thursday night.
Reaction
Here is a look at how fans reacted to Galbraith’s performance…
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- Edinson Cavani’s fitness problems are becoming a little concerning
- Charlie McNeill continues to make a name for himself with another winning goal
- Former United talent Largie Ramazani scores goal from his own half
- Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani react to Manchester United win
- Dean Henderson has now kept five clean sheets in a row
- Fernandes sends message to Dalot after first league goal for Milan
- Mike Phelan reacts to United’s derby win
- United loanee Tahith Chong provides assist in Club Brugge win
- Harry Maguire raves about Luke Shaw’s performance