Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United will have a big impact for years to come.
Ronaldo’s will inspire United’s young players in the academy, who will be both desperate to meet him and even keener to get the chance to play and train alongside him.
One of these is young midfielder Sam Mather, who helped Manchester United’s under-18s to a first victory of the season on Saturday.
United beat Leeds 3-0, with Mather, Daniel Gore, and Kobbie Mainoo on the scoresheet.
Inspired by Ronaldo
Mather scored United’s second goal after latching onto a pass from Manni Norkett and clipping his shot over the goalkeeper.
After he scored he ran behind the goal and then turned and celebrated with his arms out wide and chest puffed, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is not the first time young players have shown their adulation for first team stars.
Last season striker Charlie McNeill scored against Leeds and reacted with Edinson Cavani’s iconic archer celebration.
Big week for United’s young players
After a heavy defeat to Liverpool last weekend, this was the perfect way for Manchester United’s young under-18s side to respond.
Daniel Gore got United underway with a well taken goal on his first start of the season after a Marc Jurado assist.
Both Gore and Sam Mather were this week called into the England under-18s squad for the first time and their goalscoring performance against Leeds demonstrated why.
The match also saw a debut for new under-18s signed Ethan Ennis, a summer arrival from Liverpool.
Ennis looked bright and nearly scored in the first minute after he ran through the midfield and shot narrowly over the bar.
In midfield, Finley McAllister was one of the standout players, with a crunching tackle setting United up for a counter attack to score the first goal.
Kobbie Mainoo’s injury time strike was his first for United’s under-18s after making his debut for the side last year. The young winger will hope to kick on and go from strength to strength.
United’s next under-18s fixure is on September 11 at home to Middlesbrough.
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