Manchester United’s under-18 side are just over a fortnight away from the FA Youth Cup final, set to be played at Old Trafford on May 11.
The team have been a bright spot for the club in a dark 2021/22, and Alejandro Garnacho is not the only player to step up and train with the first team squad.
Sam Mather and Dan Gore joined Manchester United’s squad for first team training on Friday for the very first time, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick keen to see what they can do.
Both players were with United’s under-16s last year before stepping up as under-18s regulars this season, although Gore did play and score in the 2020/21 FA Youth Cup.
A look at the future
Mather and Gore are starters for United’s FA Youth Cup side and for the under-18s and at under-19s level in the UEFA Youth League, both have played their part.
They have also featured and provided goals or assists for England’s under-18s over the past season too.
Mather was seen training alongside Jadon Sancho, while another picture showed Gore with Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. A third photo showed both together in a training drill with Anthony Elanga and captain Harry Maguire.
Impact players
Gore and Mather have provided 21 assists between them this season at academy level. Mather has 12, and Gore has nine, with one coming at the weekend in a 6-0 win over Newcastle.
Mather scored in that fixture, he has nine goals himself while Gore has one.
Both players have made their debuts for the under-23s too, with Gore almost netting on his debut against Leicester a fortnight ago when he came off the bench and hit the bar.
It is a good experience for both players to have a chance to learn from first team players, as part of their development, especially ahead of the FA Youth Cup final.
It wouldn’t be a total surprise to see either make the first team bench before the end of the season.
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