Louis Jackson took to Instagram to proclaim that ‘Manchester is RED’ after United’s Under 18 side defeated local rivals Man City in Premier League North on Saturday.
Protecting a 100 per cent record – and extending their winning run to 12 games – the team from the red side of Manchester went one big step towards breaking a spell of blue-clad domination this weekend. Man City have claimed each of the last four Under 18 Premier League titles but a five-peat appears increasingly unlikely now after the unbeaten Red Devils widened the gap between the two sides to a staggering 14 points at the top of the table.
Louis Jackson was the unlikely hero, the Scottish centre-back scoring the winner at one end while keeping City’s attack quiet at the other.
United beat City in Manchester derby
“Manchester is RED,” Jackson wrote on Instagram after netting only his second goal in 19 games this season.
“Hard fought win in the derby. Goal and a clean sheet.”
Oldham-born Jackson – who represents Scotland at youth level – has been one of the most consistent performances in a team of stand-outs this season. He even captained Adam Lawrence’s side to victories over Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
There is a reason why United in Focus picked the 18-year-old as one of the club’s most exciting academy talents to keep an eye on heading into 2024.
Jackson was even spotted training with Erik ten Hag’s senior side ahead of the 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace earlier in the season, a game in which fellow teenager Dan Gore made his debut. Jackson has also been full of praise for Darren Fletcher’s role behind the scenes, his fellow Scot now part of Ten Hag’s coaching staff.
Premier League U18 title edging closer
“He’s always asking me if there’s anything I need or any help he can give me. He had an amazing career with Manchester United and with Scotland,” Jackson tells MUTV.
“Any advice he can give me is a big help. He’s a man I look up to and he’s a great role model for the younger players like me.”
Clearly, Jackson is taking that advice on board.
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