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Academy Update
United Under 18's defeated a strong physical Stoke City team 3-0 at the Brittania Stadium last night. Stoke had requested that the game be brought forward to Friday night and played at Stoke City's ground in order to give their squad some experience in preparation for the FA Youth Cup.
The teams were fairly well matched in the opening period with both teams going close on a number of occasions. However, to be truthful, Ben Amos in the United goal had much less to do than his Stoke counterpart. Although Stoke played a more pysical game, it appears that our youngsters have adjusted well and know how to counteract this strategy. On 42 minutes, Danny Drinkwater, who had a very good game overall, broke down the left wing and made a great pass across the box for Magnus Eikrem to smash the ball home on the half volley to register his first goal for the club.
In the second period, United were well on top and had numerous chances to add to their total. This they did in the 59th minute, when a clever free-kick from Eikrem allowed Sam Hewson to score from six yards. By now United were dominating the game. Antonio Bryan returned from injury to replace Christy Fagan and Matthew James replaced Danny Drinkwater. On 81 minutes Febian Brandy made in 3-0 with a shot from the edge of the box which just eluded the keeper after he got a touch. Kenny Strickland then came on to make his debut at this level, replacing Magnus Eikrem who had a fine game. His passing and vision were excellent. In the last ten minutes United had two or three more chances including an incredible bit of skill from Sam Hewson which deserved a goal.
Final Score: Stoke City 0 Manchester United 3
Team: Amos, Derbyshire, Eckersley, Chester, Cathcart, Drinkwater, Eikrem, Hewson, Brandy, Fagan, Welbeck
Subs: Bryan (10), James (6), Strickland (7)
Scorers: Eikrem, Hewson, Brandy
Amos...............never troubled 7
Derbyshire........excellent defending and got forward to support attack 8
Eckersley..........still finding his feet after injury and got caught at times 6
Chester............just Jimmy....SOLID! 7
Cathcart...........usual assured self 7
Drinkwater........busy in midfield 7
Eikrem.............great vision and passing...scored one and made another 8
Hewson...........back to his best...bossed the show - MOM 9
Brandy............great feet and touch....in and out of game 7
Fagan.............held on to ball too long....first touch poor 6
Welbeck..........an off day...didn't really get into game 6
Finally a bit of injury news............
Tom Cleverley starts training on Monday after his cartilage operation
Ron-Robert Zieler has been out with a groin injury and is still two weeks away
Corry Evans will start training in two weeks
Danny Galbraith injured a bone in his ankle...he is walking normally and will return in two weeks
Conor McCormack took a knock on his foot but is training again
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