Youth Reports

LenSharkey · 22nd August 2003, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjaya

thanks LenSharkey.

from the rednews:he doesn't like to tackle?

shouldnt be anything we cant fix. every player at united has to tackle, even if theyre shit at it (yes you scholesy )

golden_blunder · 23rd August 2003, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Thomson

From TeamTalk:

I can imagine that he's not the only one feeling like that. Our reserves don't get much chance during the season and they know the standard is so high most of them don't stand a chance. I just hope the likes of Fletcher and Richardson do get given the odd premiership chance this season.

If it means those not good enough are released, and the reserve team quality gets better then so be it. Some of our reserve lads are no better than average from what ive watched. Pugh & Lynch to name two. Not impressed by Danny Byrne either. Bardsley, Timm & Johnson have a chance though if they are patient. If you're good enough you'll get your chance. Fletcher will get his sooner or later. Richardson im not convinced with.
Ronaldo or Richardson, both the same age...i know which id rather bring off the bench

Gabe · 25th August 2003, 01:18

The US U17 team went out to Brazil in the quarter final of the youth world cup 3-0.
No fault on United defender Jonathan Spector who played superbly, it looks like United have a couple of very good CB's coming through, in Spector and McShane(irish lad who people seem to rate highly).
Spector has just turned 17, he's very strong and quick- 6'1" and 12 1/2 stone, good tackler and comfortable on the ball.

pjaya · 26th August 2003, 13:36

from rednews

Tuesday, August 26, 2003

A double from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake set United's Under-19 side on their way to a 4-0 win away at Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

The young Reds striker found the net in the 20th and 25th minutes, with David Jones putting United 3-0 up before Ramon Calliste completed the rout with eight minutes left to play.

The Under-17s also beat the Gunners, with Phil Marsh netting in the first half and substitute Aaron Burns scoring twice to complete a 3-2 win.
manutd.com

thewelshconjurer · 28th August 2003, 14:31

so I say why do we need Rio, Ronaldo and Ruud. Sell'em all

pjaya · 28th August 2003, 16:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by thewelshconjurer

so I say why do we need Rio, Ronaldo and Ruud. Sell'em all

pjaya · 2nd September 2003, 14:34

since no one is keeping these updates

hope the news from Red News will be sufficient.

Manchester Cup win
Tuesday, September 2, 2003

Utd beat Oldham at Boundary Park 4-3 last night. Nardiello 3, Pugh were our scorers.

Cracking game.

Williams
Lynch
Pugh (capt)
Bardsley
Tierney
Jones
Byrne
Wood
Nardiello
Timm
Eckersley

subs Johnson for Jones, Poole for Byrne
subs not used Jowsey, Tate, Sims

fortyseven · 2nd September 2003, 23:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjaya

Jones
Byrne
Wood

Wood, Byrne and Jones, eh? You could almost believe there's another set of Busby Babes on the way.

Mozza · 5th September 2003, 10:43

Form the BBC the reserves drew yesterday.

Fortune on comeback trail

Quinton Fortune has put himself in line for a Manchester United recall by completing the full 90 minutes in Thursday's reserve team draw with Sunderland.
Fortune has managed one substitutes' appearance since aggravating a thigh injury during the opening-day win over Bolton.

The South African, who was operating in central midfield, came through the 2-2 draw without a problem and is pushing for a place in United's side to tackle Charlton on 13 September.

Daniel Nardiello and Mark Lynch scored United's goals as they twice came from behind.

Another goal for Nardiello, has he any chance of a breakthrough into the first team? Physically how is he, is he a big lad like Ruud or an Owen type?

The Wizard · 5th September 2003, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozza

Another goal for Nardiello, has he any chance of a breakthrough into the first team? Physically how is he, is he a big lad like Ruud or an Owen type?

He's a half chance, but how do you get past RvN? When Forlan plays in the reserves he scores for fun, so you can see the difference in the step up to the first team.

Nardiello has a lot going for him, he's fast enough (not super fast mind) has a good brain, and a decent shot on him, and his movement and awareness are excellent. He's also about average height and weight, nothing special.

However, he misses chances, and I don't think he's ready for the United first team, because he does not offer anything extra that is not already there in the first team pool. I'd love to see him introduced from the bench to give him a tast of the action.

I'd say he's be in line if there was some kind of striking injury crisis (god forbid!)

DJH · 7th September 2003, 11:55

Starlets sign new deals
Sunday, September 7, 2003

From the People:

CHAMPIONS Manchester United have agreed new deals with three of their rising stars, writes NEIL ASHTON. Midfielders Chris Eagles and Darren Fletcher and rookie striker Eddie Jonstone have extended their contracts. A fourth prospect, Danish kid Mads Timm, is in talks and is expected to sign on, despite a growing frustration at the lack of breakthrough chances.

--Good News, these four along with Richardson are probably our top prospects. Hopefully Timm signs and is given a few chances this season. Anyone know the state of Richardson's contract?

Plechazunga · 8th September 2003, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by mozza

Another goal for Nardiello, has he any chance of a breakthrough into the first team? Physically how is he, is he a big lad like Ruud or an Owen type?

He's looked class in the last couple of games, though he did miss a penalty.

Nico · 10th September 2003, 22:28

Now he did score a penalty against Leeds as the reserves draw 2-2.
Fortune and Nardiello on target!
That's 5 goals now in three games for Danny , hope he can continue that and then get a chance in the first team.
We'll see

12th September 2003, 05:18

Does anyone knows where is Alex Notman now? he is such a good player but SAF seems like not produce much youngster now...

spinoza · 12th September 2003, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfkow

Does anyone knows where is Alex Notman now? he is such a good player but SAF seems like not produce much youngster now...

Either Notts County or Norwich City.

thewelshconjurer · 12th September 2003, 17:40

Norwich

MelvinYeo · 13th September 2003, 08:04

Anyone know Kyle Moran,apperently signed from Shelbourne?

VanNistelrater · 13th September 2003, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by mfkow

Does anyone knows where is Alex Notman now? he is such a good player but SAF seems like not produce much youngster now...

Released a few years ago didnt he. Bit injury prone. Isnt he at Stockport now?

MPTutd · 15th September 2003, 09:14

Weekend Results:

U19's got stuffed by Middlesborough 3-1. Adam Eckersley got our goal. And we had a strong team out. Saw some highlights and we were terrible!.

U17's drew 3-3 with Sheff Utd. Frazer Campbell got 2 and Aaron Burns got the other.

golden_blunder · 18th September 2003, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by VanNistlerater

Released a few years ago didnt he. Bit injury prone. Isnt he at Stockport now?

isnt he playing north of the border now, Aberdeen or somewhere like that?

Mozza · 18th September 2003, 23:13

Reserves lost 3-2, after leading 2-0 at half time, should get some reports tommorow.

Nico · 19th September 2003, 09:36

Fletcher and Timm scored

Mozza · 19th September 2003, 11:27

United's Reserves threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Middlesbrough at Moss Lane on Thursday night.

A superb David Bellion cross was converted by young Dane Mads Timm to give the Reds a 31st minute lead, with Darren Fletcher netting to double the advantage just before the break.

Ninety seconds into the second half, though, Phil Gulliver hit a great low volley to get Steve McClaren's club back into the match, and incredible long-range efforts from Brian Close in the 81st minute and Craig Dove three minutes from time sealed a comeback win for the visitors.

United: Carroll; Pugh, Tate, Lynch, Tierney; Richardson, Jones, Fletcher, Bellion; Timm, Nardiello.

Thats a very young looking reserve team, nice to see Fletcher score, so to Timm.

reelworld · 19th September 2003, 17:32

How did Bellion play?
I heard that he played quite well in that match

DJH · 19th September 2003, 23:24

From Rednews:

Reserves report
Friday, September 19, 2003

By RN Reader WC

Team

Carroll; Lynch, Tate, Tierney (capt), Pugh; Fletcher, Jones, Richardson, Bellion; Timm, Nardiello

Subs: Eagles for Fletcher, M. Williams and Byrne for Bellion and Richardson.
Subs not used: B. Williams, Bardsley.

Another heartbreaker for the Reds. 2-0 up and cruising at halftime only to lose 3-2. Middlesbrough feature a couple of erstwhile first teamers Carlo Nash in goal, Stockdale and Riggott at the back and Carlos Marinelli.

Boro started at 1000 mile per hour, they chased and closed United down all over the pitch. Was pretty even with neither team getting into a real rhythm. Fletcher and Bellion looked the best of our boys early on and combined excellently to carve out our first chance. DB7 crossed from the left and Fletcher saw his header clip the top of the bar. As the half progressed United were getting more joy down the left as Marinelli was seemingly not interested in the defensive duties associated with playing right side midfield for Boro. David Bellion found more space and finally, on the half hour, created the first. Nice run down the outside to the byline, a crisp pull back to find Mads Timm about 10 yards out. The Dane hit an unstoppable drive to Nash's right hand side to make it 1-0.

Just before the half the lead was doubled. This time through Fletcher. Again we built down the left and the ball was worked across the edge of the area to find the spare man, Fletch, near the right edge of the area. He took his time to hit an excellent shot with the outside of his right foot giving Nash no chance at all. 2-0 was about right at half-time.

The second half couldn't have started much worse for United. A Boro corner on the left came into the box and fell to Riggott who was unmarked and only 8 yards or so out. He hit it first time low and to Roy Carroll's left. Roy got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. I think Roy will be disappointed not to have got a stronger hand to it but the real crime was in the lack of marking in the first place. 2-1, game on.

At the hour mark United took off Darren Fletcher and Chris Eagles came on. Bellion and Eagles switched so Bellion now operated down United's right. Soon, after Marinelli went off for Boro, the game began to swing in the favour of the visitors. With about 15 minutes to go Boro fashioned an equaliser. It was not long after they had hit the post so it did seem like it was coming. A bit of a scramble just on the edge of our box, Mads Timm looked as though he'd snuffed out the danger but the ball got stuck beneath his feet and (some Boro bloke) hit a right footed wonder shot. Arrowed into the top corner at Roy's near post. I thought Roy did pretty well to just get a hand to it but he will, again I'm sure, be disappointed that he couldn't get more on it to keep it out. 2-2.

The winner was even more of a wonder strike, this was from Brian Close (I think). Boro's inside right channel well outside the box. A looping volley just out of Roy's reach in off the underside of the bar. Again Roy will not be happy, this was well struck but in the middle of the goal. 2-3.

United's boys pushed forward and had worked a couple of openings in the second half but only forced Nash to make a couple of saves. I think a draw would have been fair to us, but considering the freakish nature of their final 2 goals the loss was really harsh on the boys in Red.

On the plus side, Fletcher just looks better and better every time I see him. After his cameo role on Tuesday I'm sure his confidence is soaring at the moment and he looked our best player and we surely would have created better opportunities in the final half hour had he not been substituted, maybe he has a part to play on Sunday (bench if Ole doesn't recover)? Likewise David Bellion was, at times unstoppable. He really is blisteringly quick and seemed not to be headless as he has been labelled by some before. He certainly has potential to be a player. First time I've seen Kieran Richardson playing in central midfield and he did well there. The back 4 were solid, Danny Pugh made a few mistakes, but largely a good performance by them.

Next match - West Brom away (The Hawthorns) Monday 22/9 7pm

DJH · 19th September 2003, 23:28

Posted by alex hurley on the transfer forums. Figured it should be here:

More news on how our players are getting on in Belgium

United keep a close eye on the situation at The Bosuilstadion.
Antwerp have just completed the signing of Mamam - the
Togo international (pictured) who spent part of the
summer at Old Trafford and was then sent to Belgium.
Mamam joined a burgeoning United presence at the club as
Qatar ace Hussain Yasser Abdulrahman and Gambian Arthur
Gomez are already at the club, after being posted there
by The Red Devils' scouts.

Antwerps general secretary Paul Bistiaux confirmed that Mamam was
the latest United recruit.
"He signed earlier this month and has settled in well,"
Bistiaux confirmed.
"He has done well so far and looks a very good player.
"He spent time with United and is the latest recruit
with them, he is one of five involved with us now."
Bistiaux dismissed fears that Peter Kenyon's departure
as chief executive would have any bearing on the
position with Antwerp.
"We are as solid now as we have ever been, we have never
had more players involved and it is going really well,"
he said.
As well as Yasser, Gomez and Mamam, United's own youth
players David Fox and Colin Heath are currently spending
time with the Belgians.
"Things are going quite well with David and Colin," he
said.
"David has suffered with injuries since he came, but
Colin has always been involved in the first team."
Reports have been suggesting that Asian star Yasser
could be the first to benefit from the agreement and
move to Old Trafford and Bistiaux admitted things were
going well.
"He has been doing really well and is a first team
regular," he continued.
"He is currently back home playing for his national side
and we will miss him for about three games.
"If he does get a chance then I am sure he would take
it, but you have to be very good to command a first team
place at Old Trafford.
"We will have to see what happens."
On Gomez, he admitted he was yet to make the expected
breakthrough, but hopes were still high.
"Arthur is yet to make his mark," he said.
"But he is playing very well for his national side and
we have high hopes for him."

Mozza · 23rd September 2003, 13:02

From a baggies newspaper match report for the reserves.

West Bromich Albion reserves 2, Manchester United reserves 4

Albion fielded an inexperienced side, despite having lost four of their five previous matches - and paid a heavy price with another defeat.

But it was not all doom and gloom, because they gave a battling display against a United team including a number of fringe first team players.

Various Albion men showed promise, including Simon Brown who scored the best goal in an entertaining match.

But United were on top for most of the time and went ahead in the 3rd minute when Daniel Crane was unable to get down to a low 20 yards shot from David Jones.

Albion pluckily replied five minutes later. Lee Marshall, their only player on view with first team experience, swung over a tantalising inswinging corner.

Kyle Patterson got his head to the ball and 'keeper Luke Steele was only able to help it in.

Another long range shot from Jones put United back in front after Albion failed to clear David Bellion's 17th minute corner.

The visitors' exquisite passing and movement kept them in the driving seat and it was no surprise when Darren Fletcher increased the lead from a 54th minute pass by Mads Timm.

Brown gave Albion renewed hope two minutes later with a superb finish after Philip Midworth and Patterson had brilliantly created the opening.

But United's two-goal advantage was restored in the 63rd minute when former Stourbridge schoolboy Daniel Nardiello scored from the penalty spot after Brown had fouled Jones.

Albion (4-4-2): Crane; Midworth, Adams, Mkandawire, Holmes (Sherwood 69); Smikle (Cudworth 73), Warmer, Marshall, Clarke (Tomlinson 84); Patterson, Brown.

United (4-4-2): Steele; Lynch, Tierney, Tate, Pugh; Fletcher, Jones, Richardson, Bellion (Eagles 66); Nardiello (Ebanks 74), Timm (Williams 84). Subs not used: Heaton, Eckersley.

Another goal for Nardiello and the second in two matches for Fletch, I'd like to see both on the bench and given first team football this season, especially Nardiello, it now or never for him.

GaryLifo · 23rd September 2003, 15:41

Watched the game last night, and here's my 2 pence. (Also have watched most of the reserves games this season)

I thought that the team played with a great passing style and one which will keep them in line with the 1st team should they get there.

Fletcher was fantastic. Always impresses me whenever I see him play. For me, he has just 'got it'. Hard to explain, but he just has that class and composure which makes him stand out. Good finish for his goal last night too! If he doesn't make it at United I'll eat my hat!

Richardson was very good. Although, I think he needs to play at this level mainly this year and really push through next season. Hopefully he will feature for the first team a bit this season though. He has obvious talent, confidence and pace.

Jones scored 2 good goals and looked very comfortable at this level also. He will be a very good player in the next couple of years. Good left foot and passes it simple when he needs to. Needs to fill out a bit first.

Chris Eagles came on mid-way in the 2nd half. I think this lad will also make it at United. Reminds me of Giggs but on the right hand side. Goes past players with ease, good pace, and always popping up in the box. Would like to see him play in the Carling on the right of Midfield.

Nardiello. Unsure as to whether he is/will be good enough for us. Seems at times to have a great natural finishers instinct...... but it deserts him at times in an alarming way.

Mads Timm. Having heard loads about him over the last year or so, I have been slightly disapointed with what I've seen of him so far. Good finish against Boro the other week, but I keep hoping for him to be involved more in the match. I have seen glimpses of why he is compared to Scholes, but he needs more time and is only young.

Alan Tate. Got really badly out manouvered for WBA 2nd goal, but otherwise was solid and passed it well from the back.

Eddie Johnson. Didn't play last night, but have to mention him for other games. Really like his work-rate and sheer determination to get to seemingly crap passes. He's a player United fans would really take to their hearts if he got a chance. He plays extremely well with his back to the goal, and has a decent eye for goal.

25th August 2003, 01:18	#43 (permalink)
Gabe Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Gold Country Posts: 2,152	The US U17 team went out to Brazil in the quarter final of the youth world cup 3-0. No fault on United defender Jonathan Spector who played superbly, it looks like United have a couple of very good CB's coming through, in Spector and McShane(irish lad who people seem to rate highly). Spector has just turned 17, he's very strong and quick- 6'1" and 12 1/2 stone, good tackler and comfortable on the ball.

26th August 2003, 13:36	#44 (permalink)
pjaya Reserve Team Player Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,002	from rednews Tuesday, August 26, 2003 A double from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake set United's Under-19 side on their way to a 4-0 win away at Arsenal on Saturday afternoon. The young Reds striker found the net in the 20th and 25th minutes, with David Jones putting United 3-0 up before Ramon Calliste completed the rout with eight minutes left to play. The Under-17s also beat the Gunners, with Phil Marsh netting in the first half and substitute Aaron Burns scoring twice to complete a 3-2 win. manutd.com

28th August 2003, 14:31	#45 (permalink)
thewelshconjurer "off course Poo for the final!" SHAME ON YOU Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: "The fear of loss is a path to the dark side" Posts: 9,201	so I say why do we need Rio, Ronaldo and Ruud. Sell'em all

2nd September 2003, 14:34	#47 (permalink)
pjaya Reserve Team Player Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,002	since no one is keeping these updates hope the news from Red News will be sufficient. Manchester Cup win Tuesday, September 2, 2003 Utd beat Oldham at Boundary Park 4-3 last night. Nardiello 3, Pugh were our scorers. Cracking game. Williams Lynch Pugh (capt) Bardsley Tierney Jones Byrne Wood Nardiello Timm Eckersley subs Johnson for Jones, Poole for Byrne subs not used Jowsey, Tate, Sims

5th September 2003, 10:43	#49 (permalink)
Mozza "Geek" Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football, bloody hell Posts: 15,993	Form the BBC the reserves drew yesterday. Fortune on comeback trail Quinton Fortune has put himself in line for a Manchester United recall by completing the full 90 minutes in Thursday's reserve team draw with Sunderland. Fortune has managed one substitutes' appearance since aggravating a thigh injury during the opening-day win over Bolton. The South African, who was operating in central midfield, came through the 2-2 draw without a problem and is pushing for a place in United's side to tackle Charlton on 13 September. Daniel Nardiello and Mark Lynch scored United's goals as they twice came from behind. Another goal for Nardiello, has he any chance of a breakthrough into the first team? Physically how is he, is he a big lad like Ruud or an Owen type?

7th September 2003, 11:55	#51 (permalink)
DJH Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The Land of the Long White Cloud Posts: 1,042	Starlets sign new deals Sunday, September 7, 2003 From the People: CHAMPIONS Manchester United have agreed new deals with three of their rising stars, writes NEIL ASHTON. Midfielders Chris Eagles and Darren Fletcher and rookie striker Eddie Jonstone have extended their contracts. A fourth prospect, Danish kid Mads Timm, is in talks and is expected to sign on, despite a growing frustration at the lack of breakthrough chances. --Good News, these four along with Richardson are probably our top prospects. Hopefully Timm signs and is given a few chances this season. Anyone know the state of Richardson's contract?

10th September 2003, 22:28	#53 (permalink)
Nico Youth Team Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 197	Now he did score a penalty against Leeds as the reserves draw 2-2. Fortune and Nardiello on target! That's 5 goals now in three games for Danny , hope he can continue that and then get a chance in the first team. We'll see

12th September 2003, 05:18	#54 (permalink)
mfkow Posts: n/a	Does anyone knows where is Alex Notman now? he is such a good player but SAF seems like not produce much youngster now...

12th September 2003, 17:40	#56 (permalink)
thewelshconjurer "off course Poo for the final!" SHAME ON YOU Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: "The fear of loss is a path to the dark side" Posts: 9,201	Norwich

13th September 2003, 08:04	#57 (permalink)
MelvinYeo I'm only here for the post count Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 13,972	Anyone know Kyle Moran,apperently signed from Shelbourne?

15th September 2003, 09:14	#59 (permalink)
MPTutd Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: London Posts: 3,080	Weekend Results: U19's got stuffed by Middlesborough 3-1. Adam Eckersley got our goal. And we had a strong team out. Saw some highlights and we were terrible!. U17's drew 3-3 with Sheff Utd. Frazer Campbell got 2 and Aaron Burns got the other.

18th September 2003, 23:13	#61 (permalink)
Mozza "Geek" Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football, bloody hell Posts: 15,993	Reserves lost 3-2, after leading 2-0 at half time, should get some reports tommorow.

19th September 2003, 09:36	#62 (permalink)
Nico Youth Team Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Belgium Posts: 197	Fletcher and Timm scored

19th September 2003, 11:27	#63 (permalink)
Mozza "Geek" Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football, bloody hell Posts: 15,993	United's Reserves threw away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Middlesbrough at Moss Lane on Thursday night. A superb David Bellion cross was converted by young Dane Mads Timm to give the Reds a 31st minute lead, with Darren Fletcher netting to double the advantage just before the break. Ninety seconds into the second half, though, Phil Gulliver hit a great low volley to get Steve McClaren's club back into the match, and incredible long-range efforts from Brian Close in the 81st minute and Craig Dove three minutes from time sealed a comeback win for the visitors. United: Carroll; Pugh, Tate, Lynch, Tierney; Richardson, Jones, Fletcher, Bellion; Timm, Nardiello. Thats a very young looking reserve team, nice to see Fletcher score, so to Timm.

19th September 2003, 17:32	#64 (permalink)
reelworld Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: "I was never a great player" - Roy Keane, after being reminded that great players rarely make great managers. Posts: 4,970	How did Bellion play? I heard that he played quite well in that match

19th September 2003, 23:24	#65 (permalink)
DJH Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The Land of the Long White Cloud Posts: 1,042	From Rednews: Reserves report Friday, September 19, 2003 By RN Reader WC Team Carroll; Lynch, Tate, Tierney (capt), Pugh; Fletcher, Jones, Richardson, Bellion; Timm, Nardiello Subs: Eagles for Fletcher, M. Williams and Byrne for Bellion and Richardson. Subs not used: B. Williams, Bardsley. Another heartbreaker for the Reds. 2-0 up and cruising at halftime only to lose 3-2. Middlesbrough feature a couple of erstwhile first teamers Carlo Nash in goal, Stockdale and Riggott at the back and Carlos Marinelli. Boro started at 1000 mile per hour, they chased and closed United down all over the pitch. Was pretty even with neither team getting into a real rhythm. Fletcher and Bellion looked the best of our boys early on and combined excellently to carve out our first chance. DB7 crossed from the left and Fletcher saw his header clip the top of the bar. As the half progressed United were getting more joy down the left as Marinelli was seemingly not interested in the defensive duties associated with playing right side midfield for Boro. David Bellion found more space and finally, on the half hour, created the first. Nice run down the outside to the byline, a crisp pull back to find Mads Timm about 10 yards out. The Dane hit an unstoppable drive to Nash's right hand side to make it 1-0. Just before the half the lead was doubled. This time through Fletcher. Again we built down the left and the ball was worked across the edge of the area to find the spare man, Fletch, near the right edge of the area. He took his time to hit an excellent shot with the outside of his right foot giving Nash no chance at all. 2-0 was about right at half-time. The second half couldn't have started much worse for United. A Boro corner on the left came into the box and fell to Riggott who was unmarked and only 8 yards or so out. He hit it first time low and to Roy Carroll's left. Roy got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out. I think Roy will be disappointed not to have got a stronger hand to it but the real crime was in the lack of marking in the first place. 2-1, game on. At the hour mark United took off Darren Fletcher and Chris Eagles came on. Bellion and Eagles switched so Bellion now operated down United's right. Soon, after Marinelli went off for Boro, the game began to swing in the favour of the visitors. With about 15 minutes to go Boro fashioned an equaliser. It was not long after they had hit the post so it did seem like it was coming. A bit of a scramble just on the edge of our box, Mads Timm looked as though he'd snuffed out the danger but the ball got stuck beneath his feet and (some Boro bloke) hit a right footed wonder shot. Arrowed into the top corner at Roy's near post. I thought Roy did pretty well to just get a hand to it but he will, again I'm sure, be disappointed that he couldn't get more on it to keep it out. 2-2. The winner was even more of a wonder strike, this was from Brian Close (I think). Boro's inside right channel well outside the box. A looping volley just out of Roy's reach in off the underside of the bar. Again Roy will not be happy, this was well struck but in the middle of the goal. 2-3. United's boys pushed forward and had worked a couple of openings in the second half but only forced Nash to make a couple of saves. I think a draw would have been fair to us, but considering the freakish nature of their final 2 goals the loss was really harsh on the boys in Red. On the plus side, Fletcher just looks better and better every time I see him. After his cameo role on Tuesday I'm sure his confidence is soaring at the moment and he looked our best player and we surely would have created better opportunities in the final half hour had he not been substituted, maybe he has a part to play on Sunday (bench if Ole doesn't recover)? Likewise David Bellion was, at times unstoppable. He really is blisteringly quick and seemed not to be headless as he has been labelled by some before. He certainly has potential to be a player. First time I've seen Kieran Richardson playing in central midfield and he did well there. The back 4 were solid, Danny Pugh made a few mistakes, but largely a good performance by them. Next match - West Brom away (The Hawthorns) Monday 22/9 7pm

19th September 2003, 23:28	#66 (permalink)
DJH Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: The Land of the Long White Cloud Posts: 1,042	Posted by alex hurley on the transfer forums. Figured it should be here: More news on how our players are getting on in Belgium United keep a close eye on the situation at The Bosuilstadion. Antwerp have just completed the signing of Mamam - the Togo international (pictured) who spent part of the summer at Old Trafford and was then sent to Belgium. Mamam joined a burgeoning United presence at the club as Qatar ace Hussain Yasser Abdulrahman and Gambian Arthur Gomez are already at the club, after being posted there by The Red Devils' scouts. Antwerps general secretary Paul Bistiaux confirmed that Mamam was the latest United recruit. "He signed earlier this month and has settled in well," Bistiaux confirmed. "He has done well so far and looks a very good player. "He spent time with United and is the latest recruit with them, he is one of five involved with us now." Bistiaux dismissed fears that Peter Kenyon's departure as chief executive would have any bearing on the position with Antwerp. "We are as solid now as we have ever been, we have never had more players involved and it is going really well," he said. As well as Yasser, Gomez and Mamam, United's own youth players David Fox and Colin Heath are currently spending time with the Belgians. "Things are going quite well with David and Colin," he said. "David has suffered with injuries since he came, but Colin has always been involved in the first team." Reports have been suggesting that Asian star Yasser could be the first to benefit from the agreement and move to Old Trafford and Bistiaux admitted things were going well. "He has been doing really well and is a first team regular," he continued. "He is currently back home playing for his national side and we will miss him for about three games. "If he does get a chance then I am sure he would take it, but you have to be very good to command a first team place at Old Trafford. "We will have to see what happens." On Gomez, he admitted he was yet to make the expected breakthrough, but hopes were still high. "Arthur is yet to make his mark," he said. "But he is playing very well for his national side and we have high hopes for him."

23rd September 2003, 13:02	#67 (permalink)
Mozza "Geek" Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Football, bloody hell Posts: 15,993	From a baggies newspaper match report for the reserves. West Bromich Albion reserves 2, Manchester United reserves 4 Albion fielded an inexperienced side, despite having lost four of their five previous matches - and paid a heavy price with another defeat. But it was not all doom and gloom, because they gave a battling display against a United team including a number of fringe first team players. Various Albion men showed promise, including Simon Brown who scored the best goal in an entertaining match. But United were on top for most of the time and went ahead in the 3rd minute when Daniel Crane was unable to get down to a low 20 yards shot from David Jones. Albion pluckily replied five minutes later. Lee Marshall, their only player on view with first team experience, swung over a tantalising inswinging corner. Kyle Patterson got his head to the ball and 'keeper Luke Steele was only able to help it in. Another long range shot from Jones put United back in front after Albion failed to clear David Bellion's 17th minute corner. The visitors' exquisite passing and movement kept them in the driving seat and it was no surprise when Darren Fletcher increased the lead from a 54th minute pass by Mads Timm. Brown gave Albion renewed hope two minutes later with a superb finish after Philip Midworth and Patterson had brilliantly created the opening. But United's two-goal advantage was restored in the 63rd minute when former Stourbridge schoolboy Daniel Nardiello scored from the penalty spot after Brown had fouled Jones. Albion (4-4-2): Crane; Midworth, Adams, Mkandawire, Holmes (Sherwood 69); Smikle (Cudworth 73), Warmer, Marshall, Clarke (Tomlinson 84); Patterson, Brown. United (4-4-2): Steele; Lynch, Tierney, Tate, Pugh; Fletcher, Jones, Richardson, Bellion (Eagles 66); Nardiello (Ebanks 74), Timm (Williams 84). Subs not used: Heaton, Eckersley. Another goal for Nardiello and the second in two matches for Fletch, I'd like to see both on the bench and given first team football this season, especially Nardiello, it now or never for him.

23rd September 2003, 15:41	#68 (permalink)
GaryLifo Nice Bloke Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Davo thinks I'm weird Posts: 3,222	Watched the game last night, and here's my 2 pence. (Also have watched most of the reserves games this season) I thought that the team played with a great passing style and one which will keep them in line with the 1st team should they get there. Fletcher was fantastic. Always impresses me whenever I see him play. For me, he has just 'got it'. Hard to explain, but he just has that class and composure which makes him stand out. Good finish for his goal last night too! If he doesn't make it at United I'll eat my hat! Richardson was very good. Although, I think he needs to play at this level mainly this year and really push through next season. Hopefully he will feature for the first team a bit this season though. He has obvious talent, confidence and pace. Jones scored 2 good goals and looked very comfortable at this level also. He will be a very good player in the next couple of years. Good left foot and passes it simple when he needs to. Needs to fill out a bit first. Chris Eagles came on mid-way in the 2nd half. I think this lad will also make it at United. Reminds me of Giggs but on the right hand side. Goes past players with ease, good pace, and always popping up in the box. Would like to see him play in the Carling on the right of Midfield. Nardiello. Unsure as to whether he is/will be good enough for us. Seems at times to have a great natural finishers instinct...... but it deserts him at times in an alarming way. Mads Timm. Having heard loads about him over the last year or so, I have been slightly disapointed with what I've seen of him so far. Good finish against Boro the other week, but I keep hoping for him to be involved more in the match. I have seen glimpses of why he is compared to Scholes, but he needs more time and is only young. Alan Tate. Got really badly out manouvered for WBA 2nd goal, but otherwise was solid and passed it well from the back. Eddie Johnson. Didn't play last night, but have to mention him for other games. Really like his work-rate and sheer determination to get to seemingly crap passes. He's a player United fans would really take to their hearts if he got a chance. He plays extremely well with his back to the goal, and has a decent eye for goal.