Manchester United’s under-18s began their FA Youth Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Peterborough United’s under-18s.
Darren Fletcher’s under-18s side took to the Old Trafford field for the first time this season on Tuesday night, as they took on Peterborough United’s youth side in the FA Youth Cup. A strong lineup was named, with regular under-21s starters Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato included.
The game opened in a tetchy manner, with neither side grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck until JJ Gabriel arrived. Rúben Amorim’s starboy scored the opening goal of the game with a cushioned effort into the bottom right corner.
A deft flick from Gabriel played Louie Bradbury – who was making just his third appearance of the season after returning from injury – but the best chance of the opening 45′ was missed by the young centre-forwards.
The second wasn’t much better from the under-18s. Gabriel continued to create moments of magic from nothing, but couldn’t do enough to net a second before he was withdrawn for Rafe McCormack.
#1 – Amorim’s philosophy passed down
While United’s under-18s lined up in a back four – unlike the first team – they adopted a back three structure when in possession, with either Yuel Helafu or Godwill Kukonki pushing into the midfield.
Jim Thwaites sat in front of the defensive three, forming a diamond shape in the first phase of play. Jariyah Shah and JJ Gabriel continued the triadic theme, playing advanced and either side of the under-18s captain.
Many fans and pundits have been surprised that the youth sides don’t adopt the Amorim 3-4-2-1 formation, but it seems Fletcher has introduced the system when United are with the ball.
Out of possession, however, United continue to deploy a back four with a high press, looking to win it back quickly before mounting another attack.
#2 – Free as a bird
Gabriel has received many plaudits since the beginning of the season, after it became clear he would remain at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. The 15-year-old has even been in first-team training, alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.
Against Peterborough’s under-18s, the hot prospect was named as the starting No.10, but his positioning was anything but a regular attacking midfielder.
After escaping the build-up phase, Gabriel was given the freedom to find space anywhere on the pitch, before looking to turn and drive at the opposition’s defence.
His free role handed him the opening goal, as he was unmarked on the edge of the penalty area.
While the youngster can’t play in the Premier League this season – due to age restrictions – he could feature in the FA Cup, although Amorim will need to name a strong side to overcome Brighton and Hove Albion in the third round.
#3 – Call him the conductor
Thwaites held the captain’s armband for Fletcher’s side on Tuesday evening – after a good spell for Travis Binnion’s under-21s side – and was a notable performer in United’s XXX-X Win/Loss.
The 17-year-old sat in front of the defenders, often on his own, with Shah pushing up to join Gabriel in the advanced midfield spots. His maturity and composure were clear for all to see.
As is the case with academy sides, United looked to play out from the back, and Thwaites was the key man. His agility to drop the shoulder and speed up or slow down play was crucial in United’s attempts to threaten the Peterborough goal.
While he played the conductor role in open play, Thwaites was the set-piece specialist too. The young Englishman was over every free-kick or corner, with several quality deliveries into the penalty area.
#4 – Mantato not quite ready
Bendito Mantato has already played for United’s senior side, with an appearance in pre-season against Leeds United. The versatile wide man lined up at right-wing-back for Amorim, but played on the right wing for Fletcher’s under-18s.
While he has shown signs of being the right-wing-back alternative for Amad during the African Cup of Nations, his performance against Peterborough United highlighted that he isn’t ready just yet.
The England youth international has speed and agility on his side, but his end product still needs some work before he makes his official debut for the first team.
Amorim could turn to Jayden Kamason when he is back up to full speed. The natural right-back showed his attacking prowess in the FA Youth Cup last season, as the under-18s came back to defeat Arsenal at the Emirates.
#5 – Lammens will be watching
Cameron Byrne-Hughes played an interesting role for Fletcher’s under-18s side. Unlike Senne Lammens in the first team, he often played the ball out from the back.
Just over 20 days ago, all of Lammens’ goal-kicks were launched over 40 yards, the exact opposite of how Byrne-Hughes played the ball.
While Lammens’ strategy has worked for Amorim, for the most part, the United boss may look to change his goalkeeping tactics after seeing Byrne-Hughes’ display.
If Lammens is asked to play out from the back, United may see more success breaking down the opposition, but could be susceptible to more first-phase mistakes.
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