unitedbydevils

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Match Review: Southampton U21s 3-6 Manchester United U21s

Goals galore down on the south coast, as United came out on tops against the Saints.

United were carved open in the first minute by a poor back pass, strength from the Southampton no9 Pearce, and ball watching that allowed Sam Amo-Ameyaw in back sticks to tap it home round Elyh Harrison. All too easy.

Ethan Williams was unlucky to hit the crossbar in the 9th minute, but fortunately Ethan Wheatley is an absolute bags merchant at the moment. The striker was on hand to remedy things in what was the U21s last game of the season with 2 goals in 2 minutes (21, 23).

Goal number one for United saw Wheatley spin CB Awe and beat the keeper at his near post with a cute finish. Goal number two was a long ball over the top which allowed Wheatley's pace and composure to misposition both CBs and slot coolly beneath the keeper to put United in 2-1 up at half time.

If Ethan Wheatley was the man of the first half, Ethan Williams owned the second, but it was a half featuring SIX goals ahead of the sides.

Southampton started brighter and Dibling tested United's keeper Harrison, Lawrence followed up with a near miss, and then Pearce finally got his chance to even the tie up with a poacher's finish.

A clever bit of give-and-go play allowed Sam Mather to run at Awe in CB yet again, putting away a low left footed curling effort to get United back into the lead. 2-3. Two minutes later - Williams scores from a saved Wheatley shot; denying the hat-trick but when one Ethan misses, the other takes a chance. 2-4.

Wheatley had another narrow miss at back post in the 69th minute, but it was in the 80th that Ethan Williams got his second too; a simple cutback and finish from a Harry Amass burst into the box.

The torrid day for Soton's CBs continued, with Charlie McNeill (pictured top) bringing the ball down in the box, taking a touch, and tucking it between the lads and just beyond the keeper's reach to make it 2-6.

Annoyingly United then conceded with 2 minutes to go, with a throughball beating the offside trap and allowing Merry to get one back for Southampton, but it was too little too late and United ended their main league season with a big win.

So, what's next? Well, the PL2 has done its 20 matches now. For the season just played, teams had been ranked based on past performances (three seasons worth).

Fixtures were then drawn, with teams playing similar level sides in their own pot ONCE, and then 3-5 other teams in all other pots.

Here's where it matters: by finishing top 16, United are now into a single elimination playoff. Also, by nicking 12th, United get into the Premier League International Cup next season. Fun.

To reward better teams, eliminations are drawn top versus bottom. Spurs will take on Villa, West Ham vs Blackburn... which leaves United a tough game away at Arsenal.

Should we pass them? Who knows. It'll be tough, but with the U18 starlets being promoted at the tail end of the season maybe, just maybe, we can surprise teams AND punish them with an influx of confidence/form.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #manchester united u21s #southampton u21s #arsenal u21s #ethan wheatley #sam mather #ethan williams #harry amass #charlie mcneill #Youtube

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Match Review: Leicester City Women 0-1 Manchester United Women

TOOOOOOONEY

In a game with the below stats, you'd surely think United won this one at a canter but alas no, it was a late winner from attacking mid Ella Toone that gave United three points at the weekend.

United started strong, putting the home side under pressure through shots on goal via Geyse and Leah Galton, but for all the Red Devils were knocking on the door, nobody was answering.

Leicester will be gutted they didn't actually score themselves, having beaten an outstretched Mary Earps, hitting the post, and the rebound bouncing back across goal at Petermann; down on the floor having fallen over the diving Mearps in the attack move.

Lucia Garcia caused her customary trouble at the other end and United were equally - and perplexingly - unable to score at close range via Hannah Blundell.

Up steps subsitute Ella Toone with an 83rd minute banger from range into the far top corner of the net, beating Leitzig at full tilt to give United a deserved but stressful win.

Liverpool are next, an away game on Sunday May 5th, before the trip to Wembley for the women's FA Cup final on the 12th and then a final game of the season, at Old Trafford, against them lot from London - Chelsea. One last time to annoy Emma Hayes? Go on then.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #manchester united women #leicester city women #wsl #womens super league #ella toone #mary earps #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester United 1-1 Burnley

No.

Still no.

I hope he's pregnant with some talent.

We had less possession, fewer passes, and the same 78% pass accuracy as fucking Burnley. At home. Relegation fodder Burnley.

I will concede that Antony's goal was solid, it was, but otherwise he just pops shots for no fucking reason. You're meant to supply your centre-forward too. Onana passed to Rasmus 4 times - more than any other player. FOUR. How the fuck are these people getting paid. Fergie threatened to drop people for not passing to RVP. Do the fucking same Erik. Just bring forward the U21s, fuck the season off til the FA Cup final, and enforce martial law.

That said, faith in Erik Ten Hag is waning. He said we play some attractive football. Has he lost his eyesight? We're a disfunctional split team on a good day. We have an attack and a defence but nothing linking the two. We've been that way all season, we know it's an issue and signings are needed/others need to move on. When you know this, maybe don't fucking spout shit about playing well.

Also, fuck VAR for being inconsistent. I don't mind the calls vs Burnley, but they're not the same calls on the same actions compared to other games and other times in the season. Horseshit.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #erik ten hag #old trafford #alejandro garnacho #antony #kobbie mainoo #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester United U18s 1-3 Sunderland U18s

Listen, the season's over. We're league and cup champions. We've got one game left against Everton. No biggie that we lost one. To bottom of the league. Despite dominating every metric.

The reality is that this was a freak result. United had 67% of the possession, more shots on target, a far superior pass accuracy and more than double the passes. The amount of fouls though - and the lack of footage - would suggest this was a bruising encounter that saw United unlucky not to punish Sunderland.

There is also perhaps some merit that younger players were awarded chances in the team, whilst standouts like Ethan Wheatley et al were now pushed up to the U21s whilst on a high at the end of the season. Make an impact ahead of probable promotion next year.

One to go. Carrington, Saturday May 4th, 11am. Lets end on a high.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #manchester united u18s #sunderland u18s #lionel hutz

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Match Review: Nottingham Forest U21s 0-0 Manchester United U21s

Nothing happened.

(only the best will get this reference)

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The Kids Are Alright!

If the women's U21s winning wasn't enough, the women's U16s have also been at it - and against Arsenal too. Eyyyy.

Per reports from the Manchester United Women's team Twitter, United came away the victors in a 3-1 result, with goals from Scarlett (2) and Jessica (names limited for age-related privacy).

The game was a repeat of last year's cup final, and was held at Northampton Town FC's Sixfields Stadium last Saturday, April 27.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #sixfields stadium #arsenal women u16s #manchester united women u16s

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Leicester City Women U21s 3-3 Manchester United Women U21s

Manchester United Womens U21s are the Academy Northern Division champions!

Away to second place Leicester, United went 3-0 down and all looked lost... cue the classic second half comeback. Goals from Aoife Farrell, Layla Proctor and Megan Sofield dragged United back into the tie to bag the point needed to win the league.

An additional penalty shootout for a bonus point was held, which United won thanks to two saves from keeper Jen Handy.

Success in the youth system for the boys and girls will reassure United fans frustrated with the men's senior side, and is hopefully indicative of a resurgence to come across all aspects of United.

Up next is the final against the southern champions, Arsenal, on Wednesday May 1 to decide who the national champions will be. Best of luck girls!

#manchester united #man u #man united #manchester reds #man utd #manchester united women #manchester united womens u21s #aoife farrell #layla proctor #megan sofield #jen handy #leicester city women #leicester city women u21s #Academy Northern Division

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Match Review: Manchester United 4-2 Sheffield United

It's never easy is it.

Where to begin... Onana randomly decided to undo all his good form and shit the bed to gift the Blades a 1-0 lead. United responded with a Garnacho cross for Harry Maguire to nod home and even things up.

Garnacho had a few chances before and after this, but it was Sheffield who struck next - 5 minutes after the break with, you guessed it, a cut back goal.

United managed to even things up again in the 61st minute from a Bruno Fernandes penalty, although Dalot did finish when Maguire was fouled. Advantage, no?

Fans were made to wait until the 81st minute for a bit of Bruno magic - a smashed left foot curling finish to get United in the lead for the first time on the night. Rasmus Hojlund then got a deserved 4th off a Bruno assist; ending a 6-game drought but also, actually receiving a fucking pass from his team. Unreal.

Statistically, United were very comfortable, but then so we should be. Sheffield United are a very poor side that are getting relegated. They are cannon fodder; a team to stat pad against and improve goal difference. They have some decent players but ultimately not enough quality - nor a Wilder tactical surprise - to upset things.

The issue for United is disharmony and mentality. Why is nobody passing to Højlund? Is it because rumour has it he upset Bruno and Dalot once upon a time? Garnacho has wild decision making, Rashford has been dire, and Bruno can't do it all. ETH needs people to utilise their no9 more, and maybe United might start scaring oppositions rather than encouraging them to pepper our goal.

One small perk - Ethan Wheatley made his debut, making him the 250th United academy graduate. Congratulations Ethan!

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #erik ten hag #marcus rashford #old trafford #alejandro garnacho #rasmus højlund #kobbie mainoo #harry maguire #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester City U18s 1-2 Manchester United U18s

MANCHESTER IS RED (go with it)

When United are mint, everything is mint, and fuck me are United's Under-18s mint - and also double winners. Up the fucking reds!

United started strongly at Leigh Sports Village, with a driving run and fizzing shot from Ethan Williams in the 3rd minute testing City keeper Brits. Three minutes later and Ruben Curley was doing the exact same again, but to no avail. Then, one minute later, magic happened.

A deep ball from just over the halfway line by Nolan lofted into Ethan Wheatley's path perfectly, but the touch and control to bring it down into a shooting action was technique Dimitar Berbatov would have applauded. Unreal composure and confidence, and topped off with a great finish at the near post past the stunned Brits.

City came back at United, and the game opened up into more of a back-and-forth affair, trading shots on goal, but United's organisation kept a very tight defensive structure and limited the Citizens from any real threat on Elyh Harrison's goal - not that the wunderkind needs too much help. Kid's a future star keeper.

The middle of the half approached and Harrison punts a goal kick up field towards RW James Scanlon. The Gibraltan international nods the ball wide to attacking full back James Nolan, who drives a curled pass forward along the ground into the path of Ethan Wheatley. A defender slides, he knocks it, but Wheatley has the pace. He nips in, rounds the keeper, slots home. 2-0 United and LSV is in bits. SCENES.

City kept up the battle though, and a great killer through ball nearly opened United up in the 34th minute but for a huge body interception and block by Harrison in net. City captain Heskey was potentially fouled in the United box by Jack Kingdon - no foul given though - but otherwise come half time there could be no complaints at United's lead.

The second half was more City, with United making substitutes for rotation's sake but also due to the dearth of depth in the first team squad meaning certain promising youngsters have been requested by Erik Ten Hag for Wednesday's Premier League game against Sheffield United.

Both sides had reasonable chances on goal but nothing too serious until Stephen Mfuni nodded home from a corner to give City five minutes of hope... which was almost realised but for a fantastic full-stretch save by Harrison off Alfa-Ruprecht's header.

City's play and persistence did deserve a goal, and with the arguable penalty in the first half, on another day it could have been a different affair. It is nice to see the best two teams make the final though, and make it a memorable contest.

It's the result that matters though, and the silverware is ours. The league and now the cup. What a bunch of lads.

Two games remain this season - both at home. Sunderland visit us this Saturday, and then there's one last game versus Everton on May 4th. Lets end strong. GGMU.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #leigh sports village #manchester united u18s #manchester city u18s #stephen mfuni #ethan wheatley #ethan williams #james nolan #james scanlon #elyh harrison #jack fletcher #ruben curley #gabriele biancheri #u18s league cup final #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester United Women 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur Women

In what was dubbed a dress rehearsal for the Women's FA Cup Final on May 12th, United and Spurs managed to share the spoils - for now - but there were positive signs for United if they can sharpen up on goal.

Stats are a lovely tool to have, adding flavour to any match report and game analysis, and the stats - as shown below - point out two things: United were the side in control, and United should have won the game.

United's backline were instantly put under pressure in the first 30 seconds but United woke up and got a good footing in the game. Ella Toone came accidentally close in the 9th minute, trying to find Leah Galton at back post, but it was Melvine Malard who opened the scoring with a beautiful header off a millimetre perfect free kick from deep by Gemma Evans; lofted with the utmost precision for Malard to nod over the approaching Spurs keeper Becky Spencer.

Tottenham countered quickly with Naz and Vinberg - a sign of things to come - but were held off, and as quickly as they hit United, United hit back. Pressure onto Neville saw Naalsund pick up a loose ball outside the box, quick pass to Malard, pivot, shot, and then in the scramble between Spencer, Parris and Nilden, a free kick was given against United.

Poor positioning cost United for the equaliser, with a deep Spurs cross cleared out only as far as Spence. A scuffed volley bobbled the ball through to Beth England for an easy tap home past an aghast Mary Earps, but it was Maya Le Tissier - fresh from her contract signing - that stood out of sync with the rest of the defence and failed to play the offside trap. Frustrating.

United's second goal conceded was in similarly silly circumstances; Mary Earps screaming at Aoife Mannion to chase the loose ball, Mannion presuming Mearps has it, and Tottenham's Vinberg strolling in to play the ball into the box. Le Tissier covered well, with Mannion filling her void in CB momentarily, but wizardry from striker Jess Naz spun captain Katie Zelem and fizzed in a shot straight above Mary Earps' head. Poor from the keeper, poor from Zel, and poor from nearby Tooney who could have easily pressured Naz from that close range with a sprint to jostle. Maybe she was worried about giving away a penalty, but someone should have closed Naz down and forced her to choose the wider path towards a waiting Gemma Evans or to back off outside the box. A communication issue no doubt, given no Jayde Riviere or Hannah Blundell starting.

Blundell on for Mannion at half time made sense, and the second half saw more intensity and aggression from United; with far more crossing to pressure the Spurs defence in the air now that Blundell was on. 55th minute subs introduced both Lucia Garcia for Nikita Parris and Rach Williams for Melvine Malard, but the United couldn't quite find the net. Further subs in the 76th saw Miyazawa on for Toone and Geyse on for Galton, but it took a Gemma Evans corner in the 91st minute to find Rach Williams, the bar, bounce back out, and be crashed into by Maya Le Tissier to even the game up and give United a very much deserved point at Leigh Sports Village.

There will be frustration at United's failure to convert the oh-so-many chances in the second half, but the turnaround in United's style was a good sight to see, and on another day (say, the FA Cup final?) maybe several goals went in and this was a comfortable win rather than a consolation point. --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- The disappointment doesn't end there though. Fans will also be concerned at the potential departure of United's tenacious Spaniard Lucia Garcia, whose contract is close to expiring and - based on Instagram - might not be renewed/extended.

And how we will miss her humour, as well as that unquestionable hard work on the field, if she does leave us. Another huge mistake from Manchester United Football Club if so.

Only three games remain in the WSL; Leicester away, Liverpool away, and Chelsea at Old Trafford - before which comes the FA Cup Final at Wembley. It's going to be a difficult few weeks, but the hottest fires produce the strongest steel...

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #manchester united women #tottenham hotspur women #wsl #womens super league #maya le tissier #mary earps #lucia garcia #leah galton #aoife mannion #gemma evans #katie zelem #ella toone #rebecca spencer #jess naz #beth england #rachel williams #mark skinner #Youtube

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Match Review: Coventry City 3-3 Manchester United (2-4 on penalties)

It's a game of two halves... unless you're Man Utd then it's a game of four halves and penalties because YOU BOTTLED A THREE NIL FUCKING LEAD \skjgvblrkehdbkvbrzd dickheads.

For all people think hey, United were 2-0 up at half time... the game didn't start particularly well. It was slow to the point of being irritating, because these are professional footballers and I think me at 34 with asthma, a ligament injury, and the need to lose 2 stone in weight could probably have pressed the fuckers.

That said, United took an early lead through Scott McTominay moments later because the man who has no positional discipline will always lose himself, and thus any marker, to crash into the box and bang in a true poacher's finish. Shame he does fuck all else.

We then doubled our lead late in the first half through a banger Harry Maguire header from a corner. Everything was going well...

Maguire, in fairness, had a very good game (bar one whopper pass to Coventry for absolutely no fucking reason). A goal was well earned and he did his job well overall. Strong in the air, robust in challenges and duels, and didn't go to ground willy-nilly ala Casemiro. Nice. I will say that he's a big part of our issues on the ball, because he's not a ball-playing CB. He's too slow to take touches and make decisions. The way round this is to partner him with a ball-player (Casemiro) and a good receiver with mobility/agility/scanning (Mainoo) which is why things worked until Mainoo went off. Then it was Eriksen (ruh roh) which forces passes to... Casemiro (slow), AWB (out of position), Eriksen (slow), McTominay (oh wait he's not where he should be).

The problem is that United then went and bagged a third in the second half, a deflected effort from Bruno, and we're thinking fuck... this could be a rout. United haven't given a team a good slapping in a while.

LOL only joking. Sub off our one disciplined midfielder in Mainoo, on comes Christian 'No Legs' Eriksen (why the fuck is McTominay still on?), and then watch as our game control jumps out the fucking window. Unreal.

Don't get me wrong, Eriksen is a smart player - ala Juan Mata - but legs matter at this level. He hasn't got them. He can't be a passenger in our team. In a Man City side, sure. He'd be the right football intelligence and Pep would use his squad depth and talent to compensate for the inclusion. Manchester United ain't that dog.

Cue the comeback of all comebacks.

Then Coventry got a second. The crowd is FERVENT.

THEN THEY FUCKING EQUALISED LADS.

Extra time rolled around and honestly, either side could have won it; Bruno cracked a shot off the underside of the bar and back out - nice - and then Coventry ran all over us for a while until it was time for penalties.

Erik Ten Hag has my support in principle, but his in-game management is really hard to defend because he's treating decisions as if there's no consequence. I don't mean that in the sense of job loss, I mean in the sense of game change. Antony on did fuck all. Eriksen on did fuck all. McTominay bar a goal did fuck all (but he scored - fuck off, he just floats around aimlessly, bellend).

Then, late into the tie, on comes Amad for a seemingly injured Rashford. He then proceeds to dribble better and make better movement and create more space than any of our other wide men. Nice. Maybe sub him on earlier?

So yes, penalties. Up steps Casemiro and... wow. He really did that. Hand in your boots, your Carrington ID, and don't come in for work. Take it as garden leave and just chill until we sell you in the summer, you useless mercenary prick.

Luckily, our other penalty takers in Dalot, Eriksen, Bruno and Hojlund all know how to score, and Onana was able to save one whilst the Sky Blues captain aimed for the sky as he blazed his take over. United win 4-2 and go through to the final. Cue every United fan old and young proceeding to search for more spirits to drink than is legally safe in the strained hope of blotting this from our collective memories because FUCK ME WAS THAT POOR.

You can blame ETH for his poor subs and not respecting that Coventry > our squad depth. I can and I did. But you also have to recognise that players being shit is on them. Antony should be tearing Coventry a new arsehole. Same for Rashford. McTominay should own that midfield. Hojlund missed a sitter, the sausage (I can't hate my boy, not yet).

I feel sorry for the fans. I feel sorry for the chap above most of all. Imagine making that effort to see what he saw. We won, we're into a final, it's another City v United derby at Wembley, and it was another all-time memorable tie for United... but fuck me that was painful and embarrassing.

For Sir Jim watching, surely even he can see the problems? No LB, no ball playing CB (Case really doesn't count), no true RW, no alternate CF, no midfield pivot, no fucking clue.

I'm not entirely sure United's players are dense and clueless morons, mind. I think most of them are weak-minded; they let the fear takeover and their heads drop too easily and they should be at "lesser" clubs where the pressure's off a bit - like Andreas Pereira at Fulham. Took a step down, now he's flourishing. Some people aren't cut out for the limelight, and it seems most of United's squad fit the bill there. Another rebuild is needed, but maybe INEOS can do what others couldn't before them...

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #erik ten hag #marcus rashford #casemiro #alejandro garnacho #andre onana #coventry city #fa cup semi final #wembley stadium #itv sport #penalty shootout #diogo dalot #bruno fernandes #kobbie mainoo #mufc #ccfc #Youtube

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Match Review: Tottenham Hotspur U21s 2-2 Manchester United U21s

A dominant home side couldn't overturn a plucky United. Hehehe.

United's average age, as the video says, is just over 18. Outbound loans mean some are still at the club, some are brought up from the U18s to test their mettle and show their worth.

Despite that, United put up a good fight here away at Tottenham. Spurs had the lion's share of possession, but otherwise these were two very evenly matched sides.

Lankshear opened the scoring, unmarked deep in the box off a cross, before Curley evened things up with a hard drilled shot across goal from distance.

Biancheri then put United in front 7 minutes later thanks to a bit of weaving from Ethan Williams and a deft cross into his path, but a weird moment of controversy saw United pegged back by Donley. Weird, because Dermot Mee clashed with Santiago, and then fell over the potentially injured player in the box for Donley to loop and lob a finish into the net.

The second half was still quite end to end, but with a touch more composure in possession and a bit missing in terms of chance creation and finishing. Neither side will be happy with a draw, but truth be told it was a fair result on the day.

Next up for United are Forest away, before the season rounds out away to Southampton. Both sides flank United by one point, and two wins here might spare our blushes given just how mid-table we are right now...

#manchester united u21s #tottenham hotspur u21s #gabriele biancheri #dermot mee #ruben curley #Youtube

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Match Review: Wolverhampton Wanderers U18s 1-2 Manchester United U18s

CHAMPIONS

In a hard-fought game, Gabi Biancheri struck twice to give United the three points needed to secure the league title for the young reds.

The first half saw all the drama, with Biancheri's first an easy side foot finish from a low, squared pass across the box in the 11th minute.

Wolves pulled level in the 19th thanks to Connor McLeod - unmarked on the cutback to rifle home the equaliser.

United then went and did a rinse-and-repeat of the first goal, with Scanlon teeing up a sliding finish from a matter of inches off the goal line for Biancheri to put United back in front.

The final bit of drama came in the 34th minute, with a clash between Wolves defender Patterson and United keeper Elyh Harrison saw the game paused for almost 10 minutes whilst the goalie received treatment to his knee and was carefully stretchered off for further medical assessment.

Thomas Myles subbed on in his stead and held firm in goal despite good Wolves pressure at the end of the half and early in the second. Beyond that, the second half was very end to end with little end product - an entertaining but ultimately fruitless affair but one that United won't mind, being crowned champions come the final whistle.

Next up is the league cup final versus Manchester City on Tuesday. Another shot at silverware so soon...

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #manchester united u18s #gabriele biancheri #elyh harrison #wolverhampton wanderers u18s #wolves u18s #wolverhampton wanderers #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester United U21s 0-3 Liverpool U21s

No. Go away. I don't want to talk about it.

Alright fine, I'll say a few words.

United and Liverpool held a respectful silence for the Hillsborough Disaster, which occurred on April 15, 1989.

Liverpool are 5th following this win, and United are 14th. Had United won, Liverpool would be 8th, United 11th, and just three points in it. There's no major gulf, but United this season have repeatedly narrowly missed out in games like this, repeatedly slipping rungs down the league table.

Liverpool opened the game brightly and had a good chance inside the first minute, and again around the 16th minute mark. United's defence was at 6s and 7s, but Charlie McNeill had an effort on goal from mere centimetres over the halfway line to try and beat the Liverpool keeper on the edge of his box. Narrowly tipped over... what could have been.

Trent Kone-Doherty got Liverpool's opener in the 23rd minute, but it came from a catalogue of mistakes; Oyedele's poor backpass intercepted by Danns. Aljofree losing Danns. The rebound falling to TKD - whom LB Murray was nowhere near to stop the goal. Little things, youth errors admittedly, but mistakes that are the difference between having that chance at promotion to the first team squad or being loaned out and eventually sold on to lower league levels.

Similarly to the Brighton game, United did have more of the possession, though on this occasion they were far more effective on goal - just without actually scoring. United went in at the break 1-0 down, clearly had a good half-time talking to, and then came out second half in near-full control. So of course, Liverpool's pace and guile allowed for two counter attacks, two goals, an unreal 3rd for Danns off the backheel, and three points in the bag for the Scousers. Sigh.

Next up Spuds away, Saturday 20th.

#manchester united #manchester united u21s #liverpool u21s #jayden danns #sam murray #Youtube

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Match Review: Manchester United U21s 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion U21s

A frustrating draw for United's U21s in a game that saw the Red Devils highly wasteful on goal and Ruairi McConville score at both ends for the Albion.

United looked great in possession for the first 20 minutes but with nothing to show for it, and as they eased off the possession to take more chances it was Brighton who looked more likely to score.

The team pressed on though, and a Harry Amass cross low and hard into the heart of the box was slid home by Brighton centre-back Ruairi McConville to give United a cheeky lead just before half time.

The second half was more of the same, though Harry Amass once again stood out on the offensive. There's talk of him progressing through to the first team like Mainoo and Kambwala, and it's not hard to see why - although part of me wonders if he may do a Gareth Bale and move more to a left winger, or at least maybe an attacking wing back like Jeromie Frimpong at Leverkusen.

Another shining light for United's U21s at the moment is Amir Ibragimov; a youngster who started as an inside forward on the left wing ala Rashford but has now moved more centrally as an attacking mid or even deep forward. Ibragimov's give-and-go style and intelligent positioning made life hard for Brighton, and he was unlucky not to score.

The draw was earned back by Brighton defender Ruairi McConville though, who atoned for his earlier mistake by scoring off a corner. His header down at the floor was actually saved by Myles, but the rebound fell back at McConville's feet for a second attempt and an easy tap in.

Brighton could have stolen the points in the 94th minute, and United could have stolen them in the 96th, but all in all a draw isn't an unfair result.

United's U21s will always suffer a little due to the (correct) pursuit of loan deals for youth players. When the talent stays (U18s), the academy dominates, so it's not too disheartening to see the U21s misfire here and there.

That said, next up for United is a tough home tie against Liverpool...

#manchester united #manchester united u21s #charlie mcneill #amir ibragimov #harry amass #ruairi mcconville #brighton and hove albion u21s #Youtube

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Match Review: Bournemouth 2-2 Manchester United

You'd think on the day that Newcastle just stuffed Spurs that we could maybe be arsed to go and win against the Cherries...

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet, because I have more exciting U21s games to review than this dross.

We all hark back to Captain Marvel, and Robbo was super double mega mint, but Captain Fantastico Bruno Fernandes... he ain't half bad either. He's let down by his emotions and the falling about - methinks the CR7 effect and 'dark arts - but he's never injured, runs everywhere, has immense technique, and pulls off some right madness at times.

That said, Ole was criticised for relying on individual brilliance and Erik is in that same position - albeit with only really Bruno and Mainoo being brilliant at any given moment.

Today United were poor, and that comes from two issues: 1) no Lissandro Martinez means United don't have a ball-playing centre back 2) Casemiro is dusted. He's done. He can't be the solo pivot in this United team. I'm loathe to give him props, but Jamie Redknapp's recap of his performance is very accurate.

So... yeah. Same old United. Same old problems. Keeper facing too many shots, no LB, no ball-playing CBs, too old a solo pivot, and too few chances for the CF because we're so poor in possession and at creating regular chances.

The season can't end soon enough. I just hope we beat Coventry in the FA Cup semi final. At least there's a coin flip chance in a cup final. A sliver of optimism for the season, eh? Doubt it though.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #erik ten hag #marcus rashford #casemiro #alejandro garnacho #kobbie mainoo #willy kambwala #bournemouth #dominic solanke #Youtube

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool

Honestly, that could have been a lot worse.

Wonderboy Kobbie Mainoo might be THE individual responsible for denying Klopp a perfect send-off with a second Premier League title in his time in England. Ahahahahahaha get fucked.

Okay, okay, lets reign it in. Garnacho struck early for United but was ruled offside, and shortly after Liverpool struck back - Szoboszlai denied by a brilliant Andre Onana save at full span.

Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a side-on volley from a Darwin Nunez header. Nunez lost Wan Bissaka, his marker, on a Liverpool corner, and Diaz was disgracefully unmarked in acres of space back post. United just cannot defend set pieces. Poor.

United ended the first half with no shots at all, let alone on target; a damning stat that shows just how disjointed the side is at the moment, and why form has been so unreliable.

Second half and just five minutes in Quansah gave the ball away to Bruno Fernandes for a beautiful 45 yard stab to equalise for United. Wayne Rooney praised the captain's technique post-match, pointing out the skill required at the distance and the angle of interception to do what he did. Stellar stuff - and a second intercept from sloppy defending in two games 👀

Liverpool fought back and should have scored from Darwin Nunez, with Szoboszlai and Diaz carving United open, but it was a stunner in the 67th minute from Kobbie Mainoo that put United in a wholly undeserved lead - though admittedly in a far better second half showing than the first.

It wouldn't be United without a capitulation though. Bruno Fernandes beaten down Liverpool's right wing, Aaron Wan Bissaka drawn out of position, and a clumsy foul in the box on Harvey Elliot. Penalty Liverpool. Salah converts. 2-2.

Truth be told, not losing to Liverpool was the objective, as sad as that is to admit. A point is good enough, but given United's lead here, against Chelsea, against so many teams this season... a lot of work needs doing by INEOS to clear out those who do not fit the plan because you can't keep Erik Ten Hag on with unsuitable players - and you can't replace him because other managers will encounter the same issues. As did Jose. As did Louis. As did Ole. You can make the best of a bad situation but it's better not to BE in a bad situation.

#manchester united #man u #man united #man utd #manchester reds #erik ten hag #marcus rashford #casemiro #old trafford #alejandro garnacho #kobbie mainoo #diogo dalot #andre onana #luis diaz #mo salah #harvey elliot #dominic Szoboszlai #willy kambwala #Youtube