Manchester United’s young players produced an eye-catching result as they took a step towards silverware.
In 2023/24, Manchester United’s under-18s side won the Premier League Cup for the first time, defeating City in the final after a brace from Ethan Wheatley.
It was the first time United had won the competition that launched in 2017/18, with West Ham winning it in 2024/25.
In 2025/26, Manchester United’s young players are off to a strong start, now winning a third consecutive game.
- 4-0 win vs Brighton
- 2-0 win vs Middlesbrough
- 6-0 win vs Birmingham
Man Utd U18s beat Birmingham
After winning the first two cup games by a combined score of 6-0, United’s youngsters beat Birmingham 6-0 in their latest game, to double the goal tally.
Darren Fletcher’s young team had already qualified for the knockout stages, but ensured they finished the group with maximum points.
This was the first game that young talent JJ Gabriel had played in the competition, and he added to his impressive start to the season.
A week earlier, Gabriel had netted the winner in the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford. He now has 12 goals in 14 appearances this season.
There is no stopping JJ Gabriel right now!
All the scorers in Manchester United’s u18s win
There were six different goalscorers in Manchester United’s under-18s 6-0 win over Birmingham, including some milestone goals.
- Jacob Watson goal: 1-0
16-year-old left-back Jacob Watson scored his first goal for United’s under-18s, netting straight from a corner.
- JJ Gabriel goal: 2-0
Manchester United’s 15-year-old wonderkid netted his 12th goal of the season, following up a rebound to double the lead.
- Rafe McCormack goal: 3-0
Midfielder Rafe McCormack scored for the second game in a row, connecting with a free-kick taken by substitute James Bailey.
- Jay McEvoy goal: 4-0
Jay McEvoy scored his first ever goal for United’s under-18s, getting in on the act after another assist from Bailey.
- James Bailey goal: 5-0
McEvoy returned the favour for Bailey by setting up the former Burnley winger to get on the scoresheet himself.
- Kai Rooney goal: 6-0
Substitute Kai Rooney added to the scoreline in the final minutes with an impressive strike, after another assist from Bailey.
Charlie Hardy makes debut
The match was also notable for new goalkeeper signing Charlie Hardy making his under-18s debut.
Hardy, an England youth international, joined United from Derby County, and he will be delighted to have kicked off his career with a clean sheet.
There was also an appearance from the bench for centre-back Harley Emsden-James, another recent addition from Southampton, just his third under-18s appearance so far.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/m6Zd4ne