With both a new Lifeblood short film and an exciting FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie approaching, there is plenty to look forward to for Manchester United fans from our world-famous Academy set-up and here’s everything you need to know…
U13s REPRESENT UNITED AT BISHOP AUCKLAND
Our Under-13s proudly represented United and taught their counterparts from other clubs about the Munich Air Disaster for a second successive week. The young Reds first welcomed Liverpool to Carrington for an education session and memorial match before, last weekend, travelling across the Pennines to Middlesbrough.
There, they presented to youngsters from Boro and Bishop Auckland before a mixed football session, where the players of all teams played alongside each other.
The session at Middlesbrough was to celebrate and commemorate the crucial role played by Bishop Auckland during United’s hour of need. The north-east club loaned United three players — Warren Bradley, Bob Hardisty and Derek Lewin — to help us fulfil our remaining fixtures of the 1957/58 season. Bradley later signed on a permanent basis, scoring 21 times in 67 senior appearances.
Bishop Auckland’s kindness in 1958 has never been forgotten by United and our supporters. Only last year, a group of Reds visited the club to show their appreciation.
On Saturday, United’s youngsters were pooled with those of Boro and Bishop Auckland St Mary’s and Escomb Juniors to create three mixed teams named ‘Lewin’, ‘Bradley’ and ‘Hardisty’. They then attend Bishop’s game against Garforth Town, where they were presented on the pitch at half-time.
Thanks to Middlesbrough and Bishop Auckland for their involvement and hospitality on this special occasion.
Earlier in the week, two of our U13s spoke at the annual Munich Memorial Service at Old Trafford on 6 February. Many of our Academy players were in attendance.
INSIDE OUT CAMPAIGN
Our Under-21s warmed up for their Premier League 2 fixture with Tottenham Hotspur last Friday with their warm-up tops ‘inside out’. This was to mark Children’s Mental Health Week and encourage young people to talk about and express their emotions about what is going on ‘inside’.
U21s DEFEAT SPURS
Goals from Malachi Sharpe and Jack Moorhouse helped Travis Binnion’s U21s side to a fifth consecutive league victory. The young Reds are next in action on Monday 17 February, hosting Fulham at Leigh Sports Village. The game will be shown live on MUTV.
U18s HELD BY LIVERPOOL
A late goal from hosts Liverpool restricted United to just a point in the Under-18 Premier League on Saturday morning. Adam Lawrence’s side had established first-half dominance and could have led by more than the 2-1 scoreline, with Victor Musa bagging both goals, before testing Liverpool goalkeeper Bailey Hall on several occasions after the break. But a late deflected strike from Tyler Martin drew things level and neither side could find a winner in the remaining minutes.
While United were disappointed to drop points late on, there were several positives to take, including returns from injury for Jacob Devaney, Shea Lacey and James Overy.
FA YOUTH CUP FIFTH ROUND
Tickets are available for our FA Youth Cup fifth-round meeting with Chelsea, this Wednesday (19:00 GMT). For those who can’t attend at Leigh Sports Village, the game will be shown live on MUTV.
Our U18s defeated Coventry City (5-0) and Preston North End (4-2) in the previous rounds to reach this stage. They’re now eagerly anticipating a tough test against nine-time winners Chelsea.
“It’s going to be a fantastic occasion,”
said lead coach Adam Lawrence.
“They’re the nights that the lads are working for over the years, to be able to play in that type of fixture in the Youth Cup. We had the benefit of playing Chelsea in pre-season, as well as at the back end of last season in the national final. We know we’re coming up against a good side.
“Being at Leigh gives us some rhythm and consistency. We’ve done well in the two games there so far. It’s our home, having the fans there will be great and we’ll be hoping to put in a performance we can be proud of on Wednesday.”
COMING UP
Watch out this week for a new column from Nick Cox, Director of Academy, and a brand-new short film from our popular Lifeblood series, including one very special guest.
There’s plenty of action on the pitch to look forward to as well, including four live games in a week.
MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE
Wednesday 12 February | UNITED U18s v Chelsea | 19:00 | Live on MUTV
Saturday 15 February | UNITED U18s v Newcastle | 12:30 | Live on MUTV
Monday 17 February | UNITED U21s v Fulham | 19:00 | Live on MUTV
Tuesday 18 February | UNITED U18s v Wolves | 19:00 | Live on MUTV