#elyh harrison

[unitedbydevils]

U18 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

The women win the FA Cup, the U21 women become national champs, the U18s win the northern league, and now they have beaten Chelsea 2-1 - at Chelsea - to be crowned national champs.

In what was a tough and slightly nervy final at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United came out on top against a strong Chelsea side to be crowned U18 national champions.

Both sides traded blows early on but United mixed it up between the high line and high press with sitting deep and playing long balls for Ethan Wheatley to run on to, which saw the young striker unlucky not to score when he hit the left post.

United's front 4 of Ethans Williams and Wheatley, Jack Fletcher, and James Scanlon look strong though, and it was Wheatley who finally got his deserved goal in the 21st minute with a cool finish off an outstretched Williams pass through the centre.

Chelsea fought back and used the physicality of RCM Ampah to push past United LB Harry Amass, as well as having chances from Runham and George, but good defending from Louis Jackson off the line and keeper Elyh Harrison kept United in front at the break.

That lead lasted for 120 seconds. Sake.

Chelsea held possession at the start of the second half and built a nice attack up the field, before whipping a deep cross in to back post and letting the tall Acheampong dwarf Harry Amass and easily pressure him off to nod home the equaliser. United were very bunched up in the box though, especially towards the front, and the coaching staff will be disappointed with the team's poor marking and positioning to allow Chelsea back into the game.

Chelsea's confidence shone through George in particular, and United's attacks were met with equally fierce counters. The boys in red smartly slowed the tempo down though to allow themselves a foot back in the game, which gave Ethan Wheatley the chance to break on the right side of the Chelsea box for a lovely cutback to Jack Fletcher. His effort was spurned, but the deflection from keeper Merrick fell perfectly to Ethan Williams to make it 2-1 United.

Some great footwork in the 63rd minute by Ethan Wheatley could and should have put United 3-1 up but for a good save and an average shot, but that's experience - and the footwork to get through the box defenders was top notch. Same can be said for James Scanlon the Gibraltan international; a right-sided attacker drifted central and coasting through the Chelsea midfield. Confidence, composure, and determination. Lovely stuff.

Poor defending in the 81st minute from the Chelsea goalscorer Acheampong let Ethan Wheatley in for a shot on goal but again, experience would have helped as the striker was indecisive and tried a late shot on goal rather than the pass to either Williams or Fletcher.

Chelsea continued to attack hard, and had United sat deep and scrambling to stay in the lead, but their wasteful finishing allowed United another two chances on the break - both to Ethan Wheatley again. How he didn't end the night with a hat-trick, let alone a second goal, is baffling, but perhaps it was the pressure of the final or bad luck or fatigue... who knows.

All that matters is that United won come that final whistle in a tough battle against a strong Chelsea youth team, and I'm sure it's a battle we'll see in years to come for some of these aspiring professionals.

[fish999]

Man Utd news: Red Devils ‘agree’ first Erik ten Hag transfer as Ajax tweet deleted

Manchester United are close to agreeing their first summer signing under new manager Erik ten Hag, according to reports.

The Red Devils are set to lose six first team players at the end of the season when their contracts expire, but will begin their squad rebuild with an academy signing. As per talkSPORT, United have agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old goalkeeper Elyh Harrison from Stevenage.

[unitedbydevils]

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.

[unitedbydevils]

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...

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: West Bromwich Albion U21s 0-3 Manchester United U21s

Fun fact - I was over the road from The Hawthorns when this match was on, as I train with my friends in West Brom's 'Proud Baggies' LGBT group. I wore a United shirt too, of course. Got to let them know.

Despite the scoreline, West Brom did almost open the scoring in the 7th minute with a beautifully whipped cross and diving header just glancing wide.

10 minutes later and United took the lead, with a sharp counter-attack putting Charlie McNeill into the box and his cross, looking for Ethan Ennis, bundled into the net by Baggies CB Haper-Bailey.

McNeill did find Ennis 20 minutes later, with a lovely squared ball in the box for an easy Ethan Ennis tap in, but United's third and McNeill's deserved goal would have to wait until the 67th minute. A killer through ball from Aljofree allowed McNeill to break on Haper-Bailey, approach the keeper, dink, and gentle finish for 3-0.

United are decidedly mid-table at present, but with McNeill and Ennis looking so sharp and 1-2 games in hand on most sides above them... there's hope for the season yet. Next up is Brighton on April 8th, and they are a team higher up in the table and with a game more played: a chance for United to claw back ground.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Swindon Town U18s 2-0 Manchester United U18s

Defensive lapses against supposed minnows... sounds familiar.

United's U18s are the gems of the club at the moment with an unbeaten league season in progress, but it was a disappointing exit in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup for United.

Poor defending allowed Botan Ameen (above) to score in the 14th minute and again in the 39th, with the latter a beautiful effort high into the roof of the net above the United keeper.

The first half saw driving runs from Ethan Williams, Ethan Wheatley and Ashton Missin, but these slowed down in the second half. United's inability to control possession invited pressure on a shaky defence, not used to losing in this style.

Elyh Harrison kept it at 2-0 in net, but in all honesty the appalling dive from Ethan Williams in the third minute of the game was deserving of United losing, with the youngster throwing himself to the floor out of nowhere and having the audacity to protest the lack of a penalty. He was lucky not to be carded.

United ended the half the stronger of the sides, with better focus and composure, but it was too little too late. A few moments of silliness in the game - both defending and attacking - and United were dispatched by Swindon and Botan Ameen; a prospect who won't have done his chances any harm.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United U18s 1-0 Derby County U18s

Super sub Ethan Williams scores at the Stretford End to give United a hard-fought win over Derby, and to see United continue in the FA Youth Cup.

United and Derby put on a great game for the spectators, in a clash that could have finished 7-5 to the reds if the youngsters had been more clinical.

United dominated early, with chances for Scanlon and a Wheatley goal disallowed for offside, whilst Derby continued to pressure United on the counter. Unlike the first team, the U18s showed excellent movement - though like the first team the decision making and execution at times let them down.

Jack Fletcher was perhaps the standout of the game, but both Elyh Harrison and Jack Thompson in goal for United and Derby respectively put on solid displays. Harrison in particular has been very dependable for United this season, displaying excellent positioning between the sicks.

The game continued to be United-dominated but was back-and-forth until the deadlock was finally broken in the 75th minute by Ethan Williams; poking home Ethan Wheatley's spilled shot to secure the win.

[unitedbydevils]

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.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Liverpool U18s 1-9 Manchester United U18s

Oh baby we're back. United's U18s in scintillating form against the arch rivals, and perhaps the title sealed with this win...

It's an Ethan Wheatley world, and we're all living it - the hat trick hero undoubtedly the Player of the Match in this absolute thrashing.

It was James Scanlon who opened the scoring for United; the Gibraltar winger having recently earned his first national cap to become the first United player to ever represent the country. A long ball from central defence found McAllister, who pushed on before cutting back with the pass for Scanlon to rifle home into the roof of the Liverpool net.

Mantato almost found Wheatley in the 11th minute, but it only took a minute - and United's high press - to get Wheatley the goal he deserved. 2-0 United.

Except, Wheatley wasn't done. Three minutes later and he had his second, driving up the right side into the box and just rasping a finish home across the goal. Tight angle, cool finish. 3-0.

Liverpool had a decent chance in the 24th minute but United's big clearance was nodded into no man's land by Liverpool's defence - only for Ethan Williams to cut on off the left, ride two or three challenges, and hit an absolute scorcher into the goal. 4-0.

Liverpool did manage a consolation goal in the 32nd minute with a tidy throughball breaking the United lines and Joe Bradshaw chipping Elyh Harrison for a tidy finish. Got to praise good play.

How do you instruct your lads when you go in at half time 4-1 up away at the enemy? Win the second half 5-0. Easy.

Liverpool started the second half off brightest, and had the wind behind their backs, but United stayed strong and continued their romp with Wheatley's hat trick in the 57th minute.

Five minutes later and substitute Jack Fletcher, fresh from signing his first pro contract with United (and twin Tyler), put a sumptuous throughball across the pitch into the path of Scanlon, who rolls the ball left to throw the defender off and drives it home. 6-1 United.

Goal number seven came from another sub, Gabi Biancheri, who timed a late run into the box to meet a tidy right side cross along the floor from RB Jaydan Kamason.

The game opened up a bit more here, with Liverpool having nothing to lose and gambling more on the attack, but United got goal eight in the 83rd minute from a Biancheri header, before bagging goal nine through sub Ashton Missin in the 88th minute who decided that he needed to score the goal of the game with a Beckham-esque bending shot fizzed into the top corner to wrap up the rout.

If you're Missin or Williams you're buzzing with those goals, and gutted that Wheatley got Player of the Match 😂

It's a team game though, and the lads will all be extremely pleased with their work rate, coordination, and overall play style. A stonking win away is always immense, but against Liverpool? Historic.

Stoke, Wolves, Sunderland and Everton remain to play in the league for the season, with three of those near or at the bottom of the table. Wolves will be a tough game, as weill the Cup Final against City later this month. Only the noisy neighbours can contest the title with United now though, and they have two games in hand to help reduce the 13 point gap between us in first and second. It should be ours in the bag but lets keep the focus up and seal the deal eh. UTFR.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Middlesborough U21s 3-2 Manchester United U21s

Another defeat for United in PL2, this time away to Boro in a close affair that saw the Red Devils rue their inability to hold possession and throw away a two-goal lead.

United took the lead mid first half with some good play from McNeill, Wheatley and Missin then finishing the move, and then forced an own goal just before half time to double the lead. A poor back pass from Curley put Boro in and left keeper Elyh Harrison with no chance at keeping a clean sheet.

The second half further exposed United's flaws, with the unorthodox defensive lineup - featuring veteran Tom Huddlestone - completely out of sync and out of position. This put Boro in and allowed Sonny Finch to bag his second and even up the tie.

A counter from Middlesborough's Ajay Matthews handed the home side the win, with a slight deflection off the United defender to just tickle it over Harrison's head and outstretched hands, but a top finish altogether. Some might argue that United deserved a point, but missed chances up front, poor organisation at the back... it inevitably gets punished.

Middlesborough were just 1 point ahead of United at kick off, and had played one game more, so the away trip was a good chance for United to pull themselves out of this bloated middle pack of teams including Wolves, Reading, Sunderland, Norwich, and Palace.

In fairness to United's kids, plenty of prospects are out on loan, and there's always home advantage, plus Ashton Missin - usually RW - was at RB, Harry Amass - usually LB - was LW, and Charlie McNeill found himself back in the side after his loan spell at Stevenage was cut short due to a lack of game time.

Disruption, changes, and routine all affect cohesion, and while most of these kids came through the ranks together, the slight margins are what see games like this go sour.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United U18s 4-2 Arsenal U18s

A change of pace as United's U18s played in the U18s Premier League Cup against the old enemy Arsenal.

Like most games between this gem of a United side and big 6 rivals, it was a close game but one where United - perhaps thanks to the home advantage - just tilted stronger for both possession and shots on goal.

On a grey, damp Saturday afternoon, the two sides spent 40 minutes not really doing a lot, before Jack Kingdon opened the scoring in the 42nd minute as a bobbling ball from a United corner found its way to back post for the tap-in.

Osman Kamara scored a brilliant solo goal in the 59th minute to even the tie up, having pushed down left wing (same RB problems we saw vs Liverpool in the league) and weaving into the box. Commiserations to Elyh Harrison in net as his save rebounded perfectly into Kamara's feet for a second chance.

United rallied quickly and Ethan Williams scored just two minutes later, having barged an Arsenal player off the ball just outside their box and driving into the area to smash home a low finish across the keeper and into the far corner.

Karma struck back and Josh Nichols - the no2 barged by Williams - hit a tidy shot from the edge of the D into the bottom left corner of the United net.

The last 20 were something of an end-to-end mad dash affair, with United opting to sit deep and counter fast rather than pursue their usual high line. Both styles utilise Ten Hag's quick transition principles though, and Ethan Wheatley was unlucky not to give United the win in the 85th minute, with Rojas making a great save.

The game went into extra time and a beautiful counter from United saw Wheatley set up Williams to run at the Arsenal defence, 1 v 2, and rifle home a shot into the bottom left of the net. 3-2, Arsenal's dreams crushed... ah what a feeling.

Except... it got better. Louis Jackson added a fourth in the 105th minute with a header off a corner, and Luis Brown received a straight red for Arsenal in the 119th after crashing in on a tackle from behind - right in front of the linesman.

A tough but lively affair between the two sides, and the semi finals await. United are joined by our noisy neighbours City, Crystal Palace and Leicester.