Initially United had to wait to find out their opponent having drawn the winner of Bolton Wanderers vs Derby County.

Derby booked themselves a visit to Manchester earlier this week with a triumphant 4-1 victory over Bolton.

The young Reds’ opening match will be a treat for them as they will be given the rare opportunity to take the pitch at Old Trafford.

The match will be on Tuesday, December 19th at Old Trafford with kick off scheduled for 19:00 GMT and tickets available for just £3 to adults and £1.50 for under-16s.

The FA Youth Cup is a historical competition which is prided throughout the country dating back to 1952.

With United’s famed academy it is no surprise that they lead to charts as the most successful club in the competition with 11 wins, the latest of which came recently in 2022.

Less than two years on and two of the cup winners in Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are proving how meaningful the competition is as they now replicate their performances in Erik ten Hag’s first team.

Others involved in the 2022 cup winning squad include Dan Gore, Omari Forson, and Joe Hugill, who have featured in Ten Hag’s squads already this season.

Currently leading the u18s Premier League with nine wins in nine, Manchester United are certain to be among the favourites for this year’s FA Youth Cup.

An extremely deep squad, 18 different players have scored for the club in their opening nine league wins.

Notable players to look out for in this year’s competition are Darren Fletcher’s twin sons Tyler and Jack who have impressed since their move from cross town rivals Manchester City and Ethan Williams and Elyh Harrison who have already been spending the early parts of the season with the u21s.

The post Manchester United draw opponent for FA Youth Cup opening appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Gabriele Biancheri’s direct dribbling created an early opening to find Ashton Missin inside the box who couldn’t apply the finish from close range.

Biancheri was proving too much to handle for the Wolves’ defenders and he was eventually taken down in the area to win a penalty in the 15th minute.

The Welsh international took responsibility for the penalty himself, sending the keeper the wrong way with a strong shot into the bottom right corner.

The visiting side provided a good battle in midfield, with the match going back and forth, but neither side could add another before the break.

The second half continued as an even affair and it was Wolves who came close first with two headed chances in quick succession.

First, Connor McLeod was free to head in from close range but could only make glancing contact to send it wide. McLeod then provided the delivery to Dani Angel, who also sent his headed attempt wide of the goal.

Late into the match, Wolves’ Caden Voice saw his second yellow of the match after tripping Zach Baumann to thwart United’s attack.

With only seconds remaining in the match, Biancheri slipped it to Ruben Curley on the right side of the box, who bided his time before slotting it past the keeper into the far corner.

The 2-0 win makes it nine wins in nine for Adam Lawrence’s u18s with a sizeable lead at the top of the table.

Next time out, United will have their toughest test yet though as they host second-placed Liverpool, who are always up for a fight at youth level.

United: Myles, Ogunneye (Kamason 61), Munro (Kingdon 61), Jackson, Mantato, Devaney (Baumann 46), McAllister, Missin (T. Fletcher 76), Curley, Musa, Biancheri

Unused subs: Murdock

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The news of the postponement came just an hour before the expected kick-off which was not early enough to stop a string of supporters being left disappointed as they arrived at Tottenham’s training ground, Hotspur Way.

A small team of security guards working the entrance were left to break the news to the approaching fans who were forced to turn around and head home.

Tottenham announced the postponement on their official website and added that “a new date for the game will be announced in due course.”

The postponement comes after two schedule changes to the fixture in recent weeks.

After originally being scheduled to take place at Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium, the match had to be moved to Hotspur Way due to a clash with Stevenage’s FA Cup match with Port Vale.

The proposed kick-off time was then subsequently changed yesterday with an announcement that the match would be pushed back an hour to 13:00 GMT.

A disappointing day for supporters was also a disappointing day for United’s young travelling squad which included a number of u18s players looking for their first taste of u21s football.

Travis Binnion’s u21s have been off to a mixed start to the season as they sit 12th out of 26 in the PL2’s new look competition with 11 points from 8 matches.

With their last match having been on November 4th, the postponement could shockingly see United’s u21s play just one match in a 10 week period.

It is a situation which raises the question of whether the Premier League 2 really serves its purpose of developing young players, with a number of United’s top young talents currently averaging less than two matches a month.

The team’s next match is scheduled for December 18th when they will host Newcastle United.

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After non-stop heavy rain all day, the waterlogged pitch looked far from playable but the match went ahead.

United threatened quickly with James Scanlon beating his marker on the outside to move into the box and strike across goal to force an early save.

But it was the home side who would take the lead in the 10th minute when they worked the ball down the left side before cutting back for Baran Demiroglu to finish from the centre of the area.

Ali Turap Bülbül charged through the centre of the pitch over 50 yards before laying off the ball but a poor finish let United off after some wayward defending.

United enjoyed a good spell around the half hour mark with Scanlon inches away from a close-range tap-in before he then provided a curled pass to Habeeb Ogunneye at the back post who hit the side netting with his attempt.

The match went into the break with Galatasaray holding their 1-0 lead. The home side looked more comfortable playing direct in the poor conditions while United struggled to get out from the back with the water holding up the ball.

The second half was no better for the style of football on display with United’s right side becoming almost unplayable due to the amount of water that had gathered.

The young Reds started to show their quality late on though and Willy Kambwala came close when he rose at the back post to head down but it was blocked off the line.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen was somehow managing to gracefully dribble through the opposition despite the pitch and on one occasion drove past a number of Galatasaray defenders on the left side of the box before being denied by a fantastic save.

The farcical nature of the match was almost summed up in the 82nd minute when Elyh Harrison’s pass was stopped dead by a puddle which gifted an open shot for the Galatasaray forwards, who fortunately hit the cross bar.

Into injury time, a pair of chances fell to Ethan Wheatley and Kambwala but again the flooded pitch was too much to overcome as both struggled to get their shots off with the balls stuck in the water.

Ultimately, the match ended 1-0 to Galatasaray after 90 minutes which was surprisingly not called off earlier. The loss provides serious consequences though as United now head into matchday six bottom of the table with no chance of advancement.

United: Harrison, Ogunneye (McAllister 70), Kambwala, Kingdon, Nolan (Jackson 86), T. Fletcher (Sharpe 57), Fitzgerald (Curley 57), J. Fletcher, Hansen-Aaroen, Scanlon, Wheatley

Unused subs: Wooster, Missin, Musa

The post Academy Match Report: Galatasaray u19s 1-0 Manchester United u19s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

A close friend of the Hansen-Aaroen family, Jonas Johansen is a fellow Tromso native who is currently the sporting director for Tromso IL’s women’s team after ending his playing career with Tromso IL, the same club Isak Hansen-Aaroen was signed from.

Having recently impressed for the club’s u21s and internationally for Norway’s u21s, fans of United have been clamouring to see Hansen-Aaroen involved under Erik ten Hag but the latest news will leave many disappointed.

Having previously alluded to a disagreement with the club regarding his future, the 19-year-old’s personal coach has now questioned it further by saying, “It might happen that something happens to him this winter, either a loan or a permanent transfer, probably one of the two.”

Johansen recognised the difficult task of breaking through into a side like United adding, “It’s Manchester United, perhaps the most challenging club to break into for a young boy.”

“He has immense trust in feedback from me, and I know he struggles to accept feedback from others. He understands I’m trying to influence him in the best way possible. It’s not easy for any guy to grow up, move to Manchester during Corona, and be more or less alone.”

The disagreement between Hansen-Aaroen’s camp and the club seems to be whether he will sign a new contract and head out on loan or will depart the club permanently.

In September, The Peoples Person had reported about this conflict. The young midfielder had said, “There was talk of something different, but I don’t want to say too much about it. There was some stuff, but we didn’t quite agree.”

He then ominously added “you will find out in a few months. There is a lot of interest. If we wanted it to be a loan, I know we could go.”

The suggestion that it is not a loan move that the youngster is looking for but rather a permanent move is now compounded with Johansen’s words. “I think one or two loans is what they’re thinking. Then it’s up to Isak and his family to consider if that’s the smartest thing.”

“I would probably advise him to start fresh and find a new club where he’s part of the core, to fight his way in there. We’ll see if they do that.”

Signed over three years ago after making his senior debut for Tromso at just 15, Hansen-Aaroen has delighted youth followers with his silky and creative football but signs are suggesting now that his large following of supporters may not be tantalised by his quick feet in the red of Manchester United for much longer.

Fans of the club can only sit and hope that the club’s management will be able to convince the supremely talented midfielder to quench his thirst for senior football with a loan move for now rather than a complete departure.

The post Isak Hansen-Aaroen advised to leave Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

With only the top team advancing, United needed to secure a win and they went for it from the opening minute with an immediate ball into the right channel for Malachi Sharpe to chance onto and cut back to Ethan Wheatley’s one-time strike off the post.

Still within the opening five minutes, United were smothering Southampton with chances, the next coming from Harry Amass slipping through Sharpe to shoot from a wide angle, which was saved by the keeper’s feet straight to Wheatley for the rebound. But well-timed defending blocked his effort.

It didn’t take long to make the breakthrough though and in the seventh minute Wheatley gave United the lead. Jack Fletcher spread the play to James Scanlon on the left wing. He curled his shot to the far post which Southampton keeper, Dylan Moody, could only palm into the path of Wheatley for an easy finish.

Ethan Wheatley’s first of the game #MUFC #MUAcademy #PLCup pic.twitter.com/5dxC1I9AjI

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) November 25, 2023

United were dominating proceedings and Scanlon came close to adding a second with another curled effort towards the right corner but the stretching Moody was able to turn it around the post this time.

Southampton offered their own threat though midway through the half, when they worked the ball into United’s box to a wide open Princewill Ehibhatiomhan. He should have scored but for an unbelievable save from Elyh Harrison to deny the close-range strike.

United then added a second in the 35th minute. Jack Fletcher was pulling the strings again with a perfectly-weighted through ball to Sharpe whose shot was parried up into the sky for the incoming Wheatley to head into the back of the net.

Wheatley's second vs Southampton. Another top pass from Jack Fletcher #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/RWbcndykmi

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) November 25, 2023

Minutes later Wheatley completed his hat-trick to extend United’s lead. Unsurprisingly, it all started with Jack Fletcher again winning possession high up the pitch before quickly playing to Scanlon who laid off to Wheatley for an expertly taken goal off his weaker foot.

Wheatley's third for the hattrick #MUFC #MUAcademy #PLCup pic.twitter.com/b34q8ScJ34

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) November 25, 2023

It went in 0-3 at the break but could have easily been more for both sides with a number of impressive saves from Harrison and Moody.

The second half kicked off at a slower pace as United looked to calm down from the end to end first half with a more controlled approach.

It wasn’t until late on when substitute Ashton Missin injected some pace to the proceedings to race down the right wing and cross from Gabriele Biancheri who was stopped by another of Moody’s De Gea-esque saves with his feet.

But in the 78th minute, Missin latched onto a loose pass from Southampton before racing into the box and passing to Biancheri, whose poor first touch fortunately bounced passed the keeper opening for an easy tap in.

United then made it five when Biancheri drove into the box before being clipped down for a penalty. Wheatley stepped up to add his fourth of the match in style as he Panenka’d down the middle of the goal. A clinical performance showing why the club are trying nail down his future.

Southampton added a late consolation goal through Ehibhatiomhan but it was much too late to launch a comeback as they match ran out with United 1-5 victors.

The win places United top of the group and almost certain to advance with the final fixture between Reading and Wolves requiring one of them to make up an unlikely seven goal differential.

United: Harrison, Ogunneye (Devaney 61), Jackson, Kingdon, Amass, T. Fletcher (Curley 66), Fitzgerald, Sharpe (Biancheri 66), J.Fletcher, Scanlon (Missin 61), Wheatley

Unused subs: Myles

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Having beaten Romania and Japan in the opening fixtures, England finished off the tournament unbeaten with a convincing win lead by Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo was joined by Elyh Harrison in the England starting line up as they ended their time in Spain over the international break.

It took until the 22nd minute for England to open the scoring but floodgates opened then, with another three goals within 10 minutes.

Mainoo was key to England’s third goal as he cut out the wayward pass from Mexico before calmly poking the ball past the keeper to Dominic Ballard for an easy finish.

Kobbie Mainoo's assists vs Mexico pic.twitter.com/oCkE3YLeSz

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) November 21, 2023

Going into the break 5-1 up, Elyh Harrison departed as England made a number of changes which also saw Ashley Phillips exit to give the captain’s armband to Mainoo.

With the added responsibility Mainoo drove England forward and was quickly involved in another goal early in the second half.

Initially dribbling through three Mexican players into the box Mainoo lost possession but not for long and applied composure well above his years to one touch lay off to Ronnie Stutter to score.

England eventually ran out 7-1 winners with Mainoo playing the full 90 minutes after playing 76 and 30 minutes against Japan and Romania respectively.

A dominative performance in the midfield with quick movement, driving runs, sprayed passes, and composure in the opposition’s box, Mainoo demonstrated abilities United have desperately been seeking under Erik ten Hag.

Back to full fitness having returned to playing a month ago, it can only be a matter of time before Mainoo is given his chance in United’s first team.

Combined with the injuries, thin options in midfield and lacklustre performances from the senior members, the stars are perfectly aligned for the 18 year old to make the next step.

The post Kobbie Mainoo captains England u19s to Marbella Cup win appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The 17 year old has started the season impressively with five goals to his name in all competitions.

A regular starter for United’s u19s in the UEFA Youth League, Wheatley has been splitting his time in the league between the u18s and u21s.

Manchester World said they have been told “talks are at an advanced stage, although no announcement is expected to be confirmed this side of Christmas.”

It is also reported that the young forward “has attracted tentative interest from elsewhere but is happy at United and has no plans to look for a move elsewhere.”

A centre forward by trade, Wheatley often towers over his teammates and opposition but does not model his game around his size.

Despite good hold up play, he is not a simple target man but rather enjoys running the channels and drifting wide to utilise the space.

With a decent technical standard, Wheatley often keeps it simple but smart with his passing and his dribbling is effective while looking unorthodox due to his wiry frame.

Starting the season in fine form, the striker topped the scoring charts at the prodigious Otten Cup in the summer with 5 goals.

His scoring rate has continued into the season with an incredible record of a goal every 100 minutes, which includes the below sensational run against Reading’s u18s.

What a goal from Ethan Wheatley! #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/Nl3urnPpfi

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) September 2, 2023

With United keen to tie him down, it would not be surprising to see him promoted to the u21s full time come the turn of the new year.

He is not the only academy star set for a new contract though, as Manchester World also report that the club are looking to offer Omari Forson a new long term deal after he impressed Erik Ten Hag in pre-season.

The post Ethan Wheatley close to signing first pro deal at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The young English side are in Spain for the international break partaking in a mini tournament with Romania, Japan, and Mexico.

After featuring off the bench for 30 minutes in England’s dominating 6-0 win over Romania, Mainoo started from the off against Japan and reportedly donned the captain’s armband.

Playing in the heart of the midfield, Mainoo helped England secure an early two goal lead through Jacob Wright and Will Lankshear.

It looked like England and Mainoo were off to another easy victory but a lapse in the opening five minutes of the second half saw Japan pull two back.

Initially catching out England attempting an offside trap, Shiogai Kento applied a simple finish for Japan’s first.

Then two minutes later, Kento doubled his tally to draw it level, this time with a cracking shot from the edge of the box into the top of the net.

Eventually, Mainoo made way in the 76th minute and it was his replacement Jamie Donley who would make the last impression.

Donley, a forward with Tottenham Hotspur, scored from close range in injury time to seal the win for England.

United’s other star in the u19s setup is keeper Elyh Harrison who unfortunately didn’t feature in either of the opening two fixtures.

But as one of only three 2006 born players in the squad, it is impressive that Harrison has been called up above his age group and understandable that his time to play will come.

England u19s will finish out their time in Spain with a final fixture against Mexico on Tuesday in which Mainoo is expected to feature again.

The post Kobbie Mainoo shines for England u19s in Marbella appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The new scheme saw seven former United academy players return to Carrington for a week to take part in the Alumni Training Camp.

Nick Cox, the Director of Academy at Manchester United, took to LinkedIn to announce the new Alumni Programme which featured a news report on ITV.

Cox said that the camp is “devised to help support them to secure a playing contract at their next club. The group, who each left us at different stages in recent years, have been with us all week with the main focus being on coaching and physical preparation.”

You can find a link to the report herehttps://t.co/o16kYzNNxj

— Nick Cox (@Coxy3012) November 18, 2023

After years of offering support to former players, United are looking to formalise the relationship with the new structure which will be fully launched in the new year.

Cox added that “the programme will see us contact a population of 227 former players; these are players that have left us since 2012 and were registered with us over the age of 15 or for a period of 5 years or more.”

“Of course if players that fall outside of this cohort make contact we won’t turn them away.”

“The programme will offer social events, educational workshops and guidance for former players.”

The camps will not just focus on playing football but also on transitioning to other roles within the game or even entirely outside of the sport.

For example, Matt Olosunde who has struggled with injuries for the past two years, took part in gaining experience in the world of player recruitment.

Another attendee was FA Youth Cup winning captain Tom Thorpe, who returned to playing last season after five years, but is now without a club again as he recovers from an ACL injury.

The other former players that were present included Callum Gribbin, Oli Kilner, Eric Hanbury, Ro-Shaun Williams, and Joe Thompson.

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