An Experienced And Promising Manchester United Under18 Squad Set To be A Major Force This Term

The 2011/12 season turned out to be both frustrating and promising alike. On the one hand, the team coached by Englishman Paul McGuinness finished 8th at the Academy Premier League, far below the champions Blackburn Rovers. On the other hand, they reached the semifinals at the FA Youth Cup, before succumbing 3-2 on aggregate in a pulsating tie played at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge. The pupils commanded by Paul McGuinness had been previously knocked out of the competition Torquay (2-0), Derby County (2-1), Swansea (5-1) and Charlton Athletic (3-2). It’s worth keeping in mind that as it is the case of the senior team, the Under18’s are the most decorated club in FA Youth Cup history, having conquered the coveted trophy a ten-times record and finished runners-up in four occasions.

The reason why Manchester United Under18’s performances were so inconsistent throughout the last season could has been a combination of injuries and lack of experience and physical presence of several members of the squad, who by then were still first-year scholars. In addition, some key players during the last few seasons, such as William and Michael Keane, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Jesse Lingard or Larnell Cole had been deservedly promoted to the Reserves team.

A completely different scenario is being seen this term, as skillful midfielders Norwegian Mats Moller Daehli and Belgian Andres Pereira are leading the way for the Manchester United Academy team in a season which could end up being their springboard to professional football. On a less positive note, Belgian Adnan Januzaj, in the eyes of many observers one of the most exciting prospects in Europe, has been sidelined for a big part of the season due to a troublesome injury. As predicted, the young Reds are a joy to watch, having already shown what they are made of, most notably in a 7-1 demolition of Newcastle United.

Manchester United Under18 Squad

Goalkeepers (4)

• Jonny Sutherland, England **
• Pierluigi Gollini, Italy **
• Kieran O’Hara, England *
• Joel Castro Pereira, Switzerland *

Defenders (7)

• Louis Rowley, England **
• Matthew Wilkinson, England **
• Donald Love, Scotland **
• Declan Dalley, Wales **
• Ryan McConnell, Ireland *
• Ben Barber, England *
• Nicolas Ioannou, Cyprus *

Midfielders (14)

• Liam Grimshaw, England **
• James Weir, England **
• Jack Rudge, England **
• Joe Rothwell, England **
• Patrick McNair, England **
• Ben Pearson, England **
• Mats Moller Daehli, Norway **
• Kenji Gorre, Holland **
• Adnan Januzaj, Belgium **
• Callum Evans, England *
• John Harrop, England *
• Sean Goss, England *
• Matthew Willock, England *
• Andres Pereira, Belgium *

Forwards (4)

• Jack Barmby, England **
• Sam Byrne, Ireland **
• James Wilson, England *
• Ashley Fletcher, England *

*1st Year scholars (players born between 1st September 1995 and 31st August 1996).
 ** 2nd Year scholars (players born between 1st September 1994 and 31st August 1995).

Writer: Juan Manuel @theredinsider