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6 months ago
31 It has been a rather impressive season for Manchester United’s U18s to say the least. Setting an example for every upcoming player in the ranks, this group of players should be proud of their achievements and accomplishments.
However, tonight there was so much to play for still. Coach Adam Lawrence named this XI: Harrison, Ogunneye, Jackson, Kingdon, Amass, McAllister, Curley, Scanlon, J.Fletcher, Williams, Wheatley.
Meanwhile on the bench: Myles, Nolan, Devaney, Sharpe, Biancheri.
The opening minutes saw United more dangerous and adventurous in Chelsea’s final third. There was an excellent chance for Wheatley, whose powerful shot forced a tough save on the Chelsea goalkeeper. Seconds later, the ball was in the back of the net with Wheatley once again proving to be a threat, however he was offside. Then Chelsea’s Runham forced a tricky save from Elyh Harrison.
It was only a case of a perfect moment, and it all started from a Jack Kingdon’s challenge and then Ethan Williams played a through ball to Ethan Wheatley, who made no mistakes in front of the keeper. Chelsea on the other hand had a great chance but it was a massive effort from Louis Jackson to block what seemed a goal, right ahead of the clearance line. It was a great first half from United and Ethan Williams had a chance to make 2-0, just as we were approaching the end of the first half. Chelsea for all of it matters, have been a solid side throughout the season and it takes this United side to show things in a different angle.
The beginning of the second half was not what United were expecting. A Chelsea cross found Acheampong who sends it home finding Harrison a bit out of position, getting the game level. Clearly, the dressing room talk worked pretty well as Chelsea had another great chance minutes after to take the lead.
There’s an old and unwritten rule in football where if you don’t score, expect to concede. Wheatley was once involved as he created a brilliant chance for Fletcher whose shot was blocked. However, there was Ethan Williams who fired it up and United restored their lead. Shortly after, Wheatley almost scored again and he was unlucky in that position. While the first half was a bit one sided, Chelsea seemed to be taking various risks putting United in difficult situations. This game could have gone both ways in the second half. Well, of course taking into consideration, Wheatley’s incredible chances. In the space of ten minutes, he had three one-on-one chances and to his dismay they all went wide. The game should have been wrapped up.
There was a classic way finish to the game, a chance for United to close the game, but the shot was saved. It did not matter much at this stage as the referee blew the whistle and Manchester United were crowned U18 National Champions, after winning at Stamford Bridge 2-1 against U18 South Division champions Chelsea.
United deserved the win to put an end to a brilliant U18 level season.
U18 Premier League North champions, U18 Premier League Cup winners and now U18 Premier League champions.
To conclude, this team also earned their way to the UEFA Youth League as crowned champions.
Having this group of players not participate in one of the most important tournaments at youth level was obviously a shame. It’s a good thing they had themselves to rely on rather than the disastrous first team.
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