Quote:
Premier Academy League
Carrington, 7 November 2009
MANCHESTER UNITED 5
Keane 28, Morrison 52, Tunnicliffe 65, Cole 75, Pogba pen 90
BOLTON WANDERERS 1
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07/11/2009 13:10 - ManUtd.com, Ben Hibbs
U18s: United 5 Bolton 1
United's Under-18s hit five past Bolton Wanderers on Saturday at Carrington - including a first goal for French starlet Paul Pogba and an impressive display from Italian Davide Petrucci on his first start since February.
It was all about United's four-goal display after the break, and although Bolton may feel hard done by at the scoreline, the Reds were just to good and clinical going forward, with Will Keane the master craftsman, scoring one and making two others.
It was entertaining stuff in the early stages with both teams playing positive football.
But after 28 minutes, and with United settled, forward John Cofie burst through the Wanderers defence. He was brought down as he rounded the keeper, but Will Keane was on hand to continue his fine recent scoring form, tapping in to make it 1-0.
Nicky Ajose was fortunate not to concede a penalty later in the half as the game became scrappy - it was a decision that infuriated Bolton, but nevertheless the half ended with United in front.
Cofie was replaced at half time by Morrison, and after the break United really began to press the visitors. The Reds substitute and Petrucci showed their creative talents on several occasions.
And it was Wythenshawe-born Morrison who got United's second. Keane's fine work in the build-up should be noted, leaving Morrison to apply a characteristically cool finish seven minutes after the restart.
Just over ten minutes later United grabbed a third. Ajose was the architect with some fine work on the left flank, pulling the ball back for Ryan Tunnicliffe to turn in a brilliant half-volley.
Petrucci, who recently returned from eight months on the sidelines, made way after 69 minutes and can feel pleased with his contribution.
But the change didn't stifle United's attacking intent. In fact his replacement, Larnell Cole, soon made it 4-0. Keane was again involved as he set Cole on his way before the young attacker calmly stroked the ball into the back of the net.
Bolton pulled a goal back, but when Reds left-back Zeki Fryers was clumsily brought down in the area, French midfielder Pogba wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to get his first U18s goal and complete a very satisfying afternoon's work for the young Reds.
United: Devlin; Massacci, Fornasier, Thorpe, Fryers; Petrucci (Cole 69), Tunnicliffe, Pogba, Ajose (McGinty 84); W.Keane, Cofie (Morrison 46).
Sub not used: Johnstone.