Man United U-18 Matches 2016/17

[Andi Istiabudi]

UNDER-18S OUT TO STRETCH LEAD AT SUMMIT

Manchester United can extend the lead at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North table on Saturday as Sunderland visit the Aon Training Complex.

The 12:30 BST kick-off is being shown exclusively live by MUTV as Kieran McKenna's side bid to take advantage of hosting the only fixture in the division this weekend after the clash was brought forward from 22 October.

The Reds have already played two games more than second-placed Manchester City but sit a point clear at the summit following the 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough last time out.

"It's obviously pleasing for the players," McKenna explained to MUTV. "We want them to develop a winning mentality and we want them, ideally, to win tournaments and trophies as youth-team players. But it's not something we massively look at as staff.

"We're primarily focused on making sure we are improving them all as individuals and pushing them all to be better. We are trying to develop that winning habit and, if it means we win a lot of games and do well in the league, it's a bonus and only a by-product of what we're trying to do on a daily basis.

"I think the Under-18s is the first time they have a league now so it's part of their development by learning how to deal with being lower in the table and being top as we are the moment. We've got a game when other sides aren't playing so it's a good chance to play on our home pitch again. Our last three games here have been excellent and we're looking to put in a good performance again."

In terms of the build-up to Saturday's fixture, there has been plenty for the youngsters to enjoy on a personal level at the training ground.

"It's obviously been an international week and is a bit mixed up," added McKenna. "Angel Gomes has been away with England and Tahith Chong is away at the moment [with the Netherlands]. In the week, there have been a lot of different learning experiences for the boys and that's what it's about, not just the game on the Saturday.

"Three boys were playing in an Under-23 game behind closed doors on Tuesday so that was a big step up for them and we had five or six boys involved together with the first team too. Again, it's a fantastic experience for them and it is probably a typical week in youth development as you don't have the boys all week or a set structure.

"We've got to react, respond and give them different challenges that extend them throughout the week and hope, at the weekend, they come together to put on a good performance and try to win the game."

Sunderland are currently bottom of the table but were 4-1 up at Everton last weekend before having to settle for their first point of the campaign from a 4-4 draw.

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