Manchester United's Academy - News and Rumors

[Andi Istiabudi]

REPORT: LINCOLN U18S 0 UNITED YOUTH XI 2

Manchester United's youngsters secured a keenly fought friendly victory with two late goals against a resilient and hard-working Lincoln City side in front of 2,240 fans at Sincil Bank on Wednesday night.

Kieran McKenna’s lads made more of the goalscoring opportunities during the contest but the home team battled well throughout and, until Brandon Williams and Millen Baars struck in the final quarter, they looked capable of taking something from the game.

This was the first time in 62 years that a team representing United had set foot inside Lincoln's home ground. On that occasion it was United’s first team on duty in a friendly match that was arranged because both the Red Imps and the Red Devils had been eliminated from the FA Cup and they agreed to fill the void with United travelling to Lincolnshire. United were victorious then, on Saturday 12 March 1955, by three goals to two with Colin Webster scoring twice and Manchester-lad Albert Scanlon also finding the net for his first goal for the senior XI.

Those United supporters who try to visit all the grounds in the top four divisions had waited for a long time for this fixture to come around. At long last they can tick it off the list.

United lined up wearing a change strip of black shirts and white shorts, with Lincoln City in their traditional red and white stripes with black shorts. The visitors made a lively start with a couple of swift raids on the Lincoln goal, which was in front of the only stand to be unoccupied on the evening. Behind this stand and about half a mile up the hill is the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral that dominates the skyline of this beautiful little city.

United went close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when Max Dunne put the ball narrowly over the bar from Mason Greenwood’s corner. The same pair combined again a few minutes later when Greenwood sent over a cross from the left that found Dunne, who couldn’t beat goalkeeper Michael Antkowiak from close range.

McKenna's side were making most of the running but the home side were battling well and Antkowiak was proving to be a formidable barrier between the Lincoln posts.

Midway through the first half and striker Nishan Burkart fired over after collecting a pass from Baars.
Lincoln’s Luke White broke through United’s defence in the 31st minute but he failed to make the most of the opportunity and his shot flew over the bar. Team-mate Jacob Fenton also tried his luck a few minutes later but the shot went wide of its intended target.

United continued to be the side most likely to break the deadlock during the second half, but Antkowiak’s determination to keep United at bay remained undiminished.

A raft of United substitutes joined the action on the hour, but the overall flow of the game remained the same with the Reds having most of the attacking activity. But Lincoln’s youngsters were also having their moments and, in the 57th minute, skipper Ritchie Burdett was narrowly wide with a fine shot.

Almost immediately, at the other end of the field, United’s D’Mani Bughail also went with inches of finding the net. Greenwood and Baars returned to the field with 16 minutes remaining and within seconds Baars had sent over the cross for Williams to put United into the lead. It is fair to say that United had been threatening to find the net for most of the evening and it came as no real surprise to see them achieve their objective.

Roles were reversed in the last minute when Williams's persistence in the area led to Baars gathering the ball before sweeping his shot high into the net.

McKenna’s lads deserved the success on the night, but Lincoln could take great credit from the way they pushed United all the way.

United: Sebtaoui (Thompson 60); Laird, Dunne (Barrett 60), Bernard, Spratt; Bughail (Greenwood 74), Levitt (Baars 74), O’Connor (Garner 60), Baars (Williams 60); Greenwood (McGhee 60); Burkart (Martinelli 60).

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

BURKART TARGETS MORE GOALS

Young Manchester United striker Nishan Burkart says he can't wait for the new season to begin, after scoring the winner in the Reds' SuperCupNI triumph over Northern Ireland last weekend.

The Swiss forward netted the only goal as United won the showcase match 1-0 in Coleraine, having been part of a successful pre-season camp for the Reserves and Academy in Austria earlier this month.

During the trip, the players hiked to a lookout point in the Dachstein Mountains, from which the youngster may have been able to see his homeland on a clearer day.

There, we caught up with Burkart to get his thoughts ahead of the new season and find out what targets the youngster, who also played in a friendly win at Lincoln City on Wednesday, has set for 2017/18.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

SBRAGIA OUTLINES FOOTBALLING OUTLOOK

Ricky Sbragia has explained his footballing philosophy ahead of Manchester United Under-23s' pre-season friendly at Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night.

The young Reds drew 2-2 with Salford City before beating Bradford City in a behind-closed-doors encounter last week, and the new coach is starting to gain a better understanding of his squad.

The Scot has a clear outlook on how he thinks the game should be played and it is likely to resonate with the players at his disposal as the side prepares for another campaign at Premier League 2 level, continuing with the outing at Sportsdirect.com Park (kick-off 19:30 BST).

When asked about the messages he is trying to instil into his squad, Sbragia told MUTV: "I think the principles of what Manchester United are, and I try to bring in little things. I'm probably getting to know them and they're getting to know me and suss me out with what we are and what we are going to do.

"I always believe in playing the game the right way, so they're able to express themselves, they can be unpredictable and take risks.

"I've always thought that, when a coach in development football. Let them have the freedom to really enjoy the game, enjoy the training and the surrounds. They are working for the greatest club in the world, in my opinion, and what an opportunity it is for them. They should totally appreciate it.

"I'll try to make things different," he continued. "But I always believe you should let them deal with situations, have a chat informally, and see why they've done it and maybe consider something else. They all can handle the ball, are all good on the ball and are all athletes.

"That's fantastic and it's trying to get the best of them. What I want them to do is I remember when I first came to the club, the manager at the time [Sir Alex Ferguson] said was to make sure it was the best two, three, four or five years of their lives. I try to do that and that's also by playing football as well and getting them to play for Manchester United."

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

OLDHAM 0 UNITED UNDER 23S 1

Pre-season friendly | Sportsdirect.com Park | Scorer: Gribbin 77

A late goal from Callum Gribbin was enough to give Manchester United’s Under-23s a narrow win over fourth-tier Oldham Athletic on Tuesday evening.

Games with a single goal can often suffer from a shortage of action and excitement, but that most definitely wasn’t the case with this encounter. It was a thoroughly enjoyable contest that could easily have ended with both sides having found the net on a number of occasions.

The two teams had to dodge the sprinklers as they went through their warm-up sequences in preparation for the kick-off. It was nice to see James Wilson back in a United shirt following last season’s loan spell at Derby County, which came to an abrupt end when he suffered a serious knee injury.

United have met Oldham many times at Reserves level over the years with clubs meeting regularly in the Senior Cup competitions of both Manchester and Lancashire.

This was the under-23’s second pre-season game to be played against a side from a neighbouring borough in Greater Manchester, following the 2-2 draw against Salford City almost two weeks ago.

United’s starting line-up was similar to the one that came from two goals down in that game, while Oldham’s selection was largely the one that will be on duty this coming Saturday when they start their League One programme with a home fixture against Oxford United.

It was a pleasant and warm evening at the SportsDirect.com Park, or more traditionally Boundary Park, with bright sunshine casting considerable shadows across the pitch as the game began with a decent turn-out thronging three of the four stands.

United started the game attacking the Chadderton or ‘Chaddy’ End which, in bygone days, was home to Oldham’s most partisan supporters. On this occasion, the noisiest of the home fans were located in the main stand, where they kept up a constant chant backed by a wildly enthusiastic drummer.

The hosts were the first to threaten, when, in the fifth minute, United keeper Kieran O’Hara had to be alert to prevent Craig Davies from opening the scoring with a strong header.

United, wearing black shirts, started the game brightly and were close to moving into the lead after eight minutes when Ethan Hamilton unleashed a fierce drive that Oldham’s keeper, on trial from Cardiff City, did well to push over the bar.

Those early minutes of the game certainly set the tone for the rest of the first half as both teams put the emphasis firmly on the offensive. Oldham, it has to be said, had the better of the chances but their inaccuracy proved costly in front of goal.

The home side made a raft of changes for the second half, while United sent on Matthew Olosunde for Wilson. The young striker had done well during the opening half and his no show after the break was surely just a precautionary move by the coaching staff.

A quarter of an hour into the second half still produced no goals, but it certainly wasn’t for the lack of trying at both ends. Shooting was certainly a feature of this game with the players seemingly willing to let fly from all manner of angles and distances. Gribbin went narrowly wide for United just moments after Mason Fawns had almost squeezed the ball past O’Hara.

Then, in the 77th minute, the goal that had looked on the cards for most of the evening finally arrived. Gribbin was the scorer, who found the net with a beautiful left-foot shot after easing himself into space.

Oldham continued to introduce more substitutes in an attempt to find the formula that could bring them a goal as the game moved towards its close but United closed out a narrow victory.

United: O’Hara; Riley (Buffonge 52), Williams (Warren 64), Borthwick-Jackson, Mitchell; Kehinde, Willock, Hamilton, Dearnley; Gribbin (Scott 80); Wilson (Olosunde 46). Sub not used: Richardson.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

ERCOLANI PREDICTS GREAT SEASON

Young Manchester United defender Luca Ercolani is raring to go ahead of the new Under-18 Premier League campaign, saying: "I can just feel that it's going to be good."

The Italian stopper, who joined the Reds last summer following a successful trial, prepared for the new season with his team-mates at a recent training camp in Austria.

In an interview with ManUtd.com during a trip to the Alps, Ercolani said team spirit is high among the group, adding: "The players believe that we'll have a great season."

For now, the 17-year-old will hope to be part of the squad participating in the Otten Cup in the Netherlands, a tournament in which United finished as runners-up last year.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

UNITED NAME YOUNG SQUAD FOR OTTEN CUP

Manchester United boss Kieran McKenna has named a youthful squad for the Otten Cup in the Netherlands.

The Reds, who were runners-up in the tournament last year, have opted to take a group who will benefit from the experience, particularly competing against different types of opposition.

Lee O'Connor (pictured), as one of the more experienced members, will captain the team while Under-15s prospects Teden Mengi, Anthony Elanga and Mason Greenwood have all made the trip.

The challenging environment, against powerful Under-19 sides who play regularly at that age group, should prove valuable to the United youngsters. Dutchman Tahith Chong is with the group but remains unavailable as he recovers from injury.

The Reds kick off against Cruzeiro from Brazil later this afternoon (Friday), before meeting Borussia Monchengladbach and Inter Milan on Saturday. ManUtd.com will have a full round-up of the team's showing on Monday morning with MUTV showing a highlights programme at a later date.

United: Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui, James Thompson; Dishon Bernard, Max Dunne, Luca Ercolani, Ethan Laird, Lee O’Connor, Harry Spratt, Brandon Williams; Aidan Barlow, Anthony Elanga, Jimmy Garner, Dylan Levitt, Teden Mengi, Dion McGhee; Millen Baars, D’Mani Bughail-Mellor, Nishan Burkart, Mason Greenwood.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

YOUNG UNITED SQUAD COMPETES AT OTTEN CUP

Manchester United boss Kieran McKenna named a youthful squad for the Otten Cup in the Netherlands.

The Reds, who were runners-up in the tournament last year, opted to take a group who will benefit from the experience, particularly competing against different types of opposition.

Lee O'Connor captained the team and scored one of the goals of the tournament, while Under-15s prospects Teden Mengi, Anthony Elanga and Mason Greenwood all made the trip.

The challenging environment, against powerful Under-19 sides who play regularly at that age group, proved valuable for the youngsters. An opening 2-0 win over Cruzeiro from Brazil was a superb result, with Nishan Burkart opening the scoring and O'Connor wrapping it up by firing home at the second attempt at the end of a brilliant solo run.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach followed on Saturday, and the key final Group D fixture ended in a 3-0 reverse to Inter Milan to leave United in third spot. The fifth/sixth-placed play-off on Sunday pitted the Reds against Anderlecht, and the Belgians secured a 2-0 triumph.

MUTV will be showing a full highlights programme soon.

United: Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui, James Thompson; Dishon Bernard, Max Dunne, Luca Ercolani, Ethan Laird, Lee O’Connor, Harry Spratt, Brandon Williams; Aidan Barlow, Anthony Elanga, Jimmy Garner, Dylan Levitt, Teden Mengi, Dion McGhee; Millen Baars, D’Mani Bughail-Mellor, Nishan Burkart, Mason Greenwood.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

Seharusnya timnas U-16 uji coba dengan tim ini, pasti menambah banyak pengalaman



UNITED UNDER-16S IN HONG KONG

Manchester United Under-16s are out in Hong Kong gaining some valuable experience on and off the pitch ahead of the upcoming season.

The Under-16s squad has joined the newly established JC Youth Football Academy Summit, through official club partner The Hong Kong Jockey Club, for a week-long stay in Hong Kong in order to experience the country's culture.

The young Reds are spending a week training with the Hong Kong Football Association Academy squad, as part of the initiative set up by the HKFA, as well as playing two games against sides from the District and Hong Kong Academy teams.

MUTV are also out in Hong Kong, and they have been documenting the Under-16s experiences every step of the way, as well as interviewing the coaches about the trip. And Neil Ryan, Academy phase coach Under-15s/16s, was keen to emphasise the valuable learnings United’s youngsters are gaining out in Asia.

“We’re going to get two matches to play which is going to be a good experience for the boys,” Ryan told MUTV. “To play against some different opposition that they haven’t played against before is always useful.

“But more importantly they’re going to get a real life experience, coming over to Asia, to a different part of the world where none of them have been before. Dealing with a lot of different experiences, which is a simulation of the first-team, with the travelling and the jet-lag, and the heat is a big thing as well.”

As well as the training camp and matches, the Under-16s have been engaging in a number of cultural activities in the hope that they will learn new life skills, and Nick Cox, Academy operations manager, stressed the importance of those new experiences.

“It’s about a cultural experience for the young boys that we've brought with us,” said Cox. “It’s about them understanding a country that they probably never would have set foot it, had it not been for their association with the United.

“[We hope this trip helps] our players to understand a different culture, and with it they have a real opportunity to share experiences with people with the same interests as them, over here. And we hope that process will see our guys give something back, so it’s a cultural exchange. We’ll hopefully learn from the youngsters and they will learn from us as well.”

Meanwhile, Academy lead phase coach Under-12s/14s, Hasney Aljofree admitted he and his young players feel privileged to be in in Hong Kong, and he hopes the trip will help the young Reds develop as players and as people.

"I think we’re very privileged, and we’re humble to be here,"Aljofree said. "We’re spreading the Manchester United way in Hong Kong. It’s another experience for our boys to help them understand what it is to be a Man United player, and also to understand what other people think of United, so the facilities, the way we’re looked after and everything about the trip is special."

www.manutd.com

[penk22_]

BUTT: UNITED ACADEMY STILL HAS THE EDGE

Head of Academy Nicky Butt believes Manchester United remain one of the most attractive destinations in world football for any young player.

The Reds have an enviable record of developing youth talent and, crucially, offer a pathway into the first team despite the club's lofty standing at home and in Europe.

With competition for promising footballers becoming increasingly intense, former midfielder Butt is convinced United offer the perfect platform with the facts speaking for themselves.

Indeed, the last transfer window featured big-money transfers for former Academy players Michael Keane (Everton) and Danny Drinkwater (Chelsea), plus moves for Phil Bardsley, Tom Cleverley, Tom Lawrence and Darren Fletcher.

"It is a hard job, especially in today's society, with so many big clubs around the world with a lot of tick-boxes," Butt told MUTV. "Financially, with the training ground and everything that all the clubs can offer these boys now, it's massive.

"We're competing with a lot of clubs these days but I still believe we've got the best pathway. It's a fact we're probably the best or one of the best in Europe at developing our lads for the first team. We can speak to parents honestly and say, look, we always give our lads a chance to play for the club; the pathway is there to play if they're good enough.

"If not, we have X amount of players who play professionally across Europe and make a good living by playing football. The percentage who get to the first team is very small so we've got to offer something else and we offer a really good upbringing and football knowledge. If you look at how many around the Championship are from our Academy, it's great for the coaches."

Six homegrown players made their debuts last term but nobody from the Academy, least of all the youngsters themselves, will be resting on any laurels.

"It's always great seeing a youngster come through the Academy to make their debut," added Butt. "But it's just the start for them. That's the easy part, getting there, the hard part is staying there.

"They're good boys, all the lads who played all work hard. Some of them have come back to the Under-23 squad and have not been sulking and asking: 'Why am I here or not there?' They get on with it and it's obviously important.

"But another important thing as well is realising where you are within your range. They know, deep down, if they should be playing or should be in the squad or back with the Under-23s. We're quite lucky in that sense as we've got some good boys who get on with it and hopefully they will get another chance soon."

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Exclusive-Interviews/2017/Sep/manchester-united-offer-pathway-to-first-team-says-nicky-butt.aspx

[Andi Istiabudi]

Tahun depan ada yang mau nonton tim asuhan Nicky Butt di Singapura ? Hehehe...



UNITED KIDS TO PLAY IN SINGAPORE

Manchester United has confirmed its attendance for 2018 JSSL Singapore Professional Academies 7s which will be held at the Padang on 28-30 April 2018.

The Reds are the first team to be announced by event organisers, with more participating teams to be announced over the next few weeks.

Last April, Fulham, Bangkok United, Sporting Lisbon, Penang FC and Perth Glory were among the teams participating in the event, with Portuguese side Sporting emerging as champions.

Harvey Davis, Managing Director of JSSL Singapore, said: "We are always aiming higher, and it is important for us to keep improving the competition and to make it more exciting. We are thrilled to have Manchester United at the JSSL Professional Academies 7s for 2018."

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, the tournament attracted 271 teams and over 3,000 players from 15 nations, in total, in April. JSSL are targeting 350 teams for the 2018 edition.

United's Head of Academy, Nicky Butt, commented: "We are always looking out for good, competitive football tournaments. We are looking forward to participating in the event in 2018 in Singapore."

Manchester United Academy will be sending our Under-16 Academy team for the Professional 7s.

www.manutd.com