Man United U-23 Matches 2016/17

[Andi Istiabudi]

CZECH CHALLENGE FOR UNITED RESERVES

Manchester United's Reserves return to action in the Premier League International Cup on Thursday night (kick-off 19:00 GMT) with Sparta Prague bringing a continental flavour to the proceedings at Leigh Sports Village.

The side from the Czech Republic lost 2-1 to Villarreal on Tuesday at St George's Park with Richard Sedlacek's late missed penalty proving costly. The result leaves holders Villarreal level on points with United but they have completed their three games.

Ro-Shaun Williams missed United's FA Youth Cup defeat to Southampton on Monday with a knee injury sustained in training but Callum Gribbin's withdrawal during the Old Trafford tie suggests he could be under consideration for the Reserves.

Interim coach Nicky Butt played with wing-backs at Chelsea in the 3-1 league defeat last time out and it will be interesting to see how the Reds line up in the live MUTV clash.

United finish off the Group B campaign with a game next Thursday at Leigh Sports Village against Middlesbrough, who currently have a 100 per cent record following two 1-0 victories.

Only the two best runners-up join the six group winners in the knockout stages.

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