Manchester United’s U21s side has been on an absolute tear as of late. After calling the squad and its coaching staff out for its inconsistent and miserable start to the season in the last U21 update, United’s youngsters have won four straight, including a 2-1 win over Liverpool. The team now sits 8th in the PL2 and is 7 points back of fourth place. They also beat Feyenoord in the Premier League International cup. The side now find themselves 3 points off top spot in their group. They will play Blackburn on Friday the 27th, where they will look to make it 5 wins in 5.
U21s Headlines
The 2-1 win of Liverpool is the standout result form the last 4 fixtures. No matter where the teams are in the table or what division we’re speaking of, Liverpool versus United is always a big deal. United dominated the match but there weakness to the counter attack does remain. It’s important for the young players to get a knack for beating Liverpool before they reach Premier League level.
United’s first win in the PLI Cup was also huge. The win keeps them in contention to reach the knockout stage after looking like they could be knocked out completely very soon.
Meanwhile Shola Shoretire will be making a loan move to Bolton Wanderers in League one. The side are fighting for promotion to the Championship.
Lastly, Amad Diallo continues to impress with Sunderland in the Championship. Just last month Diallo was awarded player of the month for the entire league.
What’s changed in the side?
The side still has its weaknesses in defense as even in four straight wins, they’ve yet to secure a clean sheet. United’s lineup is continuously changing as well. Honestly, a lot of what is happening for the U21s side as of late is up to finishing. this teams ability to possess and create has always been there, but the final touch has just never been there. Promising young talents like Charlie McNeil have routinely missed goals strikers should be dunking on a regular basis. But, finally goals have been coming and even McNeil had two goals in his last game out.
Shola Shoretire has also been in top top form, proving to be the sides best all around player. He’s earned his loan move to Bolton, but we’ll see if the U21s side can manage with his absence for the remainder of the season.
Lastly, the arrival onto the scene of Joe Hugill has been a spark the whole side has needed. Hugill has scored 5 goals in the last four matches, a feet no other player in the side has come close to.
The Loanees have been Busy
From the amazing Amad Diallo to Shola Shoretire making a move to Bolton, the young loanees have been making noise.
Diallo just put in a man of the match performance his last time out and has been praised by the Sunderland head coach. In fact the Sunderland boss has touted Diallo to break through into the United first team next season. The Sunderland boss said:
“Amad has to try and do that, and he’s not going to fall short on talent. For me, with these young players, it’s all about their personality and whether they feel they can do it and feel they should be on the pitch with Bruno [Fernandes] and all the big players at Manchester United.”
Tony Mowbray, Sunderland head coach
Amad Diallo has to finish out this season strong then go on to have a great pre season under Eric ten Hag. United is very strong up front, at least roster wise, but the short comings of players like Jadon Sancho may just give Diallo the room to break through.
Meanwhile, Ethan Laird has continued to be a regular starter for QPR this season. Hannibal has been a regular for Birmingham but Alvaro Fernandez has seemingly fallen out of favor at Preston North End.
So, while some youngsters are struggling on loan, many others are excelling. Now, only time will tell of Shola Shoretire will be a success for Bolton.
What’s Next for the U21s?
With Shola Shoretire leaving this month on loan, Mark Dempsey and the coaching staff will have to find his replacement within the side. Perhaps it will be Mainoo or the bursting onto the scene of Joe Hugill may be enough to fuel the side for this latter half of the season.
After the match with Bolton on the 27th, the U21s will be off until February 11th when they will face Everton.
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