Manchester United U23: Update & Loan Watch

The Manchester United U23 team grabbed a late equalizer away to Crystal Palace in their last match to draw the west London club 2-2. The match was greatly impacted by the weather. Both sides were greatly affected by the wind the game plan of each club in both halves proved it.

Manchester United U23: 1st Half 2-1

Palace sought to play direct from the goalkeeper in the first half with the wind to their back. This forced United to defend deep for much of the first half. United also found it difficult to make good clearances or play long balls forward with the wind going against them. Thus, Palace found themselves up 2-0 late in to the first half, but United grabbed a goal back just before the half. Hannibal forced the ball forward and Shoretire played an excellent ball for Zidane Iqbal who finished superbly.

Manchester United U23: 2nd Half 2-2

With the wind to their back in the second half United pressed on and dominated much of the play. Although, it wasn’t until stoppage time that United found the equalizer through centre back Will Fish. United almost snatched all three points in the final moments of stoppage time when Will Fish had a chance go over the bar.

Overall, it was a decent point to grab away as United are now tied for 4th on 29 points with both Palace and Tottenham. Manager Neil Wood said of the first half, “The ball was holding up, we couldn’t play off a forward, we were finding it difficult, and we conceded two goals probably from our mistakes.” Wood then said of the second half, “We knew the second half would be different, we knew we had the wind behind and we could go and get after them…to comeback from 2 nil down is a positive result for us.”

Manchester United U23: Standouts

Will Fish, we have to start with the decisive goal scorer who potentially even had the winner. Fish is a 19 year old English lad who was on loan with Stockport City for most of the season. This was a standout day for the young man. Hope to see his development continue with Manchester United.

Shole Shoretire, the former young standout under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had a vital role in the opening goal. Shoretire provided the assist just before halftime and was the driving force in attack alongside Hannibal. Shoretire’s future is tough to predict. The 18 year old Englishmen has made some appearances at the senior level, but has since been consistently in the U23 squad. Look for him to make the breakthrough in coming years.

Zidane Iqbal, also an English lad and local Manchester lad as well. Iqbal had a tremendous finish in the first half and is responsible for much of United’s creativity in the middle of the park. It remains to be seen what his full potential is.

Manchester United U23: What’s Ahead?

Manchester United U23’s host Derby County this Friday and it can be seen on MUTV. Derby is currently bottom of the table, so this should hopefully be a routine 3 points for the young lads. Neil Wood and his side need to keep pace with the likes of Tottenham and Crystal palace in the race for top 4. Finishing in the top 4 obviously isn’t as big of a deal at this level as it is in the Premier League, but the symbolism of doing so is important for confidence and building a winning culture within the club.

Manchester United U23s on Loan

Dylan Levitt had an assist this past weekend for Dundee United. The Scottish Premier league club held Rangers to a 1-1 draw. Levitt is getting consistent football for the Scottish club. The Wales international still has the potential to take the next step for United.

Amad Diallo, has found it difficult at Rangers since his debut goal for the club. Diallo has faced heavy criticism from fans following his performance off the bench against Dundee United. Although the Ivorian international rebounded with 2 goals against Brantford in the following match. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a good run of form for United’s young starboy.

James Garner, the 20 year-old loanee with Nottingham forest has been impressive this season. Garner has been a regular and key player for the club has they’re fighting for promotion to the first division. Garner could be the future of United’s midfield. Look for him to be given a first team opportunity next season or be loaned out to a Premier League side as he takes the next step in his career.

Facundo Pellistri, has found life difficult in Spain. Currently on loan with Alaves in La Liga, the 20 year-old Uruguay international has made 6 starts and 11 appearances from the bench with 0 goals and 0 assists. Although, it should be noted Alaves are second bottom in La Liga and a poor side overall. Pellistri has looked good for his country in Word Cup qualifying. There’s no doubting this kids talent, so look for him to take the next step in the next year or two.