Robin van Persie won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. He spoke about playing on as long as possible like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

Van Persie won goal of the season for his volley against Aston Villa on the night we secured the title at Old Trafford.

The Reserve Team Player of the Year is Adnan Januzaj.

The Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award went to Ben Pearson, taking over from Mats Daehli.

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Januzaj has been a standout player for the reserves this season and was part of the title celebrations on Monday night despite not having made a first team appearance yet.

This announcement comes over a month after Sir Alex Ferguson singled out the Belgian winger as a player to watch, tipping the U21 to make a breakthrough at Old Trafford.

After being crowned Champions in April, Ferguson can now afford to rotate the team more than he has and speaking on MUTV, he said he would introduce some of the younger players into the fold and mixing things up.

“A lot of younger players, the ones who have been on the fringes for the last weeks, I desperately want them to feel their contribution has been big. Chicharito, Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley and Nani – I think it is important to get them involved in the last few weeks.”

Although Januzaj’s name was not mentioned, you get the feeling a first team debut isn’t too far off after being rewarded a squad number.

Januzaj is described by United on their official website as a ‘creative spark’, skilled at set pieces, and is left footed despite playing the majority of his football on the right-wing.

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Manchester United took an early lead through Mats Daehli after a squared ball inside the box from Jack Barmby. In the build-up to the goal, the Reds looked keen to make a quick start. Daehli, the goalscorer, was among others wanting the ball at his feet before making intelligent runs behind Bolton’s back four.

The game slowed down a little when United went ahead. We looked conformable but still created chances. The Trotters on the other hand were unable to stop our movement on and off the ball which caused problems all over the pitch. United’s method of keeping the ball didn’t help their case either. It looked like a training drill at times with at least three Red jerseys forming a triangular shape.

Bolton’s first opportunity came after 41 minutes when a swinging corner met Hendrie on the head but went wide. They were granted another two corners shortly after but both resulted in similar fashion. As the game went on, however, The Trotters came into it more. Perhaps fighting shock after conceding early on.

Looking back at the first half it was pretty even with Bolton creating a handful of chances near the end. Throughout the first 45 minutes though, United had most of the possession. Neither manager made a change after the interval.

The second half immediately started with a scrappy tactical layout from Bolton, but United still managed to keep the ball. A goal or two would settle things for United and kill Bolton off but they need to put a limit on passing in the final third for that to happen. They seemed reluctant to shoot from outside the box for much of the first half.

After cleaning their act up, Bolton had a great chance after 50 minutes. Youngs was sent through on Joel Pereira, making his debut between the sticks, but failed to keep his shot down. Note: the goalkeeper is no relation to Manchester United substitute Andreas Pereira.

Having scuffed a chance minutes before, Youngs scored from a tap in gifting Bolton an equaliser. Although we can’t say it wasn’t deserved seen as it has been remarkably even since the interval. United responded well creating a chance straight away which Ryan McConnell should have scored from but it wasn’t to be.

The tempo slowed down as chances for both teams became few and far between. Jack Barmby did well to cross a ball into Sam Byrne, who forced Sievers to make a save after 75 minutes. Players from either side were beginning to become tired and Bolton sat back making them even more difficult to break down.

With ten minutes to go, Bolton were 2-1 down. Barmby did superbly inside the box dribbling around defenders before his shot was deflected off Bailey. It will have to go down as an own goal, so we got our bit of luck.

That’s five defeats from five league games for Bolton. United’s U18s have a record of 8 wins from 11.

**

United
1. Joel Pereira
2. Liam Grimshaw
4. Declan Dalley (14. Andreas Pereira ’78)
5. Ryan McConnell
3. Callum Evans
7. James Weir
6. Ben Pearson
8. Jack Rudge
9. Sam Byrne
11. Mats Daehli
10. Jack Barmby

Subs not used
12. Matthew Willock
13. Pierluigi Gollini
15. Josh Harrop
16. Ashley Fletcher

Bolton: Sievers, Hendrie, Holding, Gibson, Nolan, Newby, Bailey, Wolstenholme, Walker, Hamer, Youngs.

United started brightly and passed the ball around crisply. The first real chance fell to Jeffery Schlupp in the first minute when he was sent through on goal by Nick Powell, only to find his shot sent wide. Five minutes later he found himself in front of goal again forcing a save from Liverpool’s goalkeeper Danny Ward.

It wasn’t long before Liverpool started to create chances. Alexander Butter, who has appeared in United’s first team regularly this season, granted them too much space on the right allowing the likes of Wisdom to attack down the flank dangerously. Morgan was unlucky not to score an opener for the home side, hitting the post inside the first 10 minutes.

Despite playing at left back and being partly at fault for granting Liverpool so much space out wide, Buttner did not allow Suso any space in the first half hour. The Spanish youngster who joined the Anfield club last year had hoped our Dutch full back was substituted before the interval when it looked as if he went over on his ankle after a challenge from Jonjo Shelvey. Thankfully he got up and played on.

The best chance of the first half came after a superb run through midfield by Jesse Lingard, beating three Liverpool players before sending the ball to Schlupp. The German striker took the ball under control before forcing Ward to make another save.

Neither manager made changes during the interval, so it was about to pick up as it finished. To sum up the first half, however, it was scrappy and lacked a final ball inside the box. Given the performance of both teams in the first 45 minutes, I initially thought the team to score first would win.

Liverpool were down to 10 men after fifty minutes with Sama picking up a second yellow card – both as a result of challenges on Schlupp, who he struggled to deal with all night. I honestly don’t think anyone could complain about the referees decision to send the youngster off for an early shower. The home support went on to falsely accuse United fans of racist chanting towards Sterling and Sama. Not sure when the term ‘Scouse’ became a racist slur…

United with the extra man began to create chances more frequently; Tom Thorpe had a header cleared off the line on the 68th minute. As time went on the Merseyside club became increasingly disciplined in attempt to take away our advantage of having 11 men on the pitch.

Their disciplined tactics worked right up until the end before Michele Fornasier scored a late winner on the 94th minute. The defender was in the right place at the right time when Liverpool goalkeeper Ward pushed the ball in front of him.

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United: Ben Amos; Veseli, Tom Thorpe, Michele Fornasier, Alexander Buttner; Larnell Cole, Thomas Lawrence (Charni Ekangamene 49), Nick Powell, Adnan Januzaj (Tyler Blackett 75); Jesse Lingard, Jeffery Schlupp.

Subs not used: Pierluigi Gollini, Sean McGinty, Reece James.

Man of the match: Adnan Januzaj

Image courtesy of @thisistheone99.

The midfielder was named academy player of the year last season and has found himself in the reserves at the age of 17. Nilsen speaks on the developments that Dæhli has made, setting the standard in terms of creativity.

Daehli won Norway’s U19s side an 87th minute penalty as they beat Turkey 3-2 today. He also played an important role in another of Norway’s goals.

“Mats worked very well. He is really good in close duels, really creative and reliable to keep hold of the ball,” Nilsen told the Supporters Branch. “He fits very well between the oppositions midfield and defence. There he can either play through passes or advance with the ball himself like he did when we got the decisive penalty. He played a really good game. He was one of our best players.”

In terms of setting standards, receiving praise like this is a good sign but can Dæhli make the next step? It’s a big ask but if he continues to work hard I don’t see why not. He is held in high regard by followers of United’s youth academy so I can’t say these quotes come with much surprise.

He continued: “We are really happy to have Mats back. He is so creative. In a way he sets the standard in creativity the others try to reach. He is also extremely hard working. All the time. I had hopes that he could play like this, after seeing him against Serbia last year and I’m pleased that he delivered in such a good way.”

IN

Wilfried Zaha: As mentioned above, United made just one signing in January. The 20-year-old is a right-footed winger – an area that has caused concern for Ferguson this season, but why did we loan him back straight away if that was the case? Crystal Palace view themselves as promotion contenders, so it was an agreement made before Zaha signed the dotted line. Either way I think it’s important he gets more football under his belt. If Antonio Valencia fails to find form again and Nani is sold in the summer, this young England international may be in for a big debut season at Old Trafford.

OUT

Joshua King: Undisclosed fee to Blackburn Rovers. Many expected King to get more opportunities at United, but he came across a bit impatient in interviews before the season began. Wish him the best at Ewood Park.

Angelo Henriquez: Wigan on loan. Joining United last summer aged 18, it was important to send him somewhere to get first team experience under his belt. Stuck behind a number of strikers in the pecking order at Old Trafford, he had to go out on loan. Thankfully it’s a club in the Premier League.

Robbie Brady: Undisclosed fee to Hull City. From developing in a youth team that consistent of players like Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison, here’s another to leave Old Trafford. Since traveling on tour last summer, many doubted whether he had the potential to become a first team regular at United. I personally feel he is at his level now in the Championship, however, I wish him well at Hull under Steve Bruce.

Davide Petrucci: Peterborough on loan. Highly rated Italian midfielder who joined from Roma in 2011. The playmaker has shown his eye for spectacular goals along with impressive passing while playing for the reserves. If he can stay clear of injuries, Darren Ferguson should get good use out of him. Scott Wootton, aged 21, has joined him at the club on loan also.

Federico Macheda: Stuggart on loan. After a terrific introduction to his United career, Macheda has been disappointing. Previous loan spells at Sampdoria and QPR failed due to a lack of real opportunities. Hopefully he makes a good enough impression in Germany, so we can finally get rid.

Luke McCullough: Cheltenham on loan. Accomplished defender who is building his reputation as a powerful, commanding presence. Aged 18, it is essential he gets first team football at Whaddon Road.

Bebe: Rio Ave on loan. Known as a flop by many, Bebe became the first signing Ferguson made without watching him play live. Since joining United in 2010 for a fee believed to be worth £7.4 million, the 22-year-old has failed to make an impression. It’s difficult to say at this moment in time what the club have planned for him in the future, but one would like to think he can make an impact in Portugal and leave permanently.

Sir Alex Ferguson was among 3,000 spectators at Old Trafford tonight, accompanied by Mike Phelan. The pair are familiar with defensive errors from the first team, so seeing it occur down the youth ranks mustn’t have been that much of a surprise. The youths should take their mistakes on the chin and learn from them. I felt we were the better side, despite losing.

Burnley skipper Cameron Howieson gave his side the lead, but United equalised through James Weir just before half-time. It appeared as if the Reds turned the tables around when Nicholas Ioannou put them in front after 64 minutes but Jason Gilchrist had put visitors back on terms shortly after.

The vast majority attending the game thought United did enough when Donald Love put the home side ahead again but Gilchrist grabbed another for Burnley. His goal invited extra-time in which he completed his hat-trick and knocked Paul McGuinness’ side out of the competition.

The Class of 92 are one of the finest group of players most recently, along with home grown talent such as Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck of the present era. All fully fledged International team and still mere youths in their career development.

Are Manchester United about to unleash another of the fabled products of the famed Academy system, James Wilson? Wilson, who has just turned 17, has quietly announced himself in scoring goals. His star is surely on the ascendancy while he matures, works hard and grows to make the grade at United, ultimately the first team.

United have a fantastic array of attacking strength in their spear – head attackers, Van Persie, Rooney, Hernandez and Danny Welbeck sufficient to put fear into most defensive back lines in Europe. There will be no easy route for any of the younger players to make the breakthrough into the first team. James Wilson has his work cut out for him, but he is displaying many of the traits as a player to keep a careful eye on as his career progresses. As noted its not easy at Manchester United to make the grade that is required, as we saw with Dimitar Berbatov sadly having to be sold to Fulham. Fredrico Macheda struggling to find his early United career promise, that has stalled at Old Trafford, Sampdoria and Queens Park Rangers for a range of reasons. Another obstacle in James Wilson’s path to the top team strikers berth is Will Keane, an England under-21 International. There is no reason to give up on the hope for Will Keane as he recuperates from a serious cruciate ligament injury. James Wilson himself has also had to recover from a significant career threatening injury at a young age, which ends a lot of players careers. Wilson overcame this.

However as Will Keane rehabilitates back to full fitness the youngster will be aware of James Wilson’s impact in his short period at Old Trafford. As will Sir Alex Ferguson as Paul McGuinness keeps him up date on all the younger players development. Wilson recently scored five against Newcastle on 22 September – the under 18s destroyed the Geordies 7-1 away from home. Again in the north east against Sunderland on 24 November, Wilson netted twice as United beat the Black Cats 4-0. He also bagged another two goals against under 18 Premier League Group 2 table toppers Southampton at home as United beat the Saints 4-2. As Southampton had won the group and United finishing second, they both qualified for the Elite Group stage of the competition. This is not to imply James Wilson is the key component of the under 18s success so far this season. Adnan Januzaj, Matts Daehli and Jack Barmby are all currently bubbling below the likelihood of being promoted to the Under 21s.

However, as we know Ferguson has an attraction for players who score goals. James Wilson seems to fit the bill.

At other clubs they allow the youngsters to express themselves in the first team, if they are good enough. Prime examples are Raheem Sterling at Anfield and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the Emirates, who both have grown when moved up to their first team. Will we see James Wilson soon in the the under 21s team or even the bench for big match experience in the less important matches ahead of United? We know Sir Alex is cautious when pushing younger players forward. Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison and Ezekiel Fryers as recent examples, who did not have patience and the mental capability to be guided, in their United careers. Hopefully Wilson proves to be a a different kettle of fish.

To add to the humble unsung youngsters repertoire he is a natural left winger, as well as a spear-head attacker, similar to Danny Welbeck. He can only benefit by learning from mature International professionals at Carrington.

However, we first saw James Wilson when he was 15 years of age in the Under 18s. He made his under 18s debut against Everton and scored. In the under 18s FA Youth Cup Wilson also scored the only United goal at the Theatre Of Dreams against Chelsea last season, as the west London outfit beat the Reds 2-1 in the first leg of the tie.

Last season both United and Burnley reached the semi-finals. Will United eliminate the Clarets tonight to move onto the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. More importantly, will the under 18s go on to win the FA Youth Cup for a record breaking 11th occasion. Wresting  the title back from Chelsea, the current holders who won it for the fourth occasion last season.

What a fantastic boost it would be ahead of the derby at the Etihad on Sunday for the young Reds to win tonight and progress in the FA Youth Cup. For a rising star James Wilson to score at the Stretford End, dreams are made of this.

Nigel Pearson’s side faces Bolton tomorrow night and he hopes the club can complete both signings in time for kick off. He feels his side are still learning as they try come to tearms with gaining momentum to succeed promotion. The United pair will improve his squad.

Michael Keane, aged 19, who will probably build on his trade at centre half, has made two appearances for United in the Capital One Cup games against Newcastle and Chelsea. He picked up unnecessary stick after last week’s tie at Stamford Bridge, where he started alongside Scott Wootton. Perhaps his performance promoted Fergie to allow Keane go in search of experience.

Jesse Lingard, on the other hand, has only played for the first team on pre-season during the summer. He is highly regarded at Old Trafford, so hopefully everything goes to plan.

Lingard, aged 19, was a member of the FA Youth Cup winning squad in 2010. Since then, he has travelled with the first-team on their pre-season tour to South Africa and China where he made a good impression.

There’s a demand for technically gifted midfielders in Europe at the moment, so following the footsteps of Kagawa isn’t a bad way to start as a youngster. Once a key player for an exciting Borussia Dortmund side, the Japanese international has quickly become a fans’ favourite at United.

“Between attack and midfield. In the pocket there. Similar to Shinji Kagawa,” Lingard said. “I really like the way he plays. That’s what most teams are starting to do – put people between the defence and attack so they can’t be marked and can get on the ball and create from there. Andres Iniesta and Xavi have been doing it for years at Barcelona.”

I always enjoyed listening to footballers that are intelligent and show a real interest in the game. Lingard is very young and has a lot to learn. However, there’s a number of people around him that can make his development a lot easier, so hopefully he takes every opportunity possible.

Lingard was full of praise for coach Rene Meulensteen. He explained: “
Rene has been trying to build it into us slowly so we’re ready for it when we’re older. Rene has been there all the time with us and said it’s all about 90 per cent passing and 10 per cent skills. We’ve just got to play together and work hard in our team this season.”