Manchester United U18s were flying in the opening game of the Premier League North campaign. They faced Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park and Ethan Williams was our best player on the pitch.
Here’s how United lined up to face Boro: Thomas Myles, Habeeb Ogunneye, Reece Munro, Louis Jackson, James Nolan, Jayce Fitzgerald, Finley McAllister, James Scanlon, Jack Moorhouse, Ethan Williams, Victor Musa. Meanwhile, on the bench: Elyh Harrison, Jaydan Kamason, Jacob Devaney, Ashton Missin, Gabriele Biancheri.
Well, it’s not a classic academy match without poor weather conditions.
In the first half, Ethan Williams was almost everywhere. He was taken down inside the penalty area and the referee pointed towards the spot for a United penalty. It was James Nolan who executed it, sending the ball high into the roof of the net.
After this, it did not take long for Williams to be the protagonist again as his corner kick fell to Reece Munro’s feet and then at Jack Pattinson who scored an own goal. The young reds already had full control of the game at this point.
It was time for Williams to score and he did not disappoint. James Scanlon with a brilliant run from the right side found Jack Moorhouse, who then passes it to Williams and he smashes the ball into the back of the net. As Middlesbrough players recovered from that goal, another Williams corner found Jackson completely unmarked and he headed home.
In the second half, United were mostly managing the result of a brilliant first half. It was Myles who denied Middlesbrough twice as they were desperately attempting to get something out of this game.
In the end, United comfortably managed everything right and won three points in the opening game. Brilliant display, terrific start.
Full-time: Manchester United 4-0 Middlesbrough
Image courtesy of ManUtd.com
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