Manchester United U18’s beat Middlesbrough 5-1 in the Premier League U18 on Saturday afternoon at the AON Training Complex. Middlesbrough was unbeaten in 15 league matches at this level and sat below Manchester City in the league before kick-off today. United played well, using their 5-1 victory over Everton a week ago to inspire them to victory today. Indy Boonen put his side 1-0 up just before the end of the first half, with Boro finding an equaliser at the start of the second half. Looking resurgent, the visitors were looking to capitalise from their early inspiration, with United not letting that happen. Trialist Idris Kanu put United 2-1 up in the 52nd minute, assisted by DJ Buffonge. Just six minutes later he put United 3-1 up, Boonen assisting this time. United, full of thunder on the attack went 4-1 up minutes after that through Angel Gomes, who was the hat-trick hero a week ago. United just did not give up though with DJ Buffonge scoring United’s fifth, assisted by Jake Kenyon. Two consecutive wins by the same 5-1 scoreline. It may be early days yet to suggest United are back at U18 level after a poor season. United won today without Zachary Dearnley, Callum Gribbin, Joshua Bohui, Tahith Chong and Nishan Burkhart, who are all very attacking players, so added to today’s squad the future looks bright.
Goals: Indy Boonen 37′, Idris Kanu 52′, 58′, Angel Gomes 68′, Buffonge 90′
Manchester United: Moutha-Sebtaoui; Tanner, O’Connor, Dunne (Ercolani 51′), Kenyon; Whelan, Hamilton; Buffonge, Gomes, Boonen (Makela 71′); Kanu (Diedrick-Roberts 64′)
Substitutes Not Used: Barrett, Johnstone