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
Manchester United
Ilias Moutha-Sebtaoui
Played well during the first half, seldom having anything to do. Conceded early in the second half with Boro equalising.
George Tanner
Did well throughout the match. Had some good interplay with Buffonge on the right flank. Impressed at time by getting forward.
Lee O’Connor
Did what he needed to do and was the player that required the praise during the first half, but the commentators were praising Dunne instead (having got the players mixed up).
Max Dunne
Was praised by the commentators for much of the match, when in fact it was O'Connor. Substituted early into the second half
Jake Kenyon
Played well throughout the match. Did what was needed. Got an assist in the final minutes of the match by setting up Buffonge to score United's fifth.
Callum Whelan
Had some good moments on the ball. Did some work for some of the goals, with the fifth coming from the work he put in to get the ball to Kenyon.
Ethan Hamilton
Made his U23 debut last Sunday. Back in the U18's this weekend, doing what he needed to do in order for his team to prevail.
DJ Buffonge
Assisted in the second goal, sending Kanu into the box and regaining United's lead.
Angel Gomes
Had a great game for United U18. Had some lovely passes throughout the match, creating many chances. Got himself on the scoresheet by scoring United's fourth of the match.
Indy Boonen
Scored the opening goal of the match from a tough angle. Could have scored again at the start of the second half. Boonen showed his class by setting Kanu up for his second goal teeing him up in the box as he was close to the line. His match ended on the 71st minuted after being replaced by Makela.
Ratings: Manchester United 5-1 Middlesbrough – Premier League U18 2016/17
On trial at United. Had a quiet first half but scored twice in the second half, putting United back in the lead, then two goals clear. Looks like a decent talent at this level. Buffonge set him up for his first, Boonen for his second. Replaced on the 64th minute after suffering a knock. Sign him up!
Substitutes
Luca Ercolani
Replaced Dunne. Played well from his introduction and chipped in to help deny Boro from getting back into the game after their equaliser.
Ratings: Manchester United 5-1 Middlesbrough – Premier League U18 2016/17
Replaced Kanu. Threatened up front, but was unable to bag a goal himself.
Ratings: Manchester United 5-1 Middlesbrough – Premier League U18 2016/17
Replaced Boonen. Came on after United went 4-1 up to give some more strength in midfield and steer United to their second victory in a row. United scored another after his introduction.
