Manchester United U18’s face their own Manchester Derby against Manchester City at the Academy Stadium within the Etihad Campus this afternoon. Last season, City were crowned the champions at this level and after four matches this season, they sit in fourth place. United have played a game more, sitting in second with a victory likely to send them to the top of the table, should Newcastle United lose or draw, of course. Last season United were not all that great, slumping to twelve consecutive defeats at this level, but with Nicky Butt now leading the Academy and new coach Kieran McKenna working well with his squad; three victories in a row with United scoring five goals in each, things are positive going into the first derby at this level. If United can come away from City with three points, they will be the first United side to do so at first team, U23 and U18 level so far this season. Here are the starting XI and lost of substitutes for both teams this afternoon.
Manchester United:
Moutha-Sebtaoui;
Tanner, O’Connor, Williams, Kenyon;
Whelan, Buffonge;
Chong, Gomes, Boonen;
Burkart
Substitutes:
Johnstone, Barrett, Bohui, Makela, Diedrick-Roberts
Manchester City:
Muric,
Rosler, Latibeaudiere, Kigbu, Francis;
Davenport, Dele-Bashiru;
Bolton, Foden, Sancho;
Gonzalez
Substitutes:
Sokol, Pozo La Rosa, Poveda-Ocampo, Hardy, Richards