Image Credits: Getty Images
Manchester United’s Under-18 squad returned to league competition after the international break with an away match against Newcastle United on Saturday morning.
Having started the season impressively with victories over Manchester City and Liverpool, Adam Lawrence’s team aimed to maintain their unblemished record as they defend their Premier League North title.
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The match began with United asserting dominance. Early in the game, James Scanlon tested the Newcastle United goalkeeper, Tyler Jones, who made a crucial save to stop a shot headed for the bottom right corner.
In the 17th minute, a foul on Bendito Mantato inside the box awarded United a penalty.
Gabriele Biancheri, in remarkable form this season, stepped up to take the spot-kick.
Although Jones initially saved his attempt, Biancheri capitalized on the rebound to open the scoring.
Gabriele Biancheri wasn’t done yet.
Ten minutes later, he notched his second goal of the match—and his seventh in just five appearances this season—demonstrating his predatory instincts inside the penalty area.
United nearly extended their lead moments after when Scanlon’s effort struck the right post.
However, Scanlon made amends just before halftime by finding the bottom left corner of the net, sending United into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
This goal came on the heels of his first senior international goal for Gibraltar against Liechtenstein the previous week.
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The second half saw Newcastle attempting a comeback. Guy Bloomer, celebrating his 17th birthday just two days earlier, pulled one back for the hosts.
However, his joy was short-lived as he later fouled Scanlon, resulting in United’s second penalty of the match.
Substitute Amir Ibragimov took responsibility this time, confidently smashing the ball into the top right corner to record his first goal at the Under-18 level.
United continued to dominate, and the victory was sealed late in the game when Jim Thwaites added a fifth goal.
Thwaites finished from close range on the right side of the six-yard box, capping off an impressive team performance.
This emphatic win propels Manchester United’s Under-18s into second place in the league standings, boasting three wins from three matches.
They appear strong contenders to retain their Premier League North crown.
The team is set to continue their title defense next week with an away fixture against Middlesbrough.
However, fans may find themselves unable to watch the game live, as it is not scheduled for broadcast on MUTV.
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