Manchester United beat Middlesbrough 3-0 at Carrington in their Under-18s Premier league clash on Saturday.
Three goals + clean sheet = the perfect afternoon's work for our #MUAcademy U18s! 👊
Well done, lads 👏#MUFC || #U18PL pic.twitter.com/ace39ES5Kw
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 17, 2022
The victory over Middlesbrough caps off a positive week for the United Academy team because last Sunday, the Under-18s defeat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park in the FA Youth Cup to begin their defence of FA Youth Cup in fine fashion.
After making four changes to the team that defeated the Eagles last weekend, United took the lead in the 15th minute when Middlesbrough keeper dealt with Ethan Wheatley’s cross in an ineffective fashion, which resulted in the ball going over the line.
United then made it 2-0 in the 35th minute thanks to a left-foot strike from striker Manni Norkett, which was the last goal of the first half and it meant that the Reds were in full control of the contest.
With Middlesbrough needing a response to turn the game around, they came out swinging at the start of the second half, but the United youngsters stood strong and managed to weather the Middlesbrough storm and ensure that their 2-0 lead was in tact.
Travis Binnion’s side had to work hard for their win in the second half, and their third goal arguably came against the run of play, which was converted home by Jack Moorhouse.
The 3-0 win over the North East side means that United leapfrogged their opponents into eight place in the Premier League Under-18s North table, but Binnion’s side will be hoping to continue their winning momentum because the Reds have three games on hand on Liverpool, who are only two point ahead of United in fourth place [Premier League].