Read the detailed match report of all the action here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 7 – The England u18s international continues to impress in goal. He made three saves on the night including denying an effort that looked destined for the top corner. Impressive as ever with the ball at his feet and did really well commanding the area and collecting aerial balls which is usually his weakness due to his height.

Willy Kambwala – 5 – Not the Frenchman’s night, struggled to play out through Fulham’s press and to keep up with the agility of Fulham’s wingers. Started the second half strongly with a bomb down the right wing and narrowly missed connecting with a header in Fulham’s box but was ultimately subbed off in the 61st minute shortly after his second foul throw of the match.

Sonny Aljofree – 6 – A decent performance, he made some good blocks and clearances from the box but just came off second best at times and was overshadowed by Bennett.

Rhys Bennett – 8 – Man of the match, Bennett was the clear stand out from start to finish. Matching Fulham’s intensity from the off, he put in a number of strong tackles early on and wasn’t afraid to do the dirty work. Impressive on the ball as well, he made a number of good runs up field and and late on was a constant danger in the Fulham box as he dominated aerially and almost grabbed an assist in the last second with his knock down to Hugill.

Sam Murray – 5 – Up against a tough customer in Imani Lanquedoc, he was left chasing shadows at times as the Fulham frontline operated at such a high pace.

Toby Collyer – 6.5 – A lone calming presence in the United side in the first half, he struggled to keep control of the match by himself albeit he did his best to try. As United relieved the pressure up top in the second half he was able to keep possession ticking over.

Shola Shoretire – 6.5 – A game of two halves, he only produced bits and pieces in the first half but failed to offer the controlling presence required in a deeper midfield role. But as United pushed forward in the second half his quality began to shine through with pinpoint passes and deliveries into the box.

Mateo Mejia – 5 – Was quiet for much of the match but failed to deliver the few times he did pop up in dangerous areas.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 6 – Nice touches here and there but just never really got into the full swing of the match as he drifted in and out.

Sam Mather – 5 – His return from injury saw him struggle with the pace of the game as he rarely touched the ball before coming off at the break.

Joe Hugill – 5.5 – Seldomly involved he just wasn’t able to create the openings to get in the danger areas but did come within inches of a late winner that was cleared off the line.

Substitutes

Ethan Ennis – 7 – Immediately injected some pace and directness to the United side and offered a much needed outlet in attack. Faded a bit as the match went on which is to be expected for his first appearance in over a year but was very important to changing the game for United.

James Nolan – 6.5 – Offered more of a calming presence on the right side after replacing Kambwala which helped in retaining possession in the second half.

Ethan Williams – 7.5 – Was only on for 15 minutes but you wouldn’t know it with how involved he was. A number of dangerous crosses and corners from both sides were United’s first real big chances before he took it into his own hands and scored from the edge of the box.

Tom Huddlestone – 6 – Offered the calm and coaching presence at the back that you expect and even popped up with a headed attempt onto the roof of the net.

The post Player Ratings: Fulham u21s 1-1 Manchester United u21s appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The early stages saw Fulham take control of the match with their frontline deploying a high energy press that United struggled to get to grips with, sending a number of passes at the back out of play.

Imani Lanquedoc was one of the brightest for the home side and had a huge chance in the 16th minute when a low cross into the box found him open 10 yards out but the winger put his effort over the bar.

The speedy right winger made no mistake on the next one though when he raced in behind the United backline before poking the ball under Elyh Harrison to give the home side the lead.

While United were failing to match Fulham’s intensity, Rhys Bennett was putting himself about across the pitch with a number of strong challenges. Pushing one Fulham midfielder off the ball, Bennett made a charge up field before trying his luck from 25 yards out to test the Fulham keeper for the first time of the match.

Fulham threatened to add another before the break with some dangerous crosses that were too often cleared straight back to Fulham but a series of good blocks and poor finishing saw the match remain 1-0 into the break.

Travis Binnion looked to the bench at the break and introduced Ethan Ennis, who returned after a lengthy injury to replace Sam Mather, who in turn has been battling injury troubles recently as well.

You never would have known it was Ennis’ first competitive match in over a year though as he instantly injected life into the United side with direct running on the left wing and winning a corner.

With Ennis offering an outlet on the left wing, it relieved the pressure on the back and United began to gain some momentum in possession.

Shola Shoretire came alive in the second half with a number of good deliveries, the first to Sam Murray on the left wing who then cut back to Shoretire following up on the edge of the box but the midfielder’s shot was blocked for a corner.

Fulham were still in it though and a chance from Jonathan Esenga looked destined for the top left corner but for a top save from Harrison.

In the 87th minute, United came close to equalising when Bennett towered above to head from Ethan Williams’ corner but directed it just wide of the left post.

Williams was peppering his deliveries into the box from his left and right boot and they came close again as Tom Huddlestone headed onto the roof of the net.

Into injury time and Williams collected the ball at the edge of the box and blasted into the bottom left corner to give United a dramatic late equaliser.

Ethan Williams last minute equaliser to make it 1-1 #MUFC #MUAcademy #PL2 #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/4rR48LjRvK

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) October 27, 2023

It wasn’t over there though, Joe Hugill’s headed effort was then pushed onto the post and then collected by the keeper off the line to deny United the late win.

The match finished 1-1 and point brings United into 14th place, just inside the play-off spots.

United: Harrison, Kambwala (Nolan 61), Aljofree (Huddlestone 83), Bennett, Murray, Collyer, Shoretire, Mejia (Williams 78), Hansen-Aaroen, Mather (Ennis 46), Hugill

Unused subs: Plumley

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The defence bore a very makeshift look towards the end of the game against Arsenal with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans lining up in central defence.

Both of Erik ten Hag’s first-choice centre-backs — Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are injured with the hope that the Argentine’s one is not as serious.

United’s defensive injury woes

Even Victor Lindelof hobbled off against the Gunners while both left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are out of commission for the time being.

It is the club’s inability to offload stars and recruit properly under the Glazers that caused the manager to have to play the former skipper and the Northern Ireland international in such a crunch game.

Ten Hag would have liked some more options to be available at his disposal after missing out on the likes of Kim Min-jae, Benjamin Pavard, and Jean-Clair Todibo.

The manager could be about to get another option on the bench from the academy. Rhys Bennett, who suffered an injury during pre-season, is close to making a comeback.

The FA Youth Cup-winning captain suffered an injury during the pre-season fixture against Leeds United and missed out on the chance to travel to the US for the pre-season tour.

“After a positive start back on the pitch, I have picked up a minor injury. Hopefully soon back out there playing,” the player had written on social media back then.

Bennett close to making a comeback

Now, The Manchester Evening News has revealed that the academy graduate is “close to a return to full training”.

The 19-year-old had impressed the Dutch boss last season during the World Cup break when he was part of the Spain pre-season squad.

He subsequently was named in the matchday squads for the Carabao Cup game against Burnley and in the Premier League for a game against Nottingham Forest.

Bennett, who is highly-regarded in the academy, is cool and calm on the ball and he could find himself on the bench, especially if other fellow centre-backs do not recover in time.

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Bennett and Gore have been mainstays of Man United’s Youth squad, with both playing key roles in United’s 2022 FA Youth Cup victory.

Bennett, in particular, captained the team and scored in the final.

In a club statement, the Red Devils have confirmed that the youth players have both been rewarded with new contracts.

The Academy pair, still teenagers – Bennett is 19 and Gore is 18 – will now be looking forward to kicking on and making the first team like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have done in recent seasons.

Both have been training regularly with the first team over the past season and have featured in pre-season already.

Bennett featured in the squad against Leeds in the opening game of pre-season and Gore has been included in United’s 31-man pre-season squad for the America tour.

The diminutive Gore is an energetic midfielder who played 23 games for the youth side last season, appearing three times in the EFL Trophy and playing in two of United’s pre-season games this season.

Notably, he provided the assist for Donny Van de Beek’s winner against Lyon last week.

Highly-rated centre-back Bennett made 14 appearances in the U18s Premier League last season and also appeared three times in the EFL Trophy.

Unfortunately, he picked up an injury that has made him unavailable for selection for United’s America tour.

With both players being highly rated within Old Trafford, fans can expect to see more from them in the future.

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Before that, the Red Devils will be playing in another friendly against Olympique Lyon in Edinburg on Wednesday and manager Erik ten Hag had hinted previously that all the new joiners will not be ready for that encounter.

The Dutchman is expected to name a similar squad made up of senior stars who were not been part of the international games along with academy graduates.

Bennett impressed vs Leeds

United’s second-half team against Leeds was made up entirely of academy stars and they played much more free-flowing and cohesive football with both goals coming in the second 45 minutes.

One of the players who impressed during the game was centre-back Rhys Bennett, who more than held his own against the likes of Patrick Bamford and former Red Devil Daniel James.

The FA Youth Cup winning captain has, however, suffered a minor injury and that could potentially lead to him missing out on the chance to be part of the US tour.

The 19-year-old revealed that he suffered an injury on his social media where he claimed, “After a positive start back on the pitch, I have picked up a minor injury. Hopefully soon back out there playing.”

Bennett was part of the winter friendly squad that Ten Hag took to Spain during the World Cup and there was even a possibility he could be drafted into the Carabao Cup squad with quite a few players busy with the World Cup.

Unlucky Bennett suffers another injury

But in the end, that chance never arrived and he was subsequently injured and ended up missing the rest of the Premier League 2 season.

His last game was United Under-21s victory over Fulham on January 6.

The Lyon game might prove to be too quick of a turnaround but he will be hoping to make the US-bound plane.

United’s academy players are set to take part in the friendly against Wrexham in San Diego on July 26 and that would have been quite the spectacle.

The post Manchester United starlet Rhys Bennett suffers injury after impressive Leeds display appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

On Wednesday night, Manchester United dispatched Burnley to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils didn’t bask in the glory of their impressive 2-0 display for too long. They returned to training at Carrington on Thursday to prepare for Nottingham Forest on Tuesday (via The Manchester Evening News).

Against Burnley, Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen put United ahead in the first half by tapping in an acrobatic cross from Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

After the interval, Marcus Rashford burst down the pitch in a positive and direct run from inside his own half. Rashford ended his courageous solo run with a superb finish that put the game beyond Burnley’s reach.

The festive season will be a feast of football fixtures for fans but demanding on players. Erik ten Hag’s preparations for the remainder of United’s season campaign are underway.

MEN Sport observed this during the latest practice at the Carrington session:

Kobbie Mainoo remains in Ten Hag’s plans

While Mainoo didn’t make the squad that faced Burnley, he is still essential to Ten Hag’s plans. His performance, which included a goal against Cadiz in a mini-tour during Qatar 2022, was proof of his immense talent. Ten Hag put the starlet through his paces on Thursday ahead of United’s next game.

Rhys Bennet gets a step closer to a start

Bennett made the cut for the United squad against Burnley, unlike fellow youngster Mainoo. The rising star was an obvious choice for a United side that was left threadbare in the centre-back position. The Red Devils forfeited Harry Maguire to an illness which meant Casemiro had to shore up the defence.

Ten Hag eagerly awaits the return of regular starters Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. However, until the pair of World Cup finalists get back, Bennett could be the solution bolstering the United backline. The youngster has delivered above and beyond in the U21s.

Alejandro Garnacho grappling with the Mancunian winter

The young Argentine needs no introduction, putting in a series of stellar performances for the Red Devils before Qatar 2022. His direct style of play and consistency has been rewarded with the youngster starting against Burnley.

Garnacho cuts a confident figure, effortlessly integrating into the senior team. However, the winger still seems to be grappling with Manchester’s winter.

Facundo Pellistri continues to chase an elusive start

Pellistri was an integral part of Uruguay’s World Cup team, leaving many baffled how he is still to feature for United’s senior side. Facing a Championship side in the Carabao Cup would have been an ideal time to give the Uruguayan a run, yet he never came off the bench.

The lack of playing time could spell the end of Pellistri’s time at Old Trafford.
 

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The Red Devils won the tournament last season with a win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in the final cementing their success.

United were 3-1 winners on that day, with two goals from Alejandro Garnacho and another from Rhys Bennett securing victory.

Both players are now with the first-team squad – with Garnacho set for regular gametime and Bennett moving closer to senior action as a number of United’s centre backs unavailable.

The current crop will hope to bring similar success stories and their convincing victory over Crystal Palace in the third round two weeks ago.

Maximilian Oyedele, Manni Norkett, and Sam Mather provided the goals in a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park two weeks ago.

Stoke beat Blackpool 5-1 in their third-round tie, setting up what should be a thrilling encounter in the fourth round.

The teams will clash at the Bet365 Stadium on January 11th, in an evening kick-off – 7pm GMT.

A large attendance is expected for the occasion, which will no doubt aid in the development of United’s young stars.

The team has been in good form of late, recently winning 1-0 against Sunderland, who top the table in the league.

Success at this level looks likely to be rewarded by Erik ten Hag, who has already shown great interest in the academy during his short time in charge at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is set to rely on the conveyor belt of talent in United’s youth set up as he continues to make his mark on the club.

The post Manchester United draw Stoke City in FA Youth Cup fourth round appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo himself was pictured training ahead of United’s League Cup vs Burnley on Wednesday.

Kobbie Mainoo with the first team. pic.twitter.com/CgrJeL6khW

— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) December 15, 2022

Both Mainoo and Bennett were absent from the U-21s match against Bolton in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday due to their involvement with the senior team.

Mainoo played in both of United’s friendly defeats against Spanish opposition, Cadiz and Real Betis.

Bennett came on against Betis after fellow academy graduate, Teden Mengi went off injured.

The Manchester Evening News reports on Mainoo’s promotion, “It’s understood Mainoo is highly regarded among academy staff and he’s considered the leading light of his age group.”

“The Stockport-born youngster is yet to make his debut for the club, but he was named on the bench against Newcastle two months ago.”

Both teenagers earned themselves praise for their displays in United’s friendly defeats against Spanish opposition.

Mainoo especially showed his class in the middle of the park whenever he was on the pitch, showing why there is so much hype around him.

The 17-year-old looked extremely comfortable on the ball and allowed his technical brilliance to speak for him.

Bennett also did well next to Victor Lindelof when he was introduced to matters in the defeat against Real Betis.

The 19-year-old defender, who captained the U18s to Youth Cup success last season, more than held his own, which explains why Ten Hag exercised the option to promote him to first-team training alongside Mainoo.

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However, the knockout fixture will bring along with it a myriad selection issues for new manager Erik ten Hag due to the ongoing World Cup at Qatar.

United’s first-choice defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will almost certainly miss the game due to their involvement in the final of the quadrennial showpiece.

United could be without big names for Burnley clash

Players who exited in the quarterfinal stage have been given a week’s leave before they rejoin practice, which is likely to be sometime next week.

The Dutchman had taken his squad to Spain in a bid to build up fitness and gauge his reserve options. His team played two friendlies — against Cadiz and Real Betis, losing both encounters.

As a final preparation ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Old Trafford, the Red Devils faced off against Everton at Carrington in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Everton in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington on Wednesday.

Neither club is releasing details about the game.

@TyMarshall_MEN #MUFC

— United View (@unitedviewtv) December 15, 2022

According to The Manchester Evening News, United drew 1-1 with Everton with the rest of the details not being divulged by either of the clubs.

Such was the secrecy associated with the game that “neither club is releasing details about the game, with the agreement that it would be played behind closed doors and without even club TV crews in attendance.”

But the report does mention a few interesting points from which certain clues can be deciphered.

Chance for youngsters to shine

United Under-21s lost to Bolton in the Papa Johns Trophy on Tuesday night, but defender Rhys Bennett and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo were conspicuous by their absence.

And MEN believe they might have been involved in the contest. Both played in Spain with Mainoo scoring in United’s loss to Cadiz while Bennett impressed against Betis.

Two first-team stars — Christian Eriksen and Facundo Pellistri have been training in Carrington since their team’s exit from the World Cup in the group stages.

And the duo likely took part as well. Pellistri might finally get a chance to make his debut for the club and show Ten Hag he deserves a place in the squad for the second half of the campaign.

The post Manchester United held to 1-1 draw by Everton in behind-closed-doors friendly appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Erik ten Hag chose to give Teden Mengi another start along side senior defender Victor Lindelof and the 20-year-old coped much better than against Cadiz.

Unfortunately, an untimely hamstring injury meant Mengi had to be stretchered off, not a sight anybody would have wanted to see considering his recent injury problems.

Bennett takes his chance

But that meant Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett had to be thrown into the mix and the 19-year-old coped admirably.

He was calm with the ball at his feet and looked quite assured despite the opposition being sixth in La Liga and having a striker who won the previous edition of the World Cup.

He hardly looked flustered and was fiery when needed. The Manchester-born defender won two duels, made two vital interceptions as well as completed one tackle.

“I thought he was excellent actually, really, really good,” Tom Heaton told MUTV at the end of the game. “Positionally, he was excellent.

“[There have been] a few changes in terms of how the manager wants his defenders to play, so he’s picked that up really well this week.

“I thought he showed that excellently, especially coming off the bench cold in the first half. I thought Benno had a really good night.”

The brutality & beauty of football.

Teden Mengi stretchered off with what looks to be a serious injury

Rhys Bennett comes on to replace him to make his 1st team debut

Wishing Teden a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/MMJi9z1o7J

— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) December 10, 2022

Bennett, who recently turned 19, was lifting the FA Youth Cup trophy a couple of months ago. And now, he could be set to be on the bench or even possibly start for United in their EFL Cup clash against Burnley.

Currently, the Red Devils are without their preferred centre-back duo of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane due to their sides making it to the semifinals of the competition.

There is a good possibility of both making it to the finals, which means Ten Hag will have to prepare for the cup game and possibly even the Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest without them.

Burnley chance calling

England’s exit in the quarterfinal stage means Harry Maguire might return for the Burnley clash but there is no clarity as of now.

Lindelof is the only fit centre-back at the Dutch boss’ disposal and Bennett might be the one to profit from the World Cup. He has shown the aptitude to be able to cope with senior stars without any fuss.

Bennett, who signed his first professional deal at the start of the year, has been called up to train with the senior team on a number of occasions and Ten Hag has seen a lot of him recently.

The EFL Trophy clashes have also come in handy and he might once again face a tough test when United travel to face Bolton in the Papa John’s Trophy.

That should give the United boss the chance to finalise his plans for the game on December 22. What a story it might turn out to be for the Mancunian, who could not even have dreamt of such a scenario a few weeks back.

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