With their last two fixtures producing a combined 21 goals, the affair was certain to produce plenty of action and it did just that.

Arsenal took the lead in the 14th minute through Lino Sousa. The left back cut inside of Rhys Bennett and slotted low with his right foot past Elyh Harrison to give the visitors an early lead.

United looked to respond quickly but Omari Forson’s shot from 18 yards crashed off the outside of the post and out.

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 29th minute after their high press forced the turnover of possession and Jack Henry-Francis’ strike deflected off of Bennett and over the reach of Harrison.

The London side added a third shortly after as Sousa was let free to run on the overlap before rifling the ball into the roof of the net for his second of the match.

It went from bad to worse in the 37th minute when Arsenal scored their fourth of the match through a cross to the back post that was knocked back across for Khayon Edwards to tap in from close range.

United looked to fight back before the break though and Shola Shoretire earned the young Reds a penalty after being brought down inside the box. But unfortunately, it didn’t seem like it would be United’s day as Mateo Mejia soared the ball high and wide from the spot.

Mejia made up for his mistake in injury time when he pounced on a lose pass from Arsenal’s keeper and side footed into the open net to pull one back going into the half.

Conceding nine goals in the previous 90 minutes of football, Travis Binnion was sure to have been fuming in the changing rooms and looked to light a fire under the United players.

It almost worked as immediately upon the restart Joe Hugill raced past the Arsenal defenders and looked clean through on goal but a last ditch tackle denied him the chance.

Just shy of the hour mark, Hugill played to Mejia on the right who squared to Forson for an open net finish to make it 2-4.

United were much improved in the second half and created a number of opportunities, Forson in particular was a constant threat for the opposition but good keeping stopped him from adding a second to his tally.

After the match, manager Travis Binnion was displeased saying “my biggest disappointment with the first half was us in possession. We’ve got to be miles better in possession because we’ve given them chances from us having the ball.”

United: Harrison, Kambwala, Bennett (Nolan 59), Aljofree, Murray (Jackson 59), Oyedele, Shoretire, Mejia (Williams 65), Scanlon, Forson, Hugill (Wheatley 79)

Unused subs: Plumley

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Manchester United U21s kicked off their PL2 campaign on Monday away to Crystal Palace.

An early chance fell to United when Isak Hansen-Aaroen slipped through Joe Hugill, who crossed to the back post. Unfortunately, Mateo Mejia wasn’t quick enough to apply the finish.

In the 23rd minute, a long ball out to the right wing by Maxi Oyedele was collected by Mejia, who charged into the box and was taken down to win a penalty.

Mejia stepped up to take it and slotted it condfidently to the right keeper’s left to give United the one-goal lead.

Shortly afterwards, Noam Emeran used his pace on the right wing to lose his marker and play a through ball to Hugill, but it ran out for a goal kick in the end.

In the 40th minute there was more great work from Emeran, who created a big chance for Mejia, but the Spaniard failed to tap it in.

Despite United controlling much of the first half, Palace found a way to level it up just before the break, stretching the play to the left. A low cross was tapped in by Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a 20-year-old who had a very successful loan spell with Charlton last term.

Five minutes into the second half, Hansen-Aaroen danced into the box and was clipped down to award United their second penalty of the match.

This time it was Marc Jurado who elected to take it and the fullback’s shot was towards the top left corner. This time the goalkeeper was alert in pushing it over the bar with an incredible save.

In the 76th minute, Crystal Palace trialist RoShaun Mathurin dribbled down the left before cutting onto his right foot and sliding past Tom Myles to give Palace the lead.

United looked to grab the late equaliser in the 90th minute when Emeran spread the ball to Jurado on the left wing. He followed the play into the box to receive Jurado’s cross and score from close range.

Ultimately it wasn’t to be though as Palace stole a late winner at the death. Mathurin was at the centre of the action again before Jadan Raymond finished inside the box.

Travis Binnion was disappointed in the result and said after the match that the young side needs to improve upon their finishing while conceding fewer chances if they are to improve on last season.

United: Wooster (Myles 31), Oyedele, Aljofree, Mengi, Jurado, Collyer, Shoretire, Mejia (Williams 75), Hansen-Aaroen (Ogunneye, 70), Emeran, Hugill (McNeill 46)

Unused subs: Jackson

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United confirmed on their official website that Mejia has agreed fresh terms with the Red Devils.

He will continue his development with United as he aims to make the jump to the senior team. Mejia was named on United’s retained list as a player who had been offered an extension that was yet to be signed.

United did not disclose the length of Mejia’s new deal.

United signed Mejia from Real Zaragoza in 2019. Last season, the forward played multiple games in Premier League 2, where he earned valuable experience.

He managed to score two goals and register twice as many assists in 15 appearances for the U21 side.

In total, Mejia has played 21 games for the Red Devils academy side.

Mejia was technically out-of-contract at the end of the month but his future has now been secured.

According to The Manchester Evening News, it’s possible that Mejia could head out on loan ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Richard Fay reports, “The Manchester Evening News understands Mejia could also be loaned out next season as he looks to make the transition from youth football to the senior game.”

The 20-year-old has not made his senior United debut but could get a chance during the club’s pre-season that kicks off in just a few weeks.

Mejia was born in Spain but has represented Colombia at Under-20s level. Mejia trained with the first team on a number of occasions last term.

The post Official: Manchester United youngster Mateo Mejia signs new contract appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Manchester United have announced their official retained list for the upcoming season, with a couple of curiosities catching attention.

As reported by The Peoples Person, Ethan Laird and Nathan Bishop saw their one-year option triggered by the club, as too did Tom Heaton.

It can now be confirmed that 19-year-old Rhys Bennet will also remain a United player for a further twelve months. Among the Year 2 Scholarship players, Sonny Aljofree and Marcus Lawrence have also had options triggered.

Man United have listed both player-coach Tom Huddlestone and Mateo Mejia on the retained list as well, despite both coming to the end of their deals this month as things stand.

A pair of asterisks next to their names indicated that both players have been offered new contracts, with the suggestion that the club is confident that extensions will be signed off by the end of the month.

What is curious is that David de Gea, who has been offered a new deal, is not included on the list.

This does not appear to be an oversight, as the Spaniard is mentioned before the publication of the list. “Discussions remain open with David de Gea over a potential new contract” is the official line from the club.

It has been widely reported that De Gea’s new deal has been agreed in principle, but the above appears to contradict that stance, perhaps suggesting that there remain points on which the player and club disagree regarding a new contract.

Given United are keen to reduce both his salary and – potentially – his role in the team going forward, it is easy to imagine where such disagreements might form.

It has been pointed out elsewhere that Mason Greenwood is also on the retained list, but it must be noted that this is no indication of an outcome of the internal investigation into the player, which is ongoing. His inclusion on the list is merely a result of him still being under contract at the club.

Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe, Ethan Galbraith, Di’Shon Bernard, Eric Hanbury, Charlie Wellens and Manni Norkett are all set to be released by the club.

The post Official Man United retained list: David de Gea absent appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The news comes after the winger started to train with the first-team squad following the injury to Marcus Rashford last month.

Erik ten Hag has been keen to involve youngsters as much as possible with many getting the opportunity during friendlies.

The Peoples Person recently reported that Sam Murray had signed a new deal following his experience in the first team during the winter training camp.

According to The Sun, despite injury problems, Mejia is keen on the long term project at OId Trafford and the club could offer him a new deal.

If he signs a new contract, he would be shipped out on loan with Man United hoping the Under-20’s World Cup helps generate some interest in the player.

The 20-year-old joined the club from Spanish side Real Zaragoza in 2019 and has been rather impressive despite missing a large chunk of seasons.

Alejandro Garnacho recently signed a new long-term deal at the club following his emergence as a first-team player. Last season, he was part of the Youth FA Cup winning squad and it was clear to see that he had a future at the club.

After impressing Ten Hag during the pre-season campaign, the winger saw himself promoted to the first-team squad permanently.

Other youngsters set to be rewarded with new deals are Amad and Facundo Pellistri, with talks set to continue over the next couple of weeks.

Mejia has played a total of 1041 minutes in the Premier League 2 for United this season. He has scored two and assisted four goals across 15 appearances and will be hoping to move up to senior football next year.

It remains yet to be seen whether he will move on loan to an English club or gain experience elsewhere in Europe.

There is no doubt that he is part of the long-term project that could see many more of the academy stars join the first-team across the next couple of seasons.
 

The post Mateo Mejia set to sign a new contract at Manchester United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

With Leicester City’s newly appointed Dean Smith and John Terry in attendance, they were pleased to see Leicester grab an early goal in just the third minute.

A mistake from Nathan Bishop allowed former Manchester United academy player Chris Popov to slide in and take the ball off the keeper’s boot and sending it rolling into United’s goal.

United equalised in the 22nd minute through a well worked short corner on the right side that culminated in Isak Hansen-Aaroen flashing a low ball across the face of goal for Willy Kambwala at the back post who’s shot was blocked but defensive partner Sonny Aljofree was on hand to bundle home from close range.

Sonny Aljofree’s goal against Leicester City, bundling in from close range after Isak Hansen-Aaroen’s cross. #MUFC #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/2RFEUFZCSG

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) April 17, 2023

Just six minutes later though, Leicester restored their lead with a sensational goal from Tawanda Maswanhise who curled into the top right corner leaving Bishop rooted to the spot and no chance of stopping.

Leicester almost doubled their lead before the break but Bishop stopped deflected effort from Zach Booth with a great save before Popov struck the woodwork in the closing stages of the half.

Into the second half, Mateo Mejia had an opportunity to draw United level after being played in by Omari Forson but the Colombian youth international couldn’t quite keep his effort on target.

Mejia didn’t make the same mistake twice though, hitting the back of the net in the 79th minute to tie it all up with a sensational goal. Bringing the ball down on his chest from Willy Kambwala’s lofted pass over the top, Mejia struck first time underneath the keeper with a composed finish.

A fantastic goal from Mateo Mejia to take the ball down from Willy Kambwala’s pass and slot it under the keeper. #MUFC #ThePeoplesPerson pic.twitter.com/teB4wW91eP

— The Peoples Person (@_peoplesperson_) April 17, 2023

United looked to be settling for a draw but some sloppy awareness from Dan Gore in injury time coughed up possession in United’s end allowing for a quick pass to put Brandon Cover straight in on goal to chip over the sprawling Bishop.

Injury time drama wasn’t over there though as a dust up between the sides saw a red card for each team with Willy Kambwala and Deniche Hill sent off.

The final score finished 3-2 and the loss sees United remain in 9th place, continuing their disappointing winless streak to six.

United: Bishop, Wellens, Kambwala, Aljofree, Hardley, Gore, Collyer, Forson, Hansen-Aaroen, Emeran, Mejia.

Unused subs: Wooster, Nolan, Norkett, Murray.

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Mejia was invited by Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff amid United’s increasing injury list.

Yesterday, the club confirmed that Lisandro Martinez is set to miss the rest of the season after picking up an injury on Thursday during the 2-2 draw against Sevilla.

Martinez’s central defensive partner Raphael Varane could also be done for the campaign.

The two defenders join the likes of Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho on the sidelines.

Ten Hag said after the Sevilla game that the soonest Rashford can come back to action is during the second-leg Europa clash in Spain next Thursday.

To pad up the numbers, Mejia was given the opportunity to train next to the senior team.

Mateo Mejia was one of the youngsters called up to first-team training yesterday #mufc https://t.co/7Iaj7xnlkM pic.twitter.com/VrZXPufnnK

— Man United News (@ManUtdMEN) April 15, 2023

This is not the first time the Colombian forward has been afforded such a privilege.

Back in February, he was summoned to take part in training ground drills and sessions with the coaches at Carrington.

With several of Ten Hag’s key players out, there could be chances for youngsters like Mejia to come in and catch the eye while knocking on the door for first-team minutes.

The 20-year-old is highly rated within Old Trafford and the fact that Ten Hag looked to him should bode well for the player’s confidence going forward.

Originally born in Spain, Mejia received a Colombia U21 call-up in 2022. As such, he is eligible to represent Colombia at the highest level.

Follow The Peoples Person on Twitter or Instagram for all the latest news as it happens and to join in the conversation.

The post Erik ten Hag invites Mateo Mejia to first team training amid Manchester United injury crisis appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

To view a detailed match report, click here.

Elyh Harrison – 7.5 – a great performance in goal making 7 saves and undoubtedly keeping united in the match but it was marred by his mistake on the ball to give away for Arsenals goal.

Jack Kingdon – 6.5 – a solid performance at right back and then centre back in the second half. Was particularly strong in the air.

Willy Kambwala – 8 – a top class performance and was near enough unbeatable at the back. Whether it was tackling dribblers or clearing balls into the box, he mopped it all up. As Mark Dempsey said post match, he was magnificent.

Louis Jackson – 5.5 – was outmuscled and beaten on the dribble a few times before coming off at half.

Sam Murray – 6 – was composed in possession playing out from the back and put a couple of decent crosses in but was caught out in behind defensively by Charles Sagoe Jr a few times.

Tom Huddlestone – 6.5 – showed his quality and experience with some sprayed passes and important tackles in the heart of midfield.

Dan Gore – 7.5 – the key man in midfield, his driving runs were the catalyst for much of United’s attack, including an exceptional run before setting up Mejia for the goal. As ever was no nonsense defensively with some strong challenges.

Omari Forson – 5 – didn’t exert enough influence from the number 10 possession and struggled to maintain possession or build attacks. The rare time he found himself in a dangerous position he made the wrong choice.

Noam Emeran – 5.5 – apart from the rare dribble inside he rarely made an impact before departing at half.

Ethan Williams – 6 – had a few bright moments with his dribbling and pace and could have had a goal with better finishing but it was largely just moments.

Mateo Mejia – 7.5 – an incredible finish for the equalizer on the volley and worked incredibly hard with his pressing throughout the match despite not receiving the best service.

Substitutes

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 5.5 – looked to have the odd silky touch but ultimately drifted through the match after his introduction.

Marc Jurado – 6.5 – a decent if not spectacular performance off the bench. Solid at the back and in possession but rarely got forward.

Charlie Wellens – 5 – came on in an unusual number 10 position and looked out of place, making little positive impact.

Manni Norkett – NA – not on the pitch long enough to have an impact.

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

Arsenal were on top early on and their first big chance came from Charles Sagoe Jr, who cut in past Louis Jackson and Omari Forson to strike with his left foot, forcing a good save from Elyh Harrison.

The opening 20 minutes continued to go Arsenal’s way, until they finally broke the deadlock. They were presented with a gift when Harrison tripped on the turf while attempting to control the ball, coughing it up for an easy tap in for Khayon Edwards.

United equalized just four minutes later though with a wonderful goal. The play started off with Dan Gore running 60 yards out of the United box, driving the team forward into Arsenal’s half before splitting the defence with a perfectly placed diagonal ball for Mateo Mejia to volley into the back of the net on the stretch.

GOAL! What a pass, what a finish!

Dan Gore Mateo Mejia pic.twitter.com/qPGVvkbwJN

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) March 31, 2023

Moving into injury time of the first half, Sagoe Jr was played in over the top on the right and took the ball down in stride before poking an effort at goal which was denied by the out rushing Harrison’s trailing arm to make a fantastic save.

Half time saw Mark Dempsey look to the bench and make a double introduction, with Marc Jurado and Isak Hansen-Aaroen coming on for Noam Emeran and Louis Jackson.

The second half started the same as the first as Arsenal came out on the front foot and looked to test early with Catalan Cirjan cutting in and skidding a low effort just inches wide of the left post.

In the 51st minute Matt Smith intercepted the ball in midfield and slipped through Sagoe Jr, who looked to fool Harrison with a near corner shot. But the United keeper was up to the task, getting a slight touch on the ball to put it off the inside of the post and out.

United immediately went up the other end and Mejia skipped away from the defender before laying off to Ethan Williams to strike with his right, but going for power over placement he put his effort too close to the Arsenal keeper who parried away.

In taking the shot, Williams felt a muscle strain and had to come off shortly after for Charlie Wellens.

The second half continued all one way with Arsenal peppering United’s box but Willy Kambwala and Harrison proved to be impressively tough to beat.

Into injury time, Arsenal chased for the winner and Amario Cozier-Duberry skipped past a number of United players before curling to the back post, but fortunately there wasn’t enough curl on it as it bounced wide.

United threw one final effort at it in the last second, with Hansen-Aaroen playing the one-two pass with Manni Norkett, but the ball was taken off the Norwegian’s boot in the box with a great last ditch tackle to keep the final score 1-1.

The draw sees United remain in 9th place but only one point off Arsenal in 6th.

Speaking after the match, United’s manager Dempsey was full of praise. He started with Harrison, saying “he’s gonna be a really good keeper by the way.”

Dempsey continued the plaudits with “I thought our defending at times, I thought Kambwala at times was magnificent. Delighted with the point, really pleasing that.”

United: Harrison, Kingdon, Jackson (Jurado 46), Kambwala, Murray, Huddlestone, Gore, Emeran (Hansen-Aaroen 46), Forson (Norkett 88), Williams (Wellens 66), Mejia

Unused subs: Mee

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To view a detailed match report, click here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Radek Vitek – 6 – Wasn’t called into question much but the one time he was he did well to tip the ball onto the post. He was shaky with the ball at his feet though.

Charlie Wellens – 6 – Supported the play well down the right without producing anything particularly dangerous.

Tom Huddlestone – 6 – Offered experience at the back and did well to deal with the pace of Palace’s attackers who looked like they’d threaten early on, but he couldn’t instil his composure in the rest of the side for what was a sloppy match.

Bjorn Hardley – 6 – After a few shaky missteps early on, he settled in and did well until being subbed off at the break with what looked to be knock to his left ankle.

Brandon Williams – 6 – Struggled to get any joy down the wing with Palace’s five at the back formation but caused some danger when he elected to come infield.

Zidane Iqbal – 4.5 – A poor performance, he largely played it sideways and backwards and the times he attempted a forward ball, a teammate was rarely found.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5 – A bit passive for most of the match and only found his stride in the final 20 minutes where he really shown above the rest with charging runs and quick intricate passing around the box to create some of the rare chances in the match.

Mateo Mejia – 6.5 – Perhaps United’s most dangerous player from start to finish, he popped up in good areas and caused trouble down the wing but just didn’t find the final piece to the puzzle. On another day he could have possibly been awarded a penalty or had an assist from Mainoo’s chance.

Omari Forson – 5.5 – Struggled to link the attack and midfield and didn’t impose himself enough in the number ten role. Had a big chance but made the wrong decision to shoot instead of passing to Emeran.

Noam Emeran – 6.5 – Caused some danger with his running on the wings but like most could only create half chances.

Joe Hugill – 6 – Was starved of service but did well to press and win possession high up the pitch on more than one occasion before picking out a teammate.

Substitutes

Isak Hansen-Aaroen – 6.5 – Came on at half time and instantly provide more of an impetus in attack with his control and tight passing. Ultimately though he couldn’t create any clear cut chances.

Sonny Aljofree – 6 – Was solid at the back after coming on and never looked troubled.

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