Selling multiple youth team stars in the summer might have shown manager Erik ten Hag in poor light but the fact is he gives opportunities to the youngsters but only if they earn it.

Alejandro Garnacho scored possibly the goal of the season with a perfectly-timed overhead kick while Kobbie Mainoo excelled in his first-ever start in the league.

McNeill’s difficult loan

Both have shown that the manager does trust the youth. This season has also seen Hannibal Mejbri play multiple games in midfield while Dan Gore also made his debut for the first team during the Carabao Cup game against Crystal Palace.

Another academy graduate who had made his first team debut under the Dutchman is Charlie McNeill, who came on as a substitute in the Europa League last season.

This summer, he was not part of the pre-season squad as a loan move was in the works and the 20-year-old subsequently earned a move to League One side Stevenage.

His loan spell began in promising fashion as the striker scored on his debut but has managed to play only three games so far this season, totaling 163 minutes of action.

As per The Manchester Evening News, United are not too pleased with how the temporary spell is going and are set to activate the break clause in January and bring him back to Old Trafford.

“Manchester United are planning to recall Charlie McNeill from his loan at Stevenage in the January transfer window. McNeill signed for Stevenage on a season-long loan in September, but he’s made just three appearances.

“The Manchester Evening News understands he will be recalled due to his lack of game time. The striker has struggled for minutes at Stevenage despite making a bright start and the break clause in his loan will be activated.”

Mcneill to be recalled

All loanees usually have a break clause included in their contracts with United monitoring their performances before deciding whether it needs to be triggered or not.

The report mentions that once the England U-16 international is back at Carrington, another loan move might be arranged after discussions.

Last season, McNeill had earned a loan move to Newport County in League Two and had made 20 appearances while scoring twice. It was thought that he would kick on this season but it has not worked out so far.

Currently, United are struggling for goals and injuries and there might be a surprise place on offer if the FA Youth Cup winner can sufficiently impress upon his return.

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Among them, Charlie McNeill is a name who will be one of the most scrutinised after a failed loan spell with Newport County last season.

He has begun this season on fire at Stevenage.

Playing against Leyton Orient away from home on debut, McNeill started with a bang, scoring a debut goal.

The effort came in the 21st minute when Stevenage were handed a free kick in the left channel.

A cleverly taken kick in the dangerous areas was smartly flicked on by McNeill towards goal. It evaded everyone and rolled into the net to give the United youngster his first goal for his loan club.

McNeill joined Stevenage this summer after not being deemed ready enough to contribute to the first team.

Turning 20 soon, the former Manchester City player needs senior football and after a failed loan spell last year, his stock is at a low.

McNeill was a highly-rated signing when he joined from the city rivals as his goalscoring record in youth football was borderline unbelievable.

He had scored 110 goals in 72 games for City U15s and started his United spell in the same vein.

He had 34 goals and 11 assists in 35 appearances for the United U18s but has repeatedly failed at taking the next step into U21s and senior football.

United will hope that this spell at Stevenage and the way he has begun becomes a sign of things to come and he can finally realise the potential that made him such a feared prospect in youth football.

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Michael Plant (MancWorldUK) indicates the Manchester United youngster will drop down the football pyramid ahead of Friday’s 11pm deadline, subject to a medical.

A report by The Peoples Person earlier in the summer had revealed McNeill was earmarked for a loan move this season.

The forward was a conspicuous absentee from United’s pre-season friendly against Leeds, with his omission thought to be confirmation he would be plying his trade elsewhere come September.

McNeill made waves three years ago when he rejoined United from rivals, Manchester City, having left Old Trafford in 2014. The initial fee for the move was £750,000, though this could rise to £1.5 million if certain clauses were met.

McNeill was already something of a legend in youth football, where he is said to have scored over 600 goals.

The fact he rejected City’s offer of a new contract, in favour of one at United, will have only helped further strengthen this burgeoning status.

McNeill impressed for the U-18 team, scoring 24 goals in 20 appearances, during his first season back at Old Trafford. The 19-year old also returned 5 goals in the successful FA Youth-Cup run two seasons ago.

McNeill even made his debut for the United senior team at the start of last season, coming off the bench against Real Sociedad in a 1-0 loss at Old Trafford.

The forward then spent the second-half of that year on loan to Newport County, scoring 2 goals and proving 1 assist in 20 games.

This experience is what has driven the desire to go out on loan again as it’s seen as the best environment for McNeill’s continued development.

Newport County were a League Two outfit, however, and therefore a League One side was seen as a preferable jump in quality.

Stevenage currently sit in 5th place in League One, having enjoyed a positive start to the season.

The Hertfordshire club have won three, drawn one, and lost one of their opening five games. However, they have only scored five goals in these five games, suggesting reinforcements up front will be welcome.

Stevenage, therefore, seem the perfect destination for McNeill to land this season.

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To view a detailed match report, click here.

(A score of 6 is around average)

Elyh Harrison – 8 – A penalty save is always a bonus from a keeper and as usual he was quick off his line to cut out attacks and played well with the ball at his feet. Couldn’t do much for both Leeds goals.

Habeeb Ogunneye – 7 – A good two-way performance as he supported in attack and gave very little away in defense.

Sonny Aljofree – 6.5 – A solid display before being sent off in injury time for a handball while being pressured by an offside player. Unfortunate.

Teden Mengi – 7 – A match of moments. Domineering for 88 minutes with extreme strength and pace, he cut out Leeds attacks with ease and played on the front foot. But too eager to jump and opened the space for Leeds’ first and shifted too far to the left for their second.

Marc Jurado – 7.5 – Tasked with playing on his weaker left side, his lack of a left foot showed. But he had the ability and composure to overcome it by cutting back and picking out measured passes into the box consistently.

Toby Collyer – 7 – Somewhat clumsily conceded the early penalty but had a good game otherwise. Dropped into the backline at times and did well dribbling out of pressure and opening spaces. Did not always have the quality of passing in his locker.

Hannibal Mejbri – 7 – A decent performance before tiring in the second half. Worked hard and drew some fouls but disappointingly didn’t shine as bright as you’d expect from a 20-year-old looking to push into the first team.

Omari Forson – 5 – A poor display and just never got going. Seemed to be flat-footed and wanted too much time on the ball, allowing the Leeds defenders to always smother him quickly.

Isak Hansen-Aarøen – 8.5 – The clear stand out, he excelled on the left side of a three man midfield and will have certainly impressed Erik ten Hag with his ability to fulfil the Mason Mount role. He dropped deep to control possession and start attacks, popped up on the left to overload the wing with Jurado, and attacked the box with silky dribbling. You never knew where he was going to be and neither did the Leeds players. On another day, he could have had a bag of assists, if only the team’s finishing had been better.

Mateo Mejia – 5.5 – Played a couple of good crosses but just not enough impact for the amount of possession United had.

Joe Hugill – 6 – A day of almosts. Had three big chances thwarted by slight touches from the Leeds’ defenders and set up a couple with good crosses into the box.

Substitutes

Dan Gore – 7 – Added energy and drive in the second half as he forced open a few chances in the Leeds box. Came close from long range with a cracking effort off the post.

Ethan Williams – 6.5 – Immediately added some directness on the wing and his two-footedness provided quick deliveries.

Maxi Oyedele – 6.5 – Came in at right back and made a fantastic tackle to stop a counter attack.

Charlie McNeill – 7 – Like his teammates, it looked like he’d forgot his shooting boots after a couple of quick misses. Ultimately managed to hit the back of the net with a deflected shot.

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Manchester United’s u21s were given the rare occasion on Friday night of playing at Old Trafford, as they hosted rivals Leeds United.

The special evening got off to a bad start for United, as Leeds took the lead in the 8th minute. Some quick passing led to Sean McGurk running through an open gap left in the United backline. McGurk took full advantage as he slotted past Elyh Harrison.

Just three minutes later, Leeds were awarded a penalty when Luca Thomas jinked between Sonny Aljofree and Toby Collyer, taking a light trip from the latter to go down.

It was, however, a poor effort and was easily denied by Elyh Harrison who got down quick to save.

After the penalty, United kicked into gear, and Isak Hansen-Aaroen slipped Mateo Mejia into the box who cut back to Omari Forson, only for him to be denied by a goal line clearance.

Shortly afterwards, Mejia played provider again with a cross to Joe Hugill at back the post. Unfortunately, a slight tip from the defender put the striker off the header.

A fantastic diagonal ball then came from Teden Mengi deep into left corner, eventually leading to a cross from Marc Jurado, but it was taken off Hugill’s foot and sent out for corner.

Approaching the half hour mark, the ball fell to Hansen-Aaroen outside the box and he worked his way in. The resulting shot was blocked, taking the steam off it as it rolled harmlessly to the keeper.

Nearing half time and it was another crucial Leeds block, this time on Habeeb Ogunneye who got forward to get on the end of Jurado’s measured cross.

It went into the break with United trailing to Leeds 0-1 despite all the pressure going one way following the opening goal.

The second half began in the same fashion with Hansen-Aaroen creating an early chance for Hannibal Mejbri, who couldn’t get his effort on target.

Hansen-Aaroen then showed how his change of pace as he knocked it past the fullback andsprinted to collect in the box, before cutting back to Dan Gore. The half-time substitute couldn’t get his boot around it enough to redirect it on goal.

After the slew of misses, Leeds hit on the counter down the right, and with United’s backline scrambling left Ogunneye on his own on the left side to mark two players, allowing for an easy switch of play and subsequent finish from Connor Douglas.

United thought they’d pulled one back in the 59th minute when Dan Gore’s bullet effort from 25 yards out crashed off the woodwork.

A minute after that it was Mengi’s turn to try from long range with a bending effort just wide of the right post.

Jurado then came down the left and centred for Hannibal, but the midfielder’s effort was straight at the keeper and palmed out.

The Norwegian, Hansen-Aaroen, was the star of the show and he danced down the left again before Cruyff turning in the box to open space and find Gore who lashed it over the bar.

In the 75th minute, a perfect first touch from Hansen-Aaroen sent him past two Leeds defenders to play it across the goal, but a slight touch on the ball wrong-footed Hugill, who waiting at the back post.

Charlie McNeill entered from the bench and after a couple of missed chances in quick succession, he pulled one back early in injury time. An indirect free kick in the Leeds box for the keeper holding onto the ball for too long was rolled by Jurado to McNeill who smashed it into the wall and deflected into the goal.

Sonny Aljofree was then sent off for a second yellow card when he handled the ball attempting to bring a long ball under control while under pressure from a Leeds attacker in a clear offside position.

United fashioned another few chances in the dying moments, but ultimately couldn’t get past the formidable blocks from the Leeds defenders, despite having 19 attempts on the night.

The full-time whistle came with the three points going to Leeds – a disappointing result after United controlled the match for 80 minutes. Ultimately, the inability to finish chances was the key factor in the end.

United: Harrison, Ogunneye (Oyedele 62), Aljofree, Mengi, Jurado, Collyer, Hannibal, Forson (Gore 46), Hansen-Aarøen (McNeill 77), Mejia (Williams 70), Hugill

Unused subs: Carney

The post Academy Match Report: Manchester United 1-2 Leeds United appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Brazilian, who played the second-half against Olympique Lyon on Wednesday, is reportedly staying back because of personal reasons.

A few promising academy stars have also made the cut. While it was expected that Hannibal Mejbri and Kobbie Mainoo would make the cut, Dan Gore was also selected after a brilliant display against the Ligue 1 side.

Notable absentees

There were also call ups for Omari Forson on the wings and Radek Vitek in goal. Surprisingly, quite a few fancied academy starlets failed to make the cut.

The biggest shock was the exclusion of Matej Kovar from the goalkeeping contingent. The 23-year-old played the full 90 minutes against Lyon and the second-half against Leeds United.

Both the goalscorers from the Leeds game — Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill missed out as did Isak Hansen-Aarøen, Charlie Savage and Charlie McNeill to name a few.

Short-term signing Jonny Evans also was not part of the squad but he was supposed to be part of the academy team that will take on Wrexham in San Diego.

This might mean that a separate squad gets announced for that particular tie at a later date. All the youngsters who missed out could be part of that particular team.

While it is not a major cause for concern for most youngsters who will still get to play infront of a large crowd against a competitive Wrexham side, this snub could have major ramifications for some.

Permanent and temporary moves in the pipeline

Kovar, who spent last season out on loan, would have expected to be part of the main squad after his passing display from the back which indicated he could be ready for a reserve goalkeeper role.

Now this could mean either a loan back to Sparta Prague or a permanent exit with the Czech champions said to be impatiently waiting for United’s answer.

McNeill has also been linked with a loan exit to League One while Charlie Savage could also be on his way, either temporarily or on loan depending on the offers that come in.

Noam Emeran is reportedly receiving plenty of loan interest from European clubs and this could indicate his future could lie away from Old Trafford for now.

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Both the goals against Leeds came in the second-half with manager Erik ten Hag picking an entire XI composed of academy stars.

The young stars performed better than their experienced counterparts and looked much more in command with fluid passing and inter-changing positions at will.

One Academy star missing

The Dutchman has already hinted that the Lyon game will pretty much follow the same script with the senior stars just rejoining practice after an extended break following their international exertions.

One academy star who was conspicuous by his absence against the Championship side was Charlie McNeill. He had been spotted training at Carrington the week before.

The 19-year-old had made his United debut in the Europa League last season and went out on loan to League Two outfit Newport County in the second-half of the campaign.

McNeill started 13 times, scoring twice and assisting once and he is eager to play regularly this season as well.

The Manchester Evening News have reported that the reason he was not picked for the Leeds game and he might not be a part of pre-season proceedings this time around is because another loan move is beckoning.

While the striker would prefer to play higher up the league pyramid this time around, a final decision will be taken based on the game time being promised to the starlet.

“The Manchester Evening News understands McNeill was not included in the side that travelled to Oslo because he is set to leave on loan again this summer.

McNeill eyeing League One loan this time

“A source stated that the teenage forward is not being pushed forward as part of the first-team training programme due to the fact that he will likely be leaving in the near future.

“It is understood McNeill is aiming to seal a League One loan move, though he could be persuaded to drop lower down the leagues again if the right opportunity presents itself.”

The England U-16 international was formerly a United academy graduate before he swapped shirts to join city rivals Manchester City.

He came back to the Red Devils in 2020 for an initial fee of €800k that could rise depending on certain criteria. The striker is famous for having netted over 600 goals at youth level.

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While a few have shone brightly and have made a case for first-team inclusion, there are others who might be cast aside either on a temporary basis or in some cases permanently.

Fans are excited to see what the likes of Amad Diallo, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez can do under Ten Hag but performing in pre-season and how the club’s transfer window goes could have a large bearing on their futures.

First-team beckons for Amad, pre-season test for Fernandez

The crown jewel among United’s loan stars is Diallo who enjoyed a stellar loan spell at Sunderland where he came mighty close to leading them back to the Premier League while also finishing as their top-scorer.

Another academy graduate Fernandez won the Young Player of the Year award at Preston and his versatility which allowed him to play on the flanks as well as full-back was deeply appreciated at Deepdale.

Both will be given a chance to impress in pre-season before the United boss decides their next course of action. While Diallo’s inclusion makes sense considering the issues out on the right, Fernandez might need another loan.

“Erik ten Hag is eager to cast an eye over Amad before deciding if he will be kept around the first-team squad next season, while Fernandez could also get a chance in the first team despite the expectation he will leave on loan again later in the window,” The Manchester Evening News reported.

Mejbri won the Goal of the Season award at Birmingham and impressed in patches and has even been rumoured to be a target of Borussia Dortmund but at the moment, it does not seem like he has a role in the first-team for next season.

“The 20-year-old is expected to be part of United’s pre-season plans but could leave on loan again as he looks to build upon the experience he gained last season at Birmingham.”

Hannibal, McNeill loan exit after pre-season chance

Charlie McNeill, who made his first-team debut in the Europa League, enjoyed an impressive half-season with Newport County and his future will depend on incomings in the striker’s position.

His current deal ends next summer and if he does end up going out on loan again, it will happen after a new contract is signed.

Charlie Savage is not expected to be part of United’s pre-season tour this summer and is expected to go out on loan quite early in the window.

Europa League champion Alex Telles and injury-prone Eric Bailly are expected to depart permanently.

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Goals from Sam Folarin, George Thomson and Luke Armstrong were enough to help Harrogate down Newport.

McNeill, who joined the League Two club in January in search of first-team minutes, had to be content with a place on the bench.

With his side trailing, Graham Coughlan brought on McNeill and the United loanee had an instant impact.

He produced a brilliant chip to set Omar Bogle through on goal. The forward made no mistake from close range as he put the ball into the back of the net.

Charlie McNeill with a clever assist off the bench for Newport County last night. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/QGLbUaOSEf

— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) April 26, 2023

The result left Newport 14th in League Two standings, just a point above Gillingham and four points adrift of Sutton United.

During the 12 minutes McNeill was on the pitch, he blocked one shot.

The 19-year-old embarked on one dribble, which he completed successfully.

He registered just six touches of the ball during his brief cameo from the bench. The striker successfully delivered all four passes he attempted.

McNeill made one key pass and created as many big chances.

He delved into one ground duel, which he won.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

It was an impressive display considering the limited time he was on the pitch and that should put the youngster in contention to start when Newport clash against Gillingham on Saturday.

The United academy star will certainly be buoyed by his contributions against Harrogate.

Newport have the opportunity to create a four-point gap between themselves and The Gills when they meet this weekend.

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Manchester United youngster Charlie McNeill is hoping to catch Erik ten Hag’s eye during his loan spell at Newport County.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, McNeill is getting some first team experience in the lower leagues of the English game.

McNeill joined Newport on a loan deal until the end of the season at the end of the January window.

The 19-year-old has scored just twice in 14 games in League Two but has impressed Newport boss Graham Coughlan.

“Charlie’s had a real positive impact since he’s come into the football club,” said the boss.

McNeill signed for United from rivals Manchester City and made a name for himself in youth football by banging in over 600 goals for the under age groups.

The striker knows those goals now count for nothing as he hopes to earn a first team spot at Old Trafford.

McNeill isn’t alone in dropping down leagues to gain experience and Coughlan is hoping he can learn his trade whilst under his tutelage at Newport.

“It’s a great learning curve for him, the physical side of the game as well, it’s something that he’s getting to grips with. It’s been a really good loan for ourselves, and we hope Charlie and Manchester United see it that way as well,” he said.

McNeill will be hoping for a strong finish to his loan spell. With Newport safe in mid-table but too far away for a playoff push, the team can play their season out with minimal pressure.

No doubt Ten Hag will be keeping a keen eye on McNeill’s progress at Newport with space in his first team for a centre forward or two.

Although too early for McNeil to be thinking about leading the line at Old Trafford, there could be an opportunity for him to join the squad and learn from the talent in United’s first team ranks.

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