Leicester beat United 3-0 in Uniteds final game of the tournament, Leicester went on to the final but I'm not sure how that finished. Despite the scoreline it was more of a contest than the FAI game. Once again Leicester were too big and strong for United who played a number of their smallest lads from the start. 6 and 14 played in midfield, 17 on the left and 16 on the right. They just lacked someone who could run in behind the defence or someone to hold up the ball in the final third. Like yesterday they insisted on building from the back with almost every goal-kick going short to the left-back. It's a good learning experience for them to play that way, but Leicester (like the FAI yesterday) knew it was coming every time and pressed them high up the park and made it difficult for United to get the ball beyond midfield.
The 'keeper made a few good saves again but probably should have saved the 3rd. I was impressed by number 2 at right-back, I thought he had good cameos in the games yesterday but that's the first time I've seen him from the start. 5 was also solid again but went off a half-time with a slight niggle. The middle two battled hard for the whole match which was good to see, but they were outmatched by Leicester in that area. Gomes once again flashed moment of brilliance but they struggled to get him the ball in dangerous positions. He really does have incredible ability to pick out a penetrative pass for a 12 year old, combined with his insane dribbling.
But I think little number 17 would be my pick for United's player of the game. Despite being the youngest United player in the squad and much smaller than his marker, he showed some really nice touches and moments of skill out on the left. He also tracked back really well and must have won the ball back 5+ times through sheer grit and determination.
