Blades Academy 0-4 Man Utd - match report
United's FA Premier Academy League U18s Group D campaign came to a close with an unflattering defeat to Manchester United at Shirecliffe on Saturday.
Both clubs had, prior to the match, agreed to field an Under-16s squad due to Manchester United's involvement in the FA Youth Cup Final return leg which takes place at Old Trafford on 26 April.
The Blades squad was comprised of all U16s, apart from two U15s in their starting line-up, whilst the visitors included one U17 player in a squad of U16s.
Coach Scott Sellars said: "The result didn't really reflect the performance - it was a pretty close affair. We didn't create much in the first half, as it was a bit nip and tuck but, for 25 minutes in the second half, we played in Manchester United's half."
United's youngsters were undone by a first half effort and three second half strikes as Manchester United produced quality, counter-attacking football and showed a ruthlessness in front of goal.
Sellars said that Saturday's result had not taken the shine off what has been a highly successful season for United's Academy side.
United's up-and-coming players reached the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup, where they bowed out 3-1 to eventual finalists Liverpool at Bramall Lane in February whilst, earlier this season, U18s duo Lee Askham and Jacob Mellis received international recognition for England.
Sellars added: "We have made excellent progress this season with what has been, purposefully, a very young team. In terms of individual performances, I have been very pleased. The lads know that we need to be more clinical in both boxes - that is something to work on.
"The FA Youth Cup was the one time we placed more emphasis on winning than performing. Getting to the quarter-finals was a fantastic run for us all, and you don't get to that level without having quality players in your Academy."
Blades Academy: Ho Lee, Smith, Dobson, Hall, Hague, Bedford, Lyn, Gee, Fletcher, Rhodes, Chappell.
Subs: Thompson, Billard, Foster, McGuire, Adams.