Yep. Having they're usual 'tough' run in cup competitions - Palace, Millwall, Leeds, West Brom, Watford.
We've had Chelsea and Arsenal last two rounds, and likely get Villa in the SF.
U18s: Arsenal vs United (Free to watch on Youtube)
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We've had Chelsea and Arsenal last two rounds, and likely get Villa in the SF.
Those City draws are not easy at all tbf. Leeds last year's finalists, Milwall semi-finalists, Palace are always strong & Watford just beat very good Spurs & Southampton sides.
That City team would beat anyone they're put up against though, hopefully with the exception of us.
When and where's the next round?
If we get to the final, hope it's at OT again. 67,000 there for the 2022 final!
If we get to the final, hope it's at OT again. 67,000 there for the 2022 final!
Only have to go back last season, we lost against Swindon, a fixture that should have been a easy win on paper. There are potential minefields everywhere, and traditional big clubs don't always have strong teams every year.
Yeah, fair point.
Too fair, really. As I'm very certain should the draws have been reversed, most City fans, and so called neutrals, would be sneering at us drawing mostly championship sides academies all the way through. While they'd drawn Chelsea, Arsenal, probably Villa.
But, yeah, good point. The strength of the academy sides each season isn't necessarily reflected in the size of the club and the quality of the senior team.
Not if my little cousin has anything to do about it!
At Yeast we’re not sMaltime like Victoria Pilzen and Port vAle.
If you swap around the letters in Max Dowman, you get M-A-R-T-I-N K-E-O-W-N (almost).
That stomp on the foot at the end was a pen.
Honestly i'd say 60/40 to United. I wouldn't say they dominated Arsenal. But i'm referring to that no pen call on the end when we stomped the foot of the arsenal player.
Suck my crop. BARELY!*
Was just about to post the same. The kid’s 15 years old and strutting around the pitch like a seasoned pro. Definite shades of Odegaard about him.
Kamason can’t be far off first team minutes for us given the problem we’re having at RWB
i agree with that but the penalty they were given was an abomination- no contact at all so evens itself out
Main take outs from the game…
As expected, we looked the more accomplished, technically proficient team of footballers. It’s so enjoyable to watch our U18s dominate possession with purpose and confidence, even if we can and have played better
Jim Thwaites was again brilliant when he came on. Long accurate penetrating passes from either foot, played quickly and often first time – hugely encouraging and as a playmaker, he’s not only creative but busy, doesn’t seem to need loads of time and space to run the game
Kamason as others have stated was the other most influential player on United’s side – seems to have all the attributes to become a proper player at wing back
The technical proficiency, confidence and ball carrying of Amass was a joy to behold. I know we’ve signed Leon and Dorgu for LWB but I have high hopes for him in the future and think he could have the option to move inside in time, such is his technical ability (obviously subject to physical development)
For Arsenal, Dowman is a serious talent and at 15, miles ahead of anyone else on Arsenal’s team. We need Agents Obi and Ayden to work their magic. And it was disappointing to see Arsenal’s first team “approach” appear to be deployed at this level – the mid-half “injury” so the coach could gather the players and it was noticeable that their players stopped falling to the ground with cramp etc after we equalised
As expected, we looked the more accomplished, technically proficient team of footballers. It’s so enjoyable to watch our U18s dominate possession with purpose and confidence, even if we can and have played better
Jim Thwaites was again brilliant when he came on. Long accurate penetrating passes from either foot, played quickly and often first time – hugely encouraging and as a playmaker, he’s not only creative but busy, doesn’t seem to need loads of time and space to run the game
Kamason as others have stated was the other most influential player on United’s side – seems to have all the attributes to become a proper player at wing back
The technical proficiency, confidence and ball carrying of Amass was a joy to behold. I know we’ve signed Leon and Dorgu for LWB but I have high hopes for him in the future and think he could have the option to move inside in time, such is his technical ability (obviously subject to physical development)
For Arsenal, Dowman is a serious talent and at 15, miles ahead of anyone else on Arsenal’s team. We need Agents Obi and Ayden to work their magic. And it was disappointing to see Arsenal’s first team “approach” appear to be deployed at this level – the mid-half “injury” so the coach could gather the players and it was noticeable that their players stopped falling to the ground with cramp etc after we equalised
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Best performance I have seen of a 15 year old since a certain Ravel Morrison played against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup some 15+ years ago. We have lots of talent at the club - but no one close to Dowman. That was an insane performance. Him and Kamason were the only players on the pitch who were excellent. The one who disappointed me the most was Scanlon - he wasn't the worst player on the pitch, but I have much higher expectations of him than 4-5 of our other players.
Agree with Kamason being close to the first-team - what I really like about him (in addition to his skills) is his stamina. Kamason and Amass were still bombing up the pitch in the 110th minute....that is impressive
Agree with Kamason being close to the first-team - what I really like about him (in addition to his skills) is his stamina. Kamason and Amass were still bombing up the pitch in the 110th minute....that is impressive
The penalty they got was never one though.
Max Dowman was incredible, hard to believe he only recently turned 15. We played into his hand so much though, he was begging for contact to go down so often. Harry Amass was the only one capable of defending him, forced him to pass back a number of times while he just rounded everyone else with ease. Both CBs really struggled.
Kamason was our MotM, been incredible the last couple of months. Think he’s really stepped up his quick thinking on the ball since last season.
Was a class match in the end though, so tense and the crowd was great for an u18s match with a sizeable portion supporting United.
Kamason was our MotM, been incredible the last couple of months. Think he’s really stepped up his quick thinking on the ball since last season.
Was a class match in the end though, so tense and the crowd was great for an u18s match with a sizeable portion supporting United.
Dumb not playing Obi, he'll be lucky to get on the pitch against Fulham.
He might have got it if he hadn't have dived on the floor, barely touched him.
United were the better team and deservedly won, cya Arsenal.
He might have got it if he hadn't have dived on the floor, barely touched him.
United were the better team and deservedly won, cya Arsenal.
Yup, Dowman is excellent for his age, even his physicality is pretty good but our midfield and CBs are just not equipped to handle quick/agile players. The same thing happened against City recently where we get a bit exposed by quick/tricky players, it is a major weakness of this team. Tyler, Devaney, Munro, Armer(esp) all are vulnerable to quick acceleration.
As you said Amass, Kamason and then Amir when he came on were amongst the only ones that kept pace with him. If we do reach the final against City, I do hope we play Kukonki at CB, I think he offers better balance.
Arsenal had a lot of quick/strong players, I was surprised given their ages that they didn't really get bullied considering how strong this United team is physically.
Around Saturday 5 April, initially. At Villa or Plymouth.
Post-match reaction and interviews here.
[jim thwaites has such a high ceiling. If I had to choose Would be my tip from entire group to have really good pro career.
QUOTE="top1whoisman, post: 33005807, member: 103203"]
JJ Gabriel has travelled
QUOTE="top1whoisman, post: 33005807, member: 103203"]
JJ Gabriel has travelled
[/QUOTE]
I don't watch youth football as much as I used to but how are we so good at the U18s and yet so bad at U21s?
Loans perhaps? Maybe even indirect PSR consequences?
How much overlap is there between both teams?
Loans perhaps? Maybe even indirect PSR consequences?
How much overlap is there between both teams?
The u21s are 7th from 26 with 2 games in hand. We were 3rd or 4th the other week. We topped our group in the National League Cup and were unlucky to not advance in the EFL Trophy. There’s nothing bad about the u21s, they’ve been one of the best in the country.
There is a lot of overlap.
Yeah I'm sure the loans are having an effect on who we have, so a lot of players in the u18s are going back and forth between the u21s. I wouldn't be too worried with the u21s, if they're not able to get first team training once they get there, it kinda shows that they're not gonna be able to make that transition to the main squad. I'm sure most of the u21s will be let go at the end of this year. There might be some sell-on clauses here and there but most won't make it.
A lot is mentioned on here about the quality of coaching in the U18s and the U21s.
The U18 coach, Adam Lawrence, has had them playing very good stuff since he took over and they've been a joy to watch and look well coached and drilled.
Whereas the U21s don't look often look anywhere near as impressive, entertaining or well organised. Now some of that will be to do with the fact that the most promising players either go straight up to the first team, or start getting loaned out, and what's left of that age group to play there the longest is mostly the lower / middle range players who aren't as talented. But that'll be the same for all the clubs. And you can get to regularly blend those players with the most promising of the next generation stepping up from the U18s. So they often should be playing better than they do.
Results wise, we've finished between 6th and 12th the last 4 years, and are 7th this year so far. So not awful, but not good either. And especially not compared to our U18s in those seasons - winning the Youth Cup 3 years ago and in the SF this year, and last year winning three trophies. And looking a joy to watch while doing so.
The u21's is a different proposition. Loans, call ups etc cause disruption. Is is the same for other clubs but look at the top 4 after City. Fulham, Southampton, West Ham. That would seem to indicate the resources playing field has been levelled somewhat.
Kamason is one to keep an eye on. Powerful runner, technically good, good passer, good crossing. Has a few things to polish on but the potential is high. I would be giving him a look in that right back area.
Jack Fletcher (left footed) looks like an elegant central midfielder. The type of playmaker United need. Has the height, mobility, precision and technique. Big question is if he can step up to a quicker and demanding tempo
Amass looked good too. Always an attacking threat down that left side. United need to bin off Luke Shaw in the next window and gamble on Dorgu, Diego Leon and Amass. These three should cover that left back area
Ibragimov impresses me all the time. Intelligent footballer. Always on the move, always scanning. Knits the play in the attacking third with quick passes. He is able to unpick defences. He is a scrapper too. Works tirelessly off the ball. He should be given a chance in the first team
Lusale looks a quality player. Signed from Palace. Quick, tricky and technically strong. United need more players like him. Courageous wide players who will run at defenses.
There are many more talented players in the under 18s. Obviously not all will make it but United can't afford to wait all around. Get ruthless, bin off first team players who aren't stacking up and give them a chance.
Jack Fletcher (left footed) looks like an elegant central midfielder. The type of playmaker United need. Has the height, mobility, precision and technique. Big question is if he can step up to a quicker and demanding tempo
Amass looked good too. Always an attacking threat down that left side. United need to bin off Luke Shaw in the next window and gamble on Dorgu, Diego Leon and Amass. These three should cover that left back area
Ibragimov impresses me all the time. Intelligent footballer. Always on the move, always scanning. Knits the play in the attacking third with quick passes. He is able to unpick defences. He is a scrapper too. Works tirelessly off the ball. He should be given a chance in the first team
Lusale looks a quality player. Signed from Palace. Quick, tricky and technically strong. United need more players like him. Courageous wide players who will run at defenses.
There are many more talented players in the under 18s. Obviously not all will make it but United can't afford to wait all around. Get ruthless, bin off first team players who aren't stacking up and give them a chance.
Agree, and 15 year old CB Marli Salmon was good as well. Sweet was also good, but as I mentioned in the thread before he was petulant and pushed Mantato when they were both off the pitch before and didnt get in trouble, before rightly being sent off for hacking a United player - Looks like he might be too emotional and rash and he's 18
The u21s were bad last season but this season we're doing better. We were 4th before other teams got to play some extra matches. We're now 7th with 2 games in hand. 3 points from the possible 6th would put us 4th again
Still room for improvement and hopefully we'll see it with more of the u18s making the step up
Also notes that the U21s results tend not to mean that much. Sounds counter intuitive but the make up of the squad of clubs tend to be very different, and even the same club might have very different squad from matches to matches due to loan, U18s stepping up/down, injuries, senior players getting minutes etc. Tactics were another matter. We did very well at U21s level under Warren Joyce but didn't produce that much PL-level players in that era.
Not sure about your last sentence there. Simpson, Pique, Evans, Welbeck, Rossi, Campbell, Brady, Heaton all played under Joyce didn't they I think? Maybe O'Shea, Fletcher and Brown too? Can't remember that far back.
Definitely not the latter 3 and Rossi, Evans and Pique were more or less under the previous coach. Joyce started in that role in 2008 so Simpson, Pique, Evans, Welbeck, Rossi and Campbell had all made their first team debuts by the time he took over.
Ah fair enough, he did coach most of them at Antwerp though I think (i.e. as an extension of United's academy/reserves)? He also worked with Wes Brown when he was in the U16s assisting Eric Harrison apparently, a rather interesting career he's had now I look back on it!