With season 2016-2017 came to an end, I thought it would be a good idea to do a quick write-up before the players who will become new U18s scholars for the next season and what we can expect from them.
Obviously there will be a couple more signings for this age group over the course of summer so watch this space.
U18s First Years Scholars 2017-2018:
1. Ethan Laird - a quick and smooth full back who can also cover at centre back if required, Laird is a very offensive minded right-footed defender who can go past players with his skills and pace and also did score a bit more than your usual full back. Haven't seen him in the U18s in their last few games yet due to injury, hopefully he'll be a regular comes next season. His main competitor will be George Tanner who has done very well this season for the U18s but might play further forward next season, and his year mate Brandon Williams. Born in August same as Gomes and O'Connor so would not turn 17 until summer 2018.
2. Dylan Levitt - Wales U17s international. Levitt is a very good passer, capable of killer passes and is a calm presence on midfield. Could also play further forward if required. Will have to compete with a lot of names in midfield including the impressive Aidan Barlow, hopefully we'll see Dylan regularly.
3. James Garner - U16s captain who can play in both CM and CB position. From the little I've seen of him he looks good on the ball and in the air. A good option considering the older options in the defence aren't quite highly rated. Made 2 appearances from the bench for the U18s in their last 2 matches and slotted in comfortably.
4. Dion McGhee - a diminutive left-footed attacking midfielder who also play as left winger and left back - although from a bit I've seen of him he looks much better centrally. Looks like a clever pass-and-move player and has a good touch in the Lingard mould.
5. D'Mani Bughail-Mellor - a versatile player who can play in many positions including central midfield, AM, winger and full-back, D'Mani would be a very handy option to have around and he can chip in some goals as well.
6. Brandon Williams - a small and very quick fullback who also played centre back in his younger years. Williams has shown his pace in the last U18 game when he came on the bench. Used to be called up for England U15s training camp but his progress was hampered by injury after that, Williams will look to compete with the likes of Tanner, Laird at RB and Spratt at LB.
7. Ethan Galbraith - a signing from Northern Ireland last season and also their U17s international. Galbraith is a central midfielder with quick feet and good close control, capable to drive the midfield forward. Hopefully he'll have a better future at the club than some of our more recent youth signings from NI.
8. James Thompson - a reliable goalkeeper who's also a massive United supporter. He'll look to get game times when Alex Fojticek isn't available.
9. Jacob Carney - a tiny goalkeeper but rated highly for his technical abilities. Will likely to play down with the U16s next season.
10. Di'Shon Bernard - a defender who was released by Chelsea on January. He won Defender of a Tournament in a tournament few years ago so perhaps there're some talents in him that the club hope to polish more.
Likely signing
11. Aliou Traore - a France U16s international who left PSG last summer and now playing for his hometown club. A complete midfielder who can also play further forward or in defence, his style will surely be drawn some comparison with Paul Pogba. A strong option for midfield next season if signed.
U16s who might get some games: Mason Greenwood, Anthony Elanga, Teden Mengi.
Obviously there will be a couple more signings for this age group over the course of summer so watch this space.
U18s First Years Scholars 2017-2018:
1. Ethan Laird - a quick and smooth full back who can also cover at centre back if required, Laird is a very offensive minded right-footed defender who can go past players with his skills and pace and also did score a bit more than your usual full back. Haven't seen him in the U18s in their last few games yet due to injury, hopefully he'll be a regular comes next season. His main competitor will be George Tanner who has done very well this season for the U18s but might play further forward next season, and his year mate Brandon Williams. Born in August same as Gomes and O'Connor so would not turn 17 until summer 2018.
2. Dylan Levitt - Wales U17s international. Levitt is a very good passer, capable of killer passes and is a calm presence on midfield. Could also play further forward if required. Will have to compete with a lot of names in midfield including the impressive Aidan Barlow, hopefully we'll see Dylan regularly.
3. James Garner - U16s captain who can play in both CM and CB position. From the little I've seen of him he looks good on the ball and in the air. A good option considering the older options in the defence aren't quite highly rated. Made 2 appearances from the bench for the U18s in their last 2 matches and slotted in comfortably.
4. Dion McGhee - a diminutive left-footed attacking midfielder who also play as left winger and left back - although from a bit I've seen of him he looks much better centrally. Looks like a clever pass-and-move player and has a good touch in the Lingard mould.
5. D'Mani Bughail-Mellor - a versatile player who can play in many positions including central midfield, AM, winger and full-back, D'Mani would be a very handy option to have around and he can chip in some goals as well.
6. Brandon Williams - a small and very quick fullback who also played centre back in his younger years. Williams has shown his pace in the last U18 game when he came on the bench. Used to be called up for England U15s training camp but his progress was hampered by injury after that, Williams will look to compete with the likes of Tanner, Laird at RB and Spratt at LB.
7. Ethan Galbraith - a signing from Northern Ireland last season and also their U17s international. Galbraith is a central midfielder with quick feet and good close control, capable to drive the midfield forward. Hopefully he'll have a better future at the club than some of our more recent youth signings from NI.
8. James Thompson - a reliable goalkeeper who's also a massive United supporter. He'll look to get game times when Alex Fojticek isn't available.
9. Jacob Carney - a tiny goalkeeper but rated highly for his technical abilities. Will likely to play down with the U16s next season.
10. Di'Shon Bernard - a defender who was released by Chelsea on January. He won Defender of a Tournament in a tournament few years ago so perhaps there're some talents in him that the club hope to polish more.
Likely signing
11. Aliou Traore - a France U16s international who left PSG last summer and now playing for his hometown club. A complete midfielder who can also play further forward or in defence, his style will surely be drawn some comparison with Paul Pogba. A strong option for midfield next season if signed.
U16s who might get some games: Mason Greenwood, Anthony Elanga, Teden Mengi.
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