Youth Reports

Here is more pictures from the Viking - Molde game.

Starting XI, with Mads Timm at the bottomn right beside Erik Nevland:
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Timm's goal:
viking11_22945a.jpg


Celebration #1:
010504kvviking135_22979a.jpg


Celebration #2:
010541kvviking_22991a.jpg
 
Thanks for the pics :D ,

Do you think he has what it takes to make it big at United?
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Well if Forlan can get as many games as he has done...... ;)
 
I noticed Specter made the bench this past weekend.

I wouldnt' be too suprised if he managed to get onto the field in at least 1 of the last 2 games.

Any other youngsters you think may take the field as this season comes to a close?
 
I doubt we'll see a youngster actually playing against Chelski or Villa (important games as a build-up to the final, plus it would be nice to end the season on a high), but the likes of Spector, Jones, Eagles and Richardson are topping the list of candidates who could well make it to the bench. Maybe. Hopefully.

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Town make a fight of it against Man Utd Reserves (link)

By Dennis Aris

Kendal Town 0, Manchester United Reserves 1.

Surprisingly Kendal Town were unlucky not to win this game against their illustrious opponents.

Around 2,000 people packed in to Parkside to admire the soccer skills of Manchester's youngsters, but those talents were nullified by the stout defence honed in the harsh reality of the UniBond League First Division For 20 minutes United stroked the ball around and pinned Town back, but Kendal began to realise that for all the show no real chances were being produced.

They responded by taking the game to United and were unlucky not to score from four good chances created before half-time.

The interval effectively ended the game as a meaningful contest, for in the second half both managers continually rang the changes, with players coming and going from the pitch every few minutes.

In the 68th minute Town striker Chris Bennett went down to a challenge. It looked like a penalty, but Bennett's fall may have been a little to spectacular for the referee's liking It was not until the 81st minute that Manchester finally unlocked the solid Town defence, a corner falling kindly for Kenny Cooper to pick his spot beyond substitute keeper Andy Davies.

Manchester fielded none of their established stars, but with first team fringe players like the lightening fast Kieran Richardson, solid central defender Jonathan Spector and the inventive Chris Eagles in the side it was no mean feat for Kendal to come out of the game just one goal down.
 
Youngsters Set for Odivelas Tournament

By Chris O'Brien

Manchester United are again expected to be invited to field a side in the pre-season Odivelas International Football Tournament held in Portugal. The competition is for players under the age of 23, and reserve boss Ricky Sbragia led the Red Devils to third place.

The Manchester United reserve side are set to enjoy a trip to Portugal over the summer to once again compete in the Odivelas International Football Tournament. The Red Devils finished 3rd in the tournament last season, which is organised for players under the age of 23, and United will again field a team this season in what is the fifth time the tournament has taken place.

Ricky Sbragia's reserves earned invaluable experience from the mini-competition last season, and the performances of Chris Eagles, Paul Tierney, David Jones, Ben Williams and Ramon Calliste were all singled out by the club at the time. These players have since gone on to perform throughout the season for the reserves, and look forward to a Manchester Senior Cup final against rivals City later in the month.

Sbragia will again be hoping that the tournament can help his players make improvements to their games as they develop, and the reserve boss is expected to select some of United's youngest crop of players for this years trip. Teenage American defender Jonathan Spector, who was on the bench for Saturday's defeat at Ewood Park, recent acquisition Lee Martin who signed terms with the club from Wimbledon and highly rated Belgium centre-half Floribert Ngalula did not have the benefit of being involved last season, but are all expected to play leading roles in United's team this time around.

The provisional dates for the tournament matches are August 1st and 2nd, and high-quality is once again expected. Last season, the United lads took on the likes of Real Madrid, FC Porto, SL Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Lokomotiv Moscow, and playing against other youth set-ups from outside of Britain is an invaluable experience for the players. ManUtdWeb will bring you the full results and coverage of the tournament when it has taken place.

(link)
 
ManUnited2003.jpg


As I was googling for James Mullen, I found this picture at The International Marveld Tournament for under-15 teams. It's on the page for Manchester United's Under-15 team.

This is the first photographic record of Fabien Brandy and Danny Rowe I've ever seen on the web. But you'll have to guess who's who coz the tournament website listed the team by jersey number, not according to their position in the photo:

1. Luke Daniels, 2. Mathew Kendrick, 3. Alex Drinkwater, 4. Mitchell Booth, 5. James Chester, 6. Danny Rose, 7. Sam Hewson, 8. Kieran Lee, 9. Febian Brandy, 10. Nathan Hotte, 11. Jamie Mullen, 12. Richard Eckersley, 13. Chris Backhouse, 14. David Owens, 15. Danny Rowe, 16. Thomas Rowe, 17. Joe Heath, 18. Richard Chinn

Anyway, it is with some relief that I can confirm that Fabien Brandy and Danny Rowe EXISTS! ;)

I also found the following blurb for Jamie Mullen on The FA website:

James Mullen - Manchester United
James is an attacking player at Old Trafford. Favouring his right side, he is another member of the England side to have featured in his club's Under-17s side.​

But somebody put him down as a defender here.

Looking at the Under-15 team list, I also notice a few 'possible' younger brothers of older players - Eckersley, Rose, Heath?
Which got me thinking about the brothers who've been through United youth ranks - besides the most obvious Nevilles. Well I don't know for sure if they're brothers, I'm only going on their surnames - perhaps someone can confirm either way?:

Ronnie and Kyle Wallwork
Michael, Steven and George Clegg
David and Kirk Hilton
Stephen and Michael Rose
Dominic and Mark Studley
Jamie and Neil Wood

And there are some surnames like Johnson and Williams which are too common.

I started supporting United in the mid-80s, so my memory of United brothers before that is limited to prominent ones i.e. Jimmy and Brian Greenhoff (and the Astons, another much smaller category all together).

Trying to remember youth player names going back to the 80s, I had to pause to consider just how far Fergie has brought us. It's staggering just to think of the 'quality' of his first batch of fledglings circa 1987-88, which were really babes brought up under Ron Atkinson's tenure:

Nicky Wood, Derek Brazil, Tony Gill, Deiniol Graham, Paul Harvey, Denis Cronin... :wenger:

Amongst the best of Atkinson's batch (and only Fergie gave them a chance) was... Mark Robins. Though Robins did score one of the most important goals in the club's HISTORY, he really wouldn't be able to secure a place in our reserve team line-up today. I'd take my chances with Cooper, Timm, Johnson, Ebanks-Blake and Calliste over Robins any day.

Gary Walsh deserves some credit, he was impressive in the first half of 1987-88 until his injury. Lee Sharpe doesn't count amongst this lot coz he was bought from Torquay by Fergie.

Some of the posters on this board seem to think that we can conjure a whole batch of world-class players from youth just like that, but thats nonsense if you consider just how long it took for Fergie to reform United's youth set-up until the system showed it could deliver results.

I'd put Sharpe and Giggs aside as they were as much the result of good scouting but it was Fergie's reformed youth infrastructure that produced our golden batch of Scholes, Beckham, the Nevilles, Gillespie etc.

Fergie started from scratch. He inherited from Atkinson a poor youth setup and big name players like Whiteside, McGrath and Robson who drank their way through training.

As compared to Wenger, who inherited a club with a long-established and admired youth setup, put in place by George Graham around the same time as Fergie took over at Old Trafford. Wenger also inherited Graham's entire defence, highly disciplined/committed warriors like Ray Parlour and even Bergkamp was served up on a plate by Bruce Rioch.

I'll end this thread on a little nod to Graham who created the solid foundations which allowed a good manager like Wenger to conveniently prosper, while lesser managers like O'Leary and Hoddle f*cked up the excellent youth groundwork he did at Leeds and Spurs. There was a time I even entertained the idea of Graham as heir to Fergie. :lol:
 
Thanks Deltakaye.
https://www.marveldtoenooi,nl/ManUnited2003.jpg
The ginger haired kid in the top row (second to far left) is Richard Eckersley.His older brother Adam plays at U19s level at United and featured in this year F.A youth cup team at left wing-back.

Wearing the captains armband in the back row is the promising attacking midfielder Kieran Lee.He has had a number of appearances already for the U-17s this season.

Back row 3rd from left is Wales schoolboy international Mitchell Booth.

The short black haired player in the middle row is Daniel Rose.One of the most impressive players in this years U-17s season.He reminds me of a Makelele/Scholes type of player,small but technically good,always wants the ball,shows good movement,occasionally gets on the end of things and most notably always seem to have the most time on the ball.
A very good prospect.

And the black kid on the bottom row is Striker Febian Brandy.Alot has already been said of the player since back to December 2001 when he wowed everyone in some U-12s tournament in Spain with United.
He's basically the most exciting talent in Uniteds' Academy,and has been for more than two years now.Still only 15yrs old alot is expected of him...
 
deltakaye said:
Which got me thinking about the brothers who've been through United youth ranks - besides the most obvious Nevilles. Well I don't know for sure if they're brothers, I'm only going on their surnames - perhaps someone can confirm either way?:

Ronnie and Kyle Wallwork
Michael, Steven and George Clegg
David and Kirk Hilton
Stephen and Michael Rose
Dominic and Mark Studley
Jamie and Neil Wood

I started supporting United in the mid-80s, so my memory of United brothers before that is limited to prominent ones i.e. Jimmy and Brian Greenhoff (and the Astons, another much smaller category all together).

Amongst the best of Atkinson's batch (and only Fergie gave them a chance) was... Mark Robins.
Click to expand...

Good stuff.

Jamie and Neil Wood were both at Antwerp. Similar styles! Could be brothers. George Clegg was also in Belgium, I think he's Michael's cousin.

Martin and George Buchan were united brothers in the 80s - guess they still are. I assume you mean the Astons were father and son. Then there was Peter Barnes (MU and City) and his dad Ken (City). Plus today's Schmeichels.

As for Robins, wasn't he a Fergie Fledgling - along with Russell Beardsmore and Lee Martin. Those were the days.
 
mista john said:
As for Robins, wasn't he a Fergie Fledgling - along with Russell Beardsmore and Lee Martin. Those were the days.
Click to expand...

Ah yes those were the days...Maiorana anyone? :cool:
 
mista john said:
As for Robins, wasn't he a Fergie Fledgling - along with Russell Beardsmore and Lee Martin. Those were the days.
Click to expand...

There were already signed to the club and playing in the youth ranks under Atkinson. Granted, Ferguson had a couple of seasons to work with them, but there's only so much he could do with that crop.

One difference from "those days" that affects our judgement of the potential of today's youth players is our access to information.

Perhaps I was a bit out of the loop then, but I only heard about Giggs around 1990-91, when he was 16-17. Even then it was only because he was by far the most outstanding talent.

Now we're already comparing our UNDER-15 players to Ronaldo (Brandy) and Makelele/Scholes (Rose)! Look at 'em, they're barely out of puberty! The vast majority of youth players don't make it to the squad nevermind being anywhere near the level of RONALDO!

And then there are late bloomers like David Platt who didn't make it via our youth teams. Even when he went to Crewe, Dario Gradi was initially rather unimpressed.

Bayaoas:
Perhaps you could help me with the info I'm trying to find? Basically, I'd like to know the year of birth and playing position of the youth players in the photograph.
 
bayaoas said:
And the black kid on the bottom row is Striker Fabien Brandy.Alot has already been said of the player since back to December 2001 when he wowed everyone in some U-12s tournament in Spain with United.
He's basically the most exciting talent in Uniteds' Academy,and has been for more than two years now.Still only 15yrs old alot is expected of him...
Click to expand...

im guessin u've seen him play a few times so could u tell me how he compares with a player near his age like Freddy Adu. he looks a lot smaller physically compared to Adu but what about his ball skills? i have a funny feeling that they'll both make up our front line in the years to come.

thanx in advance
 
Lil Cee said:
im guessin u've seen him play a few times so could u tell me how he compares with a player near his age like Freddy Adu. he looks a lot smaller physically compared to Adu but what about his ball skills? i have a funny feeling that they'll both make up our front line in the years to come.

thanx in advance
Click to expand...

i have only seen Brandy play in that spanish tournament and he certainly had all the skill and very confident for such a young player.
 
deltakaye said:
There were already signed to the club and playing in the youth ranks under Atkinson. Granted, Ferguson had a couple of seasons to work with them, but there's only so much he could do with that crop.

One difference from "those days" that affects our judgement of the potential of today's youth players is our access to information.

Perhaps I was a bit out of the loop then, but I only heard about Giggs around 1990-91, when he was 16-17. Even then it was only because he was by far the most outstanding talent.

Now we're already comparing our UNDER-15 players to Ronaldo (Brandy) and Makelele/Scholes (Rose)! Look at 'em, they're barely out of puberty! The vast majority of youth players don't make it to the squad nevermind being anywhere near the level of RONALDO!

And then there are late bloomers like David Platt who didn't make it via our youth teams. Even when he went to Crewe, Dario Gradi was initially rather unimpressed.

Bayaoas:
Perhaps you could help me with the info I'm trying to find? Basically, I'd like to know the year of birth and playing position of the youth players in the photograph.
Click to expand...



I had to smile about David Platt because despite his success I always agreed with first impression of D G and remained unimpressed.
Russell Beardsmore's name brought back a few memories a talented player certainly more obvious talents than D Platt, players like Russell and 100's of other players who have "almost made it " show us just how incredibly difficult it is to become an established 1st teamer at clubs like United and how few even go on to successful careers at other clubs either in Premier or lower divisions.
 
bayaoas said:
The short black haired player in the middle row is Daniel Rose.One of the most impressive players in this years U-17s season.He reminds me of a Makelele/Scholes type of player,small but technically good,always wants the ball,shows good movement,occasionally gets on the end of things and most notably always seem to have the most time on the ball.
A very good prospect.
Click to expand...

Apparently Rose was from Bristol City, and part of the deal for him to join United was to have a friendly between the two clubs in December 2003. I found this bit of info from this youth/reserve match report.

"This will have benefited City's finances to the tune of a good few thousand pounds. The match was arranged as a part of the deal that brought Danny Rose from Bristol to United a year or so back and all profits will be invested in City's Academy."​

I also found this interesting bit about Kieran Richardson in the same match report:

"The moment of magic came on 35 minutes when Kieran Richardson, who was playing well, fired in a 'Veron' cross. I'm calling it a Veron cross because he's the only United player I've seen do this with any regularity. The ball was on the right of KR's right foot so he crossed it by wrapping his left leg behind his right. The fact that the cross was comfortably headed away is neither her nor there, I was just happy that he felt confident to try something like that."​
 
Article from Manchester Online. Sorry if this has been posted before. It's dated April 8, 2004.

Does this mean there'll be two 'parallel' reserve teams? Sounds good. There'll be enough chances for the under-19s to be tested on a higher level as well as for our ever-growing number of fringe first-teamers to keep their rhythm and fitness. Anyone can shed some light on the difference between the FA Premier Reserve League and the Pontins League? Why is Newcastle in the latter and not the former?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reds make Reserve commitment

MANCHESTER United have taken the unusual step of confirming their participation in two reserve leagues next season in an effort to develop their young players.

While the Old Trafford outfit remain committed to the FA Premier Reserve League, plus the under-17 and under-19 competitions their teams also currently appear in, they have also applied to take part in the Pontins League.

Quit

United quit the league five years ago following the advent of the Premier League-backed reserve team competition, but Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels the tournament, which features clubs such as Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle, is the ideal testing ground for youngsters aiming to make the grade with his club.

"It is imperative that young players get the opportunity to play games," said Ferguson.

"It offers the opportunity of a competitive situation. It is a terrific league and I am delighted that Manchester United are taking part."

United use a variety of methods to give their young players maximum exposure, including farming them out to feeder clubs around the world, in particular Belgian outfit Royal Antwerp.
 
Lil Cee said:
im guessin u've seen him play a few times so could u tell me how he compares with a player near his age like Freddy Adu. he looks a lot smaller physically compared to Adu but what about his ball skills? i have a funny feeling that they'll both make up our front line in the years to come.

thanx in advance
Click to expand...



Febian Brandy's main assets are his pace and agility, thats not saying he's not very skilful on the ball he just does everything so quickly,movement-wise he's very exciting to watch.
His turn of pace is like (dare I say it)Henry,over 10 to 20yrds he's explosive and uncatchable.
Physically he's noway near as developed as Adu (5ft8ins),but Beckham at 15yrs old was still very small too.

Manchester United are wrapping up Febian in cotton wool and there are few better places for him to be in.As long as he listens to his coaches/teachers,develops his game and focus all his energy into it only then will he have a long career at United...because he definitely has the talent to...

The player in a nutshell is electrifying .Very very quick.Very agile and very brave(gets kicked alot but has to get used to it).

Brandy and Adu up front for United in the future? too early to say but lets hope so...... :devil:
 
bayaoas said:
Physically he's noway near as developed as Adu (5ft8ins),but Beckham at 15yrs old was still very small too.

Manchester United are wrapping up Febian in cotton wool and there are few better places for him to be in.As long as he listens to his coaches/teachers,develops his game and focus all his energy into it only then will he have a long career at United...because he definitely has the talent to...

The player in a nutshell is electrifying .Very very quick.Very agile and very brave(gets kicked alot but has to get used to it).

Brandy and Adu up front for United in the future? too early to say but lets hope so...... :devil:
Click to expand...

Adu is already 5'8" and 140lb, he could turn out very big, and he's quick, any players near his size- he just blows past.

Well, brandy is lucky to be at United, Adu doesn't have that protection. The MLS executives are pressuring his manager to play him more, not even 15 yet, and he's already doing the media circus. Imagine Brandy appearing on all the brit talk shows, etc, and the expectaton and pressure that would put on him.
 
United Prospects Presented With Awards

United fans have two more promising youngsters to look out for, this season's Reserve and Academy Players of the Year.

David Jones is the Reserve Player of the Year after an outstanding first season in Ricky Sbragia's side for whom he scored five goals from midfield. The former youth team captain was presented with the Denzil Haroun Award on the pitch at Old Trafford, prior to the Chelsea match.

Jonathan Spector is the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for 2003/04. The American teenager, described by coach Brian McClair as "quick-thinking, reliable and enthusiastic", also received his silveware before the Chelsea game.

Congratulations and best of luck to both players.

Report by Adam Bostock (link)

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Anyone have a clue on winners of the past?!? I recall that Ben Collett won one of them last year and that amongst previous winners there are names such as Wes and Phizza, but the likes of Twiss (now dwelling at the conference division after leaving promoted Chester; btw aren't they supposed to be our rivals in a way?!?) as well...
 
them two awards sound right!

jones is one of my favourite up & coming players and i beleve he has the talent to make it, the only thing lacking for him is his stature! he is a slight lad, he is tall, but he just needs to fill out a bit more and if he can achieve that he will start to play in the first team!

spector will defenitly play in the pre-season tour and will be involved in next years first team. how much i don't know but he will be and i mean more than the carling cup. the guy is that good that he missed 3 months of start of the season and still earns an award!

i am really excited with our youth set up and next season look out for lee martin to get all the rave reviews, now that is another player to keep an eye on!!

congractulations to all the lads, especially jones and spector.

hopefully there will be big support for the lads for the cup match against city on tuesday night at old trafford, hopefully many of you lot should be there i know i will!
 
Timm hasn't been at his top this week. He caught a cold mid-week, but media think he will be ready to tomorrows match against Vaalerenga (VIF) in Oslo. He got a "hair dryer" from our coach when he missed a goal during training when the two strikers were alone with the goalie. Timm has been a bit egoistic in his first matches, but I think this incident will make him remember to play for the team and not himself.
 
For anyone thats interested, past winners of the Jimmy Murphy Award:
1989/90 Lee Martin
1900/91 Ryan Giggs
1991/92 Ryan Giggs
1992/93 Paul Scholes
1993/94 Philip Neville
1994/95 Terry Cooke
1995/96 Ronnie Wallwork
1996/97 John Curtis
1997/98 Wesley Brown
1998/99 Wesley Brown
1999/00 Bojan Djordjic
2000/01 Alan Tate
2001/02 Paul Tierney
2002/03 Ben Collett
2003/04 Jonathan Spector
 
List of reserve team player of the year from the official site.

Simon Ratcliffe 1985/86
Gary Walsh 1986/87
Lee Martin 1987/88
Mark Robins 1988/89
Mark Robins 1989/90
Jason Lydiate 1990/91
Brian Carey 1991/92
Colin McKee 1992/93
Nicky Butt 1993/94
Kevin Pilkington 1994/95
Michael Appleton 1995/96
Michael Clegg 1996/97
Michael Twiss 1997/98
Jonathan Greening 1998/99
Mark Wilson 1999/00
Michael Stewart 2000/01
John O'Shea 2001/02
 
Mads Timm was not on the plane to Oslo today because of his cold from fridays training. Lets hope he is fit to wednesday's match against Lillestroem, because todays match was completly aweful. I don't think Viking had one shot on goal in the goalless game against Vaalerenga.
 
The Jimmy Murphy Award is obviously the more illustrious of the two gongs. Looking down the list, it's worth noting that Phil Neville is the youngest recipient, getting the award at age 16-17.

I'd like to know how his performances and the potential he showed THEN squares up with the Phizza of today. I remember one email from the MUFC mailing list about 8-9 years ago, circa 1995-96, from a supposed United trainee (he didn't make it, obviously... his name was Mark Ryan, if I'm not mistaken) and he was just raving about Phizza and utterly convinced that Phizza would one day be England captain and a legend.

I'd like to generate discussion and views from long-time youth observers on what their impressions and expectations of players like Butt, Giggs, Cooke, Gillespie, Scholes and Beckham were, how does it match with the respective player's stature today, and what happened in between that changed the player.
 
i would like to know what the likes of raoul, cal, stoned etc think about ben collet
i have heard people here talking about spector, cooper, johnson, heath and all, but how old is this guy, is he younger than the above mentioned players or older
and what kinda prospect is he, that doesn't necessarily mean that same old MUQ OR NUQ, i mean its not tha right time to decide on who will make it and who won't
ut i would like to know, that does he have the same potential as eagles, spector, ngalula etc etc
 
All these promising youngsters coming through the ranks but do you think less and less of them will get a chance? We need a right winger for the first team now. If we buy one, it will give the likes of Chris Eagles an even smaller chance of making it, which is a shame as most united fans like to see a player coming through the ranks.
Plus whatever happened to Richardson. He looked quite promising at a time but seems to have faded away since. Certainly a loan move to a premiership club such as Norwich wouldn’t do him any harm. If he can't get into a squad like Norwich we should try a first division team. Maybe see if he develops his game a little bit more. It hasn’t done Pennant any harm for arsenal, who has benefited from playing week in week out.
Personally I haven’t seen too much of David Jones, but I’ve heard nothing but good things about him.
 
jatin said:
i would like to know what the likes of raoul, cal, stoned etc think about ben collet
i have heard people here talking about spector, cooper, johnson, heath and all, but how old is this guy, is he younger than the above mentioned players or older
and what kinda prospect is he, that doesn't necessarily mean that same old MUQ OR NUQ, i mean its not tha right time to decide on who will make it and who won't
ut i would like to know, that does he have the same potential as eagles, spector, ngalula etc etc
Click to expand...

I wasn't invited to offer my opinion but I'll do so anyway.

Collett will be 20 in September - he's 9 days older than Eddie Johnson. Coming back from a serious injury that he picked up very late on last season. Quite a badly broken leg as I recall. Middlesbrough away in a reserve game, possibly his reserve debut??

Has come back and has started just 1 or 2 reserve games at the back end of this season. He looks a bit timid now to me. Not quite fully committed in those 50:50's. Probably a natural reaction after such a serious injury, I will reserve judgement 'til next season. Sure he'll be better for getting a good preseason under his belt.
 
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber said:
David Jones seems to be a Roy Keane or Bryan Robson in the making. Am I wrong
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Yes, you are wrong. He's a David Jones in the making!!

He is not an up and down, box to box dynamo like Robbo or Keane (used to be in both cases). He is a bit more refined. Not sure who I'd compare him to.

He's got a great left foot and has great composure. A decent finisher who rarely loses the ball in central midfield. He always makes himself available and seems to know what options he has as the ball arrives rather than having to control and then look up.

Come to OT tomorrow night and see him for yourself - Manchester Senior Cup Final vs. city. KO 1930. Admission £5.
 
Sbragia To Continue Youth Policy

Report by Ben Hibbs (link)

Ricky Sbragia is poised to continue his policy of youth first in tonight's Manchester Senior Cup Final against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Sbragia's reserve team are unbeaten since losing 2-1 to Everton's second string in January. But that feat has not been achieved by bolstering the side with a host of first-teamers.

The Scot has given debuts to the likes of Floribert N'Galula and Richie Jones in recent weeks. Meanwhile, Kieran Richardson, Chris Eagles and Reserve Player of the Year David Jones - all part of last season's triumphant Youth Cup side - have all begun to blossom recently.

"Obviously it's the final and we want to win the cup," says Sbragia. "It's at Old Trafford, which is a real plus for the players, and we're really looking forward to it.

"We've prepared as best we can. We've played a few friendlies where we didn't have league matches."

Having reached the final, however, Sbragia isn't intent on rocking the boat in terms of team selection. He intends to give youth a chance.

"That won't change," he said of his intention to stick with the young players. "We'll have the same set of players. We want them to develop as quickly as they can.

"It is important that we win the cup, but it's also important that we give this group of players a taste of playing in finals. It's more than likely it will be a similar team that we have fielded in recent weeks.

"It would be nice to get some silverware at the end of the year. The players have worked very hard for it this season."

However, United face tough opposition in Manchester City. City have the upper hand over United this season; two league draws and a 2-1 defeat to the Blues earlier in the Senior Cup competition.

"It's very difficult," says Sbragia. "We've had two draws against them. They put a lot of pressure on us, but I felt we defended well."

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United Starting Line-up
1. Roy Carroll
2. Mark Lynch
3. Paul Tierney
4. Jonathan Spector
5. Mark Howard
6. David Jones
7. Chris Eagles
8. David Fox
9. Kenny Cooper
10. Colin Heath
11. Kieran Richardson

Subs From:
12. David Poole
13. Tommy Heaton (GK)
14. Floribert N'Galula
15. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
16. Phil Picken

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• KO 19:30BST, £5 adults £2 Children
• Live Coverage on MUTV from 19:00BST
 
Sbragia's Starlets Win Manchester Senior Cup

United have reclaimed the Manchester Senior Cup after a 3-1 win in the final against local rivals Manchester City.

A Kenny Cooper double and a late strike from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake were enough for Ricky Sbragia's men to ensure that the trophy comes to Old Trafford for the 26th time in its long history.

Colin Heath should have opened the scoring for United after 17 minutes, but headed Keiran Richardson's pinpoint cross past the far post.
The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes by American striker Cooper, who slid home another perfect Richardson cross from close range.

United thoroughly deserved their lead, having bossed a cagey opening to the game.

However, the visitors equalised with five minutes of the first half remaining as Bradley Wright-Phillips powered home a close-range header from a short corner.

Yet Cooper restored the Reds' lead in first-half injury time, cutting inside before firing home left footed from 15 yards following a swift break.

City came close to levelling twice early on in the second half, as Wright-Phillips hit the bar with a header and saw Carroll save well from a long-range effort.

Chances were few and far between for the Reds after the break, but Ebanks-Blake popped up in stoppage time to clinch the Cup for Ricky Sbragia's side.

United: Carroll, Lynch, Tierney, Spector, Howard, Jones, Eagles (N'Galula), Fox, Cooper (Ebanks-Blake), Heath (Poole), Richardson.

City: Ellegaard, Flood, Jordan, Whelan, McCarthy, Onuoha (Warrender), Croft, Negouai (Laird), Elliott, Wright-Phillips, Tiatto (Ireland).

Attendance: 3,484

Report by Steve Bartram.

Source: ManUtd.Com
 
VanNistlerater said:
Sbragia's Starlets Win Manchester Senior Cup

United have reclaimed the Manchester Senior Cup after a 3-1 win in the final against local rivals Manchester City.

A Kenny Cooper double and a late strike from Sylvan Ebanks-Blake were enough for Ricky Sbragia's men to ensure that the trophy comes to Old Trafford for the 26th time in its long history.

Colin Heath should have opened the scoring for United after 17 minutes, but headed Keiran Richardson's pinpoint cross past the far post.
The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes by American striker Cooper, who slid home another perfect Richardson cross from close range.

United thoroughly deserved their lead, having bossed a cagey opening to the game.

However, the visitors equalised with five minutes of the first half remaining as Bradley Wright-Phillips powered home a close-range header from a short corner.

Yet Cooper restored the Reds' lead in first-half injury time, cutting inside before firing home left footed from 15 yards following a swift break.

City came close to levelling twice early on in the second half, as Wright-Phillips hit the bar with a header and saw Carroll save well from a long-range effort.

Chances were few and far between for the Reds after the break, but Ebanks-Blake popped up in stoppage time to clinch the Cup for Ricky Sbragia's side.

United: Carroll, Lynch, Tierney, Spector, Howard, Jones, Eagles (N'Galula), Fox, Cooper (Ebanks-Blake), Heath (Poole), Richardson.

City: Ellegaard, Flood, Jordan, Whelan, McCarthy, Onuoha (Warrender), Croft, Negouai (Laird), Elliott, Wright-Phillips, Tiatto (Ireland).

Attendance: 3,484

Report by Steve Bartram.

Source: ManUtd.Com
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It was a very good game, local derby with quality, 3-1 a bit flattering to United with City having a lot of 2nd half possession but we defended very well. Lynch ( who was captain ) and Howard played well but special mention must go to Spector who was excepional. Richardson was always dangerous and very fast in fact all played quite well.
 
Number7 said:
Viking drew 1-1 at home today. Don't know if Timm played.
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Timm played from start, but got injury in 2nd half and was subtituted. Let's hope he is ready for sundays match against Odd in the traditional May 16th game.

Mad Timm didn't do much today. He had a few raids towards goal and a couple of wide shots, but nothing spectacular technique as he showed in the first match of the season (when he scored). But an excuse could be his cold on friday when he was sent home to bed from training by the manager.
 
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