Manchester United’s U18 side bounced right back into form on Wednesday night against Chelsea.
Adam Lawrence would have been thrilled with his Manchester United team on Wednesday night at the Leigh Sports Village. United beat Chelsea 5-1, with several standout performances.
After three winless games, United’s FA Youth Cup fifth round began in a similarly worrying fashion with Chelsea taking advantage of a Gabriele Biancheri slip to go 1-0 ahead.
However, this was the only joy the visitors had before United fired up for a comeback – and then some.
Chido Obi scored the first for United, followed by a brace from James Scanlon quickly after to see the Red Devils lead at half-time.
After the break, Obi scored another two goals for United to secure his hat-trick and push United into a quarter-final clash with Arsenal.
Chelsea were utterly hapless, but at the start of the second-half, United came close to letting them back into the game, if not for an incredible moment.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
William Murdock and Jacob Devaney of Manchester United look dejected after the UEFA Youth League match between Manchester United and AZ Alkmaar at ...
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William Murdock’s sensational moment against Chelsea
Whatever the Chelsea boss, Hassan Sulaiman, told his players during half-time clearly had some effect on his side.
Chelsea were the fastest out of the blocks, in both halves of the game but in the second they almost grabbed a goal back if it wasn’t for William Murdock who was outstanding.
The 17-year-old was faced with a ball into the box which was met by Chelsea forward Kiano Dyer.
Dyer’s point-blank shot looked destined to nestle in the goal until Murdock mid-dive stuck up his hand and denied the shot. It was a spectacular save which was befitting of David de Gea and it blew away Ben Thornley who was on commentary for MUTV.
“That is incredible, it really is. He’s just hurled himself at Kiano Dyer. It’s a phenomenal save. It was some save, it really was some save.”
Murdock’s big save was really the only contribution we remember him having to make – besides a really composed header which he got down on one knee to meet which killed Chelsea’s press.
Manchester United’s goalkeeping troubles could be solved by Carrington
Murdock is showcasing some very solid signs right now in goal for United’s youth ranks, with Ruben Amorim already taking note.
Amorim has had Murdock with the first team in recent weeks, deputising in the absence of Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton.
Murdock has eight clean sheets in 14 games for the U18s this season and has placed himself alongside Elyh Harrison as the most exciting goalkeeping talent at the club right now.
United are said to be targeting two goalkeepers in 2025 and now these two Carrington talents will be hoping they can solve this problem for Ineos.
While the attacking talent at the club stealing the spotlight, United are quietly producing two very good goalkeepers.