Now the dust has settled after Manchester United U18 thrashed Chelsea on Wednesday, one player was out of the headlines but is among the biggest winners.
Wednesday night was spectacular for Adam Lawrence as he watched on at Leigh Sports Village as Manchester United’s U18s returned to their unstoppable best.
United battered a poor Chelsea side 5-1 on the night, although he could have been a lot more.
William Murdock denied Chelsea’s only real chance besides the goal, which set the stage for Chido Obi to steal all the headlines with his hat-trick.
James Scanlon’s brace was also impressive. Meanwhile, another standout performer was Jaydan Kamason as he assisted two.
United arranged a quarter-final clash with Arsenal with the win. Beyond the goalscorers, however, one returning star was excellent in a new position.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Genesis Antwi of Chelsea battles with Gabriele Biancheri of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup 5th Round match between Manchester United U18...
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gabriele Biancheri shows versatility as a forward under Adam Lawrence
While Obi and Scanlon rightfully got the plaudits for the win, Wednesday also saw the return of Gabriele Biancheri after his broken hand which kept him out for a month.
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Biancheri was spotted warming up with the U18s last weekend, so we knew his return was close and Lawrence threw him straight into the starting line-up against Chelsea.
However, Biancheri’s usual No.9 role was occupied by Obi which meant the Wales U19 starlet was pushed out wide for just the second time this season.
Here, the 18-year-old has impressed and looked the part and he grabbed a good assist against the Blues in the FA Youth Cup which gives him an impressive record when considering his two games in the role.
Vs. Goals Assists
Coventry 3 1
Chelsea 0 1
Biancheri stats when playing left wing.
Lawrence’s decision to move Biancheri could work out well in the long run as physically, he suits this position a lot more than as a striker.
Amorim demands physicality from his No.9 which could explain why Biancheri is yet to get recognition, but as one of those inside winger/No.10 roles, Biancheri could shine.
Biancheri’s Manchester United debut is more likely as a No.10
If there were any doubts about United’s stance over Biancheri – they were answered on transfer deadline day when United sent a clear response to interest in the forward.
Biancheri is of Italian heritage and eligible to represent them internationally, while Como approached United on deadline day in a bid to bring the youngster to Italy.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Biancheri’s debut is already being planned by Amorim and it is little surprise considering he has 20 goals and four assists this season across U18 and U21 levels.
It’s clear Biancheri needs the next step, and in this new role is where he could find his chance as United are light in options behind the striker right now.
Biancheri’s dribbling and finishing could be a deadly combo, we hope to see it on the big stage this season at some stage.