Manchester United thrashed Middlesbrough 5-0 in the U18 Premier League North at Aon Training Complex on Saturday morning to continue their impressive start under new coach Darren Fletcher.
Man United started the game on the front foot and nearly opened the scoring when JJ Gabriel launched a counter-attack to set up Samuel Lusale, who drove into Boro’s half before striking onto the far post.
Bendito Mantato scored the game’s first goal, receiving a pass from James Overy, before wrong-footing Joseph Richardson to strike a low shot into the net, leaving goalkeeper Joseph Richardson rooted to the spot.
United doubled their lead in the 38th minute. James Bailey sent a long pass to Lusale, whose shot was parried away by Richardson, but Gabriel was in the right place to convert the rebound.
Jim Thwaites and Mantato had chances to extend United’s lead before halftime but could not hit the target.
United continued to dominate after the restart, and Gabriel came close to scoring his second goal but was denied by the goalkeeper.
Just after the hour mark, United extended their lead through a brilliant goal from captain Amir Ibragimov. Gabriel intercepted a poor pass inside Boro’s penalty area and slid a pass to Ibragimov, who curled into the top right corner.
Gabriel then showed why Man United have big plans for him as he extended the lead on 69th minute, powering a shot home after a beautiful link-up between Jim Thwaites and Mantato.
Mantato was involved again in United’s fifth goal, running to the byline to send a cross into the crowded area, allowing substitute Kai Rooney to score his first-ever goal for the U18s through a deflected shot.
The young Reds return to action on Wednesday afternoon, when they face Brighton & Hove Albion in their U18 Premier League Cup opening game.