Manchester United U18s were on fire against Liverpool in a 7-0 thrashing on Saturday to get right back into form.
It hadn’t been a good six weeks for Manchester United’s U18 side, four winless games and three without a goal.
But Darren Fletcher might have been saving it up to take on Liverpool, as the U18s put seven past a poor opposition on Saturday morning.
During United’s 7-0 thrashing of Liverpool, it was 15-year-old JJ Gabriel who was the shining light for the Red Devils.
However, there was a midfielder who put in his best U18 performance yet, showing the first proper glimpse of his top potential.
Jay McEvoy in white Manchester United third kit.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jay McEvoy announces himself on the U18 stage for Manchester United
While it is Jim Thwaites who is seen as Manchester United’s most exciting midfield talent by many, it is worth paying attention to the rise of the Republic of Ireland youngster Jay McEvoy.
The Irish Xavi, as he has been labelled in his youth career, has stepped up into the U18s this season with relative ease, but against Liverpool, we got a glimpse of what he is all about.
For JJ Gabriel’s first goal, it was McEvoy at the centre of creating the opportunity.
More United News
McEvoy took the ball from Albert Mills before spinning the press of Liverpool and carrying the ball into the attacking half. Then the 17-year-old played a brilliant through ball to Gabriel, who then tricked his way to a goal.
This ability to create from deep and the confidence to take it from the defenders is impressive considering his limited experience at this level, and he didn’t look at all out of place alongside Thwaites.
Manchester United are sorted for the future of the midfield department
While Kobbie Mainoo is frustrated at United right now, his future remains very bright, and he seems to have ushered in an era of superb midfield talents.
Which Manchester United academy midfielder are you most excited about?
Mainoo’s rise has coincided with the emergence of Thwaites, Jacob Devaney, the Fletcher twins Jack and Tyler, alongside the signings of Sekou Kone and Cristian Orozco.
But now, we can add McEvoy to this list as he has begun to show his game at a higher level than ever before. When games are televised, that is when a judgment can begin to be made, and McEvoy looks the part.
So while United will probably overhaul the midfield next summer with an addition or two, don’t count out Carrington.