Kai Rooney of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their sixth goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
Kai Rooney celebrates scoring for Manchester United U18 on his return from injury (Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United Under-18s finished off the U18 Premier League Cup in style, beating Birmingham City 6-0 at Carrington to claim maximum points from the group stage.
Darren Fletcher's team established a comfortable lead before half-time against a competitive Birmingham side. After early attempts were thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Szymon Terenowicz, United full-back Jacob Watson at last squeezed in the opener direct from a corner kick.
JJ Gabriel added a second before half-time, converting a rebound from close range, and could have scored multiple times were it not for the efforts of Terenowicz.
Man United told one condition that can help them sign Antoine Semenyo ahead of Liverpool
Kai Rooney, the son of club legend Wayne Rooney, was introduced after the break to complete his return from injury. The 16-year-old quickly saw a goal ruled out for offside, however later had a smile back on his face when managing to net one of United's four late strikes.
Rafe McCormack, Jay McEvoy and James Bailey converted once each, before Rooney rounded off the scoring with a neat touch and finish from a tight angle inside the penalty area.
From three group stage matches, the Under-18s managed three victories. They advance to the quarter-finals and await the discovery of their next opponent.
Here, MEN Sport looks at the highlights from United Under-18s triumph over Birmingham City.
Manchester United U18s pose for a team photo ahead of the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
Manchester United U18s pose for a team photo ahead of the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
2. Jacob Watson of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their first goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
Jacob Watson of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their first goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
3. JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18