Kai Rooney of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their sixth goal vs Birmingham City at Carrington
Kai Rooney of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their sixth goal vs Birmingham City at Carrington
Manchester United Under-18s secured their place in the quarter-finals of the U18 Premier League Cup with a dominant 6-0 victory over Birmingham City, with Kai Rooney scoring on his return from injury
Manchester United Under-18s wrapped up the U18 Premier League Cup in style, thrashing 6-0 at Carrington to secure maximum points from the group stage.
lads took a comfortable lead before half-time against a resilient Birmingham side. After initial attempts were foiled by visiting goalkeeper Szymon Terenowicz, United full-back Jacob Watson finally broke the deadlock with a goal direct from a corner kick.
JJ Gabriel doubled the lead before half-time, tucking away a rebound from close range, and could have added more to his tally if not for the heroics of Terenowicz.
Kai Rooney, son of club legend , was brought on after the interval, marking his return from injury. The 16-year-old had a goal disallowed for offside but later found the back of the net as part of four late goals.
Rafe McCormack, Jay McEvoy and James Bailey each found the net once, before Rooney completed the scoring with a tidy finish from a tight angle inside the penalty area.
With three wins from three group stage matches, the Under-18s progress to the quarter-finals, eagerly awaiting the reveal of their next adversary.
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Fletcher's starting XI
Man United U18s pose for their team photograph ahead of kick-off against Birmingham City at Carrington on Wednesday afternoon. Darren Fletcher named several U18s regulars for the cup tie, though also picked three debutants at this age level. This included goalkeeper Charlie Hardy (top right), who joined the club's academy from Derby County earlier this month. He made an early save to deny Blues attacker Joseph Ralph a gilt-edged opportunity. ( Image: Getty Images)
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U182 of 6
Are you watching, Ruben Amorim?
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
James Bailey of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their fifth goal4 of 6
Provider turns goalscorer
James Bailey of Manchester United U18s celebrates scoring their fifth goal
Rafe McCormack of Manchester United U18s in action during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U185 of 6
McCormack running the show
Rafe McCormack of Manchester United U18s in action during the English U18 Premier League Cup between Manchester United U18 v Birmingham City U18