Manchester United’s academy is set for a very successful season with plenty of silverware on offer, and now a new superstar is emerging for the U21s.
As the U18s chase FA Youth Cup glory, Adam Lawrence’s Manchester United U21 side are looking to be crowned Premier League 2 champions.
The chances of this feat being accomplished have been boosted this week, with United beating West Brom 5-1 last Monday and now getting a point against Derby County to remain clear up front.
This was supposed to be a game United won comfortably, with the Rams at the lower end of the table, but their excellent defence kept the Red Devils at bay.
That was until injury time.
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Jayce Fitzgerald walking out for Manchester United.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Louie Bradbury continues red-hot scoring streak for Manchester United
Derby went down to 10 men in the 60th minute, and United from then on were camped on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area, unable to find a clear route through.
However, after a period of sustained pressure, a cross was knocked down to the feet of Louie Bradbury inside the six-yard box, and there is usually only one outcome in this scenario.
Louie Bradbury celebrates goal for Manchester United U21.
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Bradbury converted his chance to save United from defeat with an instinctive striker’s finish that has become a trademark right now.
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Bradbury also scored for United U21s on Monday, making this two in five days, while playing just 32 minutes across both games, averaging a goal every 16 minutes at the age group.
Across U18 and U21 this season, Bradbury is currently scoring every 62 minutes, which is a ludicrous goal record for the 17-year-old who is still relatively new to the higher age groups.
As things stand, Bradbury is completely outperforming Chido Obi, which should be a concern for the 18-year-old who hasn’t had his way this season.
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Louie Bradbury stats
Getty Images.
Bradbury has excellent positioning in the box
While Obi might have the size and physical prowess on Bradbury, the Welsh youth international is undoubtedly superior in his positioning inside the box and knowing exactly where to be to score goals.
This shows just how lethal Bradbury has been for United this season, with a goal record that is much better than Obi’s.
Bradbury is what many would refer to as a ‘fox in the box’ as he finds space and is usually in the right place to score, which Obi has struggled to do this season, having been used to relying on his physical qualities previously.
Due to this, United’s striker pecking order might now be seeing Bradbury overtake Obi if Michael Carrick comes calling for a goal scorer.
Bradbury’s record speaks for itself; we cannot wait to see if he can continue this, because if so, then United could have a new number nine very soon.
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