Manchester United’s under-18 side took on Blackburn at Carrington on Saturday morning, and it was another win for Darren Fletcher’s side.
After Manchester United beat Sunderland in the FA Youth Cup, this top form continued at the weekend, back in league action.
The title race continued with United beating Blackburn 3-0 at Carrington, to keep the pressure on Manchester City, who dropped points against Burnley.
Here is a rundown of how United’s 12th win in a row came about under Darren Fletcher.
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JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
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Kai Rooney warming up for Manchester United
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Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel goals give Manchester United a 12th straight win
It was a game that United endured a frustrating 61 minutes in, as Blackburn were holding the young Red Devils to a 0-0 draw.
That is, until JJ Gabriel got back among the goals as he won himself a penalty with a quick turn before he then scored the spot kick himself.
It was only seven minutes later that Kai Rooney made it 2-0 for United, with Junior Brown providing the assist. The 16-year-old’s strike was squeezed underneath the goalkeeper with a slight hint of fortune.
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Then, the victory was ensured by Jim Thwaites, who once again proved his expertise from free-kicks to make it 3-0 with a wonderful strike nestling into the near post.
It was as emphatic a win as the scoreline suggested, and now a league title looks very possible.
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Manchester United go joint top of the U18 Premier League
With the 3-0 win and City drawing 2-2 against Burnley, United are now sitting level on points with City on 47 points in the Premier League.
City have a game in hand, but their recent form doesn’t indicate that this will be a win, which means right now, it’s advantage United.
There are only five league games remaining this season, and United are in sensational form, looking like the favourites to win all three competitions they are currently in.
Winning the treble with such a young side, which overcame mid-season issues, would be quite an achievement for Fletcher and his team.
It’s a special group, and their excellence could indicate we really might get a new class of 92 in 2026.
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