Manchester United’s under-21 side are set to take on Real Madrid. It is a chance to see how the young players cope with a big game.
For the first time Manchester United’s under-21s have reached the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup.
United have been handed a huge tie against Real Madrid’s under-21s, set to take place at 7pm on April 7.
It is an opportunity for young talents to showcase their ability, and under-21 coach Adam Lawrence has challenged Jack Moorhouse to step up.
Jack Moorhouse in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Jack Moorhouse opportunity
United have had to balance the first team travelling squad for the trip to the Republic of Ireland with the need to put out a strong under-21 team.
This has meant that Shea Lacey, Jack Fletcher, Chido Obi and Jack Moorhouse are among those who have not travelled.
Speaking to BBC Sport, under-21 boss Adam Lawrence sees the game as a real opportunity for Moorhouse to stand out, as a player who is only on the very fringes of the first team.
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He explained: “He’s not a staple [at training] as a Jack Fletcher or a Shea Lacey, but he’s over there often enough.
“There’s always got to be a bit of room to say to the player ‘go and perform – and your performances pick teams or get you a loan or get you in the first team’.
“It’s the club’s part to create the pathway. It’s the player’s job to force the pathway and make that final part. That’s where Jack sits at the moment.”
Moorhouse spent the first half of the season on loan at Leyton Orient. He has made the first team bench twice under Michael Carrick, although is yet to make his debut.
Lawrence said of the 20-year-old: “There’s no bigger fan of Jack than me. He’s a lovely player. He receives the ball on the back foot, the way that he can travel and glide with the ball.
“What we’re looking for him to do between now and the end of the season, in those under-21s games, like against Madrid, 21s play-offs, is show he can perform at the elite level and make the difference. We feel he can.”
Moorhouse provided an assist in the under-21s’ recent 2-1 win over Leeds. He recently made his debut for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21s.
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Man Utd U21 vs Real Madrid U21: The details
Date: Tuesday April 7
Kick-off time: 7pm
Stadium: Old Trafford
Broadcast: MUTV
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