Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jayce Fitzgerald is currently on his first loan away from Manchester United, spending the campaign with Rotherham in League Two.
It might be the international break, but clubs further down the pyramid remain in action. This included EFL Trophy action on Tuesday night with York City hosting Rotherham United. Manchester United will have had a vested interest in this game with Jayce Fitzgerald starting for The Millers for just the second time.
The 19-year-old hasn’t had a smooth start at a struggling Rotherham side. But there were positive signs in his performance against York. Here is how he fared.
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Jayce Fitzgerald with a strong showing for Rotherham vs York City
Fitzgerald has had a good start on loan, yet also a little slow going with minutes lacking. However, against York in the cup, who are promotion hopefuls in League Two, Fitzgerald started.
Fitzgerald played his first full 90 minutes in senior football in this game, with Rotherham holding out for a 1-1 draw with York. Fitzgerald was heavily involved with 53 touches of the ball, alongside completing 82% of his passes (23/28).
90 minutes
53 touches
Five passes into final third
23/28 passes completed
3 shots
Seven defensive contributions
Five tackles
One clearance
One interceptions
One recovery
Six duels won
Five of his passes were into the final third, showcasing his creativity from central midfield. However, it was defensively that Fitzgerald really caught the eye. He made seven defensive contributions, five tackles, one recovery, and won six duels.
This answers any questions that might have been raised over Fitzgerald’s physical robustness, as he is proving he can handle the demands of competing in what is a really physically demanding league.
This is Fitzgerald’s first loan due to a string of injuries that halted his development, but we can’t forget that he is a huge talent and just 16 months ago was wanted by Borussia Dortmund.
Two years ago, Ruud van Nistelrooy was keen to integrate Fitzgerald into the first-team. Now, finally, he is getting the opportunities to prove why.