Tynan Thompson celebrates goal against Roma U19s
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Manchester United’s U19s were held to a 1-1 draw against Roma in the UEFA Youth League.
Adam Lawrence’s young Manchester United side continued their European campaign with a 1-1 draw against Roma at Leigh Sports Village. They went into the game having lost two of their first three games in the competition, much like the first team, which will face the Italian club at Old Trafford later tonight.
The UEFA Youth League grants the upcoming stars at United a chance to play on the European stage, albeit against players of their own age. Both of United’s wins have been at home, whereas results haven’t gone their way on the road.
Lawrence will be pleased with his team’s performance against Roma, although they weren’t able to do enough to secure a win. It was still a special evening for new academy signing Tynan Thompson.
Tynan Thompson scores his first goal after signing for Man Utd
Roma appeared to start the game brightly when a dangerous ball was sent low across the box. Luckily, United not only cleared the ball but they grew into the game and were the better team in the first half.
The Italians regretted missing that early chance when it was evident they were losing most of the battles on the pitch. Three of their players (Daniele Paul, Gioele Giammattei, Filippo Basile) received yellow cards before Thompson opened the scoring with his first goal since signing for United in the summer.
Thompson played in the UEFA Youth League for Tottenham last season. His goal came from a neat first-time finish after Bendito Mantato’s firm cross found the fellow winger at the back post. This goal gave United a deserved lead at half-time.
Although Thompson has shown impressive glimpses in a United shirt, hopefully his goal against Roma is the first of many.
Roma started the second half with clear intentions of getting back into the game. Although they had some chances, United’s defence held firm, with Daniel Armer having a notably strong performance. The 19-year-old centre-back was part of the senior squad for recent Champions League matches.
The visitors kept applying the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty in the 70th minute when Watson blocked a shot inside the box with his hand. Roma equalised from Antonio Arenas’ calmly taken penalty kick.
Kai Rooney came on in the 84th minute with his dad watching in the stands. The young striker made his first appearance in the UEFA Youth League earlier this season when United lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid. Ultimately, United didn’t create enough chances, despite dominating large phases of the game. It will come as a blow for Lawrence’s side not to beat Roma having played so well.