Manchester United U21s travelled to Poolfoot Farm to face League Two outfit Fleetwood Town on Tuesday afternoon.
The game marked a chance for Travis Binnion’s side to test themselves against senior opposition as some of them look to break into the first team or head out on loan.
One such player who knows the Poolfoot Farm training ground very well was United’s Rhys Bennett, who spent last season on loan at the Lancashire club where he became a key figure at the back, making 38 appearances.
Match Facts
The home side came closest in the first half when Matty Virtue looked to capitalise on a defensive error but the United keeper did well to push the effort wide.
It was a new face in goal for United with a trialist being given the chance between the sticks on the day.
Virtue was the main threat for Fleetwood on the day and came close again shortly after the break when he flashed an effort just over the crossbar.
The breakthrough came in the 70th minute in the favour of United though.
Gabriele Biancheri played the provider for Ethan Ennis, who smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Biancheri continued his fine form heading into the new season after scoring both of United’s goals in their double header against Charlton U21s last week.
United XI: Trialist, Kamason, Bennett, Armer, Amass, McAllister, Fitzgerald, Baumann, Ennis, Biancheri, Mather
Final pre-season match
Binnion now turns his sights to Saturday’s trip to the Crown Oil Arena where United will gain further senior experience against Rochdale.
The match which will be played in the memory of United academy graduate Joe Thompson and will mark the end of the U21s’ pre-season.
The Premier League 2 fixtures list is yet to be released but United’s opening National League Cup fixture has been confirmed for Wednesday 13th August at 19:45 BST.
Premier League International Cup
The group stage draw for the Premier League International Cup has also taken place, revealing who United’s international opponents will be.
The competition, which gives Premier League 2 sides the chance to gain European experience, will see United take on Athletic Club, Borussia Dortmund, Anderlecht, and Sporting CP.
United qualified for the competition by finishing 5th in PL2 last season.
Feature image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
