Skip to Main NavigationSkip to content
Academy Briefing: Busy schedule continues
Wednesday 19 February 2025 09:30
In a week where one young Red made his Manchester United debut, the Academy has enjoyed a packed fixture schedule and plenty of special moments, as you’ll read in our regular round-up.
ANOTHER GRADUATE DEBUTS
Congratulations to Chido Obi on becoming our 252nd Academy graduate. The 17-year-old Danish striker made his senior debut for Manchester United in Sunday’s Premier League game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Chido was one of seven Academy players in the matchday squad, alongside starter Alejandro Garnacho and subs Elyh Harrison, Harry Amass, Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher and Jack Moorhouse. Sekou Kone and Ayden Heaven — two players who signed aged 18 and have played for our Under-21s side — were also there.
Chido Obi coming on for his senior Manchester United debut.
For all those players enjoying a new experience, it’s another magical moment in their Academy journey — well done to them and their support networks. The Academy will continue to support them as they aim to maximise their potential.
FA YOUTH CUP PROGRESS
United progressed into the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals with a convincing 5-1 success over Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village last Wednesday. Chido Obi scored a hat-trick and James Scanlon netted twice.
Adam Lawrence’s side — who won three trophies last season while focusing on individual development — now face Arsenal. The quarter-final will be played on Friday 28 February (19:00 GMT) at the Emirates Stadium. Due to broadcasting restrictions, we can’t confirm MUTV coverage of the game yet, but will do as soon as possible, having shown the previous three rounds live in the UK and Ireland.
U18s PLAY TWO LEAGUE GAMES
While enjoying success in the cup, Lawrence’s lads have endured some frustrating results in the U18 Premier League in recent weeks. On Saturday, a resolute Newcastle United side kept the Reds to a 0-0 draw despite possessional dominance and a string of chances.
U18s highlights: United v Newcastle Video
U18s highlights: United v Newcastle
U18s HIGHLIGHTS | Watch the best bits from Carrington as our young Reds faced off against Newcastle…
Wolves came to Carrington on Tuesday evening and United endured similar frustrations for much of the game, dominating the ball and carving out regular opportunities without building up a significant advantage.
Louie Bradbury scored his first goal at this level, Wolves levelled through Jake Wilcox but then gifted United three points with a late own goal. It was a deserved triumph for the young Reds, who had attacked in a variety of ways to create so many chances.
U18s highlights: United v Wolves Video
U18s highlights: United v Wolves
U18s HIGHLIGHTS | Watch the best bits from Carrington as our young Reds faced off against Wolves…
DAN GORE SUFFERS INJURY
Manchester United can confirm that Dan Gore has suffered an injury to a bone in his foot.
The Academy will work closely with Rotherham United to support Dan to return as soon as possible. It is expected that he will be available to feature for The Millers again this season.
Dan said: “Having loved the start to my time here and been made to feel so welcome by everyone at the club, I am absolutely gutted to have picked up an injury.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I would play through any pain if I physically could but unfortunately, I need to take a few weeks out. I’ll be giving everything to get back as soon as possible to contribute to the team and be able to play in front of the fans again.”
U21s DEFEATED BY SPURS
Ayden Heaven made his first appearance for our U21s against a compact Fulham side on Monday night at Leigh.
The Cottagers scored the game’s only goal through Callum Osmand after 55 minutes and United were unable to break them down or finish chances. That ends a five-match winning streak for the U21s, who had not lost a league fixture since November.
U21s 90 in 20: United v Fulham Video
U21s 90 in 20: United v Fulham
U21s 90 in 20 | Extended highlights from Leigh, where United faced Fulham in Premier League 2 on Monday…
A NEW FILM WITH SIR ALEX FERGUSON
Lifeblood: United at Heart is now available to watch for all United fans. This 15-minute edition of our popular Academy documentary series focuses on Sir Alex Ferguson’s enduring legacy within our youth set-up and follows the great man on a very special day.
You can watch right here on the United App or ManUtd.com or on YouTube.
COMING UP
Both our U18s and U21s are in action this weekend as the busy schedule continues. See below for details. We’ll update fans on our coverage for the FA Youth Cup quarter-final as soon as possible.
MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE
Friday 21 February | Chelsea v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Not live on MUTV (clash with senior PL fixture)
Saturday 22 February | Blackburn Rovers v UNITED U18s | 11:00 | Not live on MUTV (clash with Men’s first-team match)
Tuesday 25 February | Sutton United v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Live on MUTV
Friday 28 February | Arsenal v UNITED U18s | 19:00 | To be confirmed
Friday 28 February | Reading v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Not live on MUTV
Catch up on the key Academy coverage:
Wednesday 19 February 2025 09:30
Back to Top
