Manchester United’s young players are celebrating winning the under-18s Premier League Cup.
A brace from Ethan Wheatley sealed a 2-1 victory for Manchester United’s young stars over rivals City.
We can only hope this is a good omen for next month’s FA Cup final, and who knows Ethan Wheatley has a chance to be involved there, after making the bench for the semi.
Wheatley, 18, took his tally up to 20 goals for the season, plus five assists, in front of watching technical director Jason Wilcox.
He was taken off at half-time, and by the end of the game, there was another player on the pitch even more crucial to the victory that the striker.
Elyh Harrison saves Manchester United
Goalkeeper Elyh Harrison ended the match as Manchester United’s star man, after two impressive saves in stoppage time to ensure the Red Devils won the game 2-1.
United had been cruising before City headed in a corner in the 86th minute, and then the late surge came.
Unlike the first team, who can’t hold onto leads, the under-18s held on, through five minutes of injury time and a City onslaught.
Elyh Harrison was key to this, making a save low at his near post from a quick snap shot. And then, an even better save bailed United out.
Outstretched, Harrison made a one-handed save at mid-height to block a goalbound shot from close range. City thought they had scored.
When the final whistle blew, the Manchester United players rushed to congratulate and thank the goalkeeper for saving the day.
Elyh Harrison deserved his big moment
Elyh Harrison has been a consistent performer for Manchester United’s academy since signing from Stevenage in 2022.
He has become a regular at under-21s level too, while mixing in for the under-18s when needed.
Now 18, he will be stepping up to the 21s permanently next season, although a loan could be in the offing too.
Harrison has impressed with both his shot-stopping ability and his quick and clever footwork.
While goalkeeper is a tough position to break through in, and United also have Radek Vitek out impressing on loan, United will be delighted with Harrison’s progress.
Last night was arguably his best moment since joining the club, he was outstanding.