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Manchester United u16s have spent the previous week in Hong Kong the place they took on two native sides.
That is an annual journey United have taken half in for years. This yr United first took on a Premier Youth League Choose aspect earlier than going through off in opposition to Hong Kong’s u16s nationwide crew.
Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher captained United. The quantity 10 proved harmful within the first encounter in opposition to the Choose aspect, threatening with numerous driving runs and lengthy vary efforts which referred to as the keeper into query.
Simply earlier than the half time break, centre-back Jayden Ngwashi got here shut with a headed try from a nook. However the Premier Youth League Choose threatened themselves, with their left winger inflicting hassle particularly.
With the gamers drenched in sweat on a sizzling and humid evening, it took till the dying moments for JJ Gabriel to seize the match winner in damage time.
Working by the defence into the field, Gabriel sat one defender down, chopping onto his left boot earlier than sliding it low previous the keeper.
JJ Gabriel with a implausible aim within the 93rd minute!
1-0 Manchester United. pic.twitter.com/Cse86TK7mc
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) August 9, 2024
Within the second match, Kai Rooney appeared to position again the years to emulate his father with a protracted vary effort that was deflected off the crossbar and out. From the ensuing nook, Ibrovic-Fletcher delivered for Noah Ajayi to rise and win the header which bounced off a Hong Kong defender earlier than rolling in to provide United the lead within the tenth minute.
Ajayi got here to life after his aim and was twisting his marker inside and outside down the left wing, finally successful a penalty for United. However Ibrovic-Fletcher’s effort from the spot was stored out by the Hong Kong keeper.
There was a heart-in-mouth second for United simply earlier than the break when keeper Zac Watson’s clearance was blocked by a Hong Kong ahead. This noticed the ball head in direction of the open aim, however thankfully for United it spun huge.
Later within the match, substitute and new signing Silva Mexes hit the crossbar from shut vary after latching onto the rebound from Yuel Helafu’s blocked shot.
Silva Mexes hits the crossbar from shut vary. Rating stays 1-0 to United #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/gpaHqEzHbJ
— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) August 11, 2024
Silva Mexes then performed supplier, laying the ball off to JJ Gabriel on the fringe of the field to chop previous one defender and strike low previous the keeper for his second aim in Hong Kong.
JJ Gabriel! 2 targets in 2 in Hong Kong and pulls out the Garnacho celebration #MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/5TsSpxjq6q
— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) August 11, 2024
Gabriel returned the favour to Silva Mexes to make it 3-0 to United. Spreading the ball out to Silva Mexes on the left wing, the winger lower inside to shoot and his shot was deflected up and over the keeper with only a few minutes remaining.
JJ Gabriel returns the favour to Silva Mexes who makes it 3-0 and tops it off with an Earnshaw flip!#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/vCOKR8lxW2
— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) August 11, 2024
Notching a aim and help within the second half, JJ Gabriel was awarded the person of the match and was one of many standout stars on the tour regardless of nonetheless being solely 13.
There was numerous extra acquainted stars in Hong Kong as nicely, with Dimitar Berbatov and John O’Shea becoming a member of the journey as membership ambassadors, whereas Paul McShane was current amongst the teaching workers.
JJ Gabriel named man of the match #MUFC #MUAcademy https://t.co/83taduOi84 pic.twitter.com/rGzPlACu36
— Manchester United Academy (@RedYouthUnited) August 11, 2024
Squad: Zac Watson, Jake Ford, Connor Thorley, Jariyah Shah, Yuel Helafu, Jacob Watson, Jayden Ngwashi, Connor Laurie, Jaume Camacho, Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, Jay McEvoy, Harlem McLaughlin, Rafe McCormack, Luca Scanlon, Junior Brown, Kai Rooney, Silva Mexes, Camron Mpofu, Jaedon Donkor, Noah Ajayi, JJ Gabriel
