Author: Doron
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Manchester United’s Reserves are travelling to Ireland for two friendly matches as part of their pre-season. Today, on Monday 23rd July they take on Longford Town (who currently have former United player, Keith Gillespie on their books) and Cork City on Wednesday 25th July. Irish journalist, Alan Smith, has kindly forwarded on the squad list which includes some interesting names.
Author: Doron
Fans are always looking out for the next big talent – someone to hype up and pin their hopes on. Last year we had Morrison, Pogba, Tunnicliffe and others but this season has been quieter with players getting injuries and an ever changing Academy team. However, one player has stood out since the turn of the year, Mats Møller Dæhli.
Author: Doron
Whilst the first team battle on against (mainly) City (but also themselves) for yet more league success; the Reserves and the Academy have both been somewhat over-performing – depending on what your expectations for the season were. With March closing in it’s a chance for reflection on what has been and an opportunity to fantasise over what might happen in the last few months of the season.
Author: Doron
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In light of the news that Darren Fletcher will be out for an unknown period of time to hopefully recover from his illness; I thought it was worth a look at the players who may have to be used from the Reserves, whether they are ready or not. The reality is that Carrick and Gibson are now the only fit central midfielders and despite Rooney, Giggs, Park and Jones all having covered there (and Valencia who Fergie has hinted can play there) the reality is we’re scarily short of in that area. Clearly, a signing (signings) is (are) needed but given the reluctance of our owners to make money available (note a low net spend in the past five years – imperative you read Daniel Taylor’s superb piece on this), it’s feasible we’ll have to find answers, even if just to make up numbers on the bench, from within.
Author: Doron
As August comes to a close, there’s much to report from beyond the first team. Both the Reserves and the Academy have played two league fixtures and more players have left the club on loan. We’ve also been lucky enough to have a chat to last year’s Reserve captain (until Christmas), Magnus Eikrem, about United, how and why he left, and what the future may hold for Molde’s number 7.
