Manchester United’s second-string side begin their Premier League 2 campaign on Monday evening with an encounter against Ipswich Town, with full live coverage available from the match.
The young Red Devils recently ran out 5-1 victors over the same opponents in a private practice match held behind closed doors at Carrington, and replicating that comprehensive victory tonight would provide Adam Lawrence’s troops with an ideal beginning to the new season.
Lawrence assumed temporary leadership of the U21 side back in January and continues to steer the team forward. Despite working with a talented roster, some academy prospects are expected to depart before the transfer window shuts.
Gabriel is poised for his first official U21 appearance after exclusively featuring for the U18 side previously, where he demonstrated impressive goal-scoring ability. The match kicks off at 7pm from Leigh Sports Village, with in-game team updates and comprehensive 90-minute commentary.
United will receive a modest payment when academy product Kambwala finalises his departure from Villarreal prior to the transfer deadline. Italian side Como are reportedly leading the chase to secure the defender’s signature, appearing set to outpace Spanish club Osasuna. Due to a sell-on clause negotiated upon his exit two years ago, United retain a percentage of any future transfer fee.
Sources at United characterised that sell-on clause as substantial when Kambwala moved on, though Villarreal are not anticipated to sanction a high-value sale to Como, which will restrict the Red Devils’ eventual windfall.
The fresh campaign has already seen the U18 side suffer a narrow 1-0 loss to their city neighbours on Friday evening, and the U21s will aim to deliver a more encouraging start to their season tonight.
The latest edition of the Manchester Evening News’ Academy Notebook showcases rising talents Ajayi and Kamason, along with coverage of United’s performance at a recent tournament held in the Netherlands.