Man I had no idea Garner was even on loan this season. Glad to see he's getting some time at the senior level.
Garner earned the MotM in Forest's win vs Coventry. A very encouraging start, one that should fill him with confidence as well. Nottingham manager Chris Hughton on Garner: "I was really pleased. When we took him on, we knew that he had half a season of experience at Watford and that can be just being involved in the squad." [nffc]— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) February 2, 2021 Was excited when I found out he was going to be managed by Hughton: not a top manager but he's already had a good reputation as a coach and as a player's manager. Should be a good for Garner the rest of this season.
#mufc have agreed a first professional contract with 17-year old Shola Shoretire [mail]— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) February 3, 2021
Also got an assist on his debut with Brugge. 5-1! 😍 First goal for Chong on his debut! 👏🏼 #CluBra #CrokyCup pic.twitter.com/tKRX2TSV5q— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) February 3, 2021
I think whatever happens for the 2nd half of the season (bar injury) this year has been a good one for both Chong and Garner. Garner I think played 20 matches for Watford. He will have learned a great deal more than if he were playing with the unders. Obviously extatic for Jesse.
Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement on Chong: "It's clear that he is physically not at his top, but he already showed some interesting things. I saw right away that he has a good solid technique and he picks up things quite easily." [cbkv]— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) February 4, 2021 Some complimentary words from Clement and I hope he finds success in his time in Brugge (I believe he will personally). At 21 though, I hope Chong is starting to get serious about filling out a bit. Nothing major (don't need him to be a Traore 2.0 for instance) but Clement is right and he could do with a little bit more strength and muscle.
So... in 14 months Shoretire has gone from being a rotation player in the u18s at 15 to being a regular in the u23s just as he turned 17. That's just incredible development. He doesn't at all look out of place with players 5 years older than him. Loan next season probably. Maybe half the year with the u23s then out on loan somewhere. He'll probably need 3 or 4 loans because u23 football isn't going to be enough for him.
Ole wanted to know why Hugill didn't take the pen late in the game vs Pool to make it 5 goals for him on the day and increase his goal tally. I imagine he will be satisfied with this explanation: pretty thoughtful (and unselfish) from Hugill... Joe Hugill gave Amad Diallo the penalty against Liverpool Under-23s as he believed another goal would help Diallo settle at #mufc and feel welcome in the group as they had only met him that day due to COVID-19 protocols [@lauriewhitwell]— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) February 5, 2021
2-2 as we reach HT between United and Blackburn (goals from Hannibal and Shoretire). Hannibal has played like a man possessed thus far, like he's not looking to be overshadowed by no one. The front 4 (Hannibal, Amad, Shoretire and Hugill) as a group has grown into the game and played some really nice stuff at times. Promising going into 2nd half, especially if they tighten up at the back. United's 2nd goal. Mejbri x Diallo x Shoretire 🔥pic.twitter.com/9fVxBN9mTr— Manchester United (@MUnitedFR) February 5, 2021
u23's at it again. Down 2-4, now tied 4-4 with 15 minutes left. Diallo with a couple of assist, Shoretire with a couple of goals.
Central defense is a bit of a problem. To be expected, I suppose with Mengi gone and Galbraith simply not a natural in that position. Shame really since the attack had started well again and we looked like we could take control of the game. Went the other way though and the boys are now down 4-2. Just like that though it's 4-4 now after goals from Shoretire (from a great cross from Amad) and Hugill. Our attack has sick potential though. Great spirit from the boys to keep fighting their way back and not giving in...
FT: 6-4. Entertaining game to watch from an offensive point of view. Superb performance from the guys upfront. Surely it won't be that long before Ole calls Amad to the senior squad. But there is śome major talent worth keeping a close eye on... And again, the fight the boys showed in both halves, going down by 2 goals each time, is seriously impressive. Hannibal, Hugill, Amad and Shoretire (with the hattrick) our goalscorers on the day. Amad with 3 assists as well.
Serious, serious ballers. Mejbri is technically and physically so far ahead of this level that all they can do is foul him. He's very well rounded. Amad's touch and picture of where everyone is makes him unplayable at times Shoretire though... I can't imagine he's just 17. He's not an out and out attacker so his thought process, vision and the patterns he predicts and takes part in... he's every bit the equal of Amad and Hannibal technically and mentally. EDIT: if anyone has MUTV, make it your business to watch either the full game if it is available on replay or at least the 90 in 20 extended highlights. There are some touches/interplay that are too good to miss.
À tout juste 17 ans, Shola Shoretire est impliqué sur 9 buts en 13 matchs de PL2 cette saison (5 buts, 4 passes décisives). #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Q0PtmeD6T6— Manchester United (@MUnitedFR) February 5, 2021 At still just 17, Shoretire has 9 goals involvement (5G/4A) in 13 games in PL2, with the U23s. Impressive. Sidenote, so far in PL2 (after 14gms), United have the best attack (39 goals scored) but also have the worst defense (with 39 goals conceded as well). Watching us play pretty much confirms that to a tee.