Manchester United’s Under-18 team delivered a stunning performance this weekend, obliterating Leeds United 13-1 in a match that showcased the immense talent within the club's youth ranks. Following a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Aston Villa in the FA Youth Cup earlier in the week, the Red Devils were eager to bounce back, and they did so in emphatic style at Carrington.
Kickoff was set for 11:30 AM BST on April 5, 2025, and it took just two minutes for the home side to open the scoring. Victor Musa, an 18-year-old forward with a bright future ahead, missed a penalty but quickly reacted to score on the rebound, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable first half.
Musa's confidence soared as he quickly followed up with his second goal just six minutes later, expertly combining with teammate Jaydan Ngwashi to double United's lead. By the 14th minute, the Leeds defense was already crumbling, and Musa completed his hat-trick after a blistering counter-attack, making it 3-0.
But the onslaught didn't stop there. Musa added two more goals within the first 25 minutes, bringing his tally to five. The young star's performance was so dominant that commentators could hardly believe their eyes. "Unbelievable from United in the opening 45 minutes, absolutely fantastic stuff," exclaimed Liam Bradford during the MUTV coverage.
As if Musa’s display wasn’t enough, Jim Thwaites joined the scoring frenzy, netting a remarkable hat-trick of his own within the first half. Thwaites scored his first with a thunderous free-kick, making it 6-0, and then added two more goals to complete his hat-trick, contributing to a staggering 9-0 lead at halftime.
Despite the comfortable advantage, United showed no signs of taking their foot off the gas after the break. Just moments into the second half, James Bailey unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, extending the lead to 10-0. Leeds managed to find a small consolation when Kenneth Mensah scored to make it 10-1, but United quickly restored their dominance as Daniel Armer headed home from a corner, bringing the score to 11-1.
In a delightful twist, 14-year-old JJ Gabriel made his debut for the U18s and scored two late goals, further sealing the deal at 13-1. The young forward’s performance not only marked a memorable debut but also added to the already overwhelming victory.
After the match, head coach Adam Lawrence expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly after the disappointment of their recent FA Youth Cup exit. "This was a fantastic response from the boys after the heartbreak earlier in the week. They showed their quality and determination to win, and I'm proud of their efforts today," Lawrence stated.
With this commanding victory, Manchester United’s U18 team not only showcased their attacking prowess but also sent a clear message to their rivals. The young Red Devils are now firmly in the hunt for the league title, keeping pressure on top-of-the-table Manchester City, who are also vying for the championship.
This match was a testament to the strength of Manchester United's youth academy, which continues to produce talented players capable of making an impact at higher levels. As the season progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these young stars develop and contribute to the first team in the future.
The final score at Carrington was a staggering 13-1 in favor of Manchester United, with Musa leading the charge with six goals, Thwaites adding three, Bailey and Armer each scoring once, and Gabriel making his mark with two goals off the bench. This match will certainly be remembered as one of the most dominant performances in the academy's history.
