Match guide to Monday’s Premier League 2 fixture at Eppleton Colliery Welfare. . .
Fixture: Manchester United U23 v Sunderland U23
Location: Eppleton CW
Date and kick-off: Monday 6 March, KO 7pm
Competition: Premier League 2
How they line-up: Manchester United U23
League position: 11th
League wins: 4
League defeats: 8
League goals scored: 18
League goals conceded: 30
League form: LWLLL
Last time out: Manchester United U23 0-2 Reading (readingfc.co.uk)
18-year-old duo Gabriel Osho and Sam Smith scored either side of half-time for Reading’s Under-23s to give the Royals a 2-0 away win against Manchester United.
United were the winners of the Under-21 Premier League last season, before the league reformed as Premier League 2 over the summer – and this result took the Royals ahead of the Red Devils in the tight league standings.
Spotlight: Manchester United U23 head coach – Nicky Butt
Born in January 1975, Nicky Butt was famously in the Class of ’92. A formidable defensive midfielder in his hay day, Butt clinched an impressive one Champions League winner’s medal along with eight Premier League titles, one Club World Cup, four FA Cups and five Community Shields. Butt left Old Trafford in 2004 and moved to Newcastle United where he stayed until 2010.
Butt was named Manchester United under-23s head coach following Warren Joyce’s appointment as Wigan Athletic manager.
Key battle: Ethan Robson v Josh Harrop
A skilful midfielder, Josh Harrop is one of the more experienced faced in Manchester United’s youth ranks. Harrop first caught the eye with an outstanding cameo against Swansea City in 2012 in the FA Youth Cup. A real creative flare player, Harrop has a keen eye for goal and oozes confidence as he motors around the pitch. Deployed as Sunderland’s anchor man, Ethan Robson is a hardworking midfielder and strong in the tackle. As these players line up against each other, this battle in the middle of the park will be key as both sides look to exploit their attacking options.
Ticket information
Entry to the game is free for Sunderland AFC season card holders on production of their valid 16-17 season card.
Non-season card holders pay £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s on entry.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.
