Kai Rooney makes debut as Darren Fletcher kicks off reign as Man United U18 coach

Manchester United U18s began their U18 Premier League North campaign with a 1-0 victory over Everton at Finch Farm on Saturday morning.

The fixture marked Darren Fletcher’s first league game in charge of the side. He included Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne Rooney, and highly-rated forward JJ Gabriel in the matchday squad.

United started the game sharply, with captain Amir Ibragimov helping the away side dominate possession.

Ibragimov set up James Overy for the game’s first chance, but the latter’s shot was blocked. A minute later, Gabriel also suffered the same fate after combining with the skipper.

Midfielder Jim Thwaites saw his free-kick fly over the bar before Ibragimov opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Gabriel was fouled.

Goalkeeper Douglass Lukjanciks kept the home side in the game, denying Eddie Ibrovic-Fletcher and Gabriel from extending United’s lead before the break.

United maintained control after the restart, with Ibrovic-Fletcher, Gabriel, and Douka Abdoulaye having chances to score but not getting their efforts on target.

With United searching for their second goal of the game, Rooney replaced Ibrovic-Fletcher in the 73rd minute.

The 15-year-old quickly made an impact, finding the space in the area to shoot, but his effort bounced off the woodwork. The rebound fell to Ibragimov, who could not put the ball home.

Everton nearly levelled the scoring late on as substitute Ray Robert’s header beat goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes, but Overy denied him with a goalline clearance to help United secure the maximum points.

The young Reds will face Middlesbrough next Saturday in their first home game of the season.

Elsewhere, Manchester City and Liverpool were the biggest winners in the opening weekend – the Cityzens beat Leeds United 5-0 while the Reds registered a 5-1 victory at Stoke City.

Article written by Henry Thornton .