Rooney and Gabriel help Man United U18s extend winning streak & draw level with Man City

Manchester United U18s claimed a 12th consecutive victory across all competitions in 2026, beating Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in the U18 Premier League North at Carrington on Saturday.

The result sees United move level on points with leaders Manchester City, who drew 2-2 at Burnley.

Coach Darren Fletcher made three changes to the side that beat Sunderland 3-2 in the FA Youth Cup midweek.

United began the game brightly with the in-form JJ Gabriel flashing a shot wide of the post.

Jim Thwaites forced Blackburn goalkeeper Finley Taylor to make his first save from a brilliant free-kick. The midfielder then sent an effort wide after a well-worked move.

Louie Bradbury came the closest to breaking the deadlock in the opening period, rattling the post with a left-footed shot.

United continued to apply pressure on the visitors before the break, with Taylor parrying Yuel Helafu’s powerful shot away.

Shortly after the restart, Fred Heath in the United goal was called into action for the first time, keeping out Tyler Mansbridge’s deflected shot.

United opened the scoring in the 54th minute. Gabriel was brought down in the area by Levi Ball before converting from the penalty spot, registering his 19th league goal.

Substitute Kai Rooney made it 2-0 with an instant impact, scoring two minutes after coming on by guiding a low shot into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Nathaniel-Junior Brown.

Thwaites sealed the victory in the 75th minute, curling a free-kick home from the left flank.

United are back in action on Saturday, 11 April, when they face rivals Leeds United, aiming to continue their impressive form.

Article written by Henry Thornton .