No joy for the U18s against the Red Devils

Tony, I don’t think he’s ready to challenge for a first-team spot, still a lot of work to be done. Today, he finished off his goal in typical fashion, inside the box, clinical finish. Probably his only chance and he took it.

He was on his own upfront and struggled to get on the end of long balls from the back, as Calvert-Lewin does. A few times though he “nearly” got on the end of through balls on the ground. Better defenders afford him less space; equally, first-team players may just find him with better balls.

He’s progressing fine: 2 months of training with the first team, scoring with the U23s and he’ll be ready for a January loan. Take it from there. Though I would love to see him get Premier League minutes, just to give the coaches something else to work on with him afterwards.

Gordon was the one catching the eye today. I don’t know what’s going on with Carlo, he’s certainly showing enough to be in the squad, even when Richarlison returns.

Dave, Onyango did fine, I’m a big fan and he’s developing nicely. With Baningime in the holding role, he’s getting forward more and at times he’s playing the box-to-box midfielder. His goal was a good example, set up by Gordon who played a lovely pass into the 6-yard box for Onyango to poke through the goalie’s legs.

So he not only had the energy to get up there but timed his run into the box just right. And he’s still doing the basics well, tackling, covering, simple passes.

He’s off with Dobbin to the England U18 squad this week; I’ll try to keep an eye out for any reports.