Manchester United's Under-19s were beaten 3-0 by Atletico Madrid in their second UEFA Youth League game, hours before the first team lost to the same opponents in the Champions League. United felt they should have been awarded a penalty in the youth match, which could have changed the outcome.
The Under-21s and Under-18s, comprising players who featured against Atletico, return to domestic action this weekend. This week's Academy Notebook also covers a loan update, a young talent attending a Manchester City game, and more.
Solomon Honor loan situation
Solomon Honor, the 6ft 6in goalkeeper signed from Blackburn Rovers in the winter window, has been training at Carrington permanently over the last month. Honor was loaned to Southport for the season to gain regular men's football, but Southport signed another young goalkeeper, Douglass Lukjanciks, on loan from Everton at the start of September.
A change of manager at Southport affected Honor, who was moved to the bench to accommodate Lukjanciks. United will not cancel Honor's registration, as the situation at Southport could change, but the club are considering an official recall in the January window. If United cancelled his registration now, Honor would not be able to sign for a new club until January, so it is sensible to wait and keep him involved with the goalkeeping unit at Carrington.
Jaice Dore attends City game
Jaice Dore, a 15-year-old winger who has been prolific in youth matches and recently starred for the Under-16s, watched Manchester City against Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad on Wednesday. Dore joined United in 2020 from local grassroots club Fletcher Moss Rangers, where Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard started their careers.
It is thought Dore was invited to the game by sportswear giant Nike, who he signed a contract with last year. Fans are more worried than usual about losing top prospects due to the JJ Gabriel situation, but Dore attending the match is not a concern.
Tyler Fletcher's busy day
Tyler Fletcher played the full 90 minutes for the Under-19s against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday afternoon and was then named on the bench for the senior team in the evening. Michael Carrick rates Fletcher highly and wanted him to experience the occasion at the Metropolitano. Fletcher's twin brother, Jack, also travelled to Madrid but was not involved due to a minor knock. Both twins have spent more time around the first team over the last 12 months and are trying to establish themselves in the senior squad.
James Overy's comments on training
James Overy left United last month to sign for Sydney FC in his native Australia, seeking first-team opportunities. Overy trained with United's first team during his time at the club and commented on the differences between sessions under Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
"An Amorim session consisted of more running, because of the wing-backs," Overy told Suited and Booted TV. "His sessions transitioned into more running, shots, etc whereas Carrick was a bit more like, let's keep the ball, let's do one or two touch, let's find ways to break them down."
"And I think they were two completely different managers, so I think it's the physical side of the thing Amorim took care of, whereas Carrick is more tactical and technical." United's first team have been criticised for their poor running statistics this season, making Overy's comments notable.
