Manchester United Under-21s take on Ipswich Town in their opening Premier League 2 game of the season this evening at Leigh Sports Village, with JJ Gabriel set to make his competitive U21 debut.
The U21s recently thrashed Ipswich 5-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Carrington, and a repeat of that result would give Adam Lawrence's side a flying start to the new campaign. Lawrence took over the U21s on an interim basis in January and remains in charge for this season.
Strong squad and transfer deadline
Lawrence has a strong squad to work with this season, but several academy players are expected to leave before the transfer deadline. Gabriel, who played exclusively in Under-18 fixtures last term and was prolific in front of goal, is set to make his competitive U21 debut tonight, with all eyes on the youngster to see how he adapts to playing at a higher age group.
Kick-off and team news
United's opening Premier League 2 game of the season will kick off at 7pm this evening. The most recent edition of the Manchester Evening News' Academy Notebook features the exciting Noah Ajayi and Jaydan Kamason, and details on how United fared at a recent tournament in the Netherlands. United's Under-18s were beaten 1-0 by City on Friday night.
Kambwala sell-on clause
United will receive a small sum when academy graduate Willy Kambwala completes a move away from Villarreal before the transfer deadline. Italian club Como are reportedly in pole position to sign Kambwala, looking set to beat Spanish side Osasuna to his signature. United will receive a small percentage of the fee Villarreal bank due to a sell-on clause.
United sources described the sell-on clause for Kambwala as "sizeable" when he left the club two years ago, but Villarreal are not expected to sell him to Como for a significant fee, which will limit the cut United will receive. Gabriel is still training with Manchester United's first team.
