(Sofascore.com)
Manchester united u23’s welcome Middlesbrough u23’s to Leigh Sports Village this Friday night as United look to get back to winning ways. Manchester Utd u23’s are three games without a win and this has seen them drop to 4th in the league, five points behind leaders Reading. While the visitors are sitting comfortably in the middle of the table in 7th place and a win for them would see them Join the hosts on 19 points.
United u23’s have not tasted a win since the 19th October and another game without a win here may see pressure mount on United boss Ricky Sbragia. While Boro u23’s come into this game on the back of back to back wins, which has seen them climb the table away from the relegation places. United will be hoping for the three points here, as next up for them is an away trip to leaders Reading and they will be fully aware how important two wins could be in seeing them get back to the top of Premier League division two.
(Gettyimages.com)
Ricky Sbragia will be hoping that he can call upon midfielder Angel Gomes for this game as he has been out for the last couple of weeks due to a recent injury he picked up. It could also be another opportunity to call upon 18-year-old Mason Greenwood, who has been in great goal scoring form for both the under 18’s and 19’s this season. Sbragia will defiantly have regulars Garner, Barlow and Bohui, who scored the goal in the last game against West Brom, available for this match and hoping Chong, who turned 19 this week, will be able to continue his excellent form in front of goal on Friday night.
(MFC.CO.UK)
Middlesbrough may use this game as an opportunity to give some senior players who have had limited game time a chance to get some match rhythm. Players like Ashley Fletcher, Rudy Gestede, Grant Leadbitter, and experienced goalkeeper Andy Lonergan will be the ones who may be in contention.
The reverse fixture ended in a 2-0 win for United u23’s with goals from Tahith Chong and Joshua Bohui coming in the final 15 minutes in what was a very tight affair. The same score line again will do very nicely for Ricky Sbragia and his side in helping them reach their target of first place.
