7pm 16 September 2013
Under 21 Premier League
Manchester United U21 4 Bolton Wanderers U21 1 (att 1,000)
Ultimately a convincing win for Manchester United, although they had to come from a goal down after a sluggish start.
The game was fairly dull for the first 30 minutes or so, but it livened up when Bolton scored the night's opening goal, having earlier had a rather poorly taken penalty saved.
United levelled in first half stoppage time, but they were much the better side after the break and dominated the second half, scoring three goals in the process.
The Under 21 Premier League is the nearest thing to a reserve league at this level these days, and clubs are permitted to field a number of over age players. As preparation for first team football it must leave a lot to be desired, played at a pedestrian pace and with next to no atmosphere Even the goals were barely celebrated.
The main motivation for me was the venue, as Manchester United are playing most of this season's under 21 games at Salford City Stadium, the city's relatively new rugby ground. It's a predictably bland arena, close to the M60 motorway and built on land which once housed a couple of Manchester League venues (Mitchell Shackleton and Willows, the rugby ground overlaps neither).
Only the main West Stand was open tonight, and the crowd, difficult to estimate but no more than 1,000, was less than I'd expected, especially as admission was a bargain at just £3, and free for season ticket holders.
Under 21 Premier League
Manchester United U21 4 Bolton Wanderers U21 1 (att 1,000)
Ultimately a convincing win for Manchester United, although they had to come from a goal down after a sluggish start.
The game was fairly dull for the first 30 minutes or so, but it livened up when Bolton scored the night's opening goal, having earlier had a rather poorly taken penalty saved.
United levelled in first half stoppage time, but they were much the better side after the break and dominated the second half, scoring three goals in the process.
The Under 21 Premier League is the nearest thing to a reserve league at this level these days, and clubs are permitted to field a number of over age players. As preparation for first team football it must leave a lot to be desired, played at a pedestrian pace and with next to no atmosphere Even the goals were barely celebrated.
The main motivation for me was the venue, as Manchester United are playing most of this season's under 21 games at Salford City Stadium, the city's relatively new rugby ground. It's a predictably bland arena, close to the M60 motorway and built on land which once housed a couple of Manchester League venues (Mitchell Shackleton and Willows, the rugby ground overlaps neither).
Only the main West Stand was open tonight, and the crowd, difficult to estimate but no more than 1,000, was less than I'd expected, especially as admission was a bargain at just £3, and free for season ticket holders.
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