MUFC Youth/Academy/Reserves coverage

[Red News]

News from the Dallas Cup from RN correspondent Tom Clare ... Check back here for further updates on the United youngsters progress

All roads in Dallas, Texas today lead to the FC Dallas Stadium complex out in the north eastern sububrb of Frisco, some 20 miles from the Downtown. The Dallas Stadium area is a purpose built soccer complex made up of the main 22,000 seat stadium, and 20 surrounding soccer pitches. At 10am this morning, the first of the 322 soccer matches which will take place between today, and Sunday, 8 April gets under way.

Manchester United's Reserve team arrived here on Thursday afternoon and have quickly adjusted to the local conditions which as I write, are quite hot and humid, with temperature hoverning around the 80 degree mark. The major, and senior part of the tournament is named "The Gordon Jago Super Cup" with 16 major teams making up 4 different groups of four. United have been drawn in the group with Dallas FC, Tigres (Mexico) and Club Cartagines (Costa Rica).

Everton Reserves kick off the senior tournament in the main stadium at 1.30pm this afternoon when they play the Cortibes Club from Brazil. United's game is obviously the showpiece game today and the one most of the interest is in. It will take place at 7:30pm this evening and a large attendance is expected seeing as they are playing against the local team.

The "Dallas Reds" United Supporters Group will have a large contingent here to cheer the lads on, and I will be joining them at 5pm in The Londoner pub in Frisco for some pre-match entertainment.

The tournament seems to be so well organised and it is a credit to them when you consider that there are 137 different teams here, of all age groups, from countries from all over the world.

[Red News]

Manchester United v FCDallas – Sunday 1 April 2012 – Frisco, Texas. by Tom Clare for Red News

Manchester United v FCDallas – Sunday 1 April 2012 – Frisco, Texas. by Tom Clare for Red News


Red News' very own Tom Clare's (and excellent) Forever a Babe is now available to read on the kindle, link here to order





Frisco is a little place which lies some 30 miles to the north east of the Dallas metropolitan area. It is a pleasant, suburban plac ewith lots of amenities, the focal point being the FC Dallas soccer complex. Opened on August 6, 2005 FC Dallas Stadium isa 145-acre multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility located at the intersection of Main Street and Dallas North Tollway. It is also the home for Major league Soccer Club, FC Dallas. Included in the facility is the 20,500 state-of-the-art professional soccer stadium, and 20 tournament-sized soccer pitches. It is certainly an impressive complex to see and is owned not by FC Dallas, (they are a tenant) but by the City of Frisco, in partnership with the Hunt Sports Group, and the Frisco Independent Schools District, and Collin County.


It was here today (Sunday) that the prestigious Dallas Soccer Tournament began. This is the largest soccer tournament in the USA, and has been run for the last ten years or more under the executive directorship of former QPR manager, Gordon Jago MBE. The tournament is split into seven different age groups starting at U12s, through to U19s. The 2012 Tournament is hosting 137 teams from 45 different countries, and will see 322 soccer games played culminating in the senior final on SundayApril 8.


The senior teams play in the “Gordon Jago Super Group” and this year Manchester United are taking part again for the first time since 2006. The “Super Group” is split into three groups of four teams each and there are some quality teams taking part. It will certainly be a tough tournament for any team to win. The teams taking part in the “Super Group” are; Manchester United, Everton, Dallas FC, Tigres (Mexico), Bolivar (Bolivia), Santa Clara Sporting (Costa Rica), Paris St. Germain (France), Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany), Coritiba FC(Brazil), Kashiwa Reysol (Japan), Nacional de Mexico, and Dallas Texan USSF. Manchester United were drawn in Group A alongside FCDallas, Santa Clara Sporting, and Tigres, and this evening played their first match in the FC Dallas Stadium, against the host team.


The match began in bright sunshine before a large attendance, with the temperature hovering around the 85 degrees mark. In the opening ten minutes, most of the play was condensed into the United half, and Dallas were impressive with their collective ability to retain the ball, and pass and move, but their problem was that they were not penetrative enough. They were made to pay on ten minutes when Ryan Tunnicliffe won a tackle in midfield midway inside the Dallas half. Tunnicliffe moved out towards the left hand side and then delivered a wonderful ball inside Mark Ashby, the Dallas right-back. Luke Giverin was around and past him in a flash and collecting the ball close to the goal line, he looked up, and then delivered a fast low cross into the six yard area finding centre forward Will Keane completely unmarked. Keane met the ball first time and thumped it high into the top of the net.


United’s midfield then began to control the game with Fornasier, Tunnicliffe, Lindgard, and Cole dictating the pace and flow of the game. However, on seventeen minutes, Veseli carelessly conceded possession to Danny Garcia whose first time cross was met by Dallas centre forward Top, but his effort went high over the bar. United continued to dominate the game but the incisive final ball was proving difficult to execute.


On 22 minutes, Tunnicliffe made a tremendous tackle in the centre circle which dumped Gallegos on his back. Gallegos didn't like it even though the Referee was happy with Tunnicliffe’s strong challenge. Gallegos forcibly complained to the referee who promptly showed him a yellow card.


Lingard and Cole continued to impress, and Tunnicliffe was a power in the anchor role in midfield. The two young midfielders combined delightfully down the right flank and fashioned a chance for Will Keane but the striker’s effort was well saved by Sanchez in the Dallas goal.


Just before half-time, Fornasier was fouled just outside the Dallas box. From the free-kick, Luke Giverin delivered a perfectly flighted ball which caught the Dallas defence out, and Will Keane was unlucky to see his stabbed effort fly just wide of the post.


Dallas began the second-half just as they had the first and Johnstone had to be alert to claim the ball when challenged in the air byTop. United’s first real attack of the second half came on 51 minutes and saw them gain a corner on the left hand side. Giverin put another delightful ball over to the back post which found Michael Keane climbing high above the Dallas defenders and he headed home.


From then on United dominated the game totally and played well within themselves. There were a couple of scares through carelessness which needed Johnstone to be more than alert, first getting a hand to Top’s point blank header from Garcia’s cross, and then he had fortune on his side from a direct free kick taken by Garcia which left him flat-footed as the ball just brushed the outside of the post.


As the game drew to a close both sets of players tired, which was not surprising given the temperature. The final whistle went and United were victors by 2-0.


It was a good run out for them and I thought there were times when they played within themselves. Tomorrow at 8pm UK time, United face Santa Clara of CostaRica, out on one of the open pitches. They will have to be on their metal that’s for sure, especially with the game against Tigres of Mexico coming up on Wednesday.


Team: Johnstone; Veseli (Ekangamene), Thorpe, Keane M, Fryers; Fornaiser, Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Cole (Hendrie); Giverin (Massacci), and Keane W.


Scorers W. Keane, M. Keane.

[Red News]

The brothers Keane on the 3rd time they have scored in the same game, this time in the opening match of The Dallas Cup

from video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubRpj...ature=youtu.be after the 2-0 win over FC Dallas.

"It is the 3rd time...we are always looking for a win and it doesn't really matter who scores as long as the team plays well and we win. We knew it was going to be a tough game, the crowd really behind them, they were a good passing team, put us under a lot of pressure, we knew they'd come out fighting, first 20 minutes so we just had to get through that and starting playing ourselves. We're always looking into keeping a clean sheet and scoring more and more. It's tough (so many games in short space of time), you saw after the game doing the cool down, and all the recovery, go back and get an ice back, and soon as this game is finished we're preparing for the next game, which I think is only 15 hours away, all focus is on that game now and being as fit as we can for that and doing our best for the game."

[Red News]

Dallas Cup Report: Manchester United 5 Santa Clara Sporting 2 by Tom Clare for Red News


Red News' very own Tom Clare's (and excellent) Forever a Babe is now available to read on the kindle, link here to order


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Less than 24 hours after beating FC Dallas yesterday evening, the Manchester United team were back in action at the Dallas complex this afternoon when they took on Santa Clara Sporting. The weather was hot, around 90 degrees with little or no cloud in the sky, and a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch, of which United took advantage of in the first half..


The opening minute could not have been more of a shake up and warning for United as straight from the kick-off, Santa Clara Sporting attacked down the left hand side, their left winger leaving Veseli in his wake and making a pin point cross to their unmarked centre forward who headed just over the bar.


Just one minute later, Fornasier lost the ball in central midfield, and it was switched inside Veseli allowing the winger to again outpace him, and he drove into the box, drawing Johnstone, before calmly slotting the ball past him for the game's opening goal.


United then began to control the ball better and on 8 minutes, Zeki Fryers made a run down the left, before turning inside and found Cole with his back to goal just around the penalty spot. With a slight movement he lost his marker, turned quickly, and fired into the net for the equaliser.


Tunnicliffe was influencing the game more and more and was driving the team forward from midfield. he had two goal attempts which did not trouble the 'keeper, and Giverin wasted a wonderful opportunity when put through by Fornasier. he shot tamely at the 'keeper.


On 30 minutes, completely against the run of play, Santa Clara Sporting stole the lead and it was caused by a dreadful mix up between Sam Johnstone and Michael Keane. A long high, hopeful ball, was punted into the United penalty area. The ball should have been collected by Johnstone but it seemed to hang in the air. He then left it for Keane who had no chance of making a clearance. the ball bounced and went over Johnstone's head allowing the little Santa Clara Sporting inside left to run around and gently nod the ball into the open goal.


United still continued to dominate with lots of good link-up play between Tunnicliffe, Cole, Lingard, and Will Keane. On 40 minutes they won a corner which Giverin floated to the back post and there was Tom Thorpe rising high to bullet a header into the net.


Half-Time 2-2.


United started the second half at a much higher tempo and on 47 minutes Tunnicliffe won the ball in the oponent's half and made a run down the inside left channel. He got to the goal line before pulling the ball back for the oncoming Jesse Lingard to rifle first time into the back of the net. United had the lead for the first time in the game.


United completely dominated the game from that moment and made their opponents work hard just to get the ball. Tunnicliffe was outstanding and influenced the game tremendously. On 75 minutes he threaded a lovely through ball to Lingard who ran into the penalty area, drew the 'keeper and calmly slotted the ball past him.


Just two minutes later, United won another corner and the same formula which worked in the first half, worked again. long ball to the far post and Tom Thorpe was there once again to head home and make the score 5-2.


The heat was taking its toll on both sets of players and United played keep ball at walking pace to see the game out.


Two good results in the space of 24 hours and the youngsters were delighted to hear the result from Ewood!


On Wednesday evening they face a really tough task when they meet the defending champions, Tigres of Mexico. The game will be played in the main stadium (something the United party did not know) and as it is an 8pm kick off, hopefully the temperature will be a little cooler.


United Team: Johnstone; Veseli, M.Keane, Thorpe, Fryers; Fornasier (Massacci), Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Giverin (Ekangamene); Cole, W. Keane.


Red News' very own Tom Clare's (and excellent) Forever a Babe is now available to read on the kindle, link here to order


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[Red News]

Exclusive interview for Red News with Jimmy Ryan on the Dallas Cup, by Tom Clare


Jimmy Ryan Interview
TC: Jimmy, two very good results in the space of 24 hours, how pleased were you?
JR: Pleased with the second half more than the first. We controlled the game more in the second half and imposed ourselves more.
TC: Despite being the better team in that first half, the two goals conceded must have given you room to think?
JR: Yes, they were poor goals to give away especially that second one. They caught us off guard early on and got the ball in behind us. They had a lot of pace and that was their game plan, to try and hit us on the break.
TC: Any standout out performances as far as you are concerned?
JR: Not really, although Ryan (Tunnicliffe) dominated the midfield for most of the game. It was very hot out there, and there were some tired legs in that last 15 minutes.
TC: Tough game coming up on Wednesday evening against the current holders Tigres of Mexico. Are you looking forward to it?
JR: Of course we are, it is all part of the learning process for them. Where are we playing do you know?
TC: You are playing in the main stadium at 8.30pm, and given the large Hispanic element in the area, there could be a very big crowd.
JR. Well I’m sure that we’ll give it our best shot.
TC: As you said, they are young players going through a learning process – what do you think they take from playing in tournaments like this?
JR: It’s an invaluable experience. Traveling to different countries, seeing different cultures; playing against teams with styles which they have not seen before; playing against different formations; learning to cope with differing styles of officiating. They get a lot out of it.
TC: Good result for the first team tonight – must have pleased everybody.
JR: Yes, we didn’t know the result until this game finished – tremendous. Who scored the goals?
TC: Valencia and Young in the last 10 minutes of the game.
JR: Valencia is playing so well, and to come back like he has after that bad injury says much about the boys character and application.


TC: You are no stranger to Dallas having played out a few years of your career at Dallas Tornado, do you have fond memories of your time here?
JR: I have, I really did enjoy it here.
TC: I see Gordon Hill lurking over there have you had time to chat with him?
JR: Not yet, but I will do shortly.
TC: Another player from your era lives in Dallas, Jimmy Melia.
JR: I saw Jimmy at the reception party on Saturday evening but unfortunately did not get chance to speak to him.
TC: Day off tomorrow, what are the boys going to do?
JR: Well in the morning they are visiting one of the local hospitals, and once that is over the lads have got a little free time. This evening they are all going to watch the Basketball – the Mavericks are playing.
TC: I know you need to get away, thanks for your time, and we will be rooting for you on Wednesday evening.
JR: Thanks Tom.


Red News' very own Tom Clare's (and excellent) Forever a Babe is now available to read on the kindle, link here to order


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[Red News]

Reece Brown on his early loan days at Oldham

"That's how I've been brought up to play at United - to try and play from the back, give it to the midfielders, be composed on the ball and don't panic. I think that's my game, but I've adjusted well because a few of the games in League One have been second-ball games."

[Red News]

Reece Brown to stay at Oldham on loan until end of the season

from PA


Oldham have extended the loan of Manchester United defender Reece Brown until the end of the season.


The 20-year-old joined the Latics in March for an initial one-month loan, but boss Paul Dickov has been impressed enough to extend that deal until the campaign ends.


Brown will be looking to continue to build upon the foundations he has laid at centre-back with Jean-Yves M'voto after the duo played three games together in Brown's original loan.


All the relevant paperwork was completed in time for him to feature in the game against Brentford on Tuesday evening.


Oldham will be hoping that Brown can help shore up a defence that has leaked 56 goals this season.

[Red News]

United players at the Dallas Cup show appreciation for Dallas Reds support after their opening tournament win

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiDYN2IPbr8

[Red News]

Dallas Cup. Manchester United 1 Tigres 0. Tunnicliffe Stars Again in Unted Win by Tom Clare for Red News

Red News' very own Tom Clare's (and excellent) Forever a Babe is now available to read on the kindle, link here to order





Tunnicliffe Stars Again in Unted Win by Tom Clare


Manchester United's U19s team moved into the semi-finals of the Dallas Cup at the FC Dallas Stadium this evening, when they overcame the Mexican club, Tigres by 1-0. They will now face old rivals Everton on Friday evening, for a place in the Final which will be played on Sunday 8 April.


The game started like a game of chess, with both teams probing and trying to find openings, but both defences remained solid throughout the opening 15 minutes. There was some neat approach play by both teams but attacks broke down either by a poor last ball, or smothering defensive play. What did catch the eye however, was the Mexican penchant for going down so easily when tackled. On more than the odd occasion the Referee was conned into blowing for free kicks in favour of the Mexicans.


United began to dominate game and the interplay between Tunnicliffe, Cole, Lingard, Ekangamene, Giverin, and Will Keane was a delight to watch. Tunnicliffe was a powerhouse in the middle of the field, breaking up the Tigres' rhythm and driving forward with intelligent passes out to the flanks. His runs from deep were beginning to trouble the Mexicans.


it was no real surprise when United took the lead in the 29th minute, but what a wonderful goal it was. Tunnicliffe won the ball just on the half-way line and switched it out wide left where he found Will Keane. The big striker took the ball down the flank beating two mean with ease before spotting Tunnicliffe's run inside of him. He released the ball at just the right time leaving the big midfielder in free space. He checked his run and crossed the ball deep to the far side of the penalty area. Larnell Cole was ghosting in unnoticed behind the Tigres defenders and he met the ball full on the volley crashing it into the far corner of the net.


This goal seemed to rattle the Mexicans and on 31 minutes, Will keane was on the receiving end of a dreadful foul by Fuentes, the big Tigres centre-back. making no attempt to play the ball at all, he powered through the back of the United striker leaving him in a heap on the ground. For some reason, the Referee allowed play to continue, but 30 seconds later brought a halt to play so that the United man could receive treatment. The foul was deserved of a red card, and that no card was brandished at all, still remains a mystery.


United were controlling the game with ease and making the Tigres team work hard in trying to get any meaningful possession of the ball. Just before half-time, some great interplay between Will Keane and Tunnicliffe saw the midfielder look up, and seeing the 'keeper off his line, tried a delicate chip over him. The Mexican was stranded and the ball sailed lazily over his head and he was relieved to turn around and watch as the ball just drifted wide of his left hand post.


When the second half began, United once again showed their skill in keeping possession of the ball and dictating the flow of the play. Another strong run by Tunnicliffe saw him almost break through the Mexican's last line of defence, but he was thwarted by a lovely late Cavazos, the Tigres right full-back.


On 54 minutes, Will Keane received the ball with his back to goal and turning quickly was about to go past his marker, when he was pulled back. The resulting free kick saw Larnell Cole bend the ball around the defensive wall and Arreguin, the Tigres 'keeper made a scrambling save just managing to push the ball away for a corner kick.


Just two minutes later some great interchanging and passing between Giverin, Lingard and Cole, saw Giverin hitting the ball across the face of the goal and Fuentes, acrobatically kicked the ball over his own crossbar.


Just on the hour mark, Tunnicliffe once again powered the ball from midfield and ran strongly through the middle, before releasing Will Keane. The tall striker looked up and then bent the ball around Arreguin only to see it brush the outside of the post and go away for a goal kick.


United were dominating the Mexicans and it took a last ditch tackle from Martinez, the other Mexican centre-back to stop Will Keane from doubling the United tally after he had once again been put in a great position by Tunnicliffe.


Throughout the game United played some lovely free flowing passing football, but as the game drew towards the last ten minutes, it was understandable that there was some tired legs, and the Mexicans began to see more of the ball. However, their quick counter attacks were repelled by a confident United back four, and the only thing the Mexicans had to offer was a speculative 35 yard drive by Castillo which flew high over Johnstone's crossbar.


Tunnicliffe who had got through a mountain of work throughout the game was substituted on 86 minutes, with Michel Fornasier taking the place. As Tunnicliffe left the field he was given a good ovation from the many Manchester United fans who were in attendance.




Larnell Cole who is an absolute delight to watch, was substituted after 88 minutes as United began to wind the clock down. He was replaced by Alberto Massacci.


Just a minute later United used another substitute when Jesse Lingard, who had also played so well, was replaced by Luke Hendrie.


The Referee added on four minutes of stoppage time, but United were able to maintain possession and see the game out.


Team: Johnstone; Veseli, M. Keane, Thorpe, Fryers; Lingard (Hendrie 89 mins), Tunnicliffe (Fornasier 86 mins), Enkangamene, Giverin; Cole (Massacci 88 mins), W. Keane.




Scorer: Cole


MOM: Tunnicliffe

[Red News]

Dallas Cup news, from Red News correspondent Tom Clare, on Semi Final day with United set to appear later
Posted on 06/04/2012 19:03:23 GMT
Beautiful day here in Dallas today, but very warm. Fortunately United don't kick - off until 8pm [local time] this evening when it will be dark and a little cooler. I'm really looking forward to this game which pits our kids against Everton's. Met Alan Irvine the Everton coach in the pub the other night with all of his staff and had a good chat with him. Nice, nice people who have the greatest respect for United.


The first semi kicks off at 6pm and is between Eintracht Frankfurt and the Brazilian club, Coritiba. The Germans are really fortunate to be in this semi to be honest, as their game against the Mexican National U20's team ended in a near riot!


It was 0-0 as they went into 3 mintes of time added on. From an Eintracht corner at the Mexican end, the Mexicans broke and caught Eintracht without any cover at all. The Mexican centre forward who was so quick was through on goal, and as he walked the ball around the 'keeper to push the ball into the empty net - the big German pulled him down.


A clearer penalty kick you could ever wish to see - but then - the Referee gives a free-kick to the Germans and gives a yellow to the centre forward for simulation! The players and the crowd went ballistic. from the free kick, Eintracht got the ball down into the Mexican penalty area and a cross came in which ping-ponged about, before the big Mexican centre back leathered it against one of his own players and it flew into the back of the net!


As soon as the game restarted the Ref blew for full-time, and the Mexican kids chased the poor ref all around the pitch. Police and Security men raced onto the field to try and sort it out, but while all this was going on, the German Coach on the sidelines started winding up the crowd, and next thing you know they were pelting the Germans with bottles and anything else they could get their hands on.


Fortunately, the authorities did mange to get the situation under control, but it delayed the United game by almost 20 minutes. Our lads were in the tunnel, but Warren sent them back to the dressing room until everything was sorted out.