Manchester United’s U18 side are enjoying a remarkable campaign and that continued against Arsenal on Saturday.
In the quarter-final of the U18 PL Cup, Manchester United faced Arsenal at Carrington where they ended up running out 4-2 winners in extra-time.
It was the home side who opened the scoring through Jack Kingdon in the 42nd minute. This however saw Arsenal respond before Ethan Williams opened his account in the 61st minute.
Arsenal then drew level one more making it 2-2 which forced the teams into extra time. Here though, United took no prisoners with Williams grabbing his second before Louis Jackson made it four to win the game and progress to the semi-finals.
This result sees United’s academy continue their unbelievable season in which they sit top of the U18 PL by 17 points with 14 straight wins.
Ethan Williams sends Erik ten Hag a message
Once more for the U18s, it was Williams who stood out as he scored twice but also grabbed an assist.
This brings his season tally to 19 goal contributions for the season in the academy. It was only days ago that he put in an equally impressive performance to see United win again.
These performances from the 18-year-old winger are becoming so consistent that Erik ten Hag has no choice but to pay attention and begin to consider handing him an opportunity.
While it’s unlikely this season, we absolutely expect that Williams will be on tour this summer and will then be handed his chance to impress for the senior side.
Academy players react to Williams’ performance
After the game, Williams took to Instagram with a post writing, “Mr. what?” followed by a shushing emoji and also symbols to reflect his two goals and an assist.
Williams’ teammates have been reacting to his performance under the post, with Ethan Wheatley simply sending the winger a heart emoji.
Left-back Harry Amass also reacted as he commented, “Clutchhhhh”, followed by a heart eyes emoji.
Finley McAllister reacted as he commented, “Numbers” with up arrow emojis, clearly in response to the sheer amount of goal contributions Williams has.
Lastly, Jack Fletcher reacted with some flame emojis, clearly impressed by his peer’s display.