KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Monday, August 15, 2016: Liverpool's Yan Dhanda in action against Blackburn Rovers during the Under-18 FA Premier League match at the Kirkby Academy. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Yan Dhanda nets twice as Liverpool U18s beat Man United 2-1

Young forward Yan Dhanda scored a brace to help the Liverpool U18s seal a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on Saturday morning.

The 17-year-old, who has recently returned from a long-term ankle injury suffered in training in April, played a starring role in the young Reds’ derby win at Altrincham.

Neil Critchley fielded Dhanda as part of a four-man attacking line alongside Bobby Adekanye, Toni Gomes and Liam Millar.

Kamil Grabara, the Polish goalkeeper who trained with Jurgen Klopp‘s first-team squad this week, took up his place between the sticks, behind a back four of Harvey Whyte, Mich’el Parker, Conor Masterson and Adam Lewis.

Herbie Kane joined Liam Coyle in a two-man midfield, with the U18s dominating after a bright start from United, inspired by the effervescent Dhanda.

With Grabara holding strong to quell United’s forward charge in the opening stages, the Reds took control.

Dhanda put Liverpool ahead on 20 minutes, powering a low strike into bottom corner from outside the area, before sealing a two-goal lead shortly after, following a great run into the box.

KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Monday, August 15, 2016: Liverpool's Mich'el Parker in action against Blackburn Rovers during the Under-18 FA Premier League match at the Kirkby Academy. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

United attacker Indy Boonen pulled back a consolation effort in the second half, but Grabara, Masterson and Parker were all in fine form at the back for the Reds.

Critchley’s side are now second in the U18 Premier League, level on points with leaders Derby County after two games played.

They next take on Manchester City on August 27 at the City Football Academy, kicking off at 11am.

With Dhanda returning to fine form as the 2016/17 campaign, and the likes of Adekanye and Gomes set to take up starring roles following a reshuffle of the ranks, Critchley can look forward to a positive season.

Liverpool U18s vs. Man United: Grabara; Whyte, Parker, Masterson, Lewis; Kane, Coyle; Adekanye, Dhanda, Gomes; Millar



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