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Manchester United’s U18 side lost to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Louie Bradbury among the positives.
Darren Fletcher rotated his U18 side heavily on Saturday as Manchester United returned to league action against Sunderland.
Ultimately, it was too much as United were beaten 2-1 by Sunderland, although it was a very strong outing by the young U18 side.
One of the more senior players was Louie Bradbury, and he got on the scoresheet and could have had another after an effort from the halfway line bounced agonisingly wide.
But it wasn’t all good.
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Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images Louie Bradbury’s communication frustrated Darren Fletcher
The Welsh youth international is considered one of the finest goal scorers currently in the academy, and he proved it with his movement and instinct in the box for his goal.
Bradbury was among United’s best players, but Fletcher saw something he didn’t like.
This was related to Bradbury’s communication, as he demanded better from the sideline.
Fletcher could be heard shouting, “Tell him Louie, Tell him”, after one moment when Bradbury made a brilliant run into space, leaving him wide open in the box.
He was ignored by Noah Ajayi, who instead slipped a pass to Douka Nkoto before the move broke down, to Bradbury’s frustration as he waved his arms around.
Fletcher saw this and corrected Bradbury, telling him what he should have done, which was to make Ajayi aware instead of assuming he would be seen.
This is a weakness for Bradbury to now try to improve.
The best strikers leave no doubt over when they are in space to receive the ball, with Ajayi’s best qualities in the box and finding space, he needs to be making teammates aware.
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Getty Images Louie Bradbury could soon overtake Chido Obi for Manchester United
While he is younger than Chido Obi, Bradbury’s form in 2026 has shown why he might soon be considered to overtake the Dane in the pecking order.
Nothing highlights this more than recent games in which Obi has frustrated for United, often missing multiple chances such as at least five against Palace.
Meanwhile, against Sunderland, Bradbury had one chance and scored one goal.
The pair couldn’t be more different in style, with Bradbury more like a Javier Hernandez. But in the striker pecking order in the academy right now, he could overtake the higher profile forward.
Bradbury off the bench is also a better fit for what United need.
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