U-21 watch: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

With the Premier League season coming to a close yesterday I thought I'd dabble in the U-21 performance tonight as a preview of potential future first-team players.

Here's how we lined up: Archer; Fredericks, Hall, Veljkovic, Fryers; Bentaleb, Carroll, Pritchard; Obika, Kane, Ceballos.

Our substitutes were: Barthram, Miles, Gallifuoco, Stewart, McEvoy.

Final score: Manchester United 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur



Larnell Cole grabbed two goals to give United the win. Remember the name, or alternatively don't. I'm not fussed.

Unfortunately, the game ended in that sinking experience you're all too familiar with as a Spurs fan. We came in at half-time two goals to the good and in complete control but somehow managed to throw it away. Still, there are positives to be extracted from the game. Here's my two cents.

I thought Zeki Fryers looked decent at left-back. He has great energy about him, strong in a tackle and looks good in the air standing at 6ft tall. The obvious signs were there that he'd be a good player since we swindled Man United to get a deal for him, and I don't think he'll disappoint. Definitely one to watch.



Shame he isn't from France, otherwise he'd be French Fryers. *awkward silence*

Of course there was Tommy Carroll, built like a toothpick but plays like a... umm, footballer I guess. Very tidy in possession, keeps the game ticking over nicely. Very much in the Modric role. I really don't think he'll be the next Luka personally, it is far too early to say that as Luka was an incredible talent. However, Carroll should in all honestly make it in the Premier League.



His play is almost as tidy as his bedroom, bless him.

Alex Pritchard was another player who impressed me tonight. Recently turning 20, the youngster grabbed a great long-range goal in the first half and his guile troubled United throughout. Definitely looks like one for the future.



Like a less camp Holtby.

Cristian Ceballos is, in my opinion, possibly our brightest hope for the future. The young Spaniard looks sharp, both-footed, and always looks a couple of moves ahead of his teammates. He also looks to have an eye for goal; a few times tonight he hit shots from distance. I'd like to see him get a loan to the Championship or maybe the Premier League in the near future and we'll see how he progresses from there.



0mg ex-Barca must be good

Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed with our strikers. Despite scoring one and winning quite a few headers, Obika did not dominate the forward line like you'd expect a 22-year-old playing against mostly teenagers to do. He also showed a lack of awareness to cut the ball back to Ceballos for an open goal. I think he'll be let go in the near future.
Harry Kane also frustrated me tonight. Although he has time on his side, he doesn't look to assert himself as a forward; he is rather one-paced and doesn't seem to get into too many goalscoring situations. He did hit the post with a nice shot though, so perhaps all hope isn't lost just yet. A loan to the Championship would be a good move for him next season.



Time might be up for this chap.

All in all I'd say there are reasons to be cheerful from not only this performance but the entire U-21 campaign. We ran out champions of our division, essentially proving our youth squad is the best around. Combine that with our new training facilities and a manager who puts the emphasis on youth then you've got plenty of reasons to be cheerful looking into the future of Tottenham Hotspur.

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