DESPITE the mess that is the Manchester United men’s first team, there has been cause for celebration at the club this season.
The women’s side landed it’s first-ever piece of silverware led by Ella Toone in the FA Women’s Cup on Sunday.
And Tuesday night saw the Under-18 side crowned as treble winners after beating Chelsea 2-1 in the final of the English U-18 Premier League.
The young Red Devils were already U-18 PL North champions, having only suffered their first defeat in March, and the U18 PL Cup.
However, they added a third domestic title to the trophy cabinet with goals from Ethan Wheatley and Ethan Williams as they beat South league winners Chelsea.
Wheatley, who was Man Utd’s 250th Academy graduate into the first team, struck after 21 minutes when he was played through on goal by Williams before placing a shot into the bottom corner.
Chelsea equalised through Josh Acheampong within 90 seconds of the second half beginning.
But it was Man Utd who conjured up a decisive winner through Williams when he restored the lead in by smashing home a rebound in the 54th minute.
There were jubilant celebrations at full-time as players swarmed on to the pitch.
Wheatley, 18, has gone on to make three Premier League appearances off the bench under Erik ten Hag this season, including in Man Utd’s last game against Arsenal.
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It was also a proud moment for one Man Utd cult hero who is part of the coaching team, Phil Jones.
Jones, 32, saw his contract at the club expire last summer after years of being blighted by injury.
He joined the coaching staff of Under-18 manager Adam Lawrence while undertaking a global football sport directorship course.
And Jones’ wisdom as a Premier League title winner clearly rubbed off on the youngsters, with Lawrence full of praise for the former defender.
He told the Manchester Evening News: “It’s been great with Phil, he is with us weekly.
“He spends time with the under-14s and under-18s as well so he gets to experience like the different age groups of the academy. But for us, he’s been great.
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“He’s obviously from the club in terms of his background and what he’s done here and I think as well for the players, to not just learn from him in terms of the areas of his game and his knowledge, but also some of the off the field stuff and what they’re going through – whether it be team selection, how you prepare for games, diet, nutrition. He’s added some real value from a different way.
“Hopefully, we’ve given him the opportunity to start coaching on the field with players. I know he’s been of massive value and he’ll continue to do that as well.”
Jones, was pictured alongside players and staff posing with the trophy last night.
Reacting to his appearance there, one X, formerly Twitter, user said: “Well done to all the players and I’m made up for Phil jones too. He was a great servant for United and was so unlucky with injuries his whole career.”
A second said: “Well done Phil.”
Another said: “Good to see Phil Jones too.”
A fourth added: “Phil Jones really love this club.”
However, there will be dinner to commemorate the achievement this season, with reports revealing Man Utd Women were unaware of the cancellation until it became public knowledge.
Proud of you, #MUAcademy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2024
Dressing-room scenes!#MUFC pic.twitter.com/8QwRCyyijw
