Manchester United Under-21s thrash Stoke City 10-1

Manchester United’s Under-21s put Stoke City’s youngsters to the sword in the Premier League 2 on Saturday, thrashing the Potters 10-1 at Leigh Sports Village.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Mateo Mejia and Ethan Williams - who netted twice in three minutes - all bagged braces as Shola Shoretire notched two assists. Maxi Oyedele, Joe Hugill, Ethan Wheatley and Sam Mather also all got on the scoresheet.

United went into the break 6-1 up after Willy Kambwala put through his own net in first-half stoppage time for Stoke’s consolation. The result marks the Under-21s’ first win of the Premier League 2 season after three outings. They had started the campaign with defeats to Crystal Palace and Leeds.

Dan Gore missed the thrashing of Stoke as he was named on the bench for United’s senior side against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford later on Saturday afternoon. Alvaro Fernandez also made the squad amid United’s injuries at left back to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, with Diogo Dalot starting in their absences.

READ MORE: Who is Dan Gore? United youngster named on bench vs Forest

Fernandez, Gore and Hugill all featured for United’s senior side in pre-season, the latter scoring against Leeds in the opening summer fixture. The likes of Hansen-Aaroen and Shoretire - who spent six months on loan at Bolton last season - have also previously featured in first-team matchday squads.

The mauling of Stoke was their first match since the team defeated Stockport County on penalties in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday when around 1,400 Reds supporters cheered on the next wave of academy talent.

Speaking after that victory, academy lead Nick Cox explained the impact the fans have on the development of United’s young stars.

He said: “It was a brilliant night