Why Manchester United youth goalkeeper played outfield in Under-18s fixture

Manchester United Under-18s goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes had to play an outfield role in the latter stages of Saturday's 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at Carrington.

With just under five minutes of the Under-18s Premier League fixture remaining, Ashton Missin, who had earlier scored the Reds' second goal, was struggling with an injury problem and United had already used each of their four outfield substitutes. It meant Under-18s boss Adam Lawrence was forced to turn to Byrne-Hughes and task him with stepping into unfamiliar territory as an outfield player.

The giant shot-stopper, who had to borrow a shirt from another substitute, stepped off the bench with 86 minutes on the clock. He helped his teammates get over the line without too much of a fuss.

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United, at the time of his introduction from the bench, were already three goals to the good. James Scanlon had fired them into an early lead, finding the net with just 12 minutes on the clock.

Missin then doubled the young Reds' advantage just eight minutes later, slaloming his way through the Boro defence with quick feet before applying a tidy finish. Ethan Wheatley then put the result beyond doubt on the hour mark, netting United's third goal of the contest.

The victory secured a return to winning ways after back-to-back 2-2 draws against Nottingham Forest and Derby County. The win has also maintained United's unbeaten record in the Under-18s Premier League this season, leaving them in a strong position at the top of the table.

They have won 15 of their 17 matches this term, drawing twice, meaning they have amassed 47 points from 51 available. Their next