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Man United U18s beat Liverpool 9-1 in eye-catching rout

Manchester United's under-18s gave the first team some inspiration on Saturday as they thrashed Liverpool 9-1 in an U18 Premier League match at the Merseyside club's training ground in Kirkby.

The two senior teams meet in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday as Jurgen Klopp's team look to keep pace with title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.

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James Scanlon put United's U18s ahead inside the first minute of the game before Ethan Wheatley scored a hat trick.

Joe Bradshaw, 15, scored Liverpool's consolation goal with a delicate chip over the United goalkeeper.

Several youth team players have progressed to the Liverpool first-team this season, with a succession of injuries presenting opportunities to the likes of Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah.

United have also shown the strength of their academy this season, with 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo's performances also earning him a first senior England call-up.

The result means United are now 13 points clear of second-placed Man City at the top of the U18 Premier League North table.