Old rivals Steven Gerrard and Nicky Butt faced off once again as Liverpool and Manchester United met in the UEFA Youth League.
Liverpool and Wales prospect Ben Woodburn, 18, starred in his side’s victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Youth League round of 16 match yesterday.
The game saw two former central midfield rivals in Steven Gerrard and Nicky Butt face up once more; this time as managers of their respective clubs’ youth teams.
Gerrard, like he did so many times throughout his career, was able to get one up on his United counterpart once again, as teenage Welshman Woodburn captained his side to a convincing victory to take the team to the last eight.
Just 11 minutes in, the 18-year-old rose to smash in an impressive header, earning his side an early lead. United looked decent in patches. However they were unable to penetrate the Liverpool goal and Woodburn was on hand to provide an assist for Rafael Camacho to double the lead, putting the game out of reach for United.
Woodburn, who has six full Wales caps to his name, looks a really bright prospect and is beginning to become a regular feature in Jurgen Klopp’s match day squads.
Still only 18, he has made 10 Liverpool appearances in total since his debut last season and has bagged one goal so far.
The young Reds will now face English opposition again, in the form of another team from Manchester, as they take on City in the next round in early March.
Woodburn, like Jordan Henderson, will be hopeful of leading his team on a decent run in European competition, with Liverpool’s youth and senior sides performing well and recording some sizeable victories.
Following the teenager’s performance, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to express their delight and congratulate the young forward.
Here is a round up of some of the reaction:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
