01 March 2024 , 13:19
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Manchester United wonderkid Gabriele Biancheri has been invited to first-team training ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby.
The 17-year-old, who joined from Welsh side Cardiff in January 2023, was pictured in the Red Devils’ latest session. Erik ten Hag’s side travel to the Etihad on Sunday and have seen their numbers take a big hit, with key forward Rasmus Hojlund among those ruled out for the weekend’s game.
According to the Manchester Evening News, a number of young players were called up to make up the numbers as those who started in the FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest being given a rest. Biancheri was one of those handed an opportunity to impress, alongside fellow youngster Toby Collyer.
The former has made 14 appearances for Man United’s under-18 side this season and has scored five goals. Taking to Instagram after being rewarded with his first professional contract at Old Trafford last year, he said: “Very proud moment for me & my family signing my first professional contract.”
He has also opened up on the decision to leave boyhood club Cardiff for Man United just over a year ago. "It's gone really well,” the youngster said.
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“There have been a couple of difficult moments, like leaving home, not being with my family, moving houses, moving away from my friends. But this is what I've always wanted, to play for a team like Man United, it's a dream come true.”
Heading into this weekend’s derby, United are without a host of players which has seen Biancheri given his opportunity. Despite the club’s current woes, Ten Hag is expecting a positive performance from his side against Man City.
Gabriele Biancheri has scored five goals for Man United's under-18 side (Manchester United via Getty Images)What team should Man United name vs Man City? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the Dutchman said: “We are also in a good run and the spirit is very good, we are united, we have the togetherness to make a good game plan.
“We have done it before against City, lately also against Liverpool. The players are ready for it, the players are looking forward to it, I can smell it when I am around here, when I speak with them. We’re excited.
“They have a good team but there are more good teams. They have won in the last season everything so we know that’s the challenge, but also Liverpool have a very good team and there are more. We like such challenges.”
Ahead of Sunday’s game, United sit sixth in the Premier League. They could cut the gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa to five points with a victory.
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