Leeds United need more consistency in academy after Manchester United games

Leeds United youth sides having mixed fortunes against Manchester United will leave the club hoping for more consistency at academy level.

The Whites's Under-18s came away from Carrington with a 3-0 defeat in the U18s Premier League Cup on 23 November, with the Red Devil's report noting that Harvey Vincent had the visitors' best chance.

However, United's Under-16s fared much better in the Under-16s Premier League Cup, with LUFC Youth posting on X (23 November) to congratulate them on a 3-1 win.

Leeds United looking to close academy gap to Manchester United

Leeds' academy has undoubtedly produced some fine players down the years – the most recent example being £40million midfielder Archie Gray – but exploits at this level have been mixed.

Their last meeting with Manchester United's Under-18s in the Premier League 2 ended in humiliating fashion, with the Red Devils coming away 8-0 winners to make clear the disparity between the two.

The Peacocks being a Championship club once again cuts them off from the kind of finances and infrastructure needed to truly take the next step at academy level – which their rivals have in abundance.

The likes of Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers making their first-team debuts this season shows that the production line is alive and well at Thorp Arch, but the Championship is an entirely different level.

Promotion back to the Premier League is set to bring about huge changes at Elland Road – including the stadium itself – but the academy is another area which will need more attention if the dream comes true.

In other Leeds news, Kalvin Phillips has revealed what he was thinking when linked with a return to Elland Road in the summer.

For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.