Welcome back to the first part of the second season.
The pre-season went well for the young lads, with Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Shola Shoretire, Isak Hansen-Aarøen, and Marc Jurado involved throughout the summer. Garnacho did well with 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 games and has proven that he has every right to be involved this season.
Willy Kambwala was the first to go out on loan when he joined Colchester in League Two for the season. An exciting opportunity for the central defender.
Shola Shoretire left on loan on deadline day and reunited with Ole Gunnar Solskjær at Preston. Hopefully, a season in the Championship will do Shoretire good, and he can come back and fight for a place in the squad next season.
Radek Vitek left on loan to Bromley for the season, and even if it’s just the National League, it will be a valuable experience to play week in and week out for a senior side.
With three players going out on loan, the upcoming season looks like this:
U18s
- Eric Hanbury (GK)
- Tom Wooster (GK)
- Tyler Fredricson (CB)
- Sonny Aljofree (CB)
- Louis Jackson (CB)
- Sam Murray (LB)
- Daniel Gore (CM)
- Maxi Oyedele (CM)
- Ethan Ennis (ST)
- Manni Norkett (ST)
U23s
- Rhys Bennett (CB)
- Logan Pye (LB)
- Marc Jurado (RB)
- Toby Collyer (DM)
- Kobbie Mainoo (CM)
- Isak Hansen-Aarøen (CM)
- Omari Forson (CM)
- Sam Mather (LW)
- Charlie McNeill (ST)
- Joe Hugill (ST)
First team
- Alejandro Garnacho (LW)
On loan
- Willy Kambwala (CB)
- Shola Shoretire (LW)
- Radek Vitek (GK)
First Team
Rhys Bennett became the third one to get his debut after Teden Mengi suffered an injury in the Carabao Cup against Bradford City.
Garnacho had his first assist for the first team when he came on as a late sub against Ludogorets in the Champions League. He set up Bruno Fernandes, who scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory away from home. Happy to see the lad contributing for the first team who won their 15 games in a row and set a new club record. The boy is making a name for himself!
Just a week later, in the Carabao Cup, he got his first ever start, and after 38 minutes, he set up McTominay for the 2-0 goal against Arsenal with a rabona-assist!
In the same game, two more players debuted when Marc Jurado replaced Diogo Dalot at half-time, and Kobbie Mainoo replaced James Garner in the second half. Rhys Bennet also made his second appearance when club captain Harry Maguire got sent off. Well done to the lads who secured a 3-2 win and another chance to impress in the next round.
Garnacho scored his first goal in the Premier League against Blackburn on October 8th after he came on as a sub for Jadon Sancho. However, the goal wasn’t enough as he assisted Bruno Fernandes before scoring.
Later in October, Garnacho scored his first in the Champions League in the second fixture against Ludogorets before he came from the bench and scored his second-ever goal in the Premier League in the last match before the World Cup break. So far in the season, he’s got a goal every 123 minutes. Even if it’s early on in the season and only two starts, it is superior numbers and an auspicious start to his career at the club.
So far, five players from the Class of 22 getting their debut for the first team, and I’ve handed the debut to four of them. As you probably understand from this “Garnacho special”, he has been the most involved and by far the most impressive one. I hope to involve the other debutants more in the Carabao Cup after the World Cup, and maybe one or two more can get their debut in the second half of the season. Of course, breaking into a strong side like this can prove hard, but I have faith in them.
Loan Watch
Willy Kambwala has done good things for Colchester in League Two playing 18 games. With two goals, three assists to his name, and a 7.42 average rating, he has contributed significantly to their overachieving this season. His development is going through the roof, so it’s clear that this has been a good move for him. In addition, he has won two out of three Young Player of the Month awards and was runner-up for the third one. Impressive stuff.
Radek Vitek has been the indisputable first choice since he arrived at Bromley. In 12 games, he’s just kept three clean sheets for an underperforming side that has had a disappointing season. Nevertheless, it is an excellent experience for the young goalkeeper, and hopefully, he can gain more valuable experience in the second half of the season.
Shola Shoretire has had a disappointing loan spell at Preston so far. He’s played eight games and started four without a goal contribution. He was off to a bumpy start when he got sent off on his debut and got a three-match ban. However, Solskjær looks to have faith in him; on the bright side, his development seems to go along fine.
So far this season, four achievements have been checked out, all by Alejandro Garnacho.
Thanks for reading this blog, and for the next one, let’s hope there’s more than just Garnacho to write about.
/ FM Veteran
FM Veteran 