AcademyU18s v Man Utd preview: 'Every game is an opportunity - we're excited for this one'

With six matches left in 2023-24, the Reds are currently in third spot in U18 Premier League North.

Saturday’s home fixture with Manchester United promises to be an exciting test, with the visitors currently 10 points clear at the top of the table.

After a number of regulars have moved up to the U21s in recent weeks, Bridge-Wilkinson has handed game time to several U16 players.

Ahead of the clash with United – an 11am BST kick-off that you can watch live on LFCTV and LFCTV GO – Bridge-Wilkinson spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about the challenges for his young squad in the closing stages of 2023-24…

On his reflections on the campaign so far…

It has been really pleasing with lots of improvements throughout the group individually and in terms of as a team as well. We’ve had some really good performances to look back on and when we reflect on it I’m sure it will be quite a positive reflection.

On the team changing a lot during the season with players moving up to U21 level…

Well, obviously our first line-up of the season had Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas in it. Quite often, which is always the way, the team that starts a season looks very different to the one that ends it. It’s something we expect and it’s also something that we really hope as well because it means that players are progressing and they are moving forwards.

On the challenge of facing Manchester United on Saturday…

We played them back in January and they were very good on the day and deserved to win. It’s going to be a tough game, they are hot in terms of form-wise and we go into it knowing it’s going to be difficult, but as always we will give it our best and hopefully come out with a positive performance and a positive result.

On the rivalry playing against United…

The boys are desperate to try to win the game. Historically it is the two biggest clubs in the country, the most amount of trophies, and the rivalry speaks for itself. It’s no different at the younger age groups. It’s still there. Both teams will be trying to win it and it’s one we are looking forward to. It’s a great game and one you want to be involved in, we are excited.

On the younger players in the squad getting their chance in the team…

It’s all about opportunity. When boys are fortunate to get opportunities with an older group, whether that’s with the first team, the U21s or with us at U18 level, it gives an opportunity to other lads and the group below so that’s part and parcel of the job. It’s exactly what we want to do and we want to allow boys to go into these games to develop and move forwards.

On results being up and down with constantly changing teams and young players getting their chance…

It’s never going to be as smooth as people might imagine it to be. It’s a tough situation blooding these younger players into the group but hopefully it’s one that will give us a headstart for next season, and it means when we start that then we are a little bit ahead of the schedule that people normally work towards.