Shola Shoretire was a standout performer as Manchester United Under-23s thumped Blackburn to send a timely message to new interim manager Ralf Rangnick this afternoon.
Kicking off ahead of the senior team taking on Crystal Palace, the U23s put on a stylish display as they swept aside their latest Premier League 2 opponents.
Shoretire has trained regularly with the first team and made his United debut last season.
And his was one of a number of performances that Rangnick, who has replaced sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Old Trafford helm until the end of this season, will take notice of.
The innovative German had his hands full this afternoon with his debut in the dugout, though an eye-catching 4-0 victory for the next generation will be welcome news.
Starting as one of three central midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation, 17-year-old Shoretire made it 2-0 to United shortly after the half-hour mark - with Alejandro Garnacho striking before that inside six minutes.
Having started so dominantly, the Academy side had to wait until the closing stages to put the game to bed.
Which youngster will break through next? Have your say in the comments section below.
As it played out, Garnacho scored his second and United's third after linking up with Shoretire as the young guns went on to put the proverbial icing on the cake at Leigh Sports Village when Charlie McNeill got his name on the scoresheet in added time.
His goal and Garnacho's first were both assisted by defensive midfielder Charlie Savage.
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