Matty Willock's Story So Far

There was a new face on the Manchester United bench on Saturday as Matty Willock joined the senior matchday squad for the first time. But how much do you know about the talented teenager?

WILLOCK'S BIG WEEKEND

Matty Willock, aged 18, is a central midfielder and Jose Mourinho selected him as a substitute for the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion because Paul Pogba (injured) and Ander Herrera (suspended) were both unavailable. The youngster was given an official squad number for the first time, too, taking the vacant no.42 that has been worn by previous Academy graduates including Kieran Richardson, Giuseppe Rossi, Tyler Blackett and, in season 2011/12, Pogba.
Although he did not make his senior debut in the end and instead watched as the Reds were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, Willock admitted via social media he was still pleased on a personal level. "Great experience for me today," he tweeted. "Unfortunate not to get the result but we go again. #GGMU."

WHAT'S HIS STORY SO FAR?

Matty was signed by United in the summer of 2012 but was not deemed to be physically ready for action in the Under-18 team in his first year. He soon shot up in height, though, and was able to cover the ground in effortless fashion, which led to him eventually holding down a role in central midfield at youth level.

A natural promotion to the Reserves followed and 2015/16 was arguably his best season with the club, as he showed off his skill and stamina in the middle of the park to become a regular under the management of Warren Joyce. That side, of course, won the Under-21 Premier League title at a canter.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR…

Matty is not the only promising footballer in the Willock family. In fact, he has two younger brothers, Chris and Joe, who are climbing the Academy ranks at Arsenal.

Chris has impressively been included in two senior squads for Emirates FA Cup matches this season and recently earned praise from Arsene Wenger, who said: "Chris is a very gifted player with natural strength and natural talent. He has what you do not find very easily."

Joe is the youngest of the three siblings and he can play in most of the forward positions. In a recent feature on the official Arsenal website, he describes his style as similar to United star Pogba.

THE SCOURGE OF CITY AND LIVERPOOL

Matty has caught the eye at reserve-team level this season with a couple of standout goals away from home against United's biggest rivals: a solo strike at the expense of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and then a last-gasp header to beat Liverpool at Anfield. Add to that his inclusion in Saturday's first-team squad and he is clearly enjoying a fruitful 2016/17.