MANCHESTER UNITED youngster Arnau Puigmal starred with a superb free-kick in a draw with Arsenal’s Under-23s side.
Saturday’s match-up of the Premier League reserves finished 3-3 with Spanish midfielder Puigmal grabbing a brace.
Click right on the Instagram image below to watch…
One of the moments of the match at Boreham Wood’s Meadow Park came when Puigmal lined up a free-kick from 20 yards out.
The 19-year-old sweetly hit the ball to the near-post, curling inwards to beat the diving goalkeeper.
And he was naturally pleased with his first United goal of the campaign, uploading the clip to his Instagram alongside a picture of his celebration.
Puigmal scored in the third minute and again after the break, mopping up the rebound after missing a penalty.
A 3-1 lead was established when Joe Hugill, a summer signing from Sunderland, netted.
But Arsenal, who had Reiss Nelson and William Saliba among their U23s, worked their way back into the game thanks to goals from the winger and Folarin Balogun.
Puigmal was tipped for a loan spell away from Old Trafford for the new campaign but stayed in Manchester to continue his progression.
Barcelona rivalled United for the right-sided midfielder when he signed from Espanyol in 2017.
Arnau Puigmal netted his second immediately after missing a penaltyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The midfield has previously turned out for Spain’s youth teamsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Much of his game time has been with the U18s with this season earmarked for a regular spot in the reserve side.
Under-23s coach Neil Wood praised the direct-minded Puigmal earlier in the year as the club look to continue their production line of young talent.
He said in August: “He likes to run forward and attack and scored some goals for himself.
“With the vision, creativity and range of passes, plus the accuracy, that those lads can play, it was a vital component of the team.”
Man Utd wonderkid Joe Hugill scores winning penalty in shootout win for Under-21s vs Rochdale in EFL Trophy
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
