MANCHESTER UNITED have named defender Max Taylor in their Europa League squad to face Astana just 12 months after he started chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
The 19-year-old only returned to training in September having been out of action since the start of the year after being diagnosed with the illness.
Max Taylor returned to action last month as he featured in the 4-1 win against Swansea for the U-23sCredit: Getty – Contributor
Taylor made an emotional return to the pitch last month for the Under-23s as he featured in the 4-1 win against Swansea.
Talking to Twitter after the game, he said: “What a feeling. Back on the pitch with the boys and a 4-1 win.”
And according to the BBC, he has been rewarded with a place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad to face Astana on Thursday afternoon.
The Red Devils face Astana in Kazakhstan having already qualified for the knockout stages.
Solskjaer is believed to have named a youthful side for the clash – leaving a number of senior players in Manchester.
Nicky Butt – head of United’s first team development – will travel with the squad, indicating the Red Devils will start a predominately young side.
Teenage defender Taylor only returned to training in September after being diagnosed with cancerCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maxtaylor00/
Taylor, 19, has played twice in Premier League 2 Division 2 this seasonCredit: https://www.instagram.com/maxtaylor00/
Coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna have stayed in England, with the duo to work with the senior players at Carrington ahead of Sunday’s match against Aston Villa.
United face playing in temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius on Thursday.
In a bid to protect the players from the chilly conditions, the roof at the Astana Arena will be closed.
Gary Neville slams Man United’s ‘joke’ front three as Solskjaer’s side ‘lack leaders to set standard’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
