A Game for Joe Thompson Man Utd U21s v Rochdale 2 August 2025

Man United U21s draw with Rochdale in friendly honouring former academy player

Manchester United U21s played out a 1-1 draw with National League side Rochdale in a pre-season game at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday.The game was played to honour the memory of former United academy graduate and Rochdale legend Joe Thompson, who died in April.United began the game strongly, dominating possession, but neither side could create goalscoring opportunities.The hosts eventually created the game’s first clear-cut chance as Emmanuel …

A Game for Joe Thompson Man Utd U21s v Rochdale 2 August 2025

The story of the Under-21s’ friendly at the Crown Oil Arena, dedicated to our late Academy graduate.

Dale End Pre-Season With A Draw - Rochdale AFC

After a goalless first half, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling cancelled out a United opener, with Levi Amantchi crashing one off the woodwork with almost the last action of the game. Before kick-off, there was an emotional tribute to Joe Thompson, as everyone inside the Crown Oil Arena joined in with a minute’s applause for the Dale legend and United Academy alumni. Both sides were keen to keep possession early on, with the first real chance of the game fal…