Leeds United's U23 side have not had a great deal to cheer this season compared to last. The young Whites lifted the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in 2020/21, but have struggled due to a multitude of external factors since becoming a top flight PL2 side.
Key players have been absent for several fixtures, or their minutes restricted due to involvement with the first-team squad which has been depleted by injury throughout this season. Consequently, results have suffered and the Whites are still battling against an immediate return to PL2 Div 2.
One of this season's more positive stories has been the emergence of young midfielder Archie Gray. The teenager only turned 16 years old last week, but has featured for the U23 side since the beginning of 2021/22. As the great-nephew of Leeds United club legend Eddie Gray and son of former Elland Road striker Andy Gray, Archie's connection to the club is deep-rooted.
Unburdened by expectation, the 16-year-old has been allowed to play his own game, establishing a reputation as a box-to-box player, with a tendency to turn sharply out of trouble with relative ease despite his tall, slender frame. Gray scored his first goal for the U23 side on Tuesday evening as the youngster capped a fine team performance with a strike from 35 yards.
Manchester United goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny was left stranded, with his goal vacant, after skewing a clearance straight into Gray's path. The teenager was urged to shoot by the 10,000 spectators in attendance and duly obliged, floating an attempt into the top left-hand corner of the net, before celebrating with those in the Jack Charlton Stand.
Speaking after the game with LUTV, Gray said: "I feel like we've adapted to the new system well as a team so can't ask for anything better from Man U, as well."
"Top, energetic, happy, the best I've felt it," Gray added, describing the mood in the dressing room. "I've only been in with the 23s for six months but that's the best I've felt it by far. Obviously to get my first goal as well, I can't ask for a better night [against] Man United, three-nil."
The U23s' next outing is against Chelsea's development squad at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, March 20. Gray is expected to be named in the travelling squad once again, building on the promising display at Elland Road on Tuesday evening.
