Manchester United's youngsters put in impressive performances for their loan sides this weekend.
The Reds' first team beat West Ham 1-0 at Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag's side extended their unbeaten run to eight games across all competitions thanks to Marcus Rashford's 100th goal for the club. After celebrating for 24 hours, the Dutchman will turn his attention to United's Thursday night clash against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
The match could offer another chance for those on the fringes of Ten Hag's starting XI to impress. The group of loanees spending the season away from Old Trafford are trying to do exactly that with their performances for their temporary sides, as a handful of eye-catching displays were shown yet again this weekend.
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Alvaro Fernandez, Amad and Ethan Laird were among those in action.
Alvaro Fernandez
The Spanish full-back put in a fine performance for Preston North End as they beat Middlesbrough 2-1 in the Championship, with Michael Carrick's first game in charge ending in defeat.
The 19-year-old was unlucky not to get an assist during the first half, after his pass to fellow teammate Ben Woodburn saw the midfielder's shot blocked on the line. It seemed as if the points were going to be shared as the full-time whistle drew nearer, but a 91st-minute goal from Jordan Storey saw the hosts claim all three points.
Ethan Laird and Hannibal Mejbri
Laird and Hannibal went head-to-head as QPR took on Birmingham City at St Andrew's in the Championship, with the Blues winning 2-0 against the West London side.
There was no love lost between the two United loanees, as Hannibal was lucky to avoid seeing a red card for a full-blooded tackle on Laird in the second half. Birmingham manager John Eustace quickly substituted the midfielder seconds later as he prevented the teenager from being shown his second yellow card of the match.
High-flying QPR were awarded a penalty later in the game, after Laird was caught with a raised boot when diving for a header, but John Ruddy did well to keep out Lyndon Dykes' effort to keep his clean sheet intact.
Amad
The young attacker was rewarded for his goalscoring contribution against Burnley last week with his second consecutive league start. Although Amad failed to get on the scoresheet this time round, he did see his first-half attempt well-saved by Ethan Horvath in goal for Luton as he got down low to somehow keep the ball out.
The Black Cats battled down from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 thanks to a 78th-minute equaliser from Elliot Embleton.
Dean Henderson
It was an afternoon to forget for the goalkeeper on loan at Nottingham Forest, as Arsenal scored five goals past the newly-promoted side at the Emirates Stadium. There was little that the 25-year-old could do to prevent any of the goals, as he was let down by the defenders ahead of him.
Charlie Wellens
Wellens did not make Oldham Athletic's squad for their 2-1 defeat to Halifax Town in the National League.
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