Aidan Barlow struck a hat-trick as Manchester United Under-18 defeated Newcastle United on the weekend.

Barlow scored a second-half hat-trick as United Under-18s preserved their 14-match undefeated league sequence and ensured a top-four finish with another fine home victory.

Barlow's triple plus an early strike from Zachary Dearnley gave Kieran McKenna's young Reds a comfortable win and guaranteed them a place in the top group when the competition enters its second stage next month.

United coach Kieran McKenna has said of Barlow: "Aidy's a local lad who has been here a long time. He's another who has had to be patient as he's found himself behind some really fantastic attacking players who are a little bit older than him. He's been patient, worked hard and applied himself when he's played for the Under-17s or Under-16s.

"When he has come on or started for the Under-18s, he has taken his opportunities and performed well. He is one who will have a big part to play over the next 18 months."