Next Liverpool manager faces big call as Academy ace embarrasses Man United with Sadio Mané move

Jayden Danns invoked memories of Sadio Mané with an outrageous goal for Liverpool U21s during the 3-0 win over Manchester United on Friday night. It was a moment that could not fail to draw parallels to Jürgen Klopp's first team.

The Reds’ youngsters did what the senior side couldn’t a week ago as they eased to victory at Old Trafford. Trent Kone-Doherty put the visitors ahead during the first half, tapping in after Danns’ shot had been parried.

Kaide Gordon marked a brilliant performance with a superb goal from distance, taking on the ball after Stefan Bajčetić’s interception before driving towards the penalty area and firing sharply into the bottom corner. But it’s Danns who’s got so many fans talking again.

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The 18-year-old controlled the ball well from Lewis Koumas but, facing away from goal and with two defenders around him, didn’t seem to have a clear path to shoot. The teenager improvised brilliantly though, backheeling the ball beyond the stranded goalkeeper, and leaving his two defenders looking confused as to what had just happened.

The finish brought back memories of Mané’s brilliant finish against Watford back in 2019. Back then, the former Liverpool star seemed to have missed his opportunity as he turned away from goal with Ben Foster closing him down, only to cheekily backheel the ball past the goalkeeper.

Liverpool.com says: It’s a quite sensational finish from Danns, and definitely warrants a watch if you haven’t already. To have the awareness that something like that might work, and the confidence to try and pull it off, shows just why he’s so highly thought of at Anfield.

At just 18, there’s clearly plenty more to come from him, and we’ve already seen what he can do from his appearances with the first team this season. Liverpool’s next manager though will have a big decision to make on his development.

Loans have worked brilliantly for the likes of Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah in the past, and Danns has shown he looks ready for his opportunity at the senior level. A temporary move away to gain that experience could be perfect for the youngster, and he’s already shown that he certainly won’t wilt under the pressure.

For the time being, it’s another reminder to Jürgen Klopp of what he’s got at his disposal beyond his senior squad. Danns, and the likes of Gordon and Bajčetić, are ready and waiting should the opportunity arise before the end of the season.