Morecambe players are challenged to impress against Manchester United's U21s

The Shrimps play their final group stage game tomorrow when Manchester United’s U21s visit the Mazuma Stadium (6.30pm).

Morecambe go into the game having lost their earlier matches to Rochdale and Salford City, but face a United team which will top the group if they avoid defeat at the end of 90 minutes.

The match is a chance for players including Cole Stockton, Ben Pringle and Harry Davis to impress after they were on the bench for last Saturday’s draw with Stevenage.

“We will make changes,” Adams said ahead of tomorrow’s match.

“They (Saturday’s substitutes) are all playing on Wednesday, it gives them an opportunity to get some game time.”

It’s the second time in a matter of months that the two clubs have met after the Shrimps’ pre-season game against the Red Devils’ U23s.

That match, as well as United’s Trophy results so far, means Adams is well aware of their capabilities.

“They beat Salford 6-0 and they have some talented players,” Adams said.

“We played against them in pre-season and the talent they have got is very good.

“We can’t go through but there is money at stake, points at stake, and players who haven’t been in the team have a chance to force themselves in.”

One player also set to feature is Freddie Price, who excelled when coming off the bench against Stevenage.

The 17-year-old sent two efforts off target, set up Jordan Slew’s equaliser and had the confidence to take a late free-kick ahead of his more experienced team-mates – only to send it way off target.

“I don’t think it was his best choice!” Adams said.

“I think he should have maybe left it to (Aaron) Wildig. I might not have said that if he had put it in the top corner but it’s shown the confidence he’s got in his own ability to take that free-kick at such a late stage in the game.

“Freddie can play anywhere across the frontline, he can play off the left, off the right, or off the front.

“He’s done well in training, it’s now about taking that next step but he came on and gave us a bit of life, put a few good crosses in, had shots at goal and makes a goal for Jordan.”

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