Thompson targeting play-offs ahead of Premier League 2 run-in | OneFootball

The young Magpies face their Red Devils counterparts at The Progress with Unity Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off 7pm BST) and, currently six points adrift of 16th place Nottingham Forest, seek a win to keep their hopes of securing the final Premier League 2 play-off spot alive.

A victory against Man United's second-string, who are separated by league leaders Chelsea via goal difference, would guarantee a Professional Development League (PDL) play-off place before Monday night's visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers at Whitley Park.

Thompson admitted the squad, who have suffered one defeat in their last five competitive matches, are raring to go after a three-week lay-off and continue their bright form of late as they near the latter stages of the 2025/26 season.

The 21-year-old defender, capable of playing as a centre-back or full-back, told newcastleunited.com: "We've had a lot of time on the training pitch so we're really looking forward to it, especially with it being such a big game.

"We are still looking to secure a spot in the play-offs. It's really important because you don't want to take it down to the last game [against Wolves] and put pressure on yourself to try and pick up a result in that game.

"It's always hard, especially after January, when you've lost a couple of players to loans and playing at first-team level. The group we have is a really hard-working one and we all work for each other. That's what we've built our foundations on. Robbie [Stockdale] has took the full-time role now [U21s Lead Coach] and we all love playing for him.

"It's really encouraging we're scoring more goals and keeping clean sheets. We scored four goals against Aston Villa, with three of them in the first 15 minutes, and it's all positive signs. The attackers are playing with a lot more freedom now and when you score goals, you enjoy the game more."

Thompson, one of the squad's most senior members, has captained United's second-string in their last seven Premier League 2 matches, with the team recording 11 points in the process.

The Blyth-born youngster, who joined Newcastle's Academy at the age of 13, is relishing the role and is keen to offer support to his younger peers who aim to continue their passages through the youth ranks.

"It's always an honour to captain your boyhood club," Thompson added. "I like to have that responsibility as captain. As one of the senior players in the dressing room, I've been playing under-21s football for about four years now so I feel my experiences from that time can help the other lads in the team.

"I'm always there to help the younger lads. It doesn't matter how many games I've played - that's the type of person I am.

"I've played over 40 games in the Premier League 2 so I'm always looking to give advice to those coming through and help them as much as possible to benefit the team."

Please note Friday's Premier League 2 clash against Manchester United Under-21s is by e-ticket only and can be purchased here.

You will receive a ticket via e-mail that must either be printed to scan at the turnstiles or shown as an image on your mobile phone.

Please note that all tickets must be claimed online with no paper tickets available to purchase in-person.