The Manly United men’s first grade side has built on its stellar 2022 season by retaining most of its squad while welcoming back key Manly juniors Harry McCarthy and Levi Kaye from A-League clubs.
McCarthy and Kaye are joined by former Central Coast midfielder Bilal Belkadi as additions to the squad, ahead of the opening match of the season against Blacktown at Lilly Homes Stadium on Sunday.
Manly United also ensured stability by securing 15 members of the squad that finished runners up and beaten grand finalists in 2022, including stars Seiya Kambayashi, Bruno Mendes and captain Jimmy Oates.
Tellingly, all 11 players who started in the 2022 NPL Grand Final against Blacktown have remained with Manly United for 2023.
The Manly United first grade squad of 18 players includes nine players who have come through MWFA clubs and a further four who have been with Manly United since their junior days.
The Manly United first squad is:
Goalkeepers
Levi Kaye (Pittwater)
Jack Greenwood (Manly United since 2022)
Defenders
Lucas Rainbird (Wakehurst)
Jimmy Oates (CC Strikers)
Alan Aganovic (Manly United since 2022)
Jesse Piriz (Manly United junior since 2015)
Kieren Paull (Manly United since 2015)
Nick Rainbird (Wakehurst)
Midfielders
Finn Ashton (Manly Vale)
Dom Ferguson (Manly United junior since 2011)
Bilal Belkadi (Manly United since 2023)
Kristian Santich (Manly United since 2022)
Attackers
Tom Fay (Wakehurst)
Seiya Kambayashi (Manly United since 2021)
Ben Koop (Forest Killarney)
Harry McCarthy (Wakehurst)
Bruno Mendes (Mosman)
Matt Sim (Manly United junior)
Manly United also has an exciting group of U20 players, some of whom have played a part in the first grade squad throughout pre season, including Saxon Hillyer (Seaforth), Marcus Lal (Manly United junior), Max Martinello (Brookvale), Jack Mason (CC Strikers), Lachlan Mills (Manly United junior), Hunter Elliott and Stefan Visscher.
Manly United’s opening home match of the season is on Saturday 11 February against Sydney Olympic with the game kicking off at 7pm.
