Tynan Thompson started as Man Utd drew 1-1 with Roma in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday afternoon.

Tynan Thompson hardly celebrated when he scored his first goal for Manchester United against Roma Under-19s.

Thompson was nonchalant as his teammates mobbed him following a brilliant finish, but the goal would have meant a great deal to him at a time when he is trying to settle into life in Manchester.

United signed the winger for £4million, plus a potential £4m in add-ons, from Tottenham in the summer transfer window. Thompson had just suffered a family bereavement, meaning a period of adaptation was bound to be needed, but he has gradually found his feet at the club.

Thompson had three assists under his belt before starting against Roma in the Youth League on Tuesday, but no goal, although you wouldn't have known he was yet to notch one judging by how he found the net.

He timed his run into the box intelligently and struck with a first-time half-volley, giving the Roma goalkeeper no chance, and his strike was well deserved, as he'd been impressive out of possession throughout the game.

Thompson demonstrated the kind of off-the-ball nous that will stand him in good stead as he tries to break into the first-team. He has trained with the senior side on a few occasions since arriving from Spurs, but he has predominantly trained with the Under-21s at Carrington.

United coaches are aware of Thompson's personal circumstances and have done their best to help him settle. It is challenging for any young player to leave home, never mind when they have suffered a bereavement.

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There were pleasing signs from Thompson at Leigh Sports Village. He still needs to have more impact in the final third, which will come with time, but his work rate and positioning were positives.

Thompson contributed 13 goals and six assists in 26 appearances for Tottenham last season, proof that he is capable of cutting edge, and he is now working to improve his output at United to break into the first team.

The £4m add-ons that United agreed to sign Thompson will only be triggered when he reaches specific milestones with the senior side, but there is hope that he can make his professional bow in the near future.

United have Marcus Rashford and Matheus Cunha on the left wing. However, Rashford has struggled with injuries since the start of the season and Cunha's stock has been knocked.

It's too early to put Thompson in the first-team picture now, as he still has areas to improve, but he will believe that he could be considered for a debut by the end of the campaign if he progresses.

He will continue to play for the U21s and get valuable experience against European opposition in the U19 Youth League, a competition in which United still had hope of reaching the knockouts until they conceded in the second half.

The 1-1 draw casts doubt over whether United will be able to progress from the Youth League group stage. The Reds will play Sporting Lisbon away and RB Leipzig at home and must win both to give themselves a chance.

They will need Thompson in top form in those matches. He's the type of talent that can make the difference if he's at his best.