U21s: United v Norwich
Manchester United's Under-21s beat Norwich 4-2 in Premier League Two at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Four goals from Sam Mather were enough to confirm the victory for the young Reds, with the Canaries scoring a goal in either half, via Ken Aboh and Adian Manning.
While the win confirmed three league points for our players, the experience of playing at the Theatre of Dreams, and the impact it will have on their future development, cannot be understated.
United started the game well, with Toby Collyer having a low shot saved by Norwich goalkeeper Dan Barden, after a move involving Ethan Wheatley, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Mather.
Mather gave the Reds the lead after 11 minutes, turning home at the far post from James Scanlon's right-sided cross.
The young Reds' no.11 then doubled the lead with 20 on the clock, winning a free-kick on the edge of the box before stepping up and sending it into the top corner.
Mather completed his hat-trick to make it 3-0 to United after 26 minutes, arriving in the box to turn home the rebound, after Scanlon's left-footed strike was parried by Barden.
Norwich got a sight of goal through Aboh, but Louis Jackson was quickly across to deflect the Canaries striker's shot at the near post, following a cross from the left.
On the stroke of half-time, Aboh reduced the deficit to two goals by drilling a low effort past United keeper Dermot Mee.
U21s highlights: United v Norwich
Watch all the key moments from our Under-21s' Premier League 2 clash with Norwich at Old Trafford...
The beginning of the second half was cagey, with Norwich winger Gabriel Forsyth firing an effort over the bar.
But with 59 minutes on the clock. Mather curled an effort into the top corner to get his and United's fourth goal of game.
A six-goal thriller
GalleryView images from our Under-21s 4-2 triumph over Norwich at the Theatre of Dreams.
Norwich reduced the deficit to two goals once more, after 77 minutes, when Manning finished inside the box following a mix-up in the United box.
Our Under-21s saw out the rest of the match professionally, sealing victory in a game that provided further valuable experience at Old Trafford.
MATCH DETAILS
United XI: Mee, Nolan, Jackson, Aljofree, Murray, Huddlestone, Collyer, Hansen-Aaroen (McAllister 89), Scanlon (Missin 60), Wheatley (Ibragimov 81), Mather.
Subs not used: Myles, Mantato.
Goals: Mather 11, 20, 26, 59.