Under-18s: United v Newcastle
Manchester United's Under-18s came out on top of a lively Premier League North encounter with Newcastle United, achieving a convincing 5-1 victory at Carrington.
The young Reds wasted no time, opening the scoring in the third minute of play. A close-range effort from Ethan Wheatley was saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Aidan Harris, who couldn’t reach the resulting rebound from Ruben Curley.
It took just 10 more minutes for United to double our lead, a foul in the box on Jayce Fitzgerald allowing Wheatley a chance to step up to the spot. He sent the ball into the back of the net with a 'Panenka', evading a diving Harris in goal.
Further first-half pressure from United resulted in a third goal in the 25th minute from Shea Lacey, before Newcastle United midfielder Travis Hernes pulled one back before the break.
U18s highlights: United v Newcastle
Watch the key moments from our young Reds' clash with the Magpies at Carrington...
Following the interval, Curley mirrored his quick first-half start. He picked up the ball on the edge of the box in the 49th minute and, after weaving through a packed opposition box, found a gap to curl home a left-footed strike.
The second half settled into a rhythm following that early goal, with Adam Lawrence's side working hard to maintain the advantage.
That was until the 85th minute, when Ashton Missin retrieved possession on the left-wing. Driving towards goal, our no.11 looked up and placed a pass across goal at the feet of Lacey, who was able to tap home the final goal of the game, his second of the contest.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Harrison; McAllister, Nolan, Jackson, Amass (Kukonki 75); Devaney, Curley; Lacey, Fitzgerald (Baumann 70), Missin; Wheatley (Musa 62).
Substitutes not used: Myles, Munro.
Goals: Curley 3, 50, Wheatley 13 (pen), Lacey 26, 85 | Hernes 28.