U18s: United v Leeds

Finishes from Gabriele Biancheri, Bendito Mantato, Zach Baumann and Ethan Williams proved the difference for Adam Lawrence's team, who were on top throughout.

A much-changed United made a purposeful start, putting pressure on the Leeds defence from the outset.

Biancheri opened the scoring in the 13th minute, forcing Leeds defender Josh Hamilton into an error before slotting into the bottom corner.

The lead was doubled just three minutes later when Harry Amass, released by goalkeeper Thomas Myles's forward pass, advanced down the left and crossed for Bendito Mantato to finish at the back post.

Mantato turned provider just after the half-hour mark when he broke down the right and poked the ball into the path of Zach Baumann, who rifled his shot into the net to make it 3-0. 

Leeds keeper Owen Grainger made impressive saves to deny both Biancheri and Mantato from close range, before Ethan Williams steered a low shot into the corner with the last kick of the first half.

The second half was quieter in terms of action as United patiently kept possession and defending well to keep Leeds at bay. 

Baumann’s low effort from the edge of the box was parried away by Grainger, who also kept out a United trialist from a tight angle as the Reds threatened a fifth goal.

The match ended 4-0, with the victory over Leeds proving to be another worthwhile exercise for the young Reds, ahead of upcoming matches against Liverpool and Arsenal.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Myles, Kamason, Kingdon (c), Munro, Amass, Devaney (McAllister 62), Mantato (Ibragimov 62), Fitzgerald (Trialist 62), Biancheri, Baumann, Williams.

Substitutes not used: Mills, Byrne-Hughes.

Goals: Biancheri 13, Mantato 16, Baumann 31, Williams 45+2.

Booked: Kamason, Baumann, Fitzgerald, Munro.