Manchester United’s Under-18s fell to a first defeat of the 2025/26 season, following a second-half fightback by Manchester City at Carrington.
Gabriel’s well-taken strike and an immaculate Jim Thwaites free-kick had Darren Fletcher’s side in a comfortable position at the break.
But City halved the deficit at the beginning of the second period through Tyrone Samba, before quickfire efforts from Floyd Samba and Harrison Miles put the visitors into the lead.
The Reds’ misery was compounded late on, when goalkeeper Fred Heath was sent off for a challenge on Teddie Lamb outside the box, with Floyd Samba converting the resulting set-piece past Heath's replacement Zac Watson.
FIRST HALF
United began the game with a 100 per cent winning record this term and started the stronger of the sides, as Samuel Lusale fired over following good work by captain Amir Ibragimov.
The home side soon had the lead, Gabriel producing a lovely curling finish after United had pressed the City backline and stolen possession.
Godwill Kukoni had to be substituted for Jayden Ngwashi on the half-hour mark, after picking up an injury, but that didn’t stop the Reds momentum.
Thwaites stepped up from 25 yards after a foul on James Bailey and his precise strike beat keeper Max Hudson and found the top corner.
As the interval approached, City looked to find a way back into the game, as Christian Dunbar-McDonald saw his claims for a penalty waved away and Tyrone Samba shot over, but United ended the half with a two-goal advantage.
SECOND HALF
The elder Samba brother reduced the arrears when his cross dropped into the bottom corner.
It was the first goal our young Reds have conceded all term and that seemingly galvanised Oliver Reiss’s side.
Floyd Samba fired home on 66 minutes and, soon after, Miles twisted on the edge of the box and converted his strike to give the Blues the lead for the first time.
It had been a tough, physical half for United and it was soon to get worse when Heath was given his marching orders.
Watson was introduced from the bench but could do little to stop Floyd Samba’s powerful effort, as City move to the top of the table on goal difference.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Our Under-18s travel to Middlesbrough next Saturday (4 October) for a U18 Premier League Cup clash (kick-off 12:00 BST).
MATCH DETAILS
United: Heath, Helafu, Mills, Kukonki (Ngwashi 29), McCormack, Thwaites, Ibragimov (c), Nkoto (Watson 83), Bailey (Shah 76), Lusale, Gabriel (Brown 76).
Sub not used: McEvoy.
Goals: Gabriel 15, Thwaites 32 | T Samba 48, F Samba 67, 84, Miles 69.
Booked: Bailey, Ibragimov.
Sent off: Heath.