Cracking EFL Trophy opener for young Reds

Tuesday 20 August 2024 21:26

Manchester United's Under-21s produced an extraordinary second-half goal blitz to win 3-2 at Barnsley in the opening fixture of Group F in the EFL Trophy.

Three goals inside six minutes, sparked by Ethan Ennis and inspired by Jack Fletcher's double, turned the tie completely on its head.

The Tykes led through a first-half double from Vigal Yoganathan and looked set for the three points until Travis Binnion's side, spurred on by the typically noisy away supporters, hit top gear at Oakwell.

EFL Trophy highlights: Barnsley 2 United 3 Video

EFL Trophy highlights: Barnsley 2 United 3

Highlights | See how the young Reds came from behind to beat Barnsley in the EFL Trophy...

Yoganathan scored with 11 minutes on the clock, from Kryan Lofthouse's pass, and the pair combined again for the Welshman to beat Tom Heaton for a second time as half-time approached.

Ethan Wheatley and Ennis had decent attempts for the Reds but Heaton had to make one top save to thwart Josh Benson.

As the clock ticked down, Ennis gave United hope with a clinical first-time finish. It was soon 2-2 as Jack Fletcher hooked an astounding long-range shot that looped into the net to prompt celebrations in front of the away end. The midfielder was not finished there, though, as he smashed home following a throw-in to make it 3-2.

Corey O'Keeffe was sent off for an off-the-ball incident in injury time as United started with a fine win, that will be long remembered by the youngsters involved,

MATCH DETAILS

United starting XI: Heaton; Ogunneye, Jackson, Fredricson, Amass; Collyer (c), Devaney; Curley, Mather, Ennis; Wheatley.

Substitutes: Harrison, Aljofree, Nolan, J.Fletcher, Biancheri, Sharpe, Williams.

Goals: Yoganathan 11,37 | Ennis 81, J. Fletcher 84,87

Sent off: O'Keeffe 92.

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