U21s match summary: United v Man City
Despite Ethan Wheatley's second-half strike, Manchester United were beaten 3-1 by City in Saturday lunchtime's Under-21s derby at Carrington.
The young Reds made the brighter start and were the first team that looked to trouble the scoreline, although Sam Mather’s curling effort from the left, following a well-worked free-kick, whistled just wide of the far post.
United stayed on top, although were kept honest by City midfielder Nico O’Reilly charging down goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk’s attempted clearance, with the ball narrowly evading the target.
Blues defender Jahmai Simpson Pusey deflected a cross onto his own woodwork, while Jack Fletcher went close to nudging us ahead with a low strike that was off target, but it was the visitors who took the lead into half-time, after Farid Alfa-Ruprecht pounced on a misplaced defensive header, rounded Graczyk and finished into an empty net.
United stayed on top, although were kept honest by City midfielder Nico O’Reilly charging down goalkeeper Hubert Graczyk’s attempted clearance, with the ball narrowly evading the target.
Blues defender Jahmai Simpson Pusey deflected a cross onto his own woodwork, while Jack Fletcher went close to nudging us ahead with a low strike that was off target, but it was the visitors who took the lead into half-time, after Farid Alfa-Ruprecht pounced on a misplaced defensive header, rounded Graczyk and finished into an empty net.
Level terms were restored, however, just over 10 minutes into the second half through Wheatley’s effort. United won the ball back high up the pitch and Ethan kept his composure to find the bottom corner with a low attempt.
Soon after, Ethan Ennis was denied at close range from a corner before Fletcher flashed another shot across goal, and wide of the posts.
With the contest still evenly poised, City restored their advantage with just over 20 minutes left to play. Jaden Heskey, son of former England striker Emile, successfully converted Alfa-Ruprecht’s ball in from the right to make it 2-1.
Despite the young Reds’ efforts in the closing stages, it was the visitors who got the game’s fourth and final goal to make sure of the points. A neat touch and turn, followed by a chipped finish into the back of the net from Will Dickson extended the Blues’ unassailable lead and condemned Travis Binnion’s team – who had won two of our opening three PL2 games – to defeat on the afternoon.
Soon after, Ethan Ennis was denied at close range from a corner before Fletcher flashed another shot across goal, and wide of the posts.
With the contest still evenly poised, City restored their advantage with just over 20 minutes left to play. Jaden Heskey, son of former England striker Emile, successfully converted Alfa-Ruprecht’s ball in from the right to make it 2-1.
Despite the young Reds’ efforts in the closing stages, it was the visitors who got the game’s fourth and final goal to make sure of the points. A neat touch and turn, followed by a chipped finish into the back of the net from Will Dickson extended the Blues’ unassailable lead and condemned Travis Binnion’s team – who had won two of our opening three PL2 games – to defeat on the afternoon.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Graczyk; Ogunneye (Missin 87), Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; Devaney (Curley 64), Collyer (c); Ennis (Sharpe 64), J. Fletcher (Rowe 64), Mather; Wheatley.
Unused sub: Murdock.
Goal: Wheatley 56.
United: Graczyk; Ogunneye (Missin 87), Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; Devaney (Curley 64), Collyer (c); Ennis (Sharpe 64), J. Fletcher (Rowe 64), Mather; Wheatley.
Unused sub: Murdock.
Goal: Wheatley 56.
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