U18s: Derby County v Manchester United

Saturday 04 February 2023 14:20

A late goal from Victor Musa was enough for Manchester United Under-18s to draw 1-1 with Derby County at Moor Farm on Saturday.

The Rams took the lead midway through the first half, courtesy of Dajaune Brown. But twelve minutes from time, Musa tapped home a cross from Williams to give United the point.

Before kick-off, the teams held a minute's silence, ahead of Monday's 65th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.

Sam Murray's ball to Williams instigated the attack which led to Musa's late equaliser.

Both teams started the game with a high tempo but United dictated possession and launched the first significant attack of the game. Murray’s forward run resulted in a corner and when Williams’s cross was headed back across goal, Scanlon's connection with the ball was not enough to test the Derby goalkeeper Shattell.

The hosts made some good opportunities, including the moment when Sebagabo cut in from the left of the box and fired a shot towards the far corner of the goal. However, Harrison was there to make a great save and snatch the ball before Richards could pounce.

Just a minute later, the Rams took the lead when their no. 9, Brown, skipped away from the United defence before beating Harrison.

Harrison was forced to come off just after the half-hour mark, after colliding with Brown. Under-16s goalkeeper Murdock took his place and was forced to make a good save to deny Maloney just before the end of the half.

The Reds started the second half as per the first 45, by dominating the possession. But the Rams were the first team to have a shot on goal, Maloney being denied by Murdock at the near post.

The players held a minute's silence before kick-off, ahead of Monday's anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.

The young Reds had a corner moments later, from which Williams found Jackson who headed wide. Munro replaced Scanlon just before the set piece.

United would not give up and when Williams's low delivery forced a save from Shattell, the rebound fell to Fitzgerald whose shot from distance sailed over the bar.

Musa netted United's leveller in the 78th minute.

United found the equaliser with just 12 minutes of play remaining. Murray's pass down the left flank found Williams and when he rolled the ball towards Musa, the latter tucked home from close range to level the score.

And just before the end of the game, the Reds went close to taking the lead, when an attack on the left wing resulted in the ball falling to Berry on the edge of the area. His low shot forced a save out of Shattell.

Munro came on for Scanlon in the 62nd minute.

MATCH DETAILS

United:
Harrison (Murdock, 31) Nolan, Kingdon, Jackson, Murray (c), Berry, Fitzgerald, Lacey, Scanlon (Munro, 61), Williams, Musa.

Unused substitutes: Goale, Kaba.

Goal: Musa, 77.

 

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