U21s: Crystal Palace v United

Despite dominating for large spells, the Reds could not find a vital breakthrough, with Kobbie Mainoo's effort in the second half coming back off a post.

Zidane Iqbal and Noam Emeran both had late shouts for penalties turned away by referee Steven Parkinson, as United ramped up the pressure in the final stages.

The hosts did present some threat throughout the 90 minutes, with Ademola Ola-Adebomi's right-footed strike also hitting the frame of the goal.

Ola-Adebomi picked up the ball over on the right flank before driving at our backline early on, eventually being thwarted by Bjorn Hardley.

Brandon Williams and Noam Emeran cleverly combined down the left as our young Reds tried to gather some momentum with 25 minutes played but the hosts dealt with the situation.

Mateo Meija had a penalty claim rejected soon after, with Palace defender Omotayo Adaramola appearing to have hold of the forward's shirt. Referee Parkinson dismissed the appeal

Tom Huddlestone's free-kick was well saved by Owen Goodman, but the Palace keeper then endured a nervous moment.

Omari Forson picked up a stray pass from Goodman inside the final 10 minutes of the half, as we threatened to take the lead. Forson then rushed his effort with Iqbal peeling away alongside him, dragging his shot wide of the mark.

Charlie Wellens's free-kick at the beginning of the second period was just a little too high, as the Reds began to build up a head of steam.

However, Ola-Adebomi again looked a threat, as he created a neat opening for himself shortly after, with his right-footed effort coming back off the post. Mainoo was also thwarted by the woodwork as the game remained goalless.

Mainoo, who came off the bench for his Premier League debut against Leicester City at the weekend, seemed determined to break the deadlock. The teenager drove past three Palace players before letting loose with a low drive with 20 minutes remaining. It beat Goodman but the strike flashed narrowly wide.

Jack Wells-Morrison was then gifted a huge opportunity for the Eagles to take the lead, with Wellens back in time to block what looked certain to be the game's opener.

A superb corner from Emeran was, once again, met by the ever-threatening Mainoo with just minutes remaining, but his header flew over for the young Reds.

Therefore, at the end, it was a hard-fought point for United, with our Under-21s returning to action against Wolves on Friday evening in Premier League 2 (19:00 GMT).

MATCH DETAILS

United: Vitek; Williams (c), Hardley (Aljofree, 46), Huddlestone, Wellens; Iqbal, Mainoo; Meija, Forson (Hansen-Aaroen, 46), Emeran; Hugill.

Subs not used: Mee, Jurado, Murray.

Booked: Hardley, Wellens, Iqbal.