U18s: United v Newcastle
A brace for Victor Musa and a further strike from James Nolan ensured a 3-0 victory for Manchester United's Under-18s against Newcastle United at Carrington on Saturday.
Dominating the play during the most of the first half, the young Reds couldn't quite find the vital breakthrough and had to wait until the second period to find the opener.
Nolan was on hand to smash home the first goal just two minutes after the interval, before Musa doubled our advantage moments later.
The scoring was complete in additional time, as the latter scored his second to secure three points in the U18 Premier League for Travis Binnion's side.
Adam Berry then picked up on a loose pass from the Magpies backline, looking to catch out the visitors with 18 minutes played. His first-time shot was palmed away by Aidan Harris.
Continuing to make positive inroads down the right flank, Jaydan Kamason advanced well as the Reds continued to search for an opener. The resulting corner found the feet of Musa, whose miscued effort was comfortably gathered by Harris.
Graeme Carrick's side threatened to take the lead soon after, as Johnny Emerson found time and space to cut onto his left foot. His strike at goal flashed just wide, as the game began to open up before the break.
Ethan Williams drove at the heart of the visitors defence with half-time fast approaching, finding Musa in space inside the area. The 16-year-old took one touch before dragging his right-footed shot agonisingly close to the opener, but wide.
Musa was presented with the first-half's best chance on 41 minutes, when Jayce Fitzgerald picked him out well with a sweeping ball from midfield. The United no.9 was denied well by the ever-busy Harris, with the first-half action drawing to a close shortly after.
Two minutes later, our lead was doubled, with Musa rewarded for his persistent work. The forward took one touch on the edge of the penalty area before slamming the ball into the net for 2-0.
Anthony Munda picked out John Donaldson as Newcastle looked to quickly respond soon after. Elyh Harrison denied the forward from reducing the deficit with a smart save.
Emerson broke forward as again Newcastle looked to get back into the game, before the forward was thwarted by some strong Reds defending.
But with just moments to go at Carrington, our Under 18s made it three, with Musa notching his second of the game, latching onto a loose pass and finishing to make sure of the points.
United: Harrison; Kingdon, Jackson, Munro (Oriola, 90), Kamason (Kaba, 85); Fitzgerald, Nolan; Williams, Berry, Scanlon; Musa.
Unused substitutes: Hanbury, Armer, Giggs.
Goals: Nolan 47, Musa 49, 90.