U18s summary: Stoke v United

Saturday 30 November 2024 13:00

Manchester United's Under-18s continued our unbeaten run in the U18 Premier League with a 3-0 win against Stoke City.

Chido Obi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, after he was brought down by City defender Raphael-Pijus Otegbayo.

James Scanlon soon added a second for our young Reds as he notched his 10th goal of the season, smashing an effort into the roof of the net.

The scoring was then completed in the dying embers when Dante Plunkett converted from close range as United recorded another domestic victory.

Tyler Fletcher drives forward during the first half.
FIRST HALF

Saturday's action began at a relatively slow pace with the Potters persistent on keeping United at bay in a low block.

Obi wiggled his way into the area before crossing for Samuel Lusale after 24 minutes played, who couldn't connect by the finest of margins.

The Reds upped the ante soon after as Jim Thwaites's free-kick was almost turned home by Reece Munro.

Thwaites was again involved as he this time crossed for Scanlon. The Gibraltar international inadvertently turned the ball the way of Obi, who narrowly missed the target. 

SECOND HALF

It was Stoke who had the best opportunity of the second period with just a few moments gone. Ryan Liu's touch and volley cannoned off the woodwork, serving as a reminder of the hosts' threat.

Thwaites then had two free-kicks in quick succession, with his second clawed away from the top corner by Michael Zeitzen in the City net.

The game quickly turned as the Reds upped the ante inside the final 20 minutes. Obi latched onto a long ball and was subsequently hauled down by Otegbayo inside the area.

Our in-form no.9 stepped up and dispatched the penalty before hitting his trademark celebration in front of the cameras.

 


James Scanlon was a constant livewire for United.

United had a second soon after, with Scanlon the architect. He picked up the ball before driving forward and smashing an effort into the very top corner.

A third soon followed with a flowing counter-attack. Bendito Mantato's saw his strike saved by Zeitzen before Plunkett was on hand to complete the scoring.

That wasn't before Stoke's goalkeeper was called into action once more, denying Munro with another clever stop.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Byrne-Hughes; Plunkett, Mills, Munro, Kukonki; Baumann (Ibragimov 61) T.Fletcher; Lusale (Mantato 61) Thwaites (Bailey 76), Scanlon (Kaba 89); Obi (Musa 76).

Booked: Kukonki.

Goals: Obi 71, Scanlon 83, Plunkett 89.

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