Reaction to United Under-21s' win at Barrow

The Reds made it two wins from two in the senior competition on Tuesday evening, backing up our group-opening victory over Carlisle United with a 2-1 triumph at League Two side Barrow.

Coming up against another tough side posed a different challenge to one our youngsters are used to, and that’s something Binnion believes the side can take a lot from going forward.

“It was a really tough game, I thought Barrow were excellent, organised,” he told MUTV’s Ben Ibson post-match. 

“There was a real honesty about them, they mixed their game up and we really struggled in the first half. 

“I thought we started the game okay but then really fizzled out with most of our attacks, we were fortunate with the [first] goal but Charlie McNeill put a shift in all night and got what he deserved for that. 

“Then we had something to come in at half-time and reinforce [with]. I didn’t think we started the second half badly, but they put us under a different kind of pressure, something we’re not used to, which is brilliant for us. 

“They equalised and then the game was a bit end-to-end, which is when I thought we played our best stuff. It’s a great feeling for the boys, we’re through now and can look forward to at least two more games in the competition.”

The young Reds took the lead through McNeill in the first half and were pegged back after the break by the fourth-tier outfit, prior to a last-gasp winner from Alejandro Garnacho. 

Another three points sees our Under-21s secure a spot in the next round of the competition with a game to spare, something that United certainly had to work to achieve.

“We battled hard in the game so to get that late winner, it’s the best way to win a game,” defender Tyler Fredricson admitted. 

“We were all just buzzing to get that goal we worked so hard for.”

Midfielder Zidane Iqbal added: “I’m glad that the team won. Three points and [we’re] through to the next round against a tough side, near the top of League Two, and it’s always difficult coming away. 

“It was a different type of game, we grinded and got the three points which is all that matters.”

As part of his Academy player-coach role, Tom Huddlestone came off the bench on the evening and made an obvious impact while on the pitch, setting up the late decider. 

The veteran midfielder explained the importance of the competition for our young players after the match, ahead of our final group-stage game against Fleetwood Town later this month.

“It’s an ideal competition. It’s completely different to the week-to-week football that the lads get in the Academy and it puts them in good stead for the careers they’re going to be having. 

“You can see how excited the lads get when we score, it was similar when we got the winner at Carlisle actually, in the first game,” he added.

“You can see that they’re young, enthusiastic and loving football so long may it continue.”