U21s match summary: Sunderland v United

Travis Binnion’s charges have had a busy schedule of late, with five games across the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21) in the last 11 days, including two European tests - the most recent a 1-1 draw against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

And there was little time to rest in the north-east three days on, with the hosts taking an early lead. Adil Aouchiche, stepping down from first-team level, finished excellently from the area’s edge after a good corner routine three minutes in. Sunderland captain Ben Middlemass struck the crossbar from long range soon after.

United hit back quickly, though, through Jack Fletcher - one of three players in the squad who were in the senior matchday squad for the midweek triumph over Leicester City. The others were Harry Amass and Ethan Wheatley. Fletcher finished well after United won the ball back high up.

The Black Cats restored their lead after 23 minutes when Timor Tutierov’s teasing cross was inadvertently turned home by United right-back Habeeb Ogunneye, who had a striker breathing down his neck ready to pounce.

A late flurry of goals arrived before the break, the first being a third for Sunderland as Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi converted Jewison Bennette’s cross. United responded through Gabriele Biancheri, set up by the first goalscorer Fletcher, after an excellent team move also involving Sam Mather. And Fletcher nearly equalised when shooting over the crossbar, but instead another for the hosts followed, through Ogunsuyi again. This time the 17-year-old cut inside while bearing down on goal to finish with his left foot from close range.

Just after half-time, during which United made two changes, replacing Fletcher and Amass with Wheatley and Tyler Fredricson, Sunderland found their fifth as Tutierov powered home with his right foot from the edge of the box.

United sought a way back into the game and forced Sunderland to work hard to maintain their advantage. Substitute Ethan Wheatley drew an excellent save from Dan Cameron.

Defeat leaves United with a record of four wins and four losses from eight games thus far this season in Premier League 2. A dozen points has Binnion’s team sat 13th in the 26-team division, which culminates in a 16-team end-of-season knockout competition to determine the ultimate winner.

“They were the better team today,” reviewed Travis Binnion post-match.

“We struggled and got overrun in the first half. We had a few players in different positions because we’re managing minutes for a few players and Sunderland played the game in the right way. They had intensity.

“We played PSV the other night and played well, we did okay at Newcastle last week, but we’ve been found wanting a little bit here.

“We could have come in 3-3 at half-time — we carried a threat — but it would have masked some problems. They were well worth their lead.

“We started the second half really well but we turned the ball over and they went the other end and scored. We had chances after that but 5-2 is a fair reflection of the game.

“I thought Wheatley and Fredricson coming on at half-time did very well, and Sekou Kone was really bright when he came on. Jacob Devaney did well in midfield as well.

“Some of these players are learning on the job and that’s what it’s there for. The U21s level is very different to U18s football when the opposition do it right, when they play with tempo and intensity. Sunderland did that, so credit to them and plenty to learn for our boys today.”

MATCH DETAILS

UNITED: Graczyk; Kamason, Ogunneye, Kingdon, Amass (Fredricson 45); McAllister (Kone 71), Baumann; Sharpe, J. Fletcher (Wheatley 45), Mather (Devaney 60); Biancheri.

Unused subs: Myles.

Goals: J. Fletcher 8, Biancheri 45.

Booked: None.

ELSEWHERE ON SATURDAY

Both of United’s senior Academy sides were away from home on Saturday lunchtime, with the U18s travelling the shorter distance to Leeds United for another midday kick-off.

The reigning English champions were seeking an eighth win from as many games to open their league campaign and found it in style. Goals from James Scanlon, Bendito Mantato, Victor Musa and Amir Ibragimov had the young Reds four goals ahead by the break. Ibragimov and Scanlon scored a further two apiece to complete their hat-tricks and ensure the second half was equally dominant.

Adam Lawrence’s side have now scored 40 goals in eight league games, conceding only four. You can watch the highlights from their match at Leeds below. U21s highlights will follow later.

Our regular Academy Briefing will be out at the start of next week, with highlights from the U18s and U21s games and a preview of next Wednesday's UEFA Youth League fixture against Lithuanian youth champions FK Zalgiris.

Fans are encouraged to attend at Leigh Sports Village and any support will be greatly appreciated by players and staff.