U21s: Reading 0 United 1

Victor Musa's 29th-minute strike was enough for Adam Lawrence's young Reds to take all three points from the trip to Berkshire.

With two games left of the regular season, the win maintains United's grip on second place in the table, ahead of the elimination play-offs which we have qualified for as a confirmed top-16 finisher.

FIRST HALF

Clear-cut chances were hard to come by at both ends in the first half, but Musa's clinical touch in the 29th minute ensured United went into the break ahead.

The opportunity was created by right winger Shea Lacey, whose ball in from the edge of the 18-yard area made its way towards the back post, before it was diverted in by an outstretched leg from Musa.

It was the forward's third goal in two PL2 games, after getting on the scoresheet twice in last Friday's 2-1 victory over Southampton at Carrington.

The opener was just rewards for our young Reds' defensive work at the other end, which had thwarted a positive spell for the hosts midway through the half.

SECOND HALF

United had enjoyed almost two thirds of the possession in the first 45 minutes, but the encounter was more evenly contested after the interval, as the hosts looked to get back on terms.

Reading made a fast start to the second half and mounted a series of attempts, but their best chance didn't come until the game's final seconds.

A free-kick from David Hicks struck the crossbar and gratefully fell to safety, shortly before the final whistle confirmed victory for our young Reds.

Lawrence's team still have to play away to Leeds United and at home to Newcastle United in the regular season, before facing a fellow top-16 finisher in the first round of the elimination play-offs.

MATCH DETAILS

Reading: Rhone; Saint-Louis, Harrison (Jones 66), Duah (c), Abrefa; Howard, Hicks; Osho, Sackey, Smith (Lonmeni 87); Evans (Cliff 90+4).

Unused substitutes: Welland, Irish.

Booked: Duah.

United: Murdock; Ogunneye (Armer 45), Jackson, Aljofree (c), Leon; McAllister (McEvoy 80), Fitzgerald; Lacey (Obi 46), J. Fletcher, Moorhouse (Bradbury 86); Musa.

Unused substitutes: Honor.

Booked: Leon, McAllister, Obi.

Goal: Musa 29.

UNDER-21S AT OLD TRAFFORD

Lawrence's young Reds are back in action two weeks on Friday (3 April), away to Leeds United in our penultimate game of the PL2 regular season, live on MUTV.

Attention then turns to Old Trafford, where United will host Spanish giants Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup, four days later.

Tickets for the last-eight tie, a 19:00 BST kick-off on Tuesday 7 April, are available here. MUTV will also be covering the action live, for those who can't make it.