Under-18s: Reds enjoy an emphatic win

Saturday 24 April 2021 14:14

Manchester United made a comprehensive return to winning ways, by beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-1 in a terrific game at the Aon Training Complex.

Charlie McNeill and Zidane Iqbal both scored twice with Dillon Hoogewerf also netting, whilst Wanderers’ solitary goal was registered by Chem Campbell from the penalty spot.

The result kept United above Liverpool at the top of the Under-18 Premier League North table but third-placed Manchester City could reclaim pole position with their two games in hand, the first of which was against Burnley later today.

Neil Ryan’s players left us in doubt that they were ready and primed for this home fixture against Wolves, who wore their distinctive old gold shirts. The Reds piled forward, from the off, in search of an early goal that would steady nerves and, hopefully, set the boys on course for a vital victory.
Video
Watch United's first goal, scored by Charlie McNeill.
If the game plan was to put the visitors under immediate pressure, then it could scarcely have better implemented. Wolves’ goalkeeper Palmi Arinbjornsson was given early indicators that he was in for a busy 90 minutes with United virtually camped out in his half of the field.

Omari Forson couldn't hit the target with the first real chance after seven minutes but the Reds were more successful a few moments later. Even at this early stage, a goal appeared imminent and sure enough, in the ninth minute, a sweet and inviting pass reached McNeill, who doesn’t need to be asked twice in this type of situation and as Arinbjornsson raced from his goal the United striker neatly clipped the ball into the net.
Credit to Wolves, they quickly shrugged off that setback and proceeded to venture more frequently into United’s half of the field.

However, their resurgence failed to produce an equaliser and, in the 31st minute, United’s second goal was chalked up after Iqbal’s shot took a slight deflection before nestling in the net.
Video
See how Iqbal doubled United's lead against Wolves.
And just before the break another fine move culminated with Omari Forson squaring the ball across the goalmouth for McNeill to simply tap home.

Wanderers appeared to be invigorated as the second half unfolded and, in the 55th minute, they were given a ray of hope when the referee, Daniel Bruce, awarded them a penalty after Alvaro Fernandez had tripped Campbell. The tricky Wolves forward stepped up to take the spot-kick himself and made no mistake.
Video
Watch McNeill beat the Wolves keeper again, just before half-time.
Fortunately, the glimmer of a Wolves fightback lasted barely four minutes before Iqbal restored the three-goal margin with a splendid solo move and blistering left-foot shot.

And soon after the destination of the points was confirmed when Hoogewerf hit a sizzling fifth United goal after Alejandro Garnacho had opened up the Wolves defence.
Video
Watch Iqbal weave his way through the Wolves defence to score his second goal.
Reds coach Ryan took the opportunity to give another youngster his Under-18 debut when substitute and midfielder James Nolan replaced Iqbal with twenty minutes remaining.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Vitek; Fernandez, Bennett, Svidersky, Savage; Iqbal (Iqbal 70), Hansen; Garnacho, Hoogewerf, Forson (Mainoo 79); McNeill.

Substitutes: Jackson, Mee, Murray.

Goals: United - McNeill 9, 44, Iqbal 31, 59, Hoogewerf 66 | Wolves - Campbell 55 pen.

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