U18s match summary: United v Liverpool

Goals in each half from Gabriele Biancheri and Tyler Fletcher earned Adam Lawrence’s side a third successive win in all competitions, and a second consecutive 2-0 victory in the Under-18 Premier League North, to begin the new campaign.

On a sunny morning at Carrington, there was a bright early tempo to proceedings as both sides signalled an attacking intent, which set the tone for the first half. A lively presence down the right flank, Bendito Mantato - who had a penalty appeal turned down after appearing to be felled by Cam Williams - tricked his way into the box but slid the ball past the post.

At the other end, Prince Cisse and Joe Bradshaw had presentable chances for the visitors but failed to test Will Murdock in the United goal, who had routine saves to make from distance strikes by Josh Sonni-Lambie and Schofield Lonmeni.

As United continued to apply pressure, Biancheri saw an effort from Zach Baumann’s cross parried by Liverpool goalkeeper Bailey Hall, who also saved Mantato’s follow-up, but the winger was already offside.

After Fletcher and Baumann missed the target with efforts at goal, United opened the scoring just before the break. James Scanlon linked up down the left with Godwill Kukonki, who crossed low for Biancheri to convert from close range.

With Academy graduate Marcus Rashford watching on from the sidelines, our young Reds continued to dictate the rhythm in the second period as Mantato got in front of Williams but guided Fletcher’s centre over the top.

Murdock, at the opposite end, shifted his position nimbly to gather in Sonni-Lambie’s shot, on the rare occasion Liverpool threatened a response.

It was from a quick counter attack where United doubled our advantage, as Scanlon’s clipped ball forward released the advancing Fletcher, who kept his composure to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Seeking to add to our tally, Mantato found keeper Hall in the way of his volley after meeting a right-wing cross from Biancheri, who had been picked out by substitute Jim Thwaites.

United largely maintained control to close out a second consecutive victory and clean sheet in the league.   

Our young Reds return to action on Saturday 14 September when travelling to Tyneside to face Newcastle United’s Under-18s, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 BST.

MATCH DETAILS

United: Murdock; Kamason, Fitzgerald (Bailey 69), Armer, Kukonki; Devaney (c) (Thwaites 69), T. Fletcher (Mills 75), Baumann; Scanlon, Biancheri (Ibragimov 75), Mantato.

Subs not used: Byrne-Hughes.

Goals: Biancheri 44, T. Fletcher 64.

Booked: Baumann (United); Sonnie-Lambie (Liverpool).