Manchester United U21s continued their EFL Trophy journey with a 2-1 win over Barrow.
Here is how coach Mark Dempsey lined up: Bishop, Jurado, Bennett, Fredricson, Hardley, Iqbal, Gore, Pellistri, Shoretire, Garnacho, McNeill.
Given the names in the starting XI, United surely would have hoped of a better start but it was Barrow on the front foot in the opening 10 minutes.
Pellistri was one of the better players on the pitch for United as he was direct on the ball and kept moving the game forward.
On the other hand, Barrow were giving United a lot to deal with as Fredericson was booked for a late challenge on the edge of the box. Nothing was going United’s way. Garnacho, McNeill and Pellistri were not getting enough service to make any chances count. The only real chances came from Garnacho, who seemed a bit nervous in the first half. Iqbal and Savage were not dominating the game in midfield and this Barrow side were making good use of this.
However, with the right amount of pressure the Barrow goalkeeper fell into trap and he caused a penalty as McNeill was brought down inside the penalty area. Great pressing from the youngster, who decided to execute the penalty himself as he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Things changed a bit for United in the second half, but Barrow were not giving up on their chances and sooner rather than later they did make it count.
In what seemed a strange free kick caused by Bennett, the ball found Fredericson who seemed to have deflected the ball enough to confuse Bishop who was not in the best shape tonight and the ball ended at the back of the net. Barrow were trying to build something out of it given their position in the group and they almost did at the end of the game as once again confusion led into the United area. Luckily things did not take the wrong turn here and an exceptional Garnacho finally made up for that nervous display in the first half and fired the ball at the back of the net in the 92nd minute.
Last minute winner Garnacho – head and shoulders above everyone on the pitch #Barrow 1 – 2 #MUAcademy
Good win against proper league team – great experience for the lads ⚽ pic.twitter.com/nqQlQbm9ng
— United Hour (@United_Hour) October 4, 2022
It was not the best of displays and coach Mark Dempsey has a lot to work with this group of players considering that he has in his hand the development of some top youth prospects in the U21’s. Things need to change and it is up to him to do this. Three points won, but improvement is a demand.
