Manchester United U18s faced Manchester City in the mini-derby and it ended up being a great five goal thriller, in a tale of two halves.
The coach started this XI: Harrison; Kingdon, Aljofree, Jackson, Murray; Nolan, Fredricson, Oyedele, Williams, Gore, Norkett. Meanwhile in the bench: Hanbury, Fitzgerald, Baumann, Berry, Musa.
The first ten minutes had City as protagonists, dominating on the ball and having a good chance to score, however the shot went wide. Shortly after, it was Daniel Gore who had two quick chances for Manchester United. One of the shots went straight at the keeper while the other was sent over.
A moment of confusion in the City box followed as United sent the ball at the back of the net but the goal was not valid, and still unsure whether it was offside or foul in the buildup. Norkett kept pushing forward and posed as a threat in the penalty. It was Norkett again who sent another shot wide missing a one on one with the keeper. Later on, City took advantage and City’s captain O’Reilly sent the ball at the back of the net.
One minute before the end of the first half, it was Ethan Williams who had a great chance to send things level at the break. However, he blasted the shot over the bar. As the referee blew the whistle to send everyone in the dressing rooms, it must be noted that City dominated, but United needed to make better use of the chances.
The second half started in the right foot for United. They were building on the pressure and City were not making any potential dangerous moves. We had to wait a few more minutes to get a goal by United, but things massively improved in the second half for the young reds.
It was once again Norkett pressuring and Williams won the ball back and put the ball past the keeper, finally equalising.
Meanwhile, around five minutes later Norkett’s header ends up at the back of the net, turning things around for the reds. What followed was United keeping the pressure on, and City wasn’t exactly showing the fierce of the first half.
In what seemed a not so dangerous tackle, probably not red card worthy, the referee continued with his stupidity today and sent the young Scottish off. Musa who came in for Norkett was then fouled in the City area winning a penalty who was executed by Nolan.
It was a chaotic ending as City got one back with Whittingham but this was not enough to get anything from the game. In the end, United deservedly won the three points.
