Local side edge United U16s in Hong Kong shootout

Manchester United’s U16s lost a second successive penalty shootout in Hong Kong, beaten 7-6 by the Hong Kong, China U16 Representative Team after a 2-2 draw at Mong Kok Stadium on Sunday.

The result came in the second friendly match of the JC Youth Football Academy Summit, a collaboration between the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Manchester United and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China. More than 4,400 fans attended the tie, which followed United’s 4-3 loss to Kitchee U18 on Friday. Local teams won both friendly matches at this year’s summit.

Another young United side undone by spot-kicks

United had led twice during the match but were pegged back both times, with the scores level at 2-2 heading into the shootout. The shootout itself was not straightforward, according to thepeoplesperson.com, which reported that United were awarded two retaken penalties after the Hong Kong goalkeeper was adjudged to have come off his line, though the hosts still held their nerve to win it.

The defeat followed United’s loss to Kitchee on Friday. Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia presented the Player of the Team Award to Hong Kong’s Zachary Yu and United’s Benjamin.

A summit built on more than results

Beyond the pitch, the trip has doubled as a cultural exchange programme. United’s academy squad joined local players in training sessions, a visit to the Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School, a dragon boat experience and community service work during their stay, all part of the collaboration between the three organising bodies.

Guests at Sunday’s match included Manchester United partnership director David Vincent, alongside representatives from the HKSAR Government, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Football Association of Hong Kong, China. Fans also had the opportunity to meet Valencia and take part in activities hosted by Manchester United and the CARE@hkjc Volunteer Team at the stadium.