Academy Match Report: Manchester United u21s 4-1 Stoke City u21s | OneFootball

Manchester United u21s hosted Stoke City at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night.

The visitors included a familiar face, with manager Ryan Shawcross having come through the ranks at Manchester United as a player himself.

Following an incredible comeback win over Barnsley in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, United looked to continue their good form, with Ethan Wheatley coming close to opening the scoring early on when he smashed the ball off the post.

Just minutes later, the man of the hour on Tuesday was shining again as Jack Fletcher opened the scoring in the 10th minute after being set up by Malachi Sharpe.

Stoke pulled it back in the 22nd minute when Japhet Matondo was played down the right wing to cross to Dean Adekoya, who headed past Elyh Harrison.

United controlled much of the possession throughout the first half and took advantage of it late in the period when Sharpe restored the lead for Travis Binnion’s side.

Stoke’s Josh Bickerton then almost pulled off a sensational goal in injury time when his corner delivery looked like it would curl straight into the net but for an important intervention by Harrison.

Into the second half and it seemed Bickerton’s corner deliveries were intentional as he sent the ball straight towards goal again, forcing Harrison to tip it around the post.

Shawcross’ side hit the back of the net early in the second half but to United’s fortune, Darius Lipsiuc was adjudged to have handled the ball before putting it past Harrison.

Despite Stoke’s pressure, it was United who would extend their lead in the 64th minute when Sharpe added his second of the match.

Three minutes later, United put the match to bed with Sam Mather finishing the chance after James Nolan’s assist.

Binnion’s side now look forward to an away trip next Friday against Blackburn Rovers.

United: Harrison, Nolan, Aljofree, Kingdon (Ogunneye 61), Amass, McAllister (Curley 61), Rowe, Sharpe (Ennis 69), J. Fletcher, Mather, Wheatley

Unused subs: Myles, Ibragimov

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