Academy Match Report: Rochdale 0-2 Manchester United u21s | OneFootball

Manchester United u21s took on Rochdale on Tuesday night in the National League Cup.

The two sides met last season in the competition with United coming away 0-1 winners thanks for an Amir Ibragimov goal.

The clubs close connection also saw them meet each other in pre-season with the match dedicated to the late Joe Thompson.

The match this time also featured an emotional minute’s silence held in memory of the father of Rhys Bennett, David, who passed away over the weekend.

First half

The match started with a strange situation of Rochdale kicking the ball out of bounds immediately so they could make two substitutions.

Rules of the National League Cup dictate that the National League clubs must start at least four players who also started in their last league match or they would receive a fine.

In order to skirt around the rules, Rochdale started Ryan East and Olutobi Adebayo-Rowling before taking them off after mere seconds. United academy graduate Aidan Barlow also started for Rochdale before also being subbed off after just 22 minutes.

Into the action of the match, United took an early lead in the 11th minute.

A high press from the young Red Devils forced a turnover as Jim Thwaites flicked the ball to Chido Obi who converted past Tom Myles, another graduate of United’s academy.

James Scanlon almost produced a bit of magic when he took Godwill Kukonki’s pass on the chest before knocking it over the head of the defender and running towards the box but the United winger’s shot was ultimately blocked.

Obi had the ball in the net again from a Thwaites corner delivery later in the half but it was called off for a foul amidst a congested area to leave the score at 0-1 going into the break.

Second half

Rochdale registered their first shot on target early in the second half but it was a tame effort that didn’t trouble Will Murdock.

With Rochdale focused on their league campaign, the match was played at a slow tempo throughout with little bite.

Rochdale had the best chance of the match in the 89th minute but failed to take advantage as Levi Amantchi soared the ball into the stands.

United sealed the victory in stoppage time through James Scanlon, who was squared the ball in the box by Victor Musa.

Match Facts

United XI: Murdock, Overy, Devaney (c) (Mills 60), Kukonki, Leon (Musa 60), McAllister (T. Fletcher 72), Fitzgerald, Thwaites (J. Fletcher 72), Mantato, Scanlon, Obi (Biancheri 82)

Unused subs: Heath; Armer

Goals: Obi 11, Scanlon 90+3

Featured image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images

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