Man United go top of the U18 Premier League table after win over Middlesbrough – report | OneFootball

Manchester United U18s defeated Middlesbrough 3-1 in the U18 Premier League North fixture played at the Carrington Training Centre on Monday evening.

Head coach Adam Lawrence changed from his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation to 3-4-2-1 for the clash.

He handed young centre-back Jayden Ngwashi his U18 Premier League debut and gave James Overy his first-ever start. Amir Ibragimov and Samuel Lusale also started.

Daniel James opened the scoring for the visitors in the 12th minute. Goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes saved his first attempt, but he put the rebound in the bottom corner.

Jim Thwaites had two consecutive attempts to put United on level terms but failed. Oliver Lloyd saved his second attempt.

Victor Musa’s header hit the woodwork before Lloyd also denied him from bagging the equaliser for United.

United could not get a breakthrough, forcing Lawrence to introduce James Scanlon, Gabriel Biancheri, Tyler Fletcher and Godwill Kukonki at the hour mark.

Scanlon quickly settled into the game, putting a strike over the bar after receiving a pass from Ibragimov.

The Gibraltar international was responsible for United’s equaliser in the 71st minute, combining with fellow substitute Fletcher.

Man United completed the turnaround as Ibragimov was brought down in the penalty area, and Thwaites stepped up to convert it.

The home side established a two-goal cushion in the 93rd minute as Scanlon put the finishing touch to a counter-attack to register a brace in the game.

United have now won three consecutive league games, placing them at the top of the standings. They are one point ahead of Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

They return to action on Saturday at third-placed Derby County, seeking to maintain the momentum and extend their unbeaten run to six league games.

Article written by Henry Thornton .