Manchester United U18s took on Everton U18s on Saturday morning away at Finch Farm.
After a convincing win in the Premier League Cup mid-week, Darren Fletcher’s side looked to pick up their first points in the league after a disappointing narrow loss on opening day last weekend.
First half
As has been a feature of the young Red Devils so far this season, United took early control of the proceedings with the majority of possession.
United thought they had taken an early lead after a cleverly worked corner routine ended with Jay McEvoy sliding in at the back post, but the offside flag was raised for a pass in the build-up.
The first goal still came the way of United, though, as Jariyah Shah finished low into the goal after Everton’s Teddy Wilcox pushed Edson Dejonge-Seiros’ cross back into danger.
Everton looked for an instant reply after what looked like a clear foul on Jayden Ngwashi was waved on. The home side broke into the United area, but McEvoy and Rafe McCormack both made important blocks.
Jaume Camacho’s pressing was a thorn in Everton’s side throughout the match and almost led to a goal in the 33rd minute, but Junior Brown’s effort following a turnover sailed over the bar.
Everton had a late chance on the counter-attack, but Camacho’s relentless running went both ways as he slid in to intercept at the back post for what would have been an easy finish.
Second half
Everton’s best chance of the match came early in the second half. A looping cross into the area was met on the volley, but Charlie Hardy’s quick reflexes allowed the United keeper to push it away.
After having his goal chalked off in the first half, McEvoy added his name to the scoresheet in the 58th minute to make it 0-2 to United. Jacob Watson’s corner was delivered deep to the back post, and McEvoy nodded the ball into the goal despite having a defender dragging him to the ground.
With United in cruise control, Everton offered little further threat to Hardy’s goal, and the match was put away in stoppage time when Louie Bradbury added a third goal.
Yuel Helafu’s long ball from the back was allowed to bounce through, and Bradbury ran onto the ball in space and finished low past the keeper.
United are back at home next week when they host Middlesbrough in league action on Saturday.
Match facts
United: Hardy, Helafu, McCormack (C), Ngwashi, J. Watson (Emsden-James 72), McEvoy, Shah (Carrick 77), Brown, Camacho (McLaughlin 77), Dejonge-Seiros (Ziro 67), Mpofu (Bradbury 72)
Unused subs: Z. Watson, Laurie
Goals: Shah 22, McEvoy 58, Bradbury 90+1
Featured image Alex Livesey/Getty Images
