Manchester United’s Under-18s extended our winning start to the U18 Premier League North campaign with a convincing 6-0 victory away at rivals Leeds on Saturday afternoon.
Before kick-off, both captains exchanged pennants and each laid a wreath prior to a moment of applause for Reds legend Sir Bobby Charlton, who passed away last weekend at the age of 86.
United took the lead in the 11th minute when, after some patient build-up play, Jayce Fitzgerald curled a sublime right-footed shot into the top corner from the edge of the box.
The Reds had further chances before eventually doubling the advantage, when Shea Lacey - who was impressive throughout - did brilliantly to tease Leeds left-back Joe Billett and deliver a cross for Malachi Sharpe to steer home a superb volley in the 36th minute.
Leeds did have their moments and United goalkeeper Thomas Myles was forced into a series of excellent first-half saves. He thwarted Leeds’ Lleyton Brown with his feet in a one-on-one situation, before readjusting to push away a deflected Rhys Chadwick strike and later tipping Harvey Vincent’s teasing effort behind for a corner.
The Reds made a bright start to the second half and were rewarded with a third goal three minutes after the break. Leeds were unable to clear Lacey’s corner and Louis Jackson played a precise pass into the path of Jack Fletcher, who rifled an unstoppable shot into the corner.
Adam Lawrence’s side continued to dominate proceedings, amid the typical autumnal conditions in West Yorkshire, and it got better on the hour mark. After a driving run forward, Fitzgerald released Sharpe, who got to the byline and his lofted shot managed to beat Leeds keeper Rory Mahady at the near post from a tight angle.
Substitute Ethan Wheatley netted within two minutes of coming on to make it 5-0. Picked out inside the box by fellow sub Gabriele Biancheri, the striker made room for his shot which deflected and trickled underneath Mahady’s dive.
An unlikely source got in on the act in the 72nd minute, with left-back Harry Amass latching on to a deft flick-on from Wheatley before slotting home a composed finish to complete the scoring, as the Reds made it seven wins from as many league games this season in some style.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Myles; McAllister (c), Jackson, Kingdon, Amass; Fitzgerald (Devaney 61), Curley; Sharpe (Biancheri 61), J.Fletcher, Lacey (Scanlon 61); Musa (Wheatley 65).
Unused substitutes: Byrne-Hughes.
Goals: Fitzgerald 11, Sharpe 36, 60, Fletcher 48, Wheatley 67, Amass 72.
