Key Manchester United talent on brink of first team returns from injury in tense U21 victory

Manchester United Under-21s travelled to face Reading Under-21s at the Madejski Stadium on Friday night. Playing at the same time as the first team played against Bournemouth, Adam Lawrence’s side were bolstered by Shea Lacey’s return from injury as he looks to work his way back into Michael Carrick’s squad. First half There were few openings in the first half, with Diego Leon’s speculative long-range effort being the first shot on target from either side in the 19th minute after he danced past a couple of challenges. Victor Musa looked to hit on the counter-attack after forcing a turnover high up the pitch. The Spanish-born striker drove into the box and won a corner as his cutback was hastily cleared. From the resulting corner, the ball was played out to Lacey, who curled the ball to the back post for Musa to finish from close range. It was Musa’s third goal in a week after he scored both goals last time out in a 2-1 win over Southampton. Kiyan Coke-Miles-Smith had the best chance for the home side late in the half when he was played through on goal for a one-on-one with Will Murdock, but the United keeper won the duel to keep it 0-1 to United at the break. United were forced into a change shortly before the whistle, as Habeeb Ogunneye departed due to an injury and was replaced by Dan Armer. Second half Reading had the first chances of the second half, but neither Luke Howard nor Tyler Sackey was able to guide his effort on target. A flurry of opportunities came United’s way on the hour mark. Jack Moorhouse first had his shot blocked before Jayce Fitzgerald fired over the bar. Clever link-up play by Musa on the right wing almost created a second goal for United when he found Moorhouse arriving into the box to shoot, but the Ireland youth international was denied by a strong hand from Harrison Rhone. It was a back-and-forth encounter as both sides exchanged blows. Reece Evans caused some concern for United when he connected perfectly on the volley to hammer the ball down the throat of Murdock, who did well to keep hold of it. Nearing the end of the match, Chido Obi had a chance to seal the three points when he broke away and was clear through on goal, but with too much time to think, he ended up placing his shot the wrong side of the post. United ended up just inches away from rueing the miss when David Hicks’ free kick crashed off the crossbar deep into injury time. The young Red Devils ultimately held onto the lead to come away with the three points and remain second in the Premier League 2 table. Match facts United: Murdock; Ogunneye (Armer 45), Jackson, Aljofree (c), Leon; McAllister (McEvoy 80), Fitzgerald; Lacey (Obi 46), J. Fletcher, Moorhouse (Bradbury 86); Musa. Unused subs: Honor. Goal: Musa 29. Booked: Leon, McAllister, Obi. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Colm Murphy A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years. You can follow him X: RedYouthUnited.