Manchester United u21s hosted West Ham United in Premier League 2 action on Friday night.
Travis Binnion’s side lined up in a three at the back system similar to that of new first team manager Ruben Amorim.
It almost got off to a perfect start for United when West Ham’s keeper rushed out of his goal but gave the ball away, giving chances to Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley. But West Ham’s defenders filled in to block both efforts.
The visitors hit the back of the net just before the 20th minute but it was quickly ruled out for offside.
Jack Kingdon had a fine display. One of his best moments coming when he charged up field before slipping through Malachi Sharpe, whose effort towards goal was blocked out for a corner.
It was then United’s turn for a disallowed goal. A short corner was delivered into the box for Sam Murray to flick on to an offside Wheatley, who turned it past the keeper.
West Ham then had perhaps the biggest chance of the match when Emeka Adiele broke through in behind, but Dermot Mee was quick off his line to cut the angles and make a big save to keep it level going into the break. It was a fair reflection of the opening 45 minutes, with United controlling the possession but both sides limited to half chances.
Half time saw United switch back to a traditional back four and Binnion turn to the bench with the introduction of Jack Moorhouse and Jacob Devaney.
There was another early chance for United from the off, with Sharpe racing down the right wing to cross, but Wheatley could only connect with an outstretched foot to steer it wide.
West Ham had the more clear-cut chances in the second half, forcing a handful of blocks from Kingdon, who looked unbeatable at the back before they hit the right post from a volley.
Ethan Ennis then came close with a long range effort before providing the goods in the final minute of the match.
A free kick from the edge of the box took several minutes to be taken due to a commotion in the West Ham wall. Ennis didn’t let the pressure get to him though and placed the ball into the bottom corner, out of the keeper’s reach to earn United the three points.
90+5’ – Ethan Ennis!
Final minute free kick for what is surely the winner. #MUFC #MUAcademy #PL2 pic.twitter.com/ZnN86Ow0kB
— RedYouthUnited (@RedYouthUnited) November 29, 2024
Binnion’s side now look toward the National League Cup on Tuesday where they will travel to Rochdale.
Read our player ratings for the match here.
United: Mee, Kamason, Kingdon, Jackson, Murray (Devaney 60), Amass (Missin 64), Rowe, Gore (Moorhouse 46), Sharpe (Biancheri 80), Wheatley, Ennis
Unused subs: Myles
Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images
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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.
