Manchester United U-23 fell to Manchester City’s U-23 team 3-0. A tap in goal in the 15th minute, a long range beauty in the 52nd minute and a well placed shot in the 78th minute for City sank United.
Manchester United responded well after giving up the first goal early. Decent passing between Hannibal Mejbri, Anthony Elanga and Charlie Wellens but nothing major formulated as a result of the good passing and Manchester United went into the half down a goal.
Anthony Elanga found plenty of space in that first half but could not break Manchester City’s defense. It was a quiet first half for Shola Shoretire and Joe Hugill.
The hosts extended their lead shortly after halftime when Cole Palmer struck a left footed shot well outside of the box. Ondrej Mastny stretched but the shot was well placed in the top right hand corner.
If was not for Mastny the score would have been a lot more flattering for City. The rest of the team was flat, a few good passes in a build up would end up with a lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Manchester City would see the game off in the 78th minute when Cole Palmer struck again. His left footed shot found the bottom left corner of the goal, easily beating Mastny. The goal was scored after Man United gave away the ball in the middle of the field resulting in the counter.
Anthony Elanga had a curled effort saved in stoppage time. He took on defenders down the right side and cut in well to create the only real chance for United, forcing a good save out of the City keeper.
Giving the ball away in bad positions condemned Manchester United if not the U-23’s played decent at times. Man City have scored 65 goals in the league, 18 more than anyone else and in only 20 games.
Manchester City look set to win the PL2 title while Manchester United currently sit 8th in the table. United will next face Chelsea in PL2 next Friday.
