Man Utd U-23s defeated Chelsea U-23s in a Premier League 2 matchup, 4-2. Shola Shoretire scored a brace and Chelsea’s U-23s were forced to 10 men early in the game and never recovered.
Amad made a surprising return to the U-23 side after being a frequent member of the Man Utd first team squad. He could still be on the bench for the Sunday game against Leeds. Brandon Williams also started for the U-23 side, both needed some minutes.
Chelsea started the scoring in the 6th minute, a long through ball over the top got in behind the Man Utd defense and a Brandon Williams sliding challenge was not enough and the ball rolled awkwardly in.
The game took a dramatic turn in the 14th minute when the Chelsea keeper handled the ball outside the box after a ball over the top of the Chelsea’s defense played in Amad.
The Chelsea keeper looked to have gotten away without punishment, but the ref showed red and Chelsea were forced early to play with 10 men.
Shola Shoretire leveled the game before half-time when he turned well in the box to find space, his left footed shot found the back of the net, it was his seventh goal in PL2 this season.
The game looked to be going into half-time leveled at 1-1, but Shola Shoretire did well again after receiving the ball in the box, Shoretire kept his composure and blazed the ball passed the Chelsea keeper making it 2-1 going into the half.
Chelsea were forced to catch Man Utd on the break or during set pieces while Man Utd pushed for a third goal. Chelsea were still dangerous at times and could have tied the game but Charlie Wellens cleared the ball off the line.
Shola Shoretire won a penalty in the 65th minute, but instead of going for the hat trick, Hannibal stepped up to take the penalty only to have it saved by the Chelsea keeper.
Amad curled in a beautiful free-kick in the 70th minute to put the game out of reach, but it would wind up as the game winning goal.
Shola Shoretire had a great match for Man Utd and should have had his hat trick but missed a wide-open header in the 74th minute. Shola Shoretire was subbed off for the last 15 minutes after tacking a couple of knocks, he played well as the number 9 for United.
Mark Helm scored the fourth goal for the young Red Devils when he converted a low cross from close range with his left in the 81st minute. Helm did well to re-direct the cross into the bottom corner.
The U-23s have two games left in their PL 2 campaign, they next face Derby on the 3rd of May.
