Man Utd U23s steal a late draw against 10-man Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. A goal from Alvaro Fernandez in the 87th minute cancelled out a Chelsea penalty leaving the game in a 1-1 draw.
Charlie McNeill gets the start as striker for the game cementing his participation with the U23s this year. Shola Shoretire as well, Shoretire was receiving first team attention, but now looks likely to stay with U23s this season.
First Half
Man Utd U23s got off to a strong start offensively and took the game to Chelsea early at Stamford Bridge. McNeill came close to scoring when his left footed strike was saved on to the post in the 8th minute.
Martin Svidersky had his open header cleared by a Chelsea defender. The header following a Shoretire corner looked goal bound, but a defender cleared the ball well.
Chelsea finished the half on the attacking end after dominating most of the first half. Chelsea came close on a couple of half chances.
Utd U23s attacked early well but never got anything working creatively. The midfield dominance was wasted and Utd U23s should be disappointed not having a lead at the break.
Second Half
Chelsea came the closest to scorning in the second half. Harvey Vale’s volley was wide. Man Utd responded with good possession, but Charlie McNeill’s turn and shot was well over.
Dillon Hoogewerf was played in after a long vertical pass, his first touch was brilliant and easily beat the Chelsea defender. The United youngster looked in on goal and was chopped down by the Chelsea defender resulting in a red card.
Despite being a man down, Chelsea came close to scoring again. United could not clear a corner and the ball fell nicely to a Chelsea player, but his shot was soft.
Chelsea won the ball in a threatening area in the 71st minute. United’s defense was stretched and Chelsea won a corner after a challenge in the box. Vale easily beat Matej Kovar to the right and took the lead 1-0.
Alvaro Fernandez finally got United on the board after brilliantly maneuvering past a couple of Chelsea defenders. Fernandez found space and fired it past the Chelsea keeper, 1-1.
Man Utd U23s offensively never looked in the game. It was a really disappointing performance from Shoretire, McNeill and Mellor. Mellor was quiet out wide and Shoretire never had that killer pass or moment.
Man Utd U23s Key Performers
Alvaro Fernandez: The Spanish left back was really strong on the day. He constantly bodied Chelsea players off the ball and looked one of the strongest players on the field. He picked his runs extremely well and played the right pass most of the time.
Chelsea brought on a speedster against Fernandez, but Alvaro coped well by utilizing his strength.His leveler in the 87th minute was brilliant, he beat multiple players and smashed it in the far corner.
Dillon Hoogewerf: Hoogewerf constantly put Chelsea defenders under pressure with his quick feet and speed. His touch and speed lead to the Chelsea red card.
Charlie Savage and Martin Svidersky: Both players dominated the middle of the pitch for most of the game. Both supported the defense and offense well at times, knowing when to go and not. Chelsea created little through the middle of the pitch. Savage was unlucky not to score early.
Man Utd U23s will next be in action against Manchester City U23s next Saturday, August 28th at 2 P.M. GMT.
Man Utd U18s will also be in action tomorrow morning against Liverpool U18s at 1130 A.M. GMT. You can watch both games on MUTV.
