UnitedÂ’s Academy Under-18s got their first victory of the season on Saturday, producing a fine performance in a 2-1 win over Leeds.
Paul McGuinnessÂ’ young side travelled across the Pennines to Yorkshire on the back of a draw and two defeats in their opening three matches of the new Premier Academy League campaign. McGuinness was looking for a positive reaction, and he certainly got one.
Striker Daniel Galbraith set United on the way to three points midway through the first half when he fired in a left-footed shot from 20 yards. However, Leeds equalised just before half time with a free-kick that cruelly deceived Reds' goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler after deflecting off the defensive wall.
But, if UnitedÂ’s performance in the opening 45 minutes had been steady, the display after the break was brilliant. The Reds upped their game and completely dominated possession.
United were duly rewarded 15 minutes from time with a winner, even though the goal was slightly fortuitous. Striker Antonio Bryan completed a good passing move with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box which deflected off a Leeds defender and looped over the keeper.
The result is a real confidence boost for the U18s, who face Huddersfield next week, and McGuinness will be hoping for a similar performance.
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