Manchester United under-18s hosted league leaders Sunderland at Carrington yesterday as they looked to continue their good run.
United were the first to attack with Willy Kambwala charging from behind and passing to Ethan Williams, who turned his defender inside out before firing a deflected cross.
Later, United came within inches of taking the lead when Jack Moorhouse’s cross fell to Jack Kingdon to fire into the turn with a shot intended for the top corner but was brilliantly saved by the Sunderland keeper.
Kingdon came close again this time to a deep cross from Williams, heading into the corner and forcing another fantastic save.
Williams’ corners were causing all sorts of problems for Sunderland and the ensuing effort left everyone scrambling in the box before the ball landed on Dan Gore on the edge of the box to shoot into the bottom right corner, but Sunderland’s Daniel Cameron he looked set to be unbeatable on the day as he quickly went down to deny him.
Sunderland created their own chance with a cross from the right that drifted up the middle towards the far post and forced a Tom Wooster save from full length.
In the 75th minute, a Sunderland pass at the back opened it up for United as Williams ran down the wing and cut back for Gore on the edge of the box. Luck was in the midfielder’s corner, as his missed shot opened up the space to run into the box and past the keeper to give United the lead.
It was a fully deserved goal after United’s dominance throughout the game.
However, Sunderland would strike back with one last chance, Tom Watson going wide and firing a deflected shot that sailed off the crossbar and into safety.
In the end, the one goal was enough to secure victory for United, who jumped to third in the table, with three games still to go over Sunderland and Manchester City above them.
United: Wooster, Kingdon, Aljofree, Kambwala (Nolan 46), Murray, Oyedele, Gore, Williams, Moorhouse (Jackson 69), Berry (Musa 70), Wheatley (Norkett 46)
Unused Substitutes: Hanbury
