Key points
Manchester United’s U21 side took on Fulham at the Leigh Sports Village on Monday night.
Travis Binnion’s U21 side were back in action on Monday night, as a win would have catapulted Manchester United into the title race.
The United academy side however were unfortunate to lose 1-0 in a close battle against a stubborn Fulham side who allowed very few chances for the home side.
United were left weak in options going forward due to the youngsters who were on the bench for Ruben Amorim against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. It was in this game Chido Obi who became academy graduate 252.
It was an encouraging performance, despite the defeat with United on top for large periods and we got to see Ayden Heaven’s debut. The defeat leaves Fulham top of the table and United staying fourth.
Read below throughout the night for live coverage before, during and after United’s clash with Fulham.
READ: Man Utd under-21s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Manchester United 0-1 Fulham
The effect of Ruben Amorim’s struggles felt by United
With the first-team injury crisis, United had to bring several youngsters up to the first-team. This has been felt by the U21 side, with a paper-thin squad to face Fulham.
United needed a goal, yet Gabriele Biancheri was the only option on the bench. It was unfortunate for Binnion and it will be intriguing to see what sort of team Adam Lawrence plays tomorrow for the U18s. Perhaps, it will be a U16 heavy group.
[Link]Full time
United have lost 1-0 to Fulham, a disappointing result but United didn’t deserve to lose. Plenty of positives to take but ultimately Binnion’s side was left short in attack with few options.
[Link]Biancheri injects life into United
After a quiet few minutes, Biancheri carries the ball 70 yards or so to slip Kamason in for a shot on target. Better from the U21s.
[Link]Sharpe hits the post
Sharpe looked like he had curled one into the far corner, but it just hit the post and went out for a corner after a deflection.
[Link]Heaven booked
The referee is spot on with Heaven booked, perhaps his final contribution of the game with a half-time substitution mentioned on commentary.
[Link]Sharpe chance
Malacia Sharpe tests the keeper after nutmegging the Fulham defender and racing through down the right toward the goal. This came after Munro’s solid bit of defending and bringing the ball out from the back.
[Link]Scanlon shot on target
The first time United have tested the keeper and it’s Scanlon from range, a simple catch in the end.
[Link]25th minute United 0-0 Fulham
At the 25-minute mark, neither side has really grabbed hold of the game despite some good possession in phases from both teams. The final ball is lacking as Thwaites isn’t really getting on the ball enough for United.
[Link]Reece Munro impressive
Reece Munro has stepped up to the U21s today and has looked very solid, matching his opponents physically and doing really well playing out from the back. Hasn’t looked out of place next to Heaven.
[Link]Heaven impressions
Only a few minutes gone, but already Heaven looks so comfortable on the ball completing all of his passes alongside Reece Munro. Solid start.
[Link]Ayden Heaven watch
After joining United last month for £1.5m as a first-team player – Ayden Heaven’s first appearance will actually come at U21 level.
We’ll have a keen eye on his outing to see how he fares, as will Ruben Amorim undoubtedly.
[Link]Manchester United XI
Murdock; Ogunneye, Munro, Heaven, Murray; McAllister, Rowe; Sharpe, Thwaites, Scanlon; Musa
Subs: Myles, Kamason, Fredricson, Biancheri, Bailey
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Manchester United vs Fulham will kick-off at 7 pm GMT. The game is live on MUTV for those with a subscription.
[Link]Manchester United U21 vs Fulham
Welcome to United in Focus’ live coverage of Manchester United U21 vs Fulham
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