Key points
Manchester United’s under-21 side were in action on Tuesday night at Old Trafford against Real Madrid in the Premier League International Cup.
It was a blockbuster clash which saw Old Trafford welcoming a healthy number of supporters, with chants sung for large parts of the game.
But Manchester United couldn’t get the job done, losing 4-2 to Real Madrid after 120 minutes of action.
United were 2-0 ahead with goals by Jack Moorhouse and Shea Lacey, making it seem like a big win was on the cards. But Madrid came back with their legs and quality ultimately too much for United.
Who was Man United U21’s man of the match vs Real Madrid?
Despite a 4-2 loss, there were plenty of performances worth being excited about.
The game went to extra time, where Madrid scored twice to put it beyond doubt.
You can follow along all the latest before, during, and after the match right here. You can also get involved in the conversation around the game on TalkingPoints.
- Manchester United (Moorhouse, Lacey) 2-4 Real Madrid Castilla
Full time
United are out of the Premier League International Cup after a 4-2 loss against Real Madrid. Bitterly disappointing, having been 2-0 up but Madrid’s quality shone through in the end.
[Link]4-2 Real Madrid
And there is the dagger that claims the win for Madrid. 4-2 and Madrid have deserved this win, coming from 2-0 down. Ultimately, they just had more quality on the bench and more left in the tank.
[Link]United lacking creativity in midfield
United are still getting forward but a clear lack of creativity has just seen an attack end with a poor Jacob Watson cross.
[Link]3-2 Real Madrid
Madrid takes the lead. Unconvincing defending in the box from Overy, Jackson and Aljofree.
[Link]Remains 2-2
Tired legs on both sides are resulting in a disjointed extra time with little to shout about apart from Lusale’s electric running.
[Link]Lacey withdrew after 90 minutes
Unsurprising, really, as asking him to play 120 minutes this soon after returning from injury would be a recipe for disaster. Michael Carrick will have wanted Lacey not to be overused.
[Link]Lusale looking sharp
Samuel Lusale is only recently back from injury but he looks so sharp every time he picks up the ball.
[Link]Lacey and Moorhouse fouled
Madrid’s tactic when United break is to hack down the player with the ball, and finally, the referee has shown a yellow card for a late one on Lacey.
[Link]United almost strike back immediately
Great response from United with sustained pressure. Lacey puts in a cross which looked destined for Lusale’s diving header, but Madrid defends well to touch it behind.
[Link]2-2 Madrid level
A massive deflection sees United lose the lead. The effort was headed for Will Murdock before a deflection off both Sonny Aljofree and Dan Armer left the goalkeeper flatfooted. Disappointing way to concede.
[Link]Obi comes close!
Almost 3-1 as Lusale sends Obi through on goal at a tight angle, but his shot is well over the bar. Needs to do better in front of goal.
[Link]Substitution
ON: Lusale OFF: McCormack
Reshuffle for United with Moorhouse dropping into midfield, and Lusale comes on at left wing.
[Link]United is turning the screw on Madrid
United are starting to get chances on a frequent basis, and the latest sees Obi carrying the ball in a 3 vs 2 situation, but he picks the wrong pass as Moorhouse was in loads of space, but the ball went to a marked Lacey.
[Link]United on the counter
Moorhouse does really well to spark a counter as he carries the ball through the middle of the Madrid team. He then passed to Fletcher, who found Lacey only for the winger to run out of space.
[Link]Kukonki has a trademarked run
When playing at left-back, Kukonki is so dominant when carrying the ball down the flank, and he’s just done incredibly well to run more than 50 metres, holding off multiple defenders.
[Link]2-1 Real Madrid pull one back
Poor defending in the box as Madrid had way too much time before Castrelo scored to make it 2-1.
[Link]Louis Jackson is receiving treatment
After a clash of heads, Jackson is just being checked over.
[Link]2-0 Manchester United
Lacey rolls the penalty home coolly, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. 2-0, perfect start for United.
[Link]PENALTY TO UNITED
Chido Obi was hacked down in the box by the Castilla goalkeeper after a heavy touch let the Dane pick his pocket. Penalty as Lacey steps up.
[Link]1-0 Manchester United
Screamer from Jack Moorhouse! What a goal! A poor ball from the Madrid goalkeeper is headed by Rafe McCormack, before Tyler Fletcher then headed it through to Moorhouse, who dribbled before rifling it into the top of the net.
Assist: T. Fletcher.
[Link]Madrid dominating possession
Six minutes in and Madrid have had the bulk of possession, with little to show for it.
[Link]Lacey will have a point to prove
Lacey is on the cusp of the first-team, and it is games like this where he needs to prove to the club that he should be promoted and given minutes permanently. Big night for him against a very good Madrid team who are the equivalent of a League One side in Spain.
[Link]
Lacey the highlight of the team
United have gone strong as expected, and the highlight of the selection is Lacey, who Lawrence will be thrilled to have for this one after Michael Carrick left him off the training camp in Ireland.
[Link]Confirmed Manchester United XI
United U21 XI: Murdock; Jackson, Aljofree, Fredricson (c), Kukonki; McCormack, T Fletcher, J Fletcher; Lacey, Obi, Moorhouse
Subs: Byrne-Hughes, Armer, Overy, Watson, McAllister, Lusale, Ajayi
Adam Lawrence looking forward to this challenge
Speaking last week, Lawrence explained his excitement for the challenge of welcoming Madrid.
[Link]
Who will United meet in possible semi-final
If United get past Madrid, it will be a game against either Valencia or Dinamo Zagreb for a spot in the final.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
United vs Real Madrid in the Premier League International Cup kicks off at 7 pm UK time.
[Link]How to watch Man United U21 vs Real Madrid
United’s U21 side is in action once again on Tuesday night, live on MUTV for paid subscribers. Alternatively, we will be bringing you all the latest before, during, and after the game.
[Link]A strong team is expected by United
United will name a very strong team for this one, with Shea Lacey, Chido Obi, the Fletcher twins, Godwill Kukonki, and Noah Ajayi all eligible and set to be involved after being left out of the trip to Ireland.
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