Man Utd u21s vs Barnsley LIVE: 3-2 win as it happened, Jack Fletcher scores wondergoal

Watch Jack Fletcher’s first goal…

Don’t miss this!

Wrapping up…

That’s it from us for now in terms of live coverage of the game. Keep an eye out for more reaction to the victory across the site and on the academy page.

Substitutes changed the game

Give manager Travis Binnion some credit. One substitute, Jack Fletcher, scored twice, and another, James Nolan, provided two assists. That’s some impact!

Scorers and assists

Goal: Ethan Ennis, Assist: James Nolan

Goal: Jack Fletcher, Assist: Harry Amass

Goal: Jack Fletcher, Assist: James Nolan

United’s players applaud the away fans

United’s plans are taking their time leaving the pitch, looking very pleased with themselves.

The game ended with United attempting 14 shots to Barnsley’s seven, and enjoying 61 per cent of possession. The better team won, in style.

Full-time – Manchester United win

Manchester United have won 3-2. An impressive comeback which did not look likely at half-time.

The under-21s deserve real credit here, showing resolve, determination and quality to get the victory.

United were the better team in the first half, goals aside, and came out in the second half with an extra determination, and cut the errors out.

Substitute Jack Fletcher changed the game, scoring two of the three goals, after Ethan Ennis had pulled a goal back.

Ethan Wheatley almost makes it four

Wheatley has a chance to kill off the game but his curled effort goes just wide. Into injury time now.

Red card to Barnsley

Cory O’Keeffe has been sent off for Barnsley for hitting out at Harry Amass off the ball. It’s turned into a terrible night for the home side who are now nine games in a row without a home win.

United’s travelling fans showing great support

“We’re going to Wembley,” sing jubilant United away fans as they celebrate the young team’s impressive comeback.

We are into the 89th minute and United just have to see the game out now.

Amazing! It’s 3-2 to Manchester United

Wild scenes here at Oakwell as Jack Fletcher makes it 3-2.

Fletcher now has two goals and United have turned this game on it’s head.

All three goals have come in the last six minutes.

2-2! What a goal!

Jack Fletcher has just scored a wondergoal from long range to level the scores.

Harry Amass wins the ball inside the Barnsley half and the ball bounces up to substitute Fletcher, who hits it on the half-volley over the ‘keeper from 30 yards out.

Five minutes to go and United could yet win this!

Goal for United! 2-1 to Barnsley

Ethan Ennis scores, a very well taken strike. He now has two goals in two games this season, and he’s been a threat all night.

The goal came after an excellent run and cross from James Nolan on the right.

There are 10 minutes to go and a comeback could be on…

Ethan Williams is on

Williams comes on for Sam Mather for the final 20 minutes. United still trail 2-0.

United almost score

A driving run from Harry Amass sends Jack Fletcher into the channel, who crosses to Ethan Wheatley. He has two shots blocked before Ethan Ennis’ shot is deflected wide for a corner.

United are pushing to try and pull a goal back

United are struggling to create chances but have won a corner, which the goalkeeper misses, before claiming it at the second attempt.

Jack Fletcher is now on for Ruben Curley.

Second half underway…

United have made one substitution with Sonny Aljofree on for Louis Jackson at centre-back.

Possession not enough

United’s young side have enjoyed 60 per cent possession in the first half yet find themselves 2-0 down.

Harry Amass will be disappointed after giving the ball away leading to the first goal.

The second goal came after a casual bit of play from Ethan Wheatley in his own half, losing possession cheaply.

Half-time

United have played well in spells but the goals conceded have been really poor, and Travis Binnion will be disappointed.

It’s all part of learning at this level, and the players need to be more ruthless in the attacking third too, or as they have seen, they will pay the price.

2-0 to Barnsley

Yoganathan makes it two. United lose the ball after a throw-in on the right which leads to another low cross and cut-back, and another easy goal for Barnsley.

Wheatley forces a save

United’s best chance so far results in a shot from Ethan Wheatley which forces a save from Barnsley’s goalkeeper.

Wheatley created the chance with an excellent spin into the box to get away from the defender.

United shot on target

Sam Mather has a free-kick at goal from 30 yards out and it is on target but gathered comfortably.

United launch another attack and win a corner.

Heavy rain and 1-0 down

The weather at Oakwell has taken a turn for the worse, sending fans moving into the sheltered sections.

It’s a real test of character for the young lads now, 1-0 down against a senior team in the pouring rain.

Good save from Heaton

Tom Heaton tips a close range header over to prevent Barnsley making it two.

United come close

Ethan Ennis has been really lively so far and after dribbling into the box, his shot across goal finishes just wide.

All United since the goal

Barnsley’s goal came against the run of play and it’s been all United since, and they are now putting the pressure on around the Barnsley box.

Harry Amass had a chance to shoot inside their penalty box but couldn’t quite get his shot off.

1-0 to Barnsley

Barnsley’s first real attack results in a goal. Some sloppy play at the back from the Red Devils leads to a shot from close range which Heaton could do nothing about.

Vimal Yoganathan was the scorer for Barnsley.

Early touches for Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton in goal has been busy early on – in possession. United’s defence have been playing it back to him and trying to build out from the goalkeeper.

Positive start for United

United’s young team look very composed in possession and are giving a good account of themselves so far.

We are underway…

Kick-off as a United under-21 side featuring Tom Heaton in goal get their EFL Trophy campaign started.

Kick-off is 10 mins away…

Not long now…

Great chance to impress

Harry Amass, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley are all on the fringes of the first team.

This game is another challenge for them against senior opposition in a new environment.

It’s also about getting more minutes under their belt and continuing where they left off in pre-season.

Other players also have a chance to shine and get onto Erik ten Hag’s radar, or earn a loan move before the deadline.

Confirmed XI, Toby Collyer captain

United’s starting XI is in…

Starters: Heaton, Amass, Fredricson, Jackson, Ogunneye, Devaney, Curley, Collyer, Ennis, Mather, Wheatley

Substitutes: Harrison, Aljofree, Nolan, Williams, Jack Fletcher, Sharpe, Biancheri

Tom Heaton involved

Experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton is part of the United side at Oakwell.

We are still waiting on the confirmed United starters.

Big night for Jacob Devaney

Promising midfielder Jacob Devaney is part of the Manchester United squad tonight.

This is a memorable night for him as his dad Martin is in the opposition dugout as Barnsley assistant manager.

Binnion Iooking forward

United’s under-21 coach Travis Binnion sees the tournament as a valuable learning tool.

“We feel like we find the most out about the players in that arena and they’re unique games, playing against senior opposition, the format of it, going away, it offers a lot.

“The lads definitely look forward to it and we, as a staff, feel like we find the most out about the players in those sorts of games.”

Barnsley line-up

Barnsley have released their starting line-up…

They have included a 15-year-old in their XI.

Just waiting on United…

Mixed results

Manchester United did not reach the knockout stages last season, and have not been past the last 16 in the competition.

There have been some mixed results too. United’s best result was a 6-0 win over Salford City, and the worst was a 8-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.

Facundo Pellistri, Hannibal and Kobbie Mainoo are among the players who have played in the tournament.

No under-21 team has ever won the competition, with Peterborough United winning the 2024 final.

United under-21s want to bounce back

Manchester United’s under-21 side lost their league season opener against Arsenal 4-2 at the weekend, conceding four in the first half.

Ethan Ennis and Ethan Wheatley scored United’s goals, with Harry Amass picking up an assist.

Harry Amass and Ethan Wheatley impress despite Man Utd U21 defeat to Arsenal

As the Manchester United first team began their campaign with a win, the U21 side were not so lucky. Erik ten Hag watched his players…

The opponents…

Barnsley have had a mixed start to the season in League One. They lost 2-1 at home to Mansfield Town before beating Lincoln City away by the same scoreline.

They also beat Wigan on penalties in the Carabao Cup away from home. At the end of July they took on Roma, and lost 4-0.

As always, it’s hard to predict how strongly they will take this competition. It’s probable some of their first choice starters may be rotated.

Kick-off time and how to watch

Barnsley host the game at Oakwell and it kicks off at 7pm.

In a rarity for EFL Trophy games beginning in 2024/25, the matches are being broadcast.

This match is being shown for UK viewers on the Sky Sports + service.

Welcome!

Welcome to our live blog as Manchester United’s under-21s take on Barnsley in the EFL Trophy.