Manchester United’s under-18s have been eliminated from the Premier League Cup quarter-finals.
United had been handed a tough draw away at Chelsea, after coming through a group with Wolves, Birmingham City and West Brom.
Despite this, United made a strong start and after 45 minutes, appeared to be heading to victory.
Alejandro Garnacho swept in his 12th goal of the season from the edge of the box, hitting a shot first time after a pass from Daniel Gore.
Striker Manni Norkett then doubled United’s lead from the penalty spot to score his 10th goal of the campaign, and United led 2-0 at half-time.
Kobbie Mainoo was a particular bright spot in midfield, with his skilful play and clever touches embarrassing Chelsea’s players a number of times.
United fell apart in the second half
Chelsea got back into the game in the second half and when Ronnie Stutter pulled a goal back to make it 2-1, United began to lose control.
United held out amid a Chelsea onslaught, before eventually conceding two goals in quick succession as the Blues moved into a 3-2 lead.
By this time United had brought Charlie McNeill on to try and cause problems in attack, but he had few chances to work with.
United missed two late chances to equalise, which unfortunately fell to defenders, with left-back Sam Murray fizzing a shot narrowly wide, before centre-back Sonny Aljofree missed the target on a header from a corner.
The 3-2 defeat meant United are eliminated from the competition, although there are two chances of silverware left.
The under-18s have a FA Youth Cup quarter-final still to play, in a more highly regarded competition, with the next fixture at Old Trafford against Leicester City.
The under-19s are also into the last 16 of the UEFA Youth League, which will resume in early March.
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