Parkinson opened the scoring early on when the Blues failed to clear Jay Turner-Cooke’s in-swinging corner. The United No.9 then added his second, winning a penalty before converting.
Sven Botman made his first appearance in nine months in his comeback from an ACL injury. He lined up in the same starting XI as Lewis Miley.
Coincidentally, the 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat at Manchester City on March 16 was the last time both players started a senior match for United.
The visit of Chelsea is the under-21s’ final game of 2024. Diarmuid O'Carroll, who was appointed U21s lead coach in September, has lost just one of his five Premier League 2 matches in charge.
A victory tonight will take O’Carroll’s side up to fifth in the table, above Manchester United.
Here are our Newcastle United under-21s player ratings (updated at full-time)
Not yet had a save to make but has looked comfortable with the ball at his feet.
1. Aidan Harris - 7
Not yet had a save to make but has looked comfortable with the ball at his feet. | Getty Images
Was kept busy by Ato Ampah but stuck to his defensive task. Read the game well.
2. Leo Shahar - 7
Was kept busy by Ato Ampah but stuck to his defensive task. Read the game well. | Newcastle United
Formed a good understanding with Sven Botman. Has distributed the ball despite playing on his unfavoured side at CB.
3. Charlie McArthur - 7
Formed a good understanding with Sven Botman. Has distributed the ball despite playing on his unfavoured side at CB. | Getty Images
Faultless in everything that he has done so far, bar one slightly misplaced pass. Composed and accurate on the ball. Defended well.
4. Sven Botman - 8
Faultless in everything that he has done so far, bar one slightly misplaced pass. Composed and accurate on the ball. Defended well. | Getty Images