Manchester United U21s produced a strong second-half performance to secure a 2-2 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League 2 on Friday afternoon.Coach Travis Binnion handed debuts to young goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes, centre-back Albert Mills, and right-back James Overy in the contest.
United were the first to test the opposition, as Jack Moorhouse forced goalkeeper Rory Mahady into a save.
They found the net in the ninth minute, but the goal was overruled for offside.Leeds took the lead in the 28th minute when Alfie Cresswell received a pass, drifted into a dangerous position, and powered home a shot beyond the reach of Byrne-Hughes.Leeds doubled their lead four minutes later, as Harry Gray produced a neat finish to score his second league goal of the season. However, he was substituted shortly afterwards.
United could not reduce the deficit before halftime but started the second half strongly.
Moorhouse and Sam Mather attempted to pull one back but could not get their efforts on target.On the other end, Byrne-Hughes had to be alert to deny midfielder Sam Chambers the chance to extend the hosts’ lead.Mather then hit the post after being played through on goal by Mills’ pass before Victor Musa’s header was blocked.United finally found a breakthrough in the 67th minute, as midfielder Sekou Kone produced a left-footed volley to score his first-ever goal for the club.The visitors continued pushing for an equaliser—Moorhouse was denied by Mahady, and Mather’s effort drifted narrowly wide.United restored parity from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Kone was brought down by Diogo Monteiro, and Mather stepped up to convert the spot-kick.
The Red Devils had chances to snatch a late winner. Zach Baumann had an attempt cleared off the line, and Jayden Ngwashi failed to capitalise on a loose ball that could have made him the match-winner.
