Manchester United U21s began their Premier League 2 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Monday evening.
Coach Travis Binnion named a strong starting line-up, which included Bendito Mantato and Ethan Williams, who travelled with the first team 32-man squad for the US Tour, while Chido Obi was named as a substitute.
Boro began the game brightly and nearly scored when Luke Woolston’s free-kick found Jack Daley at the far post, but goalkeeper Will Murdock saved the latter’s header.
The hosts had another on 12 minutes, as Brayden Johnson fired a shot which could not hit the target – much to the relief of United.
United’s first sight of goal came in the 21st minute, with Jaydan Kamason picking up Ethan Ennis with a good pass inside the penalty area. Ennis’s effort was goal-bound but was eventually cleared.
Four minutes later, the hosts got another chance when Rio Patterson-Powell struck a fierce shot, which Murdock brilliantly saved. The goalkeeper then denied Daley from the resultant corner-kick.
United eventually grew into the game late in the first half and had chances to score through Jack Fletcher, whose effort was saved by goalkeeper Shea Connor before Boro captain George McCormick cleared Williams’ attempt off the line.
Boro regained control of the game after the restart, and Jayden Carbon should have given them the lead after Mantato was dispossessed, but could only fire his shot straight at Murdock.
United opened the scoring in the 51st minute, as Ennis pounced on a loose ball before slamming the ball into the top-left corner.
Williams had two chances to double the lead but could not hit the target, while Obi also had a shot deflected.
United were able to see out the game but had Murdock to thank for making several saves to help secure the maximum points.
Binnion’s side return to action on Friday when they host Norwich City at the Aon Training Complex.