Manchester United youngster Jack Moorhouse scored the goal of the game in the Premier League International Cup quarter-final.
Manchester United and Real Madrid’s youth sides played out a six-goal thriller at Old Trafford, with the Spanish side coming out on top.
United took a 2-0 lead with Jack Moorhouse and Shea Lacey (penalty) opening the scoring, before Real pulled a goal back before half-time.
Real grabbed an equaliser as they got back into the game in the second half, and with both sides making multiple substitutions, the visitors got the better of extra-time – winning 4-2 in the end.
Manchester United U21 v Real Madrid U21 - Premier League International Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
How GOOD can Jack Moorhouse become?
What are your expectations for Moorhouse's career at United?
Manchester United U21 v Real Madrid U21 - Premier League International Cup Quarter Final
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Jack Moorhouse and United praised
Real Madrid’s young side played with spirit and did not buckle after going 2-0 down early in the game. They were able to defend well and prevent clear goalscoring chances.
United’s opener came from a piece of individual brilliance from Jack Moorhouse, who beat an opponent before rifling a shot high into the net.
Moorhouse’s strike was praised by Spanish newspaper AS, who noted: “It was Moorhouse who did it, with a thunderous strike into the top corner after leaving the Real Madrid defense in his wake.
More United News
“A missile that the goalkeeper could do nothing about.”
Moorhouse was challenged by United under-21 coach Adam Lawrence to step up, and he did exactly that, seizing the moment to show what he is capable of.
AS praised the attacking threat United played with, noting that it was befitting of the club’s enduring commitment to exciting academy football.
“United is a giant that never sleeps. They have teeth on the wings. They counter-attack with daggers. The virtue is that their DNA is non-negotiable.”
Marca focused more on Madrid’s comeback, praising the team for “demonstrating unwavering faith and competitiveness in one of British football’s most iconic stadiums”.
They noted that the game was ‘evenly matched’ between the two teams before Real gained the edge in extra-time.
Who was Man United U21’s man of the match vs Real Madrid?
Despite a 4-2 loss, there were plenty of performances worth being excited about.
Jack Moorhouse celebrates scoring for Manchester United U21 v Real Madrid U21
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
United In Focus match analysis
United In Focus provided live coverage of the game, and noted how striker Chido Obi had an impact in both of the team’s goals.
Defender Godwill Kukonki also stood out with his performance at left-back, causing problems with his impressive forays forward.
The game also saw winger Samuel Lusale continue his comeback from injury as a substitute, while Noah Ajayi joined him by stepping up from the under-18s.
Key players in United’s run to the quarter-finals were absent, with Jacob Devaney and Gabriele Biancheri both sent out on loan.
Amir Ibragimov continues to work on his return from injury.
None of this takes away from the fact that Real deserved the win. United failed to capitalise on the early advantage and allowed Real to get a foothold back into the game.
Their third goal was fortuitous but there was nothing lucky about the fourth, and this was a good learning experience for United’s youngsters, and coach Adam Lawrence, who experimented by changing formation in extra-time – an attacking gamble that did not pay off.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox