Manchester United’s Under-18s failed to extend the recent run of improved performances after Paul McGuinness’ men slipped to a narrow defeat in this re-arranged fixture against Wolves in the West Midlands.
Just one goal separated the teams in the end, but it has to be said that it was a lacklustre performance from the Reds, who have been showing good form in recent weeks.
The sun was shining brightly at Wolves’ Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground and, apart from a chill wind, it felt pleasantly autumnal. The home side's famous old gold shirts and United’s crisp all-white change kit also added to the cheerful scene.
The game itself had a lively start, with both teams putting the emphasis on the attacking elements of the contest. An early goal could have arrived for either team as the game swung from end to end, but it was Wolves who claimed the advantage, in the 11th minute, when Nile Ennis scored to put Wolves into the lead.
United responded well to the early setback with a Callum Gribbin free-kick that found the target, but couldn’t find a way past keeper Harry Burgoyne – a shot from Devonte Redmond had the same conclusion. Joe Riley also went close to grabbing the equaliser in the 33rd minute when he got on the end of a Demetri Mitchell free-kick, but his shot struck the outside of the post.
As the game neared the halfway point, the closing minutes gave way to plenty of on-field action but few chances were created by the time the referee blew for the break.
Wolves enjoyed a positive start to the second period and almost doubled their lead immediately after the restart when Bright Enobarkhare’s shot struck the upright. United, on the other hand, were struggling to make any real chances, but hopes were raised in the 65th minute when Timothy Fosu-Mensah aimed a useful-looking shot in the direction of the
