Like father, like son: Kai Rooney’s Wayne-inspired finish fires Man United U18s into final

Manchester United U18s edged West Ham United 3-1 in the U18 Premier League Cup semi-final at Carrington on Wednesday afternoon.

The Hammers drew first blood in the 32nd minute when Joel Kerr drove into the area before rifling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

United drew level in the 42nd minute following a well-worked move. Daniel Armer found Jacob Watson in an advanced position, and the left-back produced a cutback for the in-form JJ Gabriel to convert.

Just after the restart, Noah Ajayi nearly put United ahead through a brilliant solo effort, but his effort was blocked.

Bryne-Hughes then made two consecutive brilliant saves to keep the scoreline level. The United goalkeeper denied Andre Dike from close range, before keeping out Chuk Obi’s rebound.

Jethro Medine thought he had beaten the United goalkeeper with a curling strike, only to see his effort hit the woodwork.

Neither side could find the winner before full-time, forcing the game to extra time.

Kai Rooney, introduced at the start of extra-time, almost put United ahead when he rounded the Hammers goalkeeper, but could not hit the target.

Just before the extra-time interval, Bryne-Hughes made a crucial save to deny Dike from restoring West Ham ahead.

Two minutes into the second extra-time, Nathaniel Junior-Brown gave Man United the lead with a brilliant strike into the far corner.

United had Armer to thank as the centre-back made a goalline clearance at the other end.

Rooney sealed the victory with a composed finish, sending United through to the final where they will face Crystal Palace.

Up next for Darren Fletcher’s side is a home game against Nottingham Forest in the U18 Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Article written by Henry Thornton .