Race On: Man United U18 go top of U18 Premier League after victory over Leeds

Manchester United U18s claimed a 2-0 victory at Leeds United in the U18 Premier League North on Saturday, keeping the pressure on leaders Manchester City.

The result takes them to the top of the standings, three points clear of City, who have two games in hand.

United started the brighter side, but Leeds recorded the first shot on target, with Cameron Byrne-Hughes saving Carrick Njinko’s free-kick.

The visitors fashioned another opportunity to open the scoring when Elton Simo shot from close range, but Nathaniel-Junior Brown blocked his effort.

United were also denied at the other end as Joshua Hamilton got in the way of JJ Gabriel’s attempt.

The league’s top scorer should have put United ahead before the break after being put through on goal by Jacob Watson, but he blazed over the bar.

Three minutes into the second half, United broke the deadlock through Jay McEvoy, who found the bottom-left corner after getting teed up by Yuel Helafu.

Noah Ajayi almost doubled United’s lead with a dangerous curling effort, but the Leeds goalkeeper was equal to the task.

Brown saw an effort hit the crossbar before Gabriel doubled United’s lead from the spot, registering his 20th league goal of the campaign.

United will look to build on the momentum ahead of next Friday’s Youth Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace. A victory would seek them take on Manchester City in the final. Is

Darren Fletcher’s side are not in league action until April 25, when they travel to Sunderland.

Article written by Henry Thornton .