Sunderland U18s 2-1 United: Young Reds left to rue late penalty miss in damaging defeat

Manchester United U18s fell 2-1 at Sunderland on Saturday, losing more ground on U18 Premier League North leaders Manchester City.

United now trail City by six points, with seven games left before the end of the campaign.

Top scorer JJ Gabriel and several others were not in the matchday squad following their involvement in Wednesday’s defeat to Crystal Palace in the U18 Premier League Cup final.

United started slowly, conceding inside four minutes, as Caleb Shakespeare capitalised on a defensive mistake to give the hosts the lead.

United responded swiftly, equalising five minutes later. Jay McEvoy delivered a corner to the near post, where Louie Bradbury was well-placed to head the ball home.

Sunderland reclaimed their lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute as Douka Nkoto fouled Jay Matadeen. Matadeen stepped up to convert, sending Fred Heath the wrong way.

Heath made a big save before the break, denying Shakespeare another goal.

Shortly after the restart, the United goalkeeper had to be alert again, keeping out Matadeen’s effort.

Jariyah Shah came close to drawing United level after combining with Noah Ajayi, only for Arron Bowman to make a last-ditch effort to deny him.

Sunderland responded quickly at the other end, with Bowman and Matadeen hitting the post in quick succession.

United had a chance to rescue a point before the final whistle when Nathaniel-Junior Brown won a penalty. However, Ajayi could not convert, as goalkeeper Joseph Cowan saved his effort.

Darren Fletcher’s side have an opportunity to reduce City’s lead when they play Liverpool at home on Wednesday afternoon. The Cityzens are not in action until Saturday, hosting Derby County.

Article written by Henry Thornton .