Lacey and Obi inspire Manchester United U21s to dramatic victory over Sunderland in PL2 play-offs

Manchester United U21s advanced to the Premier League 2 play-offs quarter-final after beating Sunderland 3-2 in the round of 16 on Sunday afternoon.

United finished joint-top with Chelsea during the regular season, while Sunderland placed 15th.

Chido Obi broke the deadlock in the 14th minute, receiving a precise pass from Jack Moorhouse, before picking out the bottom corner.

Jack Fletcher doubled the advantage in the 26th minute from a rebound, following brilliant work from Moorhouse and Lacey.

Four minutes later, Sunderland halved the deficit following a defensive mistake, allowing Felix Scott to finish from close range.

Obi almost restored United’s two-goal cushion when he intercepted a pass before shooting at goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save by the visitors’ goalkeeper Isaac Allan.

The second half began frenetically with Lacey curling a shot over the bar, before Jenson Jones forced goalkeeper Will Murdock to make a save .

United made it 3-1 in the 57th minute when Tyler Fletcher won possession. The ball broke to Lacey, who cut inside from the right flank and struck a shot into the near post.

United invited pressure in the 72nd minute after Tyler lost the ball, allowing Sunderland pulled one back. Jack Whittaker took advantage, rifling his deflected shot beyond Will Murdock’s reach.

Tyler nearly made amends for his mistake, but saw his shot deflected wide.

The visitors cranked up the pressure late on to complete the comeback. Lewis Campbell’s effort was saved by Murdock, while Sonny Aljofree made an important block to deny Jenson Jones.

The victory keeps United’s hopes winning the competition for a fourth time alive.

Article written by Henry Thornton .