Manchester United U21s fell to a 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League 2 play-off final on Saturday evening.
Coach Adam Lawrence named a strong starting line-up that included Daniel Gore, who just returned from his loan spell at Rotherham United.
However, Chido Obi, Godwill Kukonki, and Jim Thwaites started from the bench, following their involvement in the U18s’ defeat to Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final on Wednesday.
Gabriele Biancheri was also named as a substitute, having just concluded his loan term at Rotherham.
Brighton created the first opening in the third minute, as goalkeeper Will Murdock saved Harry Howell’s strike.
United responded swiftly, with Gore teeing up Jack Fletcher, but the midfielder could only flash his effort just wide of the post.
Gore then got a chance at the other end, having received a cutback from Jack Fletcher, only to blast over.
Murdock made a brilliant save just before the hour mark, denying Josh Robertson from close range, keeping the scores goalless.
Shea Lacey should have broken the deadlock before the interval after being slipped through, but goalkeeper Sebastian Jensen kept his effort out.
Brighton scored from their first attempt in the second period. Sean Keogh beat Diego Leon for pace, before delivering a low cross to Tyler Silsby, who finished calmly.
United pushed to restore parity, with Lacey getting heavily involved. The 19-year-old picked out Obi inside the six-yard box, but the Danish striker could not connect cleanly.
Obi fluffed a chance to score a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time, after receiving a backheel pass, but he could not get a shot away.
