Manchester United U18s suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 4-2 to Manchester City in the U18 Premier League North at Carrington on Saturday morning.
JJ Gabriel gave United the lead in the 15th minute as he took control of the ball from Samuel Lusale to sprint into the area, beat his marker skillfully, and place his shot into the bottom right corner.
Man United were forced to make a change on the half-hour mark, as Jayden Ngwashi replaced Godwill Kukonki, who had to come off due to an injury.
Jim Thwaites doubled United’s lead with a well-struck free-kick, curling the ball into the top corner with a right-footed shot.
City tried to pull one back before the break. They had a penalty call waved, and Tyrone Samba squandered a chance.
Three minutes after the interval, City reduced the deficit as goalkeeper Fred Heath failed to deal with Tyrone Samba’s cross, which dropped into the bottom corner.
The Cityzens completed the comeback in the 66th minute when Heath parried a shot into the danger zone, allowing Floyd Samba to score.
Moments later, they made it 3-2 as Harrison Miles struck the ball into the bottom right corner from 20 yards out.
Man United’s woes deepened in the 80th minute when Heath received his marching orders for a foul on Teddie Lamb after failing to control a short pass from Rafe McCormack.
Two minutes after replacing Heath, Zac Watson conceded as Man City sealed the victory through Floyd Samba’s free-kick.
The result sees United not only lose their unbeaten start to the season but also surrender top spot to Man City.
Man United U18s return to action next Saturday away at Middlesbrough in the Premier League Cup. They won their first game in the competition, beating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in August.
