Manchester United’s new academy director, Stephen Torpey, was in attendance as the U21s beat Athletic Club 2-1 in their opening match in the Premier League International Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.
Torpey, whose appointment was confirmed, succeeds Nick Cox, who departed in August.
A late strike from Gabriel Biancheri ensured Man United U21s marked Torpey’s arrival with a winning start.
United got the game’s first chance when Bendito Mantato intercepted a loose pass and sent the ball to captain Jacob Devaney, whose shot was blocked.
Athletic took the lead in the 12th minute as Asier Hierro cleverly curled a free-kick into the bottom corner and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Will Murdock.
The visitors took advantage of the lead to gain control of the game and could have increased their advantage, but for Murdock’s heroics.
The United goalkeeper denied Daniel Perez before tipping Gaizka Alboniga-Menor’s effort away from his goal.
Man United failed to record a shot on target as Athletic held onto their lead until the end of the first half.
The Spanish side nearly doubled their advantage just after the restart as Jayce Fitzgerald lost possession, allowing Unax Urzaiz to shoot wide of the post.
In search of the equaliser, Coach Travis Binnion made four changes just after the hour mark and his decision paid off as United levelled the scores in the 68th minute.
Biancheri, one of the substitutes, sprinted down the right flank to square the ball to James Scanlon, who dashed in front of his marker to put the ball home.
The goal gave United the momentum, and they began to push for the winning goal. Shea Lacey should have made it 2-1 just before full time when Scanlon’s shot fell into his path, but he could not hit the target.
The breakthrough eventually came seconds from time when Gabriel poked the ball home from Jack Fletcher’s cross.
