Manchester United U21s end winless run with emphatic victory over Reading

Manchester United U21s ended their two-match winless streak in Premier League 2 on Friday evening, securing a convincing 4-1 victory away at Reading.

Defender Louis Jackson returned to the starting line-up after a challenging loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.

Forwards Gabriel Biancheri and Sam Mather came in for Chido Obi and Bendito Mantato in attack, while Tommy Rowe replaced Jack Moorhouse in midfield.

Despite United’s bright start, Reading registered the game’s first shot. Tyler Sackey aimed for goal, but his effort was blocked by United captain Tyler Fredricson.

United opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Mather, who capitalised on a mistake by goalkeeper Tom Norcott before slotting the ball into an empty net.

Reading had chances to equalise through Emmanuel Osho and Sackey, but both failed to convert.

Before halftime, United were forced into a substitution when right-back Habeeb Ogunneye sustained an injury. He was replaced by Mantato in the 38th minute.

Just a minute later, United doubled their advantage. After a swift counter-attack, Mather found Biancheri, who produced a precise finish that Norcott couldn’t keep out.

Early in the second half, Fredricson again came to United’s rescue, making a crucial block to deny Adrian Akande a potential goal for the Royals.

United weathered a period of pressure from the hosts and extended their lead in the 53rd minute.

James Scanlon’s effort was parried by Norcott, but Mather reacted quickly and delivered a cross for Biancheri to score his second of the game.

Biancheri nearly completed his hat-trick following another counter-attack involving Mather, but Norcott produced a solid save.

Reading pulled one back in the 73rd minute when Osho’s deflected strike beat Elyh Harrison.

However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time when Scanlon added a fourth for United, restoring their three-goal cushion.

The win lifts United to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea but still nine points behind leaders Manchester City.

Article written by Henry Thornton .