Man United U21 beat West Ham to set up clash with Man City in PL2 play-offs

Manchester United U21 beat West Ham United 4-1 at Leigh Sports Village in the Premier League 2 play-off quarter-final yesterday.

Head coach Travis Binnion made two changes to the side that started the 4-2 win over Everton in the previous round.

Forward Sam Mather, who has just returned from loan at Tranmere Rovers, started ahead of Bendito Mantato, while Jacob Devaney replaced Jack Moorhouse in midfield.

United suffered an early scare when defender Godwill Kukonki surrendered possession to Emeka Adiele, but goalkeeper Elyh Harrison saved the midfielder’s effort.

Midfielder Tyler Fletcher then lost possession carelessly, allowing Adiele to open the scoring in the 30th minute.

United were unable to draw level before halftime. The closest they got was when midfielder Sekou Kone skillfully entered the box but could not set up the equaliser.

Six minutes after the restart, United equalised through forward James Scanlon, who placed the ball home after receiving a pass from Fletcher.

United missed a chance to go ahead when defender Habeeb Ogunneye delivered a superb ball across the six-yard box, but none of his team-mates could convert the chance.

The Red Devils took the lead at the hour mark as Fletcher found striker Ethan Wheatley, who beat his marker before placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Finlay Herrick’s reach.

Defender Sam Murray recovered possession before moving up the pitch and scoring in the 78th minute, courtesy of a deflection.

Forward Sam Mather wrapped up the scoring with a brilliant effort, curling his right-footed strike into the top corner.

United will now face rivals Manchester City in the semi-final. The Cityzens dug deep to beat Arsenal on Saturday.

City finished top of the standings and defeated United 3-1 at Old Trafford when they met during the regular season.

Article written by Henry Thornton .