West Brom U21s 1-5 Man United: Lacey hat-trick sends Red Devils top of PL2 above Chelsea

Manchester United U21s thrashed West Bromwich Albion 5-1 at Damson Park on Monday evening, in what was coach Adam Lawrence’s first game in charge.

West Brom opened the scoring inside four minutes, as Soleyman Mandey calmly put the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

Shea Lacey drew level within minutes, with a tap in at the back post following Jack Fletcher’s inviting pass across the face of goal.

Shortly after, United almost completed the turnaround as Kevin Mfuamba almost headed into his own net, only to be saved by the woodwork.

On 39 minutes, United took the lead from the penalty spot. Abdul Abudu brought down Lacey, and the winger stepped up to convert, sending Brian Okonkwo the wrong way.

United started the second half brightly, and quickly extended their lead through the brilliant Lacey, as he cut inside before picking out the bottom-right corner.

It was Lacey’s first hat-trick in the Premier League 2. He has now scored eight goals in the competition this term.

On 72 minutes, the Baggies’ woes were compounded as Okonkwo punched Jayce Fitzgerald’s corner into his own net.

Three minutes from time, debutant Louie Bradbury completed the scoring with a tap-in.

Two minutes later, Fitzgerald was sent after receiving a second yellow card, but it was too late for West Brom to stage a comeback.

United have now climbed to the top of the standings, moving two points clear of second-placed Chelsea, despite having a game in hand.

Lawrence’s side are back in action on Friday, hosting struggling Derby County at the Leigh Sports Village.

Article written by Henry Thornton .