Man Utd U23s 3-0 Sunderland U23s
Sunderland under-23s fell to a disappointing defeat to Manchester United on Friday evening.
Tahith Chong’s pinpoint finish opened the scoring inside five minutes, but the Red Devils were reduced to ten men before the half-hour mark as George Tanner was dismissed.
United remained in control, though, and after making it to the interval with their lead intact, they doubled their advantage following the restart as DJ Buffonge found a way past Max Johnstone.
Chong added a third with 60 minutes remaining to seal a comfortable win.
Elliott Dickman named a young side at the Leigh Sports Village Stadium, as 16-year-old Dan Neil started in the no.10 berth.
Jack Diamond and Lee Connolly featured up top, but United struck first as Chong latched onto a clever backheel and found the corner from 20 yards.
United continued to threaten but with 26 minutes played they were reduced to ten men, as Tanner clipped Connelly’s heels and received his marching orders.
Jack Hackett stepped up to take the resulting free-kick and stung the palms of Matej Kovac, but the home side maintained control of the ball and entered the interval with their lead intact.
Lightning struck for a second time following the restart, as United once again flew out of the traps and found the net.
Buffonge grabbed the second, his finish sneaking past Johnstone as the ten men doubled their lead with 49 minutes on the clock.
11 minutes later, Chong bagged his second and United’s third to effectively end the contest.
Connelly almost pulled one back late on, seeing an effort cleared on the line, while Johnstone produced a fine one-handed save at the other end, but the damage was done and United claimed three points.
Man Utd U23s: Kovar, Warren (O’Connor 45), Tanner, Poole, Williams, Whelan, Chong, Hamilton, Dearnley (Baars 45), Buffonge, Bohui.
Subs not used: Woolston, Garner, Ercolani..
Sunderland U23s: Johnstone, Taylor, Hunter, Gamble (Connelly 16), Hackett, Diamond, Neil, Kokolo.
Subs not used: Storey, Patterson, Bale.