Manchester United U18 3-0 Sunderland U18
Sunderland under-18s were put to the sword in their opening Premier League fixture of the season on Saturday as Manchester United ran out commanding winners.
Jack Newman was in fine form for the Black Cats but could do little to prevent any of the Red Devils’ goals at the Aon Training Complex.
Charlie McCann broke the deadlock after 29 minutes from the penalty spot before Anthony Elanga added a second five minutes later.
Charlie Wellens then sealed victory early in the second period to get United off to a winning start.
It wasn’t all plane sailing for Manchester United though, Sunderland began on the front foot and took the game to the hosts in the early stages.
Newman was lively too, making a host of impressive stops as United hit back and looked to gain an advantage in the opening period.
Turning away Elanga after three minutes with a fingertip stop, Newman could do little to prevent United hitting the front on 29 minutes from the penalty spot.
Connor Stanley was brought down after steaming into the area, and McCann side-footed the ball past the Sunderland stopper at pace.
From there, United remained on the front foot and gained a second moments later when Elanga finally managed to get the better of Newman after missing a host of chances.
Combining with Reece Devine and Max Haygarth, Elanga curled a fine shot into the far corner from 15 yards.
Elanga continued to heap the pressure on and ask questions of Sunderland’s rear-guard, with his cutting pass providing Wellens with a simple tap-in after 54 minutes.
Sunderland continued to show character though, refusing to throw in the towel and almost pulled a goal back through Cole Kiernan who managed to round keeper Ondrej Mastny but was denied by McCann on the goalline.
Next up for Sunderland under-18s is a home game against Blackburn Rovers at the Academy of Light next Saturday, kick-off 12:30pm.
Sunderland U18: Newman, Smith, Devine, Almond (Armstrong, 67), Wombwell, Krakue, Jones, Gooch, Foster, Miller (Watts, 45), Kiernan (Bruce, 77)
Subs: Baggs, Cameron
