Man Utd Academy U21s slipped to a heavy home loss of 4-1 against Anderlecht, while Jacob Devaney making into the scoresheet.
Slow Start Costs Man Utd U21s’ Side
From the first whistle, Anderlecht looked sharper and far more settled. Man Utd tried to match their pace but never quite built any rhythm in midfield. The early exchanges were messy, and the pressure kept climbing.
Even so, the hosts stole a surprise lead just before the break. Captain Jacob Devaney met a looping cross and guided it into the far corner. It was completely against the feel of the match, yet it briefly lifted the crowd at Leigh Sports Village.
What this really means is that United had a chance to reset, but the moment slipped away quickly. A poor back pass from Devaney moments later handed Terry Van de Ven an open path to level the score. After that, the momentum swung right back to Anderlecht.
Visitors’ Control Seals the Night
After the restart, Anderlecht took control with simple passing and clever runs that kept Man Utd chasing shadows. The visitors made the most of their openings. They struck three more times as the home defence struggled to track movement in the box. The Red Devils tried to push forward, but every loose touch was punished.
This result will not change much in the bigger picture. That is because United are already out of the Premier League International Cup, but it still stings.
A short break now gives them time to clear their heads before facing Tamworth in the National League Cup. All eyes then shift to December 19, when the U21s face Borussia Dortmund under the lights at Old Trafford.
Author’s opinion:
This defeat won’t define the season, but it should wake the group up. The talent is there; the focus has to follow. Matches like this teach more than easy wins ever could.
As featured on ManUNews.com
