Academy Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur u21s 2-2 Manchester United u21s | OneFootball

Manchester United u21s took on Premier League 2 table toppers Tottenham Hotspur at Lamex Stadium as they looked to stay within the play-off positions.

It got off to a shaky start for United when the ball was lost at the back for Will Lankshear to run through but a fantastic recovery tackle from Jack Kingdon saved United’s blushes.

But it was all Tottenham in the opening stages and after Sonny Aljofree made a good block the home side eventually took the lead in the 16th minute as United couldn’t stop the relentless attacks.

The cross from the left side was missed by everyone going to Jude Soonsup-Bell on the right to deliver it back into Lankshear to finish from close range.

Tottenham’s lead lasted barely a minute though as Ruben Curley picked up the loose ball in midfield before striding forward and striking wonderfully from 25 yards into the bottom corner to draw it back level at 1-1.

United then took the lead against the run of play in the 25th minute with a dangerous low cross from Ethan Williams tapped in by Gabriele Biancheri who expertly dropped off at the back post.

But again the lead didn’t last long as Tottenham levelled in the 35th minute. After Jamie Donley threatened with a strike off the post, the number 10 delicately chipped over everyone from outside the box to even the score.

The goal wasn’t without controversy though as Dermot Mee who originally rushed out to thwart the attack left a Tottenham player down on the ground in an offside position who Mee later tripped over while retreating back to his goal. Mee and manager Travis Binnion let the referees hear about it but it wasn’t changing their mind.

Despite Tottenham having control of the first half, United did look dangerous on the counterattack and almost retook the lead just before the break after James Scanlon won the ball and squared to Biancheri who couldn’t lift his effort over the keeper, leaving it 2-2 going into half time.

United improved in the second half as they were able to get out of their half and pin Tottenham back with a high press, led by the relentless running of Biancheri, but the Reds couldn’t capitalise on the forced turnovers.

Ethan Williams came within inches when his shot was initially blocked but he collected the ball and forced his way into the box before hammering a low shot that was saved onto the post and cleared.

The home side were still a danger themselves though as they called Mee into question minutes later with a big save.

Ultimately the sides exchanged a few more blows but neither could make the breakthrough leaving it deadlocked at the final whistle. United moved up one spot into 14th place as a result.

United: Mee, Kamason, Kingdon, Aljofree, Murray, McAllister (Devaney 62), Curley, Scanlon, Oyedele (Sharpe 89), Williams, Biancheri (Nolan 75)

Unused subs: Plumley, Baumann

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