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Manchester United’s under-21s got the season off on the right foot with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough away from home.
First half
The home side started the game the brightest on the opening day of the season.
Jack Daley had a headed effort at goal from a free kick but it was well stopped by United’s keeper Will Murdock.
Boro kept up the pressure and Brayden Johnson let fly with a fierce effort on 12 minutes that flew over the bar.
United managed their first real chance on 21 minutes when Jaydan Kamason cleverly found Ethan Ennis in the box but his effort was blocked by the home side’s defence.
Boro responded almost immediately and Rio Patterson-Powell’s long range effort almost opened the scoring but Murdock made a terrific diving stop to keep the scores level.
The Northern Irish keeper had to be alert once more as he jumped on the resulting corner.
Travis Binnion’s side eventually grew into the game when Jack Fletcher saw a rasping effort well stopped by the Boro keeper.
United almost grabbed the lead with just one minute left on the clock when the Middlesbrough captain, George McCormick, cleared Ethan Williams’ strike off the line as the half-time whistle blew with the scores level at 0-0.
Second half
The home side started in similar fashion to the first half and probably should have taken the lead when Jayden Carbon was played in on goal but he hit his effort right down Murdock’s throat.
Fortunately, United finally punished the home side’s wastefulness and Ethan Ennis produced a delightful finish into the top corner to open the Red Devils’ account for the 2025/2026 season.
United sustained a little bit of pressure but the away side once again relied on their keeper, who made a strong save one-on-one against Sonny Finch.
Somewhat surprisingly Chido Obi only found himself on the bench, after breaking through to the senior squad last year.
Nonetheless, he made an impression when he came on and had an effort deflected into the hands of the Boro keeper and out of danger.
Ethan Williams continued to be a threat and fired an effort at the keeper but it was smartly stopped.
The Red Devils saw out the victory and collected the three points in tough circumstances.
Binnion’s side will next be in action on Friday against Norwich City.
Featured image Ian MacNicol via Getty Images
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