Academy Match Report: Crystal Palace U21s 0-2 Manchester United U21s

Lacey went for goal from the resulting free kick, which Lee parried into the ground and up for Dan Armer to react quickest and head home to give United the lead in the 39th minute.

The home side had the ball in the net moments before the half-time whistle, but the referee was quick to call it off for a high boot in the face of Will Murdock.

Second half

United started the second half brighter in the final third. Jaydan Kamason teed up Jack Fletcher in the area just minutes after the restart, but the England youth international could not keep his effort off his weaker right boot on target.

Jack Fletcher then played provider with a sensational cross-field pass to release Lacey on the right wing, who cut inside and forced a decent save.

Shortly after, Lacey had another go with a curled attempt to the far corner, but it was cleared off the line by Craig Farquhar.

In the 73rd minute, Godwill Kukonki went on a charging run 40 yards upfield before the move looked to break down, but Jack Fletcher was quick on the counter-press to regain possession and play to Chido Obi, who turned and finished excellently from the edge of the area.

Tyler Fletcher’s interception then created another big chance for Obi, but Lee stood tall to push his chipped effort over the bar.

Palace made a late charge to come back, with Hindolo Mustapha and David Angibeaud both drawing good saves from Murdock, but ultimately they were unable to beat the Northern Irish keeper on the day.

United will now take on rivals Manchester City in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the other semi-final will feature Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Match facts

United: Murdock; Kamason, Aljofree (c), Armer, Kukonki; T. Fletcher, Thwaites (Moorhouse 67), J. Fletcher; Lacey, Obi (Biancheri 82), Musa (Scanlon 76).

Unused subs: Byrne-Hughes, Leon.

Goals: Armer 39, Obi 73

Booked: Thwaites, J. Fletcher

Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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