Player Ratings: Manchester United U21s 3-2 Sunderland U21s

Tyler Fletcher – 7.5 – At times in the early stages, he was a one-man midfield, mopping up in front of the backline with tackles and interceptions, but also covering an immense amount of ground. His high pressing caused the turnover leading to United’s third goal. He was unlucky to slip in the build-up for Sunderland’s second.

Jack Moorhouse – 6.5 – A key figure in United’s first two goals, he launched both counter-attacks with his quick dribbling through central areas. However, playing in a deeper number eight role in midfield, his defensive coverage was inconsistent, which allowed Sunderland to carve through the middle far too easily.

Shea Lacey – 8 – He never looked like he really got out of second gear, often slowing the play down and passing backwards. However, when he went for it, no defender could get near him as he twisted inside and out. He was unfortunate to come away with only one goal, as he could have easily had two or three if not for some save-of-the-season contenders from Isaac Allan.

Jack Fletcher – 7 – Took his goal well and was dangerous with incisive and intricate passing going forward. However, he could have imposed himself more on the match and looked to do so more in the second half as he dropped deeper.

Victor Musa – 7 – He was not involved much in the first half but grew into the match in the second, and when he did get involved, he produced pinpoint crosses into the box, which he was unfortunate not to get an assist out of.

Chido Obi – 7.5 – Took his goal clinically to give United the lead early on and set the tone with his pressing from the front. He was nearly rewarded for those efforts but for a marvellous save to deny his second.

Substitutes

Jim Thwaites – 6 – Offered a lot of hard running in midfield but never really got a hold of the play.

Yuel Helafu – 6.5 – Went on a couple of exceptional runs forward, which alleviated pressure at the back late on when Sunderland were pushing for an equaliser.

Samuel Lusale – 6.5 – Added a lot of pace and running down the right wing, which helped retain possession and see out the match.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social