Man United knocked out of U18 Premier League Cup by West Ham United – report | OneFootball

Manchester United have been knocked out of the U18 Premier League Cup by West Ham United.

They lost 5-4 on penalties after playing a 2-2 draw during regulation time.

Tyler Fletcher gave United the lead in the 11th minute, putting the ball home from James Scanlon’s corner kick.

United should have doubled their advantage before half-time, with Victor Musa’s effort drifting away from the right post.

The Hammers levelled the tie in the 41st minute through Josh Ajala. The young striker received the ball from the right wing, shifted it to his left foot, and struck it home.

West Ham took the lead immediately after the restart as Gabriel Caliste shot across goal after receiving a pass from Ajala.

James Scanlon restored parity for United, smashing the ball into the net beyond the reach of goalkeeper Lanre Awesu, courtesy of Fletcher’s pass.

Two minutes later, goalkeeper Will Murdock prevented the Red Devils from conceding another goal, tipping Ajala’s effort over the crossbar.

Jayce Fitzgerald had the chance to give Man United the win, driving forward on the counter-attack, but was prevented from shooting by a last-ditch tackle from Awesu.

West Ham could have snatched the victory in injury time when Murdock denied Ajala from getting his second of the game.

Murdock was brilliant again during extra time, denying Andre Dike twice to send the game to penalties.

Jim Thwaites gave United the lead during the penalty shoot-out, with Elisha Sowunmi missing for West Ham.

Scanlon, Fetcher and Jayce Fitzgerald converted for United, but Musa could not, taking the shoot-out to sudden death as West Ham netted all theirs after Sowunmi’s miss.

Louie Bradbury failed to score, allowing Chinaza Nwosu to net the winning penalty for the Hammers.

Man United won the tournament for the first time last season, beating Manchester City 2-1in the final.

Article written by Henry Thornton .