Chido Obi fires Man Utd U21s past Palace to set up City showdown
Manchester United U21s progressed to the Premier League 2 play-offs semis-final following a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
United will now face Manchester City for a place in the competition’s final.
The game began at a low pace with no genuine attempts until the 17th minute. Victor Musa was sent through on goal, but goalkeeper Harry Lee quickly came off his line to smother the ball.
Lee made another good stop before the half-hour mark, tipping Chido Obi’s shot over as United continued their search for the opener.
Rylan Brownlie registered Palace’s first shot on target, whipping a strike from outside the box, but William Murdock gathered comfortably.
Daniel Armer then broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, heading home after Shea Lacey’s initial free-kick was kept out by Lee.
Craig Farquhar thought he had restored parity for Palace just before the stroke of half-time, but his goal was ruled out for a foul.
United started the second half brightly, with Jaydan Kamason whipping a cross towards Jack Fletcher, who could not keep his effort down.
At the other end, Murdock was called into action, with the United goalkeeper saving Seb Williams’ low drive.
Chido Obi made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, producing a clinical finish from the edge of the area after Jack Fletcher recovered possession.
The Danish youngster should have added to the tally moments later with a lobbed effort, but this time, Lee was equal to the task.
Palace finished strongly, with Hindolo Mustapha and David Angibeaud stinging the palms of Murdock, but United held firm to their two-goal cushion.
Article written by Henry Thornton .