Manchester United u21s took on Arsenal on Friday night in the first round of the Premier League 2 play-offs at Meadow Park.
United looked bright in the opening proceedings, with Ethan Williams forcing a save from Ovie Ejeheri from long range.
But Arsenal took the lead after just 14 minutes when Nathan Butler-Oyedeji his the back of the net after initially having his first shot blocked.
Arsenal skipper Jack Henry-Francis doubled the home side’s lead in the 27th minute, turning home the cross from Reuell Walters.
The wheels had come for United and Arsenal added a third just minutes later with Butler-Oyedeji setting up Amario Cozier-Duberry.
Just looking to get in the break at that point, United couldn’t keep it together, allowing a fourth just before the half time whistle. Butler-Oyedeji ran through to round Dermot Mee and finish into an open net.
Less than 10 minutes after the restart it looked done an dusted for United as Ethan Nwaneri struck the post before being fouled by Toby Collyer to earn a penalty shortly after. The winger stepped up to take it himself and slotted past Mee to make it 5-0.
Almost half way through the second half, Sam Mather produced a bit of magic to give the traveling United fans at least something to cheer about. The United winger initially won the free-kick at the edge of the Arsenal box and then showed his dead ball specialty by hitting the back of the net.
Mather came close again later in the match but was denied by a good save.
Into injury time, Arsenal added a sixth through Cozier-Duberry before United substitute Gabriele Biancheri added a consolation goal in the dying seconds.
The loss marks a disappointing end of the season for Travis Binnion’s group, who experienced a series of highs and lows throughout the campaign.
United: Mee, Kingdon, Bennett, Aljofree, Murray, Collyer (Devaney 58), Oyedele, Scanlon (Biancheri 58), Mather, Williams (Kamason 76), McNeill (Curley 75)
Subs not used: Huddlestone
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