The second Premier League 2 match of 2023 saw Liverpool Under 21s take on Manchester United U21s at Leigh Sports Village. Liverpool started the game brightly and took the lead through Luka Stevenson’s fourth minute strike. However, the lead was short-lived as Joe Hugill equalized in the 19th minute. Despite chances falling for both sides, it was Hugill who scored again late in the game to give Manchester United the win with a score of 2-1. Liverpool had Quans to thank for a timely strike at one end, while United were relieved to see Lee Jonas head over the bar and Lutas’ side continued to fight for a winner. The Young Reds had chances to peg United back and deserved points after taking control at the start of each half, but ultimately couldn’t find the finishing touch. Despite the defeat, Liverpool remain just five points clear of Man City at the top of the table. Liverpool Under 21s will now travel to Braga for the PL International Cup on Wednesday 18 January 19:00 (GMT).

Unlike the first team, Liverpool Under-21 players are capable of scoring the first goal, but in the match against Manchester United they were unable to hold on to the lead, suffering a late defeat with a score of 2:1.
Manchester United U21 – Liverpool U21 2:1
Premier League 2, Leigh Sports Village
January 14, 2023
Goals: Hugill, 18′, 78′; Stevenson 4′
Barry Lutas had a strong side in the second Premier League 2 match of 2023, despite a positive start, the final result was the same as the first match of the year.
Billy Kumetio, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clarke and Melkam Frauendorf joined Jarel Kwansa, Mateusz Musialowski and Luka Stevenson in the XI, with the latter making an immediate impact on the scoreboard.
Stevenson, an outstanding midfielder all game, gave the Reds a flying start, scoring after just four minutes, capitalizing on Manchester United’s failure from a Liverpool corner.
Musialovski and Clarke asked United further questions, but goalkeeper Radek Vitek was up to the task and helped shift the momentum to his side.
As the clock ticked down to the 19th minute, United equalized thanks to Joe Hugill, who scored the quickest goal after a lackluster Liverpool display.
HT: Manchester United U21 – Liverpool U21 1:1
The second half picked up where the first left off, with chances falling for both sides.
Liverpool had Quans to thank for a timely strike at one end, while United were relieved to see Lee Jonas head over the bar and Lutas’ side continued to fight for a winner.
However, it fell to Manchester United with Hugill again the scorer with a simple touch after the hosts opened up Liverpool down the right to make it 2-1.
The Young Reds had chances to peg United back and deserved points after taking control at the start of each half, but ultimately couldn’t find the finishing touch.
It was the second league defeat of the year for the U21s after a 2-0 loss at Tottenham, but they still remain just five points clear of Man City at the top.
Liverpool Under 21s: Davis; Jonas, Chambers, Kwansa, Kumetio; Cornes, Stevenson, Clarke; Frauendorf, Musialowski (Blair, 68′), Norris
Unused substitutes: Kelly, Miles, Olufunwa, Pilling
Next match: Braga (D) – PL International Cup – Wednesday 18 January 19:00 (GMT)