Last night, the Manchester United under 21s took on Liverpool at Leigh Sports Village, looking to build on their victory against Fulham. Despite a poor start, which saw Liverpool take the lead in the 4th minute, United managed to equalize in the 18th minute through Joe Hugill. The 19 year old continued his remarkable recovery from injury, scoring four goals in three league appearances this season. Both teams had chances to take the lead, but it was United who eventually managed to do so when Mateo Mejia burst down the right flank and matched Hugill in the center to score from two yards. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for United, with Hugill’s double proving to be the difference.

of Manchester United under 21s met Liverpool last night at Leigh Sports Village looking to build on the victory they picked up last time out at Fulham.
(The Fulham match report is here).
However, it was a poor start for United as Liverpool took the lead in the 4th minute. Mark Jurado could only curl a corner at the feet of Luca Stevenson on the edge of the box, which curled into the top corner off the fingertips of Radek Vitek.
Joe Hugill responded almost instantly after Brandon Williams chipped him over the top, but the striker was only able to find the side netting thanks to his effort.
Liverpool had a chance to double their advantage when Williams canceled the ball, giving Mateusz Musilowski the chance to break into the box and make a fantastic save from Vitek.
There were chances for both sides and another outlet for United when Zidane Iqbal burst into open space before flicking a delicate pass into the path of Noam Emeran, whose header left the keeper untroubled at the end.
But the subsequent takedown of the goalkeeper put Liverpool under pressure again: Charlie Savage picked up the ball and passed to Issac Hansen-Aaroen, who danced into the box with nimble feet before feeding the ball to Hugill to send the ball home from six yards to equalise. equalized in the 18th minute.
Liverpool’s inability to clear the ball provided another chance late in the half for Savage, who opened up his favored left foot but could not keep the shot flying over the bar.
At the start of the second half, Liverpool looked as if they had unlocked the United defence, but due to the fact that Williams had a shot on goal, the ball flew out for a corner.
United substitute Mateo Mejia struck when he burst down the right flank into the box and then matched Hugill in the center to score from two yards for the second time of the game.
The 19 years old the latter would end up being the winner as he continues to make a remarkable recovery from injury, scoring four goals in just three league appearances this season.
Joe Hugill vs Liverpool U21 match ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ys0ouOsfRt
— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) January 14, 2023
United: Vitek, Jurado, Kambwala, Hardley, Williams, Savage, Iqbal, Emeran (Mejia, 56), Hansen-Aroen (Collier, 84), Forson, Hugill
Unused substitutions: Mastney, Pye, McNeil