To play Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2 on Friday night, the Manchester United U21s traveled to Loughborough University.
United needed a win to guarantee their place in the top 16 and a trip to the play-offs as the season drew to a close.
Charlie McNeill created the first big chance of the game when he chased down a long ball to win the ball in Forest’s area, rounding the keeper and striking towards the open goal, but the recovering defender made a magnificent goal line clearance. The first half of the match was back and forth as both sides tried to get their feet.
Then, with Forest posing a threat and United finding it difficult to establish any kind of passing game against the pressure of Warren Joyce’s team, the match essentially became one-way traffic.
McNeill was United’s only bright spark as he latch onto another pass, create space in Forest’s box, and attempt a low shot that was saved well.
Detlef Esapa Osong, Forest’s danger man, was wreaking havoc, especially when he strayed to United’s right. Shortly after the 40th minute, Forest’s number nine found the back of the net, but the goal was promptly disallowed for offside.
Just before the half, Osong again had a chance to score, forcing Elyh Harrison to make a spectacular save.
It remained mostly the same throughout the second half as United looked careless with the ball and unable to match Forest’s effort.
Then, Osong broke past United by cutting in from the left to attempt a 10-yard shot, but Harrison’s strong hand stopped him once more.
Ethan Williams, a substitute, gave United’s offense some much-needed energy. He also laid a lovely cross for McNeill, who poked goalward and struck it off the right post.
Osong was again played in behind along the left side of the goal late in the game, but despite numerous opportunities, he was unable to beat Harrison in goal, who was declared the game’s MVP.
As the game was drawing to a conclusion, Jamie Newton’s excessive challenge on Sam Murray resulted in a straight red card for the Forest replacement during injury time.
Murray thankfully recovered soon, but United was unable to take advantage of the man advantage, and the game finished in a scoreless draw.
However, United’s draw was sufficient to guarantee them a spot in the playoffs; they still sit in 15th position with one game left to play. Although it will take favorable outcomes on the last matchday, United can still theoretically finish in the top 12 and earn a spot in the Premier League International Cup for the next season.
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