Liverpool U18s were handed a heavy 7-0 defeat by Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, writes Rahul Prinjha at The Academy.
The young Reds struggled to match United’s efficiency in front of goal during a difficulty Northwest derby.
United struck with their first meaningful attack. Bendito Mantato drove into the area and finished low past Kornel Misciur to give the visitors an early advantage.
Liverpool tried to respond through Joe Bradshaw, whose low cross flashed through a dangerous area before Finn Inglethorpe rounded goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes.
The forward looked certain to level, but his effort from a narrowing angle hit the side netting as United defenders covered well.
Liverpool’s attacker putting pressure on United’s defence
La’More Lee Forster tested Byrne-Hughes with a sharp turn and shot from the edge of the box, drawing a fingertip save to keep United ahead.
However, the visitors doubled their lead shortly before half time. JJ Gabriel produced a fine individual goal, twisting past defenders inside the box and placing a composed finish into the far corner.
Liverpool started the second half positively. Inglethorpe guided a header narrowly wide as the Reds tried to wrestle back momentum.
But United soon reasserted control. Gabriel grabbed his second goal of the afternoon, with a powerful close range finish after another well timed run into the area.
A set piece then extended the visitors advantage, with substitute Rafe McCormack scrambling the ball home after Liverpool failed to clear a corner.
Moments later, Jim Thwaites converted from the penalty stop as Alvin Ayman conceded the spot kick.
Thwiates 84′ minute penalty goal for United
United’s pressure continued into the final stages. Samuel Lusale rounded Misciur to score from a tight angle, and Gabriel completed his hat-trick late on with a low driven effort inside the area.
Liverpool will look to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Middlesborough on December 6, aiming to respond strongly after a difficult afternoon at Kirkby.
