The Blues had to battle the famous Manchester weather as well as their opponents. Driving rain and very strong winds made the pitch conditions tricky, and it was difficult to judge the path and pace of the ball.
Facing into the wind during the first half, the young City defence marshalled by Nathaniel Oseni held firm, and forced the United attack into taking long range shots which ended up flying high and wide.
Both sides created little in the way of meaningful attacks during the first half as the weather took control, and it was a similar story at the start of the second period.
It took until the 62nd minute for the deadlock to be broken.
City goalkeeper Ian Lawlor made a fine stop to push the ball onto the bar after a United corner caused pinball in the box. However, his quick release in the next minute fell straight to a red shirt, and Andreas Pereira was quick to capitalise.
For the remaining half hour City strove forward in search of an equaliser.
The most memorable chance came from a Kean Bryan free kick from the right side with ten minutes left, which was heading straight for the top corner and demanded an excellent save from the United keeper.
The job had become more difficult for the young Blues when striker Brandon Barker was asked to leave the field of play after a foul midway through the second half, and City were forced into a substitution.
There was better news for the under-17s, who enjoyed a 6-3 victory over their United counterparts.
