An early goal from United’s James Wilson took the home side into the lead but Lukas Nmecha secured the equaliser for the Blues in the second-half to prevent Rickey Sbragia’s side from taking the three points.
What happened
In the first 15 minutes of the game, Simon Davies’ side owned a majority of the possession, but we were punished by the opposition for any small mistake that was made.
But as the game warmed up, so did Manchester United, and they took the lead after 21 minutes when James Wilson whipped around City to fire his effort in the bottom right hand corner.
This was the only goal of the first half, and it seemed to deflate the Blues a little.
Following Wilson’s goal, the rest of the half was slow and City’s first opportunity fell to England Under 17s star Phil Foden, when his bullet strike was deflected just inches wide of the post by Kieran O’Hara.
A minute before half-time, Aro Muric made a glorious save to prevent United from doubling their lead when our ‘keeper got his hands to Zachary Dearnley’s curled effort.
After returning to the pitch, there was a different feel about City and within two minutes the equaliser was scored by Lukas Nmecha after Demeaco Duhaney’s cross pinpointed the skipper perfectly.
From then, City secured much more of the possession than they did in the first-half, and although the Blues picked up Davies’ side struggled to convert.
Jacob Davenport, particularly, showed determination and drive throughout the match and his sliding tackle on United’s Ethan Hamilton was accurately executed to prevent his from adding another to their tally.
Muric was rarely called upon in the second-half, but the ‘keeper’s heartbeat was raised when United’s Tosin Kehinde fired a long effort that looked destined for the top corner, but our stopper got his hand to the strike and was able to deflect the ball over the crossbar.
Substitution Rabbi Matondo created a number of chances for the Blues at the end of the match, but the result remained level for the two Manchester sides.
How they lined up
Aro Muric was in goal against United, with a back four of Demeaco Duhaney, Joel Latibeaudiere, Tosin Adarabioyo and Ed Francis.
In midfield there was a trio of Jacob Davenport, Brahim Diaz and Matt Smith.
While upfront, Lukas Nmecha and Javairo Dilrosun flanked Phil Foden.
What it means
The result means that City take away one point, and now sit at 10 points in the Premier League 2 table.
What’s next
Next up, in the Premier League 2 City EDS next face Tottenham at the Academy Stadium on Saturday 25 November, kick-off at 1pm.
Before that City Under 19s are set to welcome Feyenoord to the Academy Stadium in the Uefa Youth League on Tuesday 21 November, with kick-off at 2.45pm.
