Wolves U21 Advance to Knockouts With Gritty Manchester United Draw

Wolves U21 1-1 Manchester United U21 – Monday 14^th April, PL2 – Aggborough

James Collins’ young Wolves side needed a point on Monday night in what was their final league phase match of the season to secure their progression to the knockout phase of the PL2 and guarantee themselves a Premier League International Cup space. Anything less left Everton, West Brom and Liverpool poised to steal the last few spots in the top 16.

Wolves were without the suspended Alfie Pond, meaning Caden Voice stepped back into the back line. Myles Dayman also came into the eleven, featuring for the first time since a 2-1 defeat to Southampton in February. United’s line-up had a returning Chido Obi-Martin leading the line and highly rated young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison between the sticks.

Gabriele Biancheri saw his header fly over the bar from a corner early on and two minutes later Luke Rawlings failed to hit the mark with a powerful strike at the other end. Striker Dani Angel had the best chance of the half when Leo Lopes picked him out with a perfect cross. Angel’s header was met with a remarkable save by former Chester loanee Harrison. The goalkeeper also did well to keep out Justin Hubner from a corner, holding the header well. Finn Ashworth also had an effort after a deflection fell kindly to him, but a tame effort couldn’t break the deadlock.

Just before half time Luke Rawlings was fouled on the edge of the box by Tommy Rowe after a mazy run. Tom Edozie stepped up and broke the deadlock with a curling shot that Harrison could do nothing about, making Collins’ team talk much easier!

Wolves replaced Angel with Fletcher Holman at half time, but the striker struggled to get into the game as United dominated the second period. The red devils were quick out the gate, and Josh Gracey was called into action a minute after the restart to deny Obi-Martin with a great stop at his bottom corner.

United found an equaliser after a miss kick from Gracey was sliced straight to Bendito Mantato who took his time before squaring the ball to Tyler Fletcher, who found the net with the aid of a deflection off Bastien Meupiyou.

Gracey did plenty to make up for his error, with Kone and Scanlon both trying to give their side the lead unsuccessfully. The 17-year-old shotstopper had his highlight of the match when substitute Amir Ibragimov received the ball at point-black range, only to be denied as Gracey rushed back across his goal. Ethan Sutherland had Wolves’ only real chance in the second half, but the Scotsman could only find the side netting after a rapid break. A point in the bag for Wolves who held on to secure their place in the next round.

Bastien Meupiyou was my player of the match. The defender is a cut above U21 football and needs a loan next season should he find himself out of Vitor Pereira’s first team. His silky running and composure on the ball are a lethal combination when mixed with his stature and strength in defence, stepping out the back confidently and with ease. He is a real player to watch for Wolves fans.

Currently, Wolves will play Chelsea in the knockout phase but could end up meeting Fulham or league leaders Manchester City depending on the results of other fixtures. It was good to see a fantastic attendance at Aggborough and no doubt there will be a few celebrations before preparations begin for the final push of the campaign.

Wolves XI: Gracey, Dayman, Okoduwa, Meupiyou, Voice, Hubner, Rawlings, Ashworth (79), Edozie (66), Lopes (83), Angel (46)

Subs: Sutherland (83), Whittingham, Bradbury (79), Holman (46), Mane (66)

Man Utd XI: Harrison, Murray (60), Munro, Kukonki, Rowe, Kone, T. Fletcher (60), Scanlon (73), Mantato (73) Obi, Biancheri (73)

Subs: Thwaites (73), Ajayi (73), Musa (73), Fredericson (60), Ibragimov (60)