SuperCupNI Match Report: Manchester United u16s 1-2 Intercontinental FA u16s

Manchester United’s u16s took on Intercontinental FA in a fierce battle on Wednesday night for the top spot in their SuperCupNI group.

In a must win match for United to advance to the semi-finals, the American side, that competes in the MLS academy system, proved a tough test for the young reds.

Things didn’t go to plan from the start as some sloppy passing at the back saw United lose possession and gift Intercontinental an easy goal with Zac Watson positioned out of his goal just five minutes into the match.

Intercontinental almost added another 5 minutes later but for a top save from Watson when they got down the right wing and cut back into the box for an open shot from 10 yards out.

A visibly bigger side, Intercontinental were a strong unit who pressed at a high tempo, far beyond what United had experienced in the opening two fixtures of the tournament.

Another turnover in midfield led to a quick long range effort which looked to catch Watson off guard but he was well positioned to keep it out this time.

Up at the other end, Bendito Mantato was struggling to get the better of his marker and it took until nearly half time for him to fashion a chance which he flashed across the face of goal and wide.

Just before the half time break, Intercontinental’s number 15 went on a sensational solo run past two United defenders before curling the ball into the top right corner to make it 0-2.

The second half saw United make an early change with Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher coming on, who looked to offer a more attacking threat.

He almost made an immediate impact when he collected the ball and struck off the post from 18 yards out.

Ibrovic-Fletcher’s link up play brought Mantato into the game more and they linked up intricately on one occasion but the substitute’s effort trickled wide of the goal before having another shot tipped over the bar from long range.

In the 53rd minute United pulled one back when Douka Nkoto’s corner wasn’t cleared and the ball bounced up perfectly for Neithan Barbosa to finish on the volley.

Despite the improvement in the second half, it wasn’t enough for United to complete the comeback as Intercontinental held onto a deserved win to top the group.

The loss means United finished second in the group and move on to compete in the SCNI Globe semi-finals against Hamilton Academical which will determine the 5-8th place teams.

United: Watson, Helafu, Mills, Kukonki, Thorley, McCormack (Ibrovic-Fletcher 40), D. Nkoto, Mantato, B. Nkoto, Ajayi (Barbosa 46) (Brown 65), Bradbury