Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can’t buy a win at the moment but Neil Wood’s under – 23 s are not experiencing similar struggles.
United’s reserve side went into Friday night’s meeting with Fulham at Leigh Sports Village having won four of their five matches at the beginning of the new season, their forgettable 2018 – 19 campaign under previous boss Ricky Sbragia a distant memory.
The under – 23 s were tedious to watch under Sbragia but they are entertaining and energetic under Wood and they are the favorites for promotion to Premier League 2 this season.
Like West H am last time out – the only opponentUnitedhave not beaten this term – Fulham were providers of a stern test and it looked like the hosts would be made to pay for their sloppiness in the final third until the 85 th minute.
Wood’s men have not been goal shy this season but they were wasteful in attack here, with good chances going begging in both halves.
Ethan Galbraith is dependable and versatile but, donning the No. 10 shirt against Fulham, he is no Angel Gomes. Anthony Elanga is a tricky winger but he is no replacement for Tahith Chong, whois in contention to feature for the senior side against Leicester on Saturday. D’Mani Mellor did not have the impact on the game that he would’ve desired.
The one member of United’s front four who did impress was the one who ended up having a telling contribution on the outcome of this match as Largie Ramazani, whose rapid development over the last few months has come as a welcome surprise to those inside the academy, beat two men down the right wing before cutting the ball back for Dylan Levitt to slot home United’s late winner.
Ramazani has gone from strength to strength under Wood and his performance will have had Mike Phelan, who was sat in the stands at Leigh, sitting up and taking notice.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lacks genuine options on the right flank and Ramazani could be an option looking ahead.
The moment of brilliance that ultimately won the match was almost cancelled out as Fulham were awarded an injury-time penalty following a coming-together in the box.
By this point b oth sides were down to 10 men after sending offs for Fulham captain Jaydn Mundle-Smith and United skipper Brandon Williams.
Matej Kovar was the hero, though, as he dived low down to his left to deny Timmy Abraham, the brother of Chelsea striker Tammy, and ensure United returned to winning ways.
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