Manchester United u21s started their Premier League International Cup campaign on Tuesday night hosting Hertha Berlin II at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium. A considering Salford’s owners’ history in the United academy, a number of Travis Binnion’s side will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the Class of 92. United almost got off to the perfect start when the Hertha defender failed to clear his lines, allowing Ethan Wheatley to steal the ball in the box for a chance on goal.
It came off the post within the first minute of the match. Five minutes later, it was Wheatley causing trouble again as he escaped his tight marker in the box to fashion a bit of space to shoot low across goal but this time it flashed just the wrong side of the left post. The German side soon found their feet and employed an impressive high press that saw United struggle to play the ball out from the back consistently.
Jaydan Kamason had the toughest time for United and was forced into making three fouls within the opening half hour of the match. In the 32nd minute, Hertha escaped down the left wing behind Kamason before cutting back for an open chance in the box but fortunately a poor effort saw the ball sail well over the bar. Hertha would put the ball in the net just before the break but the offside flag came to the relief of United.
Into the second half, United looked more accustomed to the pace of the match, with Dan Gore in particular shining in midfield. United’s captain on the da.