No Obi, no problem: 19 y/o forward inspires Manchester United U21s to crucial Southampton win

Manchester United U21s returned to winning ways in the Premier League 2, beating Southampton 2-1 at Carrington on Friday afternoon.

Chido Obi was absent in the matchday squad for the second consecutive game. He came off injured in the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Obi’s replacement, Victor Musa impressed, scoring two goals. His brace helped United move level on points with leaders Chelsea.

Southampton were the first to threaten, with William Merry volleying over the bar from a dangerous position in the 15th minute.

United’s first real chance came after the half-hour mark as Jim Thwaites forced the Saints goalkeeper Hugo Fisher to make his first save.

The young Reds ended the first half the stronger side. Jack Fletcher saw an effort saved by Fisher before Tommy Dobson-Ventura made one timely block to prevent Jack Fletcher from getting a shot away.

Southampton started the second half brightly, with Thierry Rohart-Brown and Joe O’Brien calling Will Murdock in the United goal into action.

United weathered the storm and went ahead in the 49th minute. Fletcher delivered a free-kick into the box and Musa headed home.

The pair combined for United’s second just before the hour mark. After receiving a pass from Jayce Fitzgerald, Fletcher teed up Musa to apply the finish.

Southampton halved the deficit in the 68th minute. Dobson-Ventura’s initial header was saved by Murdock, but the Saints captain showed persistence to ram in the rebound.

The visitors could not build on the lifeline as United upped the ante in search of a third goal. However, Fisher made several impressive saves as United ran out as 2-1 winners.

Adam Lawrence’s side are not back in action until March 20 when they face Reading.

Article written by Henry Thornton .