U18s outclass United by four at Academy
Liverpool U18s claimed their first victory of the new season in stunning style by clinically defeating Manchester United 4-0 at the Kirkby Academy on Saturday morning.
Quick-fire strikes by Harry Wilson, Jerome Sinclair and Will Marsh laid the foundations for a handsome win, with the advantage further increased by Ryan Kent late on.
The home side had been dominant during the opening exchanges, camping in opposition territory courtesy of crisp passing and fluid movement, and Neil Critchley's charges earned a reward in the 15th minute.
Sergi Canos delivered a dangerous early cross from the right flank that United could not deal with and, when an attempted clearance fell loose, Welsh youngster Wilson calmly poked the ball beyond the goalkeeper for 1-0.
An immediate response looked certain to be registered when Demetri Mitchell scampered in behind the Liverpool backline, but the forward sent his effort from the edge of the area onto the goal frame. Ryan Fulton superbly kept the rebound out too.
The warning was more than heeded. The young Reds promptly attacked along the left side, with Canos again the provider of a cross - this time via the fortune of a deflection - that allowed Sinclair to leap high and loop a header home.
On 25 minutes, it was three and the best goal so far. Wilson dribbled inside from the right and knocked across United's penalty box, where Marsh drifted onto the pass and struck a sublime left-footer into the top corner.
Critchley's team remained in control throughout the second half and grabbed a fourth with 13 minutes left when Canos showed unselfishness yet again. The Spaniard raced one-on-one with the goalkeeper but, instead of shooting, slipped in Kent to the left for an open goal.
U18s team: Fulton, Whelan, Hart, Brewitt, Roberts, Phillips, Wilson (Nicholas), Marsh (Maxwell), Sinclair, Kent, Canos. Unused substitutes: Polgar, Firth, Travis.