MANCHESTER UNITED crashed out of the Premier League International Cup after their Under 21s manager’s sweeping subs backfired.
stunned by overturning a two-goal deficit to eliminate United with a crushing 4-2 quarter-final victory.
Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher were dumped out of the Premier League International Cup, but both put in good performancesCredit: Getty
Madrid came from 2-0 down to beat United 4-2 after extra-timeCredit: Getty
were in cruise control after early goals from Jack Moorhouse and inside 15 minutes.
But the hosts soon stalled as Madrid grew in confidence, notching one back on the stroke of half-time and equalising during the second-half to force extra-time.
The visitors finally went in front for the first time in the 108th minute and doubled their lead with three minutes remaining.
United missed the chance to join , whom they beat earlier in the campaign, Real Sociedad and the winner of Dinamo Zagreb and in the last four.
Lawrence had his head in his hands on the touchline and there was a feeling that he made too many questionable substitutions throughout the match.
Rafe McCormack started well in midfield but was replaced on the hour mark by Samuel Lusale. Moorhouse and Jack Fletcher soon followed him off.
Lawrence brought on U18 star Noah Ajayi, who has impressed for Darren Fletcher’s side, and Finley McAllister as United were soon stretched.
Generally speaking United believe in development over winning, but the club named a strong starting line up and wanted to advance as the only English club left in the competition.
Jack Moorhouse’s sweet strike sent United ahead inside 10 minutesCredit: Getty
Lawrence told SunSport last week that to show he can perform at the top level.
Asked about Moorhouse, Lawrence said: “The club’s part is to create the pathway. The player’s job is to force the pathway and make that final part.
“There’s always got to be a bit of room to say to the player ‘go and perform – and your performances pick teams or get you a loan or get you in the first team.’”
And the 20-year-old answered his coach’s rallying cry with a sublime opener inside the first 10 minutes.
The midfielder, who was sent back from his loan in January, glided his first touch to perfectly set up a rocket into the top right corner from outside the box.
Madrid celebrate at the end of the Premier League International Cup Quarter FinalCredit: Getty
Lacey doubled United’s lead five minutes later with an expertly taken penalty, won by , who was brought down by Madrid keeper Guillerho Sunico following a poor touch from a pass back.
Some of Lawrence’s changes were forced, as captain Tyler Fredricson looked distraught as his limped off injured after 50 minutes.
United legend was in the stands supporting his twin sons Jack and Tyler playing in the middle.
Carrington U18 coach Fletcher played a hand in bringing Lawrence back to lead the U21s with Travis Binnion stepping up to the first team.
Madrid halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time through Gabriel Castrelo’s close range punt past United stopper William Murdock after Bruno Iglesias headed down a cross into his pathway.
Jack Fletcher found space down the left minutes later, but his low cross into the six yard box was blocked before Obi could reach it.
Madrid took control of the second half and finally found an equaliser through Iglesias’ low strike, which nicked a deflection off sub Dan Armer.
Obi struggled to make an impact as United’s No9 in what was a disappointing night for the 18-year-old striker.
Lacey dropped off in the second half with United unable to get him involvedCredit: Getty
Lacey did not travel to Dublin for the first-team’s training camp in order to be available against Los Blancos, with Lawrence having “sweet talked” Carrick into letting him play.
He was replaced by James Overy at the start of extra-time, with Lawrence keen to manage Lacey’s minutes amid a series of injuries.
Madrid quickly had the ball in the back of the net seconds into extra-time, but the offside flag was already up.
The visitors soon completed the turnaround in the final half as sub Jaime Barroso dropped his shoulder inside the box to power home a low finish past Murdock.
The Madrid bench quickly ran onto the pitch to celebrate their epic comeback and Daniel Mesonero made it 4-2 in the 117th minute.
United’s U21s still have the PL2 to play for and are set for a top two finish in the play off spots ahead of their match against Newcastle this Friday.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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