Sheffield United’s Youth team fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in Sunday’s Milk Cup Final after a helping hand from Southend United forward Michael Ngoo.
The Red Devils took the crown after prevailing over Ron Reid’s Blades team that had overcome FC Porto in their semi final.
The prestigious Youth tournament whose entrants included Fenerbache and FC Porto was won by the Red Devils for the second consecutive year after a tough encounter with the Blades youngsters at Coleraine Showgrounds.
The Blades, who defeated FC Porto in the semi final, started brightly and put Man United under pressure in the early stages. However, they fell behind following an attack orchestrated by United skipper Robbie Brady squaring the ball for Michael Ngoo, who opened the scoring with a composed finish.
Ngoo, who has signed as a first year Apprentice with the Shrimpers but is currently on trial with the Premier League Champions, was then involved in their second goal.
Latching onto a pass in the area, the rangy striker flicked the ball back for midfielder Etzaz Hussain to stroke in United’s second.
The Blades persistent effort saw them pull a deserved goal back late in the game but it wasn’t enough to deny United.
Following on from their successful efforts at the Milk Cup the Blades have been boosted by the news that Academy youngsters Callum McFadzean, George Willis and Charlie Anderson have been called up to join the England training camp at Burton-Upon-Trent next month.
The trio hope to impress as the England U16s Victory Shield squad will be selected from the training camp. McFadzean took part in the Milk Cup tournament with the rest of the United Academy squad in Northern Ireland.
