[funkdoctorspock]

Goodness, the youths got pummelled yesterday.

U18s: Cardiff 5 United 1

United conceded three late goals in the Welsh capital as Cardiff City ran out 5-1 winners on Saturday afternoon.

With just 10 minutes to play, the Reds were trailing 2-1 and still very much in the game. But late lapses in concentration gifted the Welsh team three goals and, in the end, the scoreline flattered the home side.

Indeed, Cardiff had to do it the hard way after Evandro Brandao headed United into a first-half lead at the Glamorgan Uni Sports Complex. The Reds dominated possession and looked comfortable until just after the break when Bluebirds striker Jon Brown, who impressed all afternoon, slotted home after a strong solo run.

Substitute Rees Kelleher then reacted first to a loose ball to put the home side in front, a strike that forced United to push forward in search of their own equaliser. But the longer Cardiff held on, the more frustrated the Reds grew.

United's challenge effectively ended when Cameron Stewart upended Brown in the penalty area. Jack Carlisle stepped forward and, cool as you like, sent United goalkeeper Gary Woods the wrong way from the spot.

Then, on 86 minutes, Cardiff captain Brad Middleton rose highest to nod in a corner before James Upcott rounded off the scoring when he bundled in a free kick on the stroke of full-time.

The loss leaves the young Reds without a win from the first two games, although the team's first-half performance was encouraging.

"Cardiff were overrun in the first half," former Red Arthur Albiston said during commentary on MUTV. "They were out-played and were chasing the ball for long periods. But you have to take your hat off to them as they battled back well.

"The scoreline flatters Cardiff but let's not take anything away from their second-half performance. It's a learning experience for the United players. You can be ahead at half-time, sitting comfortable, and suddenly the game can be turned on its head."
Click

U18s: Coach disappointed

Academy coach Paul McGuinness had strong words for United's players after the team slumped to a 5-1 defeat against Cardiff City on Saturday.

The Reds looked strong in the game's opening exchanges and led 1-0 at the break. But United crumbled in the second period and struggled to cope with the home side's pace and power. The final 10 minutes proved particularly costly, as United conceded three goals, including a penalty.

"I'm very disappointed," McGuinness told MUTV. "In the first half we were totally in control and looked like we should have had more goals. But in the second half we folded. It was a very poor performance."

The match was played under baking sun in the Welsh capital but McGuinness said the conditions had little to do with the result.

"I don't think it was the weather. It was the attitude of our players - they showed a lack of character. It was a big disappointment and those performances put doubts in everyone's minds.

"They'd better improve. If they continue folding as easily as they did in the second half then they won't have a career in football.

"They need to know [the levels they showed today] are not the standards required to be a professional footballer... certainly not at Manchester United."
Click