Town’s U21s’ Premier League 2 campaign got off to a tough start, the young Blues losing 5-0 to Manchester United at the Progress with Unity Stadium in Leigh, ending the game having been reduced to 10 men.

The Red Devils went in front in only the second minute through Joseph Gabriel, Jack Fletcher doubling their lead on 10.

Jaydan Kamason made it three on 33, then five minutes later Daniel Armer added a fourth to make the scoreline 4-0 at the break.

Town made a double change ahead of the restart, but six minutes into the second period Gabriel made it 5-0 with his second of the evening.

The Blues’ evening got even worse on 66 when full-back Leon Elliott was sent off for a second bookable offence, but they saw out the final 24 minutes without conceding further.

Absent from the Town squad was winger Tudor Mendel, perhaps hinting that the former Anderlecht and Chelsea man may be involved with the first team for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup tie at home to Leicester.

U21s: Williamson, Elliott, Mthunzi, Mazionis (c), Lewis, Wood (Wilkinson 83), Compton (Sains 46), Adetiba (Mauge 46), Fletcher, Runham (Nicolaou 62), Eldred (Eze 62). Unused: Wreford, Pitts.

Photo: TWTD