WANDERERS (3-5-2).
NATHAN BAXTER…7.
Made some smart saves in the first half and will have been upset that United’s goal should have been called back for the free kick being taken in the wrong place.
WILL FORRESTER…7.5.
Magic pass to find Bodvarsson for the sixth goal of night and was still throwing himself into challenges in the last 10 minutes, with the game well won.
EOIN TOAL…7.
Went mighty close with a header and looked confident on the ball. Nice, steady return to the side ahead of a stiffer test at Port Vale.
JACK IREDALE…7.
Got the long-range clubs out for some raking passes and was involved in some good work down the left. A definite confidence booster.
GETHIN JONES…8.5.
It was only United’s Under-21s etc, etc, but Jones couldn’t have done much more to sign off for a three-game suspension with a better performance.
GEORGE THOMASON…8.
Took the ball in some incredibly tight spots and produced the sort of pivot pass that instantly set Wanderers away on an attack. Led by example on the night.
AARON MORLEY…8.
Had that mischievous look about him once again, trying passes that nobody else on the pitch could see. Needs to build on this now because Bolton could use him in top form.
JOSH SHEEHAN…8.5.
Two goals from the top drawer, movement that had United’s kids running round in circles, and a decent rest in the second half. Same again in Burslem on Saturday, please.
RANDELL WILLIAMS…7.5.
Got all the tricks out in the second half when he got a chance to run at the United defenders. And got a chance to recharge the batteries early.
JON DADI BODVARSSON…7.5.
Biggest cheer of the night was the one that met his thunderous finish for the sixth goal. Close control was better than anyone else on the pitch.
DAN NLUNDULU…8.
His first goals of the season meant a lot, not only to kickstart his season at Wanderers, but also as tribute to former Southampton team-mate Ben Cull, who sadly passed away last week.
Subs: Jerome 6.5, 65 (for Bodvarsson) – Should have scored, perhaps, but did as much as anyone to ensure the tempo stayed high right to the end.
Khumbeni 7, 67 (for Sheehan) – His first professional goal was well-taken. Now can he build on it?
Matheson 7.5, 67 (for Iredale) – One assist, one goal, and another one against United. This lad has got a chance.
Inwood 76 (for Williams) – Folk at Lostock have been banging the drum for him for months. Deserved his shot.
Not used: Hutchinson, Halford, Adeboyejo.
Tactics – 8/10: It was the same shape, same patterns of play, same philosophy that we would see in League One, only Wanderers knew they were that bit better – and made sure the score-line reflected it. Evatt got grief for picking a ‘strong’ team before kick off but his team is in the next round now, and confidence is boosted tenfold.
Manchester United Under-21s (4-3-3): Vitek; Kambwala, Aljofree, Bennett, Williams; Shoretire, Oyedele, Scanlon; Forson, Hugill, Mejia.
Subs: Nolan 46 (for Bennett), Murray 46 (for Mejia), McAllister 76 (for Williams).
Not used: Harrison, Murray, Kingdon, Wheatley.
Referee: Scott Jackson – 8/10. Aside from a slight gripe over United taking a free-kick miles out of position in the build up to their only goal, rookie ref Jackson showed an impressive level of maturity dealing with the few flashpoints in the game. No real complaints.
Attendance: 3,007.
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