Daehli’s Winner Secures 3rd Place In NexLions Cup

Manchester United rested key players against Singapore but were still able to secure third place in the NexLions Cup.

United could have been 2 up inside the first 5 minutes but both Weir and Byrne spurned chances; Weir hitting the post inside a minute after combining nicely with Byrne, whilst Byrne shot straight at the goalkeeper following good work from Barmby.

United failed to take advantage of their early dominance and Singapore gradually found their way into the game, creating two chances of their own before the break. Captain Rahman tested Gollini with a stinging shot, before Dalley made a desperate block to deny Ghani when he looked certain to score.

The game was level at half time, but Singapore didn’t have to wait long to open the scoring. 

Dalley, who was at fault for a goal as United crashed out of the FA Youth Cup against Burnley last week, brought down Singapore’s captain Suhaimi inside the box 7 minutes after the restart, and Suhaimi got off the deck to dispatch the spot kick and give his side the lead.

United responded by sending on Wilson, Rudge and Evans not long afterwards, and this immediately paid off as within 4 minutes United drew level.

A short corner ended with Daehli sending a low cross into the box that Shakir turned into his own net from close range and United took control of the match minutes later, when Weir turned provider for Daehli.

The substitute moved past a few defenders before setting up Daehli who curled the ball into the far corner, despite keeper Khairulla getting finger tips to the ball.

United had a number of chances to get a third whilst Singapore could have snatched an equaliser deep into injury time, but instead set freekick in a very good position over the bar.

Weir and Daehli were United’s 2 best players, but Love, Pearson and Wilson also had good games.

United: Pierluigi Gollini – Louis Rowley (Callum Evans 62), Declan Dalley, Liam Grimshaw, Donald Love – Kenji Gorré (Jack Rudge 62), Ben Pearson (Paddy McNair 84), James Weir, Joe Rothwell (Mats Møller Dæhli 35), Jack Barmby – Sam Byrne (James Wilson 62)