MANCHESTER UNITED wonderkid Joe Hugill, 16, scored the winning penalty in the Under-21s’ shootout win against Rochdale in the EFL Trophy.
After thumping Salford 6-0 in their previous game in the competition, United’s youngsters were expecting a tougher challenge against League One side Rochdale.
Joe Hugill looked lively as Man Utd U21s beat Rochdale on penaltiesCredit: Rex Features
Ondrej Mastny saved two penalties, including one during the 90 minutes and one in the shootoutCredit: Rex Features
Incredibly, over half of Under-21s boss Neil Wood’s team would be eligible for the Under-18s.
And the young XI went up against Rochdale’s first team hoping for another win.
With Hugill leading the line aged just 16, United looked lively, but failed to score as the game finished 0-0 after 90 minutes.
Hugill himself had smashed a rocket of a shot into the post in just the seventh minute.
Hannibal Mejbri also looked impressive and nearly scored from a free-kick, but for a strong save from Rochdale stopper Jay Lynch.
Man Utd Under-21s celebrated their win after edging the shootoutCredit: Rex Features
United were indebted to goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny – who saved a penalty in the second-half.
The game went to a shootout – with Mastny again the hero, denying Harrison Hopper’s attempt to earn his side a bonus point.
Seconds before Mastny’s save, Hugill scored the first penalty of sudden death to set up the victory.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
