Carrick watches on as starlet hits double in Man U21s win over Southampton

Victor Musa hit a second half double as Manchester United U21s beat Southampton 2-1.

After a goalless first half, the Reds took full control with Musa's double which were laid on by Jack Fletcher while Southampton pulled one back through Tommy Dobson-Ventura.

The Reds have climbed to second place in the Premier league 2 table, level on points with leaders Chelsea.

Michael Carrick was watching on as United grew in the game after Adam Lallana's side wasted a couple of set-piece opportunities but carved out the first real attempt on goal, when William Merry volleyed over the bar from a promising position, with 15 minutes on the clock.

Jim Thwaites mustered United's first shot on target but it was a comfortable diving save for keeper Hugo Fisher, just past the hour mark.

A lightning break forward by Habeeb Ogunneye looked like providing the spark for the opener but Musa saw his shot blocked inside the area.

After the break it was United who opened the scoring, on 49 minutes, after Jayce Fitzgerald was fouled on the left flank. Jack Fletcher swung over an inviting free-kick and Musa applied the finishing touch with a clinical header.

Ten minutes later, the lead was doubled with Fitzgerald's persistence a key factor behind the goal. The midfielder managed to poke the ball to Jack Fletcher and he unselfishly teed up Musa for a simple tap-in at the far post for 2-0.

The Saints pulled one back from a set-piece when captain Dobson-Ventura saw his initial header saved superbly by Murdock, but he followed up to ram in the rebound.

It may have handed the visitors a lifeline but United continued to ask most of the questions.

Tyler Fletcher and Musa carved out a great chance for Fitzgerald, who was denied by an incredible save by Fisher to keep his team in the game.

Fisher also turned away a cross-cum-shot by Jack Fletcher, while Diego Leon flashed the ball across the face of the keeper's goal.