Lacey slotted home after weaving run as Man Utd U21s won 3-2 in play-offs

Shea Lacey weaved through the box before slotting home Man Utd U21s third goal in a hard fought win over Sunderland as they progressed to the quarter-finals of the Premier League 2 play-offs.

The Reds took control of the round-of-16 tie through goals from Chido Obi and Jack Fletcher, before Felix Scott pulled one back for the visitors.

Lacey then restored United’s two-goal cushion with a brilliant solo effort, although Jack Whittaker ensured a tense finish late on at the Progress With Unity Stadium.

Adam Lawrence’s side held firm to book their place in the last eight, where they will face an away tie between Friday 1 and Monday 4 May, with the opponent still to be confirmed.

United earned home advantage after finishing second in the league phase, narrowly missing out on the title to Chelsea on goal difference. A blend of Under-18s and Under-21s players featured in the squad, with the team looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle in their final regular-season match.

Despite United’s strong league campaign, it was Sunderland — who finished 15th — that started brighter in the Leigh sunshine. Jaydon Jones fired a first-time effort wide, before Charlie Dinsdale met Scott’s lay-off but struck into the ground, allowing Will Murdock to gather comfortably.

Sunderland captain Harrison Jones was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a late challenge on Sonny Aljofree, who was leading the side on the day.

United responded well and took the lead after 15 minutes, as Obi latched onto Jack Moorhouse’s precise through ball and calmly slotted into the bottom corner.

Lacey continued to cause problems, forcing two sharp saves from goalkeeper Isaac Allan, before Fletcher doubled the advantage on 27 minutes. After Moorhouse’s effort was blocked on the line following good work from Lacey, Fletcher reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

However, Sunderland hit back almost immediately, with Scott capitalising on defensive hesitation to slip the ball under Murdock and reduce the deficit.

The game remained open, with chances at both ends. Obi nearly grabbed his second from a tight angle, only to be denied by Allan, while Lacey and Victor Musa both went close as United pushed to extend their lead.

That third goal eventually arrived when Lacey produced a moment of quality, weaving into the box after Tyler Fletcher regained possession before calmly finishing into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

United continued to threaten, with Lacey going close again and Obi testing Allan from distance, but Sunderland refused to go away. With 17 minutes remaining, Whittaker punished a loose touch from Tyler Fletcher following a Murdock goal-kick, composing himself before finding the net to make it 3-2.

Lawrence introduced fresh legs late on, bringing on Yuel Helafu and Samuel Lusale to shore things up on the right flank.

United looked dangerous on the counter, with Tyler Fletcher driving forward and seeing a shot deflect narrowly wide, but the closing stages remained nervy. Murdock dealt with a late effort from substitute Lewis Campbell, while Aljofree produced a crucial block to deny Jenson Jones.

The final whistle was greeted with relief as United secured their place in the quarter-finals, keeping alive hopes of adding another PL2 title to those won in 2012/13, 2014/15 and 2015/16.