Man Utd U21s hit by injuries as they failed to go top of table in clash with Chelsea

Manchester United's U21s were hit by injuries as they failed to make the most of their chance to go top of the table against Chelsea.

Goals from Shumaira Mheuka and Leo Cardoso proved decisive, with both of those strikes coming in the first 45 minutes in a 2-0 win for the visitors.

Victor Musa and Tyler Fletcher both went close, but United weren't at their best in Leigh.

They lie third in the Premier League 2 on 33 points, behind Chelsea and Ipswich but they can go two points clear if they win their extra game.

United were clearly unsettled early on when Chido Obi had to go off after receiving plenty of attention on the floor with a head injury after colliding with the Chelsea keeper Max Merrick

He was eventually replaced by Victor Musa, as per concussion protocols, with United's early plans in attack having to be altered.

A cross from Malachi Sharpe was set well by Jayce Fitzgerald before Tyler Fletcher saw his shot sail just wide of the mark just after.

Another stoppage in play soon followed as Merrick took one to the face, after he had denied a close-range effort from Musa moments before.

Chelsea took the lead on the half hour, with Genesis Antwi's low cross into the area dispatched well by forward Mheuka.

Another nasty clash of heads between Sonny Aljofree and Justin Osagie it meant United lost another player with Aljofree replaced by Yuel Helafu.

And just before the interval, the Blues made it two. Reggie Walsh crossing for Cardoso to head home from close range, in the eighth minute of 14 added.

With referee Stuart Morland also suffering an injury, it was fast becoming one of those nights at the Progress With Unity Stadium.

On the hour mark, United boss Adam Lawrence opted to shuffle his pack, as Jim Thwaites and Bendito Mantato were both introduced as the Reds tried to bring fresh impetus.

A break away from Chelsea quickly followed, as Mheuka ran free on goal, but his tame effort was rather easily gathered by Murdock.

Fitzgerald and Mantato both had shots for United but they didn't do enough to get back into the game.