Jack Fletcher hits double as Man Utd U21s quality shines through in 2-1 Leeds win

A first half double from Jack Fletcher gave Manchester United Under-21s a 2-1 away win over Leeds United.

Strong winds at Leeds' Thorp Arch HQ made it difficult for both sides, but United were able to show their quality to win the Premier League 2 clash which sees them lie joint top of the table on 43 points.

There is now just one game to be played before the start of the elimination play-offs.

The weather conditions made judging aerial balls particularly trying, and it was no coincidence that United's only serious attempt in the first 20 minutes came via a deflected Jack Fletcher cross that fizzed just wide.

Both sides were very evenly matched during that first phase, but the Reds broke through in the 24th minute when Shea Lacey teed up Jack Fletcher for a curling effort which flew past Leeds goalkeeper Alex Cairns.

United then took control and Chido went through just before the half-hour mark but Cairns did well to save low down to his right.

And then Sonny Aljofree has an excellent chance from a Tyler, Fletcher cross but he could not steer the ball home from a few yards.

But a minute before the interval, United found a merited second, when Shea Lacey and Jack Moorhouse combined with slick purpose to send Jack Fletcher through to double his haul.

After the break and Tyler Fletcher was caught in possession on the edge of the box but Leeds failed to take advantage with Harvey Vincent crashing his shot against the post, with the goal gaping.

Leeds did thrust themselves back into the contest midway through the second period, however, when a fantastic strike from Louie Philpott smashed off the post and in from an improbable angle.

With the wind now at Leeds' back, rather than United's, the |United players had to withstand plenty of pressure in the final stages, but Fletcher's first-half brace proved enough to ensure victory.