Shea Lacey hits a double and JJ Gabriel on target as Man Utd U21s crush Leicester 4-1

Shea Lacey hit a double and JJ Gabriel was also on target in a 4-1 victory by Manchester United U21s over Leicester City.

It is now two wins from as many games in Premier League 2 with Lacey hitting a spectacular opener from distance before getting another also in the first half

Rahman Amartey briefly brought Leicester level against the run of play, but Lacey quickly restored United's advantage before Amir Ibragimov extended the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Substitute Gabriel then added a fourth four minutes from time, producing an excellent turn and finish to complete another dominant performance from the United youngsters.

United started brightly and immediately looked to use the width that had caused Ipswich so many problems in their opening game.

Ashton Missin had the first opportunity after collecting an Amir Ibragimov cross and working his way back into the area before firing narrowly wide of the near post.

Jaydan Kamason and Bendito Mantato also threatened from wide positions as United began to take control.

Lacey was next to go close after being picked out by Jack Fletcher in the box. He chose to cut back onto his left foot rather than shoot first time, and his effort was eventually blocked.

But moments later, he produced a far more decisive finish.

Picking up the ball deep on the right, Lacey drove inside past a Leicester defender before unleashing a fierce low strike from around 25 yards that flew into the bottom corner.

United continued to dominate and Ibragimov was denied by Leicester goalkeeper Freddie Marson, while another strong spell of pressure saw the youngster appeal unsuccessfully for a penalty.

But despite United's control, Leicester found an equaliser.

Amartey rose at the back post to meet a corner and directed a glancing header into the bottom corner.

The visitors' celebrations were short-lived.

United quickly regained the lead and Lacey was again the man responsible.

Finding space in the right channel of the penalty area, the winger cleverly guided his shot across goal and into the far corner. Marson got a hand to the effort but could not keep it out.

Lacey had opportunities to complete his hat-trick before the break, dragging one effort wide after good work from Mantato and then missing the target again from closer range.

There was a setback when Missin was forced off after appearing to take a knock, but his replacement Tynan Thompson made an immediate impact.

Thompson cut inside from the left and delivered a dangerous ball into the area, where Ibragimov produced a smart first-time finish. A slight deflection helped the ball into the net as United went into the interval with a 3-1 advantage.

Leicester threatened early in the second half when substitute Joshua King was played through, but United goalkeeper William Murdock reacted quickly to make an important save.

That was as close as the visitors came to mounting a serious comeback.

United continued to control possession, although the second half lacked some of the attacking rhythm of the first as both sides made several changes and the game became increasingly stop-start.

Jim Thwaites tested Marson with a whipped effort, while Lacey came close to his hat-trick when a curling free-kick hit the side netting.

The 18-year-old was replaced by Gabriel shortly after the hour mark.

Gabriel initially saw an effort blocked after taking a touch on the edge of the area, but he eventually got his reward with four minutes remaining.

Receiving the ball inside the box, the teenager produced a sharp turn to face goal, beat his marker and drilled a left-footed shot into the far corner.