Jaume Camacho is becoming a talisman for Manchester United Under-18s but there wasn't a finishing touch in the weekend 2-0 defeat by Wolves.
The youngster has quickly emerged as a key player for United with his quality on the ball and driving from midfield.
Darren Fletcher's side went into their final group game level on points with Chelsea at the top, knowing they needed to match the Blues' result against Charlton to secure qualification.
But despite enjoying a dominant first-half performance, United were unable to find the breakthrough and were punished by two Wolves goals at crucial moments.
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The visitors took a surprise lead on the stroke of half-time when Tyler Coulson reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner, diverting home after Charlie Hardy had initially dealt with the delivery.
United had created plenty of opportunities before that setback, with Camacho particularly dangerous.
He forced several saves from Wolves goalkeeper Alfie Arnold, who also denied efforts from Junior Brown and Karim Cassim.
Jay McEvoy came agonisingly close to opening the scoring, only to see his effort ruled out for a foul after forcing the ball over the line.
The midfielder then went even closer when he headed against the post from another dangerous set-piece delivery.
David Eze also tested Arnold, while Noah Ajayi and Brown caused problems down the flanks as United struggled to turn their territorial dominance into goals.
The Reds began the second half positively, with Yuel Helafu forcing another save, but Wolves delivered a significant blow just before the hour mark.
Dapo Anunlopo reached the byline before pulling the ball back for Max Hinks, who finished into the near corner to double the visitors' advantage.
Fletcher responded with a series of attacking substitutions, introducing Emmanuel Ziro, Edson De Jonge-Seiros and Camron Mpofu before handing Isaac Konde his Under-18s debut following his recent arrival from Liverpool.
United continued to enjoy plenty of possession and searched for a route back into the contest, but struggled to recreate the attacking threat of the opening 45 minutes.
Camacho had another opportunity following a clever reverse pass from Konde, while Rafe McCormack fired narrowly wide from distance in stoppage time.
Aaron Aneke also came close to turning Ziro's cross into his own net, but Wolves held on to secure a valuable victory.
The result was compounded by Chelsea's 3-1 win over Charlton, meaning United finished behind the Blues in the group.
With only the eight group winners progressing to the next round, Fletcher's youngsters have been eliminated from the competition despite an impressive first-half display.
It is a disappointing end to United's cup campaign, particularly given the opportunities created at Carrington, but attention will now turn back to their league commitments and the continued development of a talented young squad.
