Manchester United U23s fight back to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield
Friday 9 March 2018 22:55, UK
Manchester United Under 23s boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation from Premier League 2 as they scored twice in the last 10 minutes to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield.
On the eve of the two senior sides meeting at Old Trafford, Liverpool took the lead just past the hour when Adam Lewis' brilliant 30-yard free-kick rattled in off the crossbar from the right touchline.
The hosts, who missed the chance to go level on points with leaders Leicester, were indebted to Danny Ward, the first-team's third-choice goalkeeper, for a superb double save from Zac Dearborn and Joe Riley for keeping them in it until the visitors' late turnaround.
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Riley's 80th-minute low strike levelled the contest, before Callum Gribben's penalty three minutes later put United on to 15 points and within two of the the final position of safety.
The night could have been worse for Liverpool after Wales international Ben Woodburn came off late on and headed straight down the tunnel just five days before their UEFA Youth League quarter-final at Manchester City, but coach Neil Critchley allayed any fears.
"He just felt his hamstrings tighten up a little bit towards the end of the game so we just brought him off as a precaution," said the Liverpool boss.
"He was fine. He's had food poisoning and had been out for a period of time so it was a bonus he stayed on as long as he did really."
The club's senior teams meet at Old Trafford on Saturday in the Premier League, with live coverage part of Rivalry Weekend on Sky Sports.
