Monday 19 September 2016

PL2: United 3 Derby 2

An entertaining game at Old Trafford saw United eventually run out winners by the odd goal in five thanks to a brace from Scott McTominay (left) either side of a Josh Harrop penalty.

Although Derby saw a lot of the ball early on, United looked in control and were deservedly ahead within twenty minutes.  Harrop's cross was met by McTominay, who rose brilliantly to head the ball into the roof of the net.  

As with the victory over Villareal last week, much of United's most dangerous play came down the left and a run and cross from Riley almost brought a second when McTominay's shot struck the post and the midfielder went close again moments later, also following a cross from the left.  

United rued these missed chances when Derby drew level.  With Poole and Tuanzebe again coping admirably with anything the away side produced in open play, a set-piece had always looked like Derby's best chance of a goal and so it proved, Vernon nodding the ball over the line from a corner.

It was the lively Josh Harrop who restored United's lead mid-way through the second half.  After a surging run into the area, he was clumsily brought down and stepped up to take the penalty himself, striking it firmly into the bottom corner.  Derby struck back, however, and it was once again Vernon on target, doing brilliantly to get between two United defenders to fire hoe a bullet header.   
United weren't about to settle for that, however, and they took the lead again late in the game.  Riley's cross found substitute Olosunde in the box, who was dispossessed, but the ball fell to McTominay, who decisively stabbed home his second of the night.  

Derby again showed spirit in their attempts to push for a third equaliser but, aside from an O'Hara save from a free kick in stoppage time, United rarely looked troubled in the closing minutes and hung on to secure all three points 











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