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Manchester United’s U18 side were in action against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 defeat all but ending Premier League title hopes.
It was a nightmare start, with Manchester United 1-0 down inside five minutes. However, Louie Bradbury’s goal four minutes later got the two sides level.
Sunderland then re-established their lead through a penalty which Douka Nkoto gave away, with a hand in the opponent’s face.
United were second best for much of the second half, but Noah Ajayi had a penalty in the 92nd minute to draw level. The spot kick was saved as his strike was quite poor and easily kept out by the goalkeeper.
Here are the United player ratings as the U18s lose to Sunderland 2-1.
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Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images 
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty ImagesFred Heath – 6
Poor in possession leading to the first goal, but recovered well and didn’t put another foot wrong. Ultimately, the error proved fatal though.
Wore the captain’s armband and played like the most experienced player in the back line. Looked really slick in possession.
Harley Emsden-James – 7
Made some big tackles and interventions as Sunderland came close multiple times.
Rafe McCormack – 7
Dropping back from midfield into centre-back, it was a solid performance from the 17-year-old, although it’s not his best position.
Dante Plunkett – 6
Struggled to get into the game consistently.
Arguably the best player on the pitch, he ran the midfield on the ball and off it. Got the assist for the opening goal and also showcased his passing range with excellent switches of play.
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Getty Images Juame Camacho – 6.5
Some nice moments, passes, and touches. But still adjusting to the pace and intensity which saw him struggle slightly.
Jariyah Shah – 6.5
Had a good, yet unconvincing, game; just wasn’t able to make his mark.
Douka Nkoto – 6
Gave away a needless penalty and failed to have an impact on the right before moving to the 10 position.
Looked bright despite injury concerns, but was hacked down by Sunderland, preventing him from impacting the game. Clearly targeted as United’s dangerman. Missed his penalty at the death with a really poor strike.
Excellent positioning and awareness to get to the end of the corner for his goal, showing confidence with some long-range efforts.
Nathaniel Junior Brown – 7
Off the bench and won the penalty for United with his pace, helping him draw the foul from the goalkeeper.
Sam O’Brien – 7
Looked good on and off the ball, better than Plunkett, and looked really sharp. Hopefully, we see more of his this season.
Gazik Ibragimov – 6.5
Won his handful of duels, strong first impression at U18 level.
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