Match reportLiverpool U21s beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford

Trent Kone-Doherty, Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns – with an outrageous backheeled finish – got the goals as the young Reds produced an impressive, dominant performance to claim a convincing victory.

In further positive news, Stefan Bajcetic stepped up his return to fitness by coming off the bench on the hour, with the midfielder quickly registering an assist for Gordon’s fine strike.

Liverpool’s front three of Kone-Doherty, Danns and Lewis Koumas set a positive tone from the off by enthusiastically pressing United high up the pitch and their accomplice Gordon so nearly opened the scoring early on.

With United’s defence backing off, Gordon drove forward and unleashed a low drive that, via a slight deflection off Danns, rattled the inside of the post and somehow did not cross the goalline.

But, after Fabian Mrozek had retreated to tip over a speculative long-range attempt by Charlie McNeill, the young Reds deservedly took the lead through Kone-Doherty.

Excellent work from Danns created the opportunity, as the striker intercepted a loose pass, took his marker on and fired a low hit goalwards. United goalkeeper Elyh Harrison made a sharp save, but Kone-Doherty followed in to convert the rebound.

The home team looked to mount a response in the early stages of the second half but they were unable to trouble Mrozek and Liverpool remained the more dangerous attacking side.

Koumas saw a shot blocked after some neat interplay with Danns before Gordon was denied by another impressive stop by Harrison.

However, Harrison was helpless to prevent Gordon from doubling Liverpool’s advantage midway through the second period.

Bajcetic played his part by purposefully directing an interception into Gordon’s feet and the No.7 surged forward from the centre circle to the edge of the penalty area before whipping an unstoppable strike into the bottom corner.

Barry Lewtas’ side did not stop there either and Danns got in on the act in stunning style with 13 minutes remaining.

Determined running down the left flank preceded Koumas’ ball into the box and Danns shrugged off Louis Jackson prior to executing a brilliantly imaginative backheel to perfection.

TEAM

Liverpool U21s: Mrozek, Nallo, Miles (Bajcetic, 59), Williams, Pinnington, Pilling, Gordon, Davidson, Danns (Blair, 82), Koumas (Frauendorf, 82), Kone-Doherty (Mabaya, 59).

Unused sub: Poytress.

NEXT UP

The U21s’ next league assignment is a trip to Sunderland on Monday April 22 (7pm BST kick-off).