Liverpool suffer Manchester United nightmare as 15-year-old strikes again

A young Liverpool under-18s side were on the receiving end of an absolute hammering against Manchester United on Saturday.

The Reds were blown away 9-1 by the runaway U18 Premier League North leaders on a chastening and windy afternoon at the Academy in Kirkby.

A second goal at U18 level from 15-year-old Joe Bradshaw was scant consolation as Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's youngsters suffered against their older and physically stronger opponents.

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Liverpool endured a nightmare start when they went behind after only 44 seconds after Gibraltar under-21 international James Scanlon converted a low cross from Finley McAllister.

And the home side conceded a further three times during a hugely disappointing opening 25 minutes. Ethan Wheatley scored twice, the first after a defensive mistake and the second an angled shot that Liverpool goalkeeper Kornel Misciur couldn't keep out, before Ethan Williams smashed home from 20 yards following a strong run.

United also hit the inside of the post while the Reds didn't have a real shot of note until Kieran Morrison fired at United goalkeeper Elyh Harrison midway through the half. But Liverpool pulled one back on 32 minutes when Morrison sent Bradshaw away for a cool finish.

Morrison had chances either side of half-time while Michael Laffey was wide as the young Reds improved, but Wheatley completed his hat-trick shortly before the hour mark by holding off Lucas Pitt and slotting home. Scanlon later notched a second before Gabriele Biancheri also scored twice and fellow United substitute Ashton