Barclays U21 Premier League
AJ Bell Stadium
Monday 28 October, 7pm
MANCHESTER UTD 2
(Arthurworrey og 59, M.Keane 87)
FULHAM 2
(Dembele 36, Tankovic 56)
Darren Fletcher made his first appearance of the season as Manchester United Under-21s rescued a point from a 2-2 draw with Fulham thanks to Michael Keane's unstoppable 87th-minute drive.
The Cottagers led 2-0 through Moussa Dembele and Muamer Tankovic but an own goal by Stephen Arthurworrey soon reduced the arrears and the late equaliser came after Fletcher was withdrawn in the 67th minute.
There were no chances of note during a quiet opening when the visitors showed exactly why they are unbeaten this season. Both teams played some neat football but it took almost half an hour for Reece James to attempt a shot that deflected behind for a corner following a lay-off by Will Keane.
From the set-piece, taken by James, Michael Keane headed back for his central defensive partner Tom Thorpe to loop a header onto the top of the net. Fulham came even closer to scoring when Buomesca Tue Na Bangna lifted a shot over Sam Johnstone that actually clipped the bar following some smart work down the right by the impressive Josh Pashley.
It proved to be only a reprieve for the Reds as, moments later, Lasse Vigen Christensen picked up a stray ball in midfield and combined with Dembele to allow the highly-rated forward to rifle past fit-again Johnstone with his left foot.
Kit Symons' side were good value for the lead at the start of the second half with Tom Richards blasting over and it was no surprise when, after a spell of pressure involved a number of corners, Tankovic was on hand to pounce from close range when one of them was headed towards him.
The champions really had to show their mettle and responded within a few minutes with Tyler Blackett speeding down the left and feeding Will Keane in the middle. Although Jesse Joronen pulled off a reflex save, the ball rebounded back into the net off Arthurworrey.
Lawrence should have bagged an equaliser after a superb link-up with Will Keane but he dragged his shot wide of an inviting target before Fletcher's final contribution was an exquisite ball over the top to Will Keane, who could not connect properly on the volley.
Back came Fulham with Dembele forcing a stop out of Johnstone and then heading a great chance off target before the keeper's hands were warmed by Ronny Minkwitz's ambitious attempt. 17-year-old Dembele almost wrapped up the points when flashing a powerful drive inches wide. United rallied and Joe Rothwell's shot was blocked by Joronen after a run by fellow substitute Saidy Janko.
Seconds later, Rothwell drove forward to pick out Michael Keane on the edge of the box and the centre-back unleashed a ferocious drive that flew into the top corner of Joronen's net to make it 2-2. It was a strike certainly worthy of at least a point in front of the watching David Beckham but the Cottagers remain unbeaten after an impressive performance.
United: Johnstone; Varela, Thorpe, M.Keane, Blackett; Cole, Ekangamene (Janko 68), D.Fletcher (Rothwell 67), James, Lawrence; W.Keane. Subs not used: J.Pereira, Pearson, Barmby.I