Wembley bid all Rover for young Reds as they exit EFL Trophy

UNITED’S Under-21s saw their dream of a Wembley final in the EFL Trophy dashed despite Tahith Chong’s two goals at Tranmere Rovers.

With some of the regular names from Neil Wood’s development side involved in senior action at Old Trafford, this second round clash was a chance for some younger stars to make a name for themselves.

But it was Chong, 20, who was United’s star man, scoring two fine first-half goals to briefly put Wood’s side on course for the third round.

The experience of the League One side eventually won the day, however, with Corey Blackett-Taylor’s second half strike settling an entertaining contest in favour of the hosts 3-2.

United had fallen behind inside 40 seconds on the Wirral, with Rushian HepburnMurphy showing quick feet to cut inside Di’Shon Bernard and fire a low shot under the body of Matej Kovar.

That early setback could have been a body blow to Wood’s youngsters, but instead they responded in style, dominating possession before Chong levelled with a low 25-yard drive after nine minutes.

Chong then put United ahead just after the half hour. Ethan Laird showed good determination down the right to reach the byline and while from his low cross D’Mani Mellor had a shot blocked, Chong turned on the edge of the area to fire a low, leftfooted effort into the bottom corner.

Tranmere levelled five minutes before the break. United failed to clear a free-kick and Danny Walker-Rice crashed in a half-volley at Kovar’s near post.

Blackett-Taylor scored from close range to put Tranmere in front on 54 minutes.

United suffered a serious injury, with left-back Reece Devine receiving lengthy treatment before being carried off after sustaining what looked to be a neck or back injury.

United substitute Ayodeji Sotona was sent-off in the 108th minute for a late challenge on goalkeeper Pilling.