In a thrilling Manchester derby that had everything—drama, skill, and edge-of-your-seat action—Manchester United Under-21s emerged victorious against their local rivals Manchester City U21s, securing a hard-fought 4-3 win to punch their ticket to the Premier League 2 play-off finals. It was a match that showcased the best of youth football, with both sides trading blows in an end-to-end spectacle that kept fans on their feet until the final whistle. Here’s how the Red Devils’ players rated in this unforgettable clash.

Will Murdock – 8.5
The standout performer of the night, Murdock was a wall between the sticks, finishing with nine saves—many of them top-drawer quality. Without his heroics, the match could have been over before it truly began, as City dominated the opening exchanges. His sharpness off the line to sweep up balls in behind was crucial for a backline that often found itself under siege.

Jaydan Kamason – 5.5
A mixed bag for the right-back. On the ball, he linked up well with Lacey and played a key role in setting up the first goal. But defensively, it was a tough night, as Reigan Heskey gave him the runaround, twisting him inside out on the way to racking up three assists.

Sonny Aljofree – 5
A difficult evening for the defender, who lost his man for City’s opening goal and struggled to cope with balls played into the channels throughout the match.

Dan Armer – 6
A polarizing performance. Armer was excellent in possession, showcasing his range with a cross-field pass that unlocked Lacey for the second goal and a line-splitting ball that sparked the move for United’s penalty. However, out of possession, it was a night to forget. City targeted him repeatedly, exposing his lack of pace as he was consistently beaten in one-on-one situations with balls played into space.

Diego Leon – 5.5
The most consistent member of the backline, Leon wasn’t exposed as often as his teammates, but he also lacked the high-impact moments in possession that others provided.

Jim Thwaites – 8.5
With Michael Carrick watching from the stands, Thwaites made a statement. Tasked with anchoring the midfield behind two number 10s, he often had little support but handled the challenge superbly. His quick passing and clever feints and turns under pressure were vital in preventing United from being overrun in the middle. Defending isn’t usually his forte, but you wouldn’t have known it—he threw himself into challenges and set the tone for the team’s resilience.