Man Utd 21s 2-4 Real Madrid 21s: Five Things Learned As Big INEOS Questions Asked

Manchester United's under-21s side returned to Premier League International Cup action with a 4-2 loss to Real Madrid; 5933 were in attendance to watch the 120 minutes of European action at Old Trafford. 

The Red Devils overcame Athletic Club, Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP to progress through to the knockout stages to face a Real Madrid side, who play in the third tier of Spanish football - that would be in the same division as Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic if it were in England. 

Despite not having too much of the ball, United's youngsters quickly took the lead thanks to Jack Moorhouse, with Shea Lacey adding another from the penalty spot just minutes later. 

Real Madrid struck back before half-time with a goal from Gabriel Castrelo. The No.11 found himself in space on the left side of the box, with time to control the cross and place it over the head of William Murdock in between the sticks. 

Another defensive mistake from United led to Madrid's second of the match just after the hour mark. A blocked shot deflected past William Murdock to level the game and take it into extra time.

The game remained level until Jaime Barroso gave Real Madrid a one-goal advantage, with just over 10 minutes left to play. The tie was then put to bed when Daniel Mesonero curled a shot into the bottom right corner, through the legs of Daniel Armer. 

Jack Moorhouse was loaned to Leyton Orient in League One for the first half of the campaign, but was recalled towards the end of the January transfer window, as were a few other youngsters. The midfielder made 20 appearances in the league for Richie Wellens' side, impressing with his on-the-ball close control.

Since his return, Moorhouse has been named amongst the substitutes by Michael Carrick, but has yet to make his official debut. When asked about his chances, Adam Lawrence said: "It's the club's part to create the pathway. It's the player's job to force the pathway and make that final part. That's where Jack sits at the moment." 

While in Ireland for a training camp, Amad was also asked about Moorhouse's potential, to which he responded: "If he wants to reach the maximum level, he has to work hard because a club like United, you demand a lot. So I wish him all the best, but yeah, he has a good potential." 

Moorhouse's goal inside the opening 10 minutes handed United an early lead. The 20-year-old found himself inside from his left flank position, before taking a touch out of his feet and firing it into the top right corner. 

He later moved inside to central midfield - when Samuel Lusale replaced Rafe McCormack - but struggled to impact the game after running his socks off out of position. 

Jack Fletcher started alongside his twin brother, Tyler, against Real Madrid, but playing higher up the pitch as a No.10, with Tyler as more of a box-to-box just ahead of the more defensive Rafe McCormack. 

For Rúben Amorim, J.Fletcher was involved as a double pivot player alongside Lisandro Martínez against Aston Villa, but played more advanced in his cameos against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. 

In the first half of the Premier League International Cup, Fletcher failed to get too involved with play, with Madrid dominating possession for the most part. 

After the break, Fletcher moved back to more of a box-to-box role alongside Jack Moorhouse, just ahead of Tyler Fletcher, but his tireless running in the first half meant he struggled to impact the game from deeper. 

Perhaps, like his brother, Jack needs to be playing in deeper positions so he can affect the game more with his creativity, although you would then lose his important pressing skills from the frontline.

It is not an easy call. 

Sonny Aljofree, Tyler Fletcher, Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fredricson, Louis Jackson, Shea Lacey, Jack Moorhouse and Chido Obi: eight of United's starters had played senior football at some level before, three of them on loan at EFL clubs. So, why are they back in the under-21s setup? 

As a young footballer, every player needs to be managed differently. Some need to stay at the club and train with the first team, some need to stay in the youth sides to develop, and some need to be playing first-team football every week. 

Tyler Fredricson, Tyler Fletcher and Jack Fletcher all looked at least competent for United's senior side this season, while Shea Lacey brought an excitement not seen since Kobbie Mainoo's debut. 

Not all of them should be out on loan; that would not be right. But not all of them should still be in the under-21s. Just look at Jack Moorhouse: he started the season on the bench for Leyton Orient, before working his way into the side more regularly in central midfield. Famously, a very physical position, in a very physical league. But it did not bother him. If anything, he excelled. Now, he is being shoehorned into a youth side on the left flank.

That is not right. INEOS must do better.

Shea Lacey impressed for the senior team against Burnley and Brighton, but was sent off in the latter for two yellow card offences. He has not been seen on the pitch since due to an injury, but has begun to make a comeback for the under-21s. 

Lacey started on the right flank and was given the freedom to drift inside or play out wide as he pleased, but he needed to keep his defensive discipline to help deal with Madrid's attacking approach. 

Lacey's composure was exemplified by an excellent penalty to put United 2-0 up in the first half. 

United lost their spark after Lacey's withdrawal at the end of traditional time. Noah Ajayi tried to make up for his impact, but Lacey is difficult to replace at the youth level. 

With more performances like his one against Madrid, which by no means was his best, it will be hard for Michael Carrick to ignore Lacey any longer. It would be a mistake for him to see no senior minutes between now and the end of the season. 

Manchester United under-21s return to the Progress with Unity Stadium (formerly known as Leigh Sports Village) on Friday evening for a game against Lawrence's former side, Newcastle United. 

United's under-21s will not play any more European football this season, but can be happy with their efforts against an impressive Real Madrid side. 

As for Darren Fletcher's under-18s, they are back in action on Saturday afternoon to face Leeds United, before their FA Youth Cup semi-final at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace. If they win on Friday, 17 April, they will face the winner of Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City.

Fletcher's Reds will also face Palace in the final of the Premier League Cup at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, 22 April. 

The senior side is back in action on Monday, 13 April, when they welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford.