Nevertheless, it was a nervy start from our kids and it took them 25 mins to begin to start playing the cohesive passing game they are capable of. 

Man Utd´s youngsters were far the better side during the opening exchanges of this encounter.  Whether this was because this was a high-pressure match against one of our toughest rivals and that they knew many eyes from around the globe on the clubs respective TV channels including club suits would be observing, or simply that the match was taking place at one of the most famous grounds in world football – Old Trafford. 

There were only 1,200 in attendance and the fact that at one point the sound of a telephone ringing could be heard (I kid you not) may have brought the normally imposing surroundings down to earth to a less threatening environment.

Before this match, Chelsea had more goals scored, and conceded, than any other side and were five games unbeaten, whilst Man Utd were undefeated in six.

Three times Premier League blooded Welbeck, 18, missed an opportunity to put Man Utd ahead during the first few minutes after good goalkeeping from Heimann and it was left to one of the more younger charges of the Red Devil’s nursery, Morrison, 15, to strike in the eighth-minute after Ahmed´s block whilst unbalanced had put him through.

Morrison should have scored again on 30 mins.  Through on goal, the Chelsea defence scampered frantically back to project the goal line, Morrison evaded goalkeeper Heimann and then a couple of our defenders but had negotiated a circle in the process.  The eventual shot was cleared off the line by Ahamed, atoning for his error for the first goal before finally the ball was blasted wastefully over the bar.

But it wasn’t long before Chelsea began to impose themselves on the game and enjoy the majority of the possession.

 

Captain Philliskirk was looking very impressive in midfield spotted Kakuta´s run into the box and threaded a perfect cross-pass through to the young Frenchman who guided the ball into the far corner of Wood’s goal.  1-1 with a quality goal that could have easily graced the Premier League. 

Olly Norwood put a Man Utd free-kick over the bar and whilst Ethel the tea lady must have already begun boiling the kettle for the teams at half-time, Chelsea went ahead. 

Philliskirk again began the move, his ball to the imposing Nouble who reminds me of Heskey when he was a young player, didn’t need to control the inch perfect pass.  The forward stepped over allowing the ball to run to his left and cracked an exorcet into the top corner. 1-2! 

As the teams went in for half-time, Man Utd´s youngsters must have rued missing their earlier opportunities whilst Chelsea’s were buoyed at their recent dominance and effectiveness in front of goal. 

The second half began with Chelsea’s Italian "in the hole" forward Fabio Borini almost adding further to our lead after impressive work from Ahmed but then shortly after Stewart fired a blistering shot at the other end directly into the arms of Heimann. 

Chelsea´s Bruma was excellent at mopping up in defence but it was midfielder Mellis who crafted a gilt-edged opportunity for Nouble who for some reason opted for a pass rather than a shot – possibly because the ball was caught slightly behind him, but with the chance not taken, Man Utd cleared.  

Kakuta has only just come back for injury and still doesn’t appear 100% fit, nevertheless, he produced the moment of the game when with extraordinary skill, he took out three Man Utd defenders in the space of 10 yards.  Through on goal, his finish couldn’t match his earlier deed and his shot was blocked by a defender. 

No doubt Ferguson may have thought about getting up to his old tricks and considered sending one of his first team players to the lad’s house “for a chat”.  With a bit of luck, Abramovich may have already posted a couple of 6 foot square jawed Russian body guards to patrol Kakuta´s doorway! 

Man Utd began to become more anxious as the clock was running down and there was a new sense of urgency about their play. 

Heimann was in fine form and had been excellent throughout and made a superb double save “a la Cech” from James.  The lad will no doubt still grow another inch or two – with the talent he possesses we already have the next Petr Cech on the production line. 

Five minutes later Welbeck went close to make Chelsea hearts skip a beat but then Borini, sealed the win. 

With 82 mins on the clock, Mellis´s low cross was cleared unconvincingly by the Man Utd defence and it was Borini who managed to beat two defenders to the ball to guide a snap shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. 1-3. 

Welbeck pulled one back on 90 minutes but by this time Ferguson had already got up and left. 

The 2-3 away win was ours and this quote from the Guardian pretty well sums up the encounter:

“If this is the future, then Chelsea can look forward with optimism. United's youngsters still have a thing or two to learn.” 

HIGHLIGHTS:

 http://www.thefa.com/fatv/microsite.aspx?http://del.interoute.com/?id=10ba81c8-69a9-469c-9375-dc5c35d99d6b&delivery=stream

Chelsea team (4-3-3): Nicolas Heimann, Nikki Ahamed, Rohan Ince, Jeffrey Bruma, Ben Gordon; Daniel Philliskirk, Gael Kakuta (Billy Knott 79), Jacob Mellis (Josh McEachran 85); Jacopo Sala (Conor Clifford 73), Fabio Borini, Frank Nouble.

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