Sunderland coach reacts after 4-0 defeat to Manchester United - 'We cannot compete with clubs who recruit and buy players from all over the continent'

Sunderland Under-18's winless run continued as they lost 4-0 to a powerful Manchester United Under-18 side in Saturday's game at the Academy.
The Academy of Light.The Academy of Light.
The Academy of Light.

Sunderland’s youngsters spurned a third minute chance of taking the lead when a trialist was through one-on-one but failed to beat the keeper.

That miss proved costly as the visitors took a 31st minute lead when Zidane Iqhal dropped inside a defender and rolled the ball in from 15-yards for a classy finish.

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Midfielder Charlie McCann made it two just before the break with a good strike from the edge of the box.

Sunderland's Cole Kiernan headed over from six-yards shortly after the restart but it was the visitors who romped away with a third on 57 minutes.

The goal scored by sub Max Haygarth after a long pass to the back post was played back across to provide a tap in.

Three minutes later, McCann got his brace with a strike from the edge of the box, content with a four goal lead, United sat back to run down the clock.

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Sunderland coach Paul Bryson said: “Because of injuries we had to play a depleted side but there was a big gulf between the teams.

“We cannot compete with clubs who recruit and buy players from all over the continent. Additionally, Ryan Wombwell and Tom Smith both had to go off injured and we finished with an U-17 side. It was too much to ask against the FA Youth Cup semi finalists."

Sunderland: Basey, Smith (Kompper 46), Armstrong, Almond. Baggs, Wombwell (Taylor 25), Watts, trialist, Dicchio, trialist( Bruce 77), Kiernan.