burnley fc

United came out on burnley fctop against Blackburn after a strong second-half showing.

SECOND HALF - THREE GOALS CLINCH VICTORY FOR UNITED

Blackburn created two opportunities soon after the restart as Tyler Mansbridge’s deflected shot forced Fred Heath into his first save, before Jayden Sergeant curled an effort wide from 20 yards.

However, the Reds took the lead in the 54th minute when Gabriel turned superbly inside the box and drew a foul by Rovers substitute Levi Ball, before sending the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Kai Rooney entered the action in place of Bradbury on 63 minutes and made an immediate impact as he received Nathaniel-Junior Brown’s pass and found the bottom corner with a low shot from 20 yards.

United had firmly taken control and added to our advantage in sublime style, as Thwaites curled in a delightful free-kick from the left channel to make it 3-0.

At the other end, Heath kept his clean sheet intact with a fine save to his right to keep out Rovers captain Archie McCoy.

Kai Rooney was on the scoresheet, two minutes after entering the pitch as a substitute.

Rooney almost netted his second when, picked out by Brown again, he found space in the penalty area but his right-footed shot struck the post.

A quick break by Rooney almost resulted in a fourth as Brown was denied by keeper Taylor before substitute Jariyah Shah’s follow-up came back off the crossbar.

Blackburn had a final chance when Sergeant lifted a shot over the crossbar from Lister’s dinked pass as the Reds earned what was a comfortable victory in the end.

Our Under-18s are next in action on Saturday 11 April when we travel across the Pennines to face rivals Leeds United. Kick-off will be at 12:00 BST and you can watch the match live on MUTV.

Fletcher's reaction to U18s win over Blackburn Video

Fletcher's reaction to U18s win over Blackburn

INTERVIEW | Darren Fletcher gives his assessment to MUTV after our Under-18s beat Blackburn… 


MATCH DETAILS

United: Heath; Helafu, Mills, Kukonki (c), J.Watson (McEvoy 63); McCormack; Brown, Thwaites, Gabriel (Shah 70), Ajayi (D.Nkoto 70); Bradbury (Rooney 63).

Subs not used: Byrne-Hughes.

Goals: Gabriel 54 pen, Rooney 65, Thwaites 71.

Booked: McEvoy, Rooney (United); Kelley-Quinn, Sergeant, Walls (Blackburn).

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byAdam HigginsSaturday 21 March 2026 13:16

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