Chelsea’s long grip on FA Youth Cup ended by United

Chelsea’s long reign as FA Youth Cup holders was ended by Manchester United despite a late fightback by the visitors.

Chelsea, tournament winners for the past five seasons in a row, lost 4-3 in an action-packed third-round clash at Leigh Sports Village.

Their goals were scored by Tariq Lamptey, Tino Anjorin and Daishawn Redan.

Mason Greenwood scored a hat-trick for United, who played the final 16 minutes with 10 men after defender Di’Shon Bernard was sent off.

Greenwood opened the scoring following a slip by Chelsea keeper Marlon Ziger but the Blues were level by half-time courtesy of wing-back Lamptey, who fired home after exchanging passes with Thierno Ballo.

Greenwood restored United’s lead less than a minute into the second half and Bernard’s header crossed the line to make it 3-1.

Chelsea were given hope when Bernard was dismissed for a second bookable offence, but any chance of a comeback appeared to disappear when Greenwood completed his hat-trick with 11 minutes remaining.

Nevertheless, Chelsea battled on and got two late goals to set up a tense finish.

Anjorin scored with a penalty after a foul on Ian Maatsen before Redan cut the deficit further.