Nicholas Ioannou was on the mark as Manchester United U18 defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 yesterday.

United's Under-18s collected a vital victory at Crystal Palace with defender Ioannou and Ben Pearson on the scoresheet.

Both sides saw penalties saved as Paul McGuinness' youngsters shaded an entertaining encounter and, after the surprise 3-0 midweek defeat to Everton, it was important that the visitors got back on track against the bottom team.