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Liverpool's U21s team suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Kirkby Academy on Sunday in Premier League 2.
The young Reds initially took the lead with a goal from Michael Laffey, but were later undone by strikes from Chido Obi and Jayden Kamason. Before kick-off, there was a minute's silence impeccably observed in memory of Matt Beard, whose death at the age of 47 was confirmed by the club on Saturday. The former Liverpool Women's manager led the team to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014.
Liverpool got off to a flying start, with Laffey finding the net within the first 11 minutes, thanks to some excellent teamwork between Lucas Pitt and Joe Bradshaw.
Carter Pinnington, the center-back, made a crucial block to deny Manchester United debutant Diego Leon after half an hour.
The Paraguayan full-back was then booked for a cynical foul on Josh Davidson.
The first half was dominated by Liverpool, with senior midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai watching on. He was accompanied by his agent, Matyas Esterhazy, who also represents summer signing Armin Pecsi.
Pecsi was in goal for Rob Page's side and made several key saves, particularly in the second half.
Before the equalizer, Laffey set up Trent Kone-Doherty, whose shot was expertly saved by William Murdock just before Manchester United drew level.
Obi, who made his Premier League debut last season under Ruben Amorim, managed to equalize at the end of the first half following a determined run from Tyler Fletcher.
The visitors nearly took the lead after the interval when Shea Lacey's cross was headed onto the bar by the standout player, Kamason.
Hungarian goalkeeper Pecsi did well to narrow the angle and deny Obi later in the match, before making an outstanding save to keep out Lacey's curling attempt.
Page's team also had Rio Ngumoha and Jayden Danns on standby ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Southampton.
Danns might even be given the responsibility of leading the attack at Anfield against the Championship side, while Ngumoha is likely to start on the left wing.
Figueroa came close when he hit the post from a Kone-Doherty cross, but it was Kamason who secured the 2-1 victory in the final 10 minutes following an initial save from Pecsi.
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