Shaw strikes as Albion hold Manchester United

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Striker struck in the second half as under-21s draw 1-1 with Manchester United in PL2 on Monday.

2026-01-26T15:25+00:00

Kofi Shaw scored for the second successive game in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United. 📷Paul Hazlewood

Kofi Shaw’s brave second-half strike secured a point for Albion against the Premier League 2 leaders at the Trafford Training Centre in Carrington.

Shaw, who was a constant threat for Shannon Ruth’s side, showed real courage to lunge into a challenge with Manchester United keeper William Murdock to bring the Seagulls level.

It was no more than Albion deserved. United, who have lost just once all season, fielded a team that included £13.5million Dutch international Tyrell Malacia and a number of other players with Premier League experience.

The result means the Seagulls remain well placed in their bid to finish in the top eight and secure a home tie in the elimination play-offs. Next up are Liverpool at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre on Friday.

Albion, with Shane Nti, Shaw and Nehemiah Oriola prominent, dominated the early exchanges. Wing-back Harry Mills started the game well and he forced Murdock into a flying save with a drive from 25 yards that was heading towards the top corner.

United’s interim first-team manager Michael Carrick watched the game and he must have been impressed with the way the visitors set about their task.

Murdock saved again, blocking Joe Belmont’s angled shot after the Albion striker had been found by Oriola’s pass.

When Shaw worked a shot corner to Oriola, on the right, his inviting cross was missed by a number of players and drifted just wide of the far post.

United had hardly threatened Nils Ramming’s goal but Charlie Penman had to be alert to clear when Malacia crossed low from the left.

The home team went ahead in the 34th minute after Yussif Owusu had been cautioned for a foul on Reece Munro 25 yards out. Up stepped the talented Shea Lacey – sent off when Albion beat United in the FA Cup earlier this month - to produce a curling free-kick that Ramming couldn’t keep out despite getting a hand to the ball.

Ben Barclay made two clearances off the line to help Albion secure a 1-1 draw. 📸 By Paul Hazlewood.

Albion should have levelled immediately when Mills crossed low from the left only for Belmont to slice his finish too high.

Lacey fired a rising shot against the outside of the post at the start of the second half before Ben Barclay’s headed clearance off the line kept Albion within touching distance. It also needed a smart save from Ramming to deny Jack Fletcher.

Shaw sent a shot over as Albion responded before Aidan West came on to replace Belmont. West was the provider for Shaw’s equaliser in the 69th minute, his unselfish pass enabling the midfielder to bravely finish under Murdock.

Albion were buoyant now and Sean Keogh sent a shot just wide after coming on as a substitute before Shaw was denied by Murdock.

But it still needed a second goalline clearance by Barclay to prevent Jacob Devaney from restoring United’s lead in the closing stages.

Albion: Ramming; Mackley (sub: Keogh 71), Barclay, Penman; Tasker, Nti, Owusu, Mills; Oriola, Belmont (West 62), Shaw. Subs not used: Newnham-Reeve, Cullinane, Jensen.