U21s match summary: United v Hertha Berlin

Only the woodwork denied the young Reds from taking a very early lead at Salford City's Peninsula Stadium, after Ethan Wheatley struck the base of the post with a low shot inside the opening minute.

Wheatley twice went close - via another grounded strike that trickled wide and a header over - before Hertha's first major attempt was produced by Jelani Ndi. The visitors' no.19 came in from the right flank but saw his powerful left-footed effort arrow away from the target at the last moment.

The German side grew into the first half and had repeated success at winning the ball back with a high press. Louis Jackson's goalline clearance was needed to prevent a ricocheted ball off Dion Ajvazi from…