Darren Fletcher watches Charlie McNeill score as Manchester United U21s lose on penalties

The travelling Manchester United fans let off a red smoke bomb after Charlie McNeill gave his side the lead against Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night with a Panenka penalty, with an audacious effort that was brilliantly executed under pressure.

"UNITED, UNITED, UNITED," the pocket supporters responded under the thick, red smoke that danced under the floodlights. McNeill did his own dance in front of the Memorial Stand where most Fleetwood supporters were housed. McNeill celebrated in the corner and he was immediately joined by a smiling Shola Shoretire, with the winger giving his teammate an embrace for his Panenka goal.

McNeill certainly knows where the back of the net is, but that goal was surprisingly just his fourth of the season. United's Under-21s have struggled in the Premier League 2 this term and the Papa John's Trophy has provided them with respite from defeats.

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Although United are still without a win in the Premier League 2 with the winter months approaching, they have defeated Carlisle and Barrow in the Papa John's Trophy. United's perfect record in the competition was lost against Fleetwood on Tuesday, who are managed by former Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, although he is almost unrecognisable with a full head of hair.

Unlike his personality during his playing career, Brown was passive on the touchline during the match, whereas Travis Binnion was animated and he regularly gave his players instructions, which they responded to. "Kobbie, sit off," Binnion shouted at Kobbie Mainoo in the opening stages and the young midfielder listened to his advice, dropping between the centre-backs to play a cross-field ball.

Mainoo is perhaps the most