Liverpool midfielder makes long-awaited comeback from injury as Manchester United humbled

Stefan Bajcetic made his long-awaited return to action as Liverpool earned an impressive Premier League 2 win at Manchester United.

Bajectic was introduced for the final half-hour as the Reds' under-21s remained in the hunt for a top-three finish with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Friday evening.

Trent Kone-Doherty gave the visitors the lead midway through the first half before the impressive Kaide Gordon and Jayden Danns scored after the break to cap an excellent display from Barry Lewtas's side.

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Liverpool settled the quickest and were the better team in the first half. And they were within inches of going ahead on seven minutes when Gordon fashioned a shooting opportunity on the edge of the area but saw his effort hit the inside of the post and fly across goal before being cleared.

Another opening went begging on 16 minutes when, after Danns was released by Lewis Koumas down the inside left channel, his low cross found Kone-Doherty for a shot that was blocked.

Former Liverpool youngster Ethan Ennis was United's most dangerous player during the first half, although their best chances came when Reds goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek was compelled to palm over an audacious Charlie McNeill attempt from the halfway line and later Maxi Oyedele struck wastefully over from close range.

And the visitors were ahead on 23 minutes when, after Danns was found in space inside the area, his initial shot could only be parried by United goalkeeper Elyh Harrison into the path of Kone-Doherty to score.

Bajcetic was instantly involved on his introduction, winning the ball high up the pitch and allowing Koumas to tee up Gordon for a low shot turned behind by Harrison.

But Gordon wasn't to be denied on 65 minutes when, released by Bajcetic, the forward stormed upfield and smashed into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

And with 13 minutes remaining Danns netted the goal his overall display deserved, accepting a cross from Koumas and holding off a defender before impudently backheeling home from six yards.

Liverpool are next in Premier League 2 action on Monday week when they travel to Sunderland (kick-off 7pm).

LIVERPOOL U21s (4-2-3-1): Mrozek; Nallo, Williams, Pinnington, Miles (Mabaya 60); Davidson, Pilling; Kone-Doherty (Bajcetic 60), Gordon, Koumas (Frauendorf 82); Danns (Blair 82). Subs: Poytress. BOOKING: Miles.