PL2 playoff: Emeka Adiele on target but West Ham suffer big loss to Manchester United

West Ham United U21 side endured a tough outing in the Premier League 2 playoff as they suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at  Leigh Sports Village on Monday afternoon, despite Emeka Adiele opening the scoring.

Adiele was one of four players of Nigerian descent named in the starting lineups, alongside West Ham teammates Josh Ajala and Flying Eagles hopeful Tyron Akpata, as well as Manchester United captain Habeeb Ogunneye.

Adiele made it 1-0 before the half-hour mark, finding the back of the net after he was presented with an opportunity.

The number 10 with a low left-footed strike beat the goalkeeper after Manchester United lost possession in their own half.

Manchester United turned the game around in the second half, scoring four goals. 

James Scanlon equalized five minutes into the second half, before goals from Ethan Wheatley, Sam Murray and Sam Mather secured a comfortable victory on a chilly afternoon.

The Red Devils' reward for defeating the Hammers is a Premier League 2 semifinal clash against bitter rivals Manchester City.

A fast and dynamic player, Adiele, who has represented England at U17 and U18 level, stands out for his ability to operate in multiple positions, from defence to attack.

Aged 17, he signed his first professional contract with the Hammers before the start of the 2024-2025 campaign.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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