Manchester United's Under-21 side moved to within three points of league leaders Sunderland courtesy of a 1-0 victory over the Wearsiders at Leigh Sports Village tonight.
The Red Devils dominated much of the contest, with Adnan Januzaj spurning two chances to break the deadlock in the first half.
However, the winning goal finally arrived in the 69th minute when Will Keane laid the ball into the path of midfielder James Weir, who applied a neat finish.
Sunderland's best chance to draw level fell to Mikael Mandron in the closing stages, but his effort was cleared off the line by Donald Love.
United, managed by Warren Joyce, have three games in hand on this evening's visitors.