Norwich City's under-21s came up just short with their late comeback, as they were beaten 5-3 by Manchester United at Carrow Road.

The young Canaries came within inches of an unlikely point in front of more than 6,000 supporters, but were beaten by their impressive counterparts in a dramatic encounter.

The game started swimmingly for the hosts, Errol Mundle-Smith tapping new boy Brandon Forbes' centre in after he'd been sent on the counter by Adian Manning.

United responded well, however, and took control of a game that City had looked comfortable in early on. There were chances for Malachi Sharpe and Ethan Williams before the latter equalised shortly thereafter, beating Caleb Ansen via a Charlie Wilson deflection.

Things were in the balance going into half time, but the visitors quickly saw to that. They started the second period strongly and were rewarded when substitute Ethan Wheatley tapped in three minutes after his introduction.

By the 50th minute it was 3-1, Charlie Wilson's loose pass allowing Sharpe to trade passes with Dan Gore and slot past Ansen. Wilson's head was in his hands, and City's hopes weren't looking good.

Former Manchester City man Dan Ogwuru then had a half-chance when he cut in and shot from the edge of the box, but his effort was tame and barely tested Hubert Graczyk.

In the 71st minute, it was seemingly game over. Again Wheatley was the scorer, rounding off a devastating counter with the most delicate of chips over Ansen. There could have been a late consolation when chances fell to Ogwuru and Finley Welch, but the combination of a strong save and an unbelievable block denied them.

The pair quickly made amends, however, Ogwuru volleying Lucien Mahovo's cross home before Welch unleashed a fine curler into the far corner to make it 4-3.

City pushed for an equaliser as the final whistle drew closer, earning a corner that Caleb Ansen went forward for in one last throw of the dice. But his absence gifted United a fifth, Wheatley rolling into the empty net to complete his hat-trick.

Alan Neilson's charges will get the chance to put it right when they face Reading on October 7, travelling to Berkshire for another late kick-off.

Norwich City Under-21s: Ansen; Okwumo (Doy, 81), Tomkinson, Wilson, Mahovo; Gee (Ogwuru, 58), Bridge, Manning; Welch, Forbes (Djedje, 45), Mundle-Smith (Roberts, 76).

Unused sub: Bullen.

Goals: Mundle-Smith (6), Ogwuru (87), Welch (90+4)

Bookings: Gee (54), Mundle-Smith (61)

Manchester United Under-21s: Graczyk; Kamason, Fredikson, Jackson, Amass; McAllister (Rowe, 80), Gore (Moorhouse, 65), Curley; Sharpe (Missin, 71), Ennis (Wheatley 45), Williams.

Unused sub: Kingdon.

Goals: Williams (20), Wheatley (48, 70, 90+9), Sharpe (50)

Bookings: Wheatley (57), McAllister (61), Amass (90+2)

Attendance: 6,384