Our young Reds were held to a goalless draw by the Lancashire side in November but Gabriel’s penalty, substitute Kai Rooney’s low shot and a sublime Jim Thwaites free-kick sealed a deserved victory at Carrington.
A 12th successive victory in all competitions for Darren Fletcher’s side keeps the pressure on leaders Manchester City, who drew 2-2 at Burnley, at the top of the U18 Premier League North table.
United made three changes to the side that reached the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup in midweek by beating Sunderland 3-2 at Old Trafford.
FIRST HALF - REDS GO CLOSE TO BREAKTHROUGH
Paul Butler’s visitors from Lancashire beat Leeds 4-1 last time out and made a bright start on a sunny morning at Carrington, with their defender Alfie McIlroy being watched by his grandad - former United forward and MUTV pundit Sammy McIlroy - from the sidelines.