Ex-Man United teen Bradbury scores five in two games against City but still ends up on losing side

Louie Bradbury has made a habit of tormenting Manchester City’s academy sides since leaving Manchester United, but the 18-year-old striker keeps finishing on the wrong end of the scoreline.

Bradbury departed Old Trafford in September to join Stoke City and marked his debut with a hat-trick against City’s Under-18s — only for the Blues to win 8-5. He then came off the bench in Stoke’s Under-21s Premier League 2 fixture at City on Friday night, adding two more goals to his tally against the same opponents.

The Welsh youth international entered the game midway through the first half after an injury to a teammate, and wasted little time making an impact. He capitalised on a slack backpass from City substitute Marlow Barrett to race clear and put Stoke 2-0 up, then converted from the penalty spot minutes later to make it 3-0 heading into the final quarter.

With Stoke seemingly coasting, City produced a remarkable comeback. Xavier Parker pulled one back, substitute Teddie Lamb reduced the deficit further, and Harrison Miles levelled in the 90th minute before Dexter Oliver curled in a stoppage-time winner to seal a stunning 4-3 victory for the hosts.

Bradbury, who spent four years at United and represented Wales Under-19s during the summer — including substitute appearances against Denmark and Spain — now has five goals in two appearances against City’s academy teams. Despite that personal record, he has yet to finish on the winning side in either contest.

Stoke’s Under-21s next face Port Vale in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday in a must-win group-stage tie, having won one and lost one of their opening two fixtures in the competition.