Darrell Clarke rued a ‘very disappointing night’ as Barnsley lost a 2-0 lead on 82 minutes in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United under 21s on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy.

Clarke fielded a young side and made it younger with changes, then the visitors scored in the 82nd, 84th and 87th minutes.

He told the Chronicle: “It ends up a very disappointing night. We’re obviously very young, certainly the second half team. There were promising performances but we let ourselves down in the second half and certainly the last 15 minutes.

"I felt it coming. We were carrying one other two passengers. It has to be learning experience because football is ruthless. The challenge to make it in the professional game is very tough. I think this competition is good for giving opportunities but they have to take them.”

Vimal Yoganathan netted both Barnsley’s goals. Clarke said: “It’s a massive positive. It will do him good. He did very well at Wigan last week and he was a shining light for us tonight."

Yoganathan, usually a midfielder, played up front with wing-back Kyran Lofthouse. Clarke said: “Max Watters came off with a tight hamstring on Saturday. That leaves me down to Marshy (Aiden Marsh) and Sam Cosgrove. We wanted to look at something different. They did well. But hopefully we’re not into that much of an emergency situation that we have to do that. Hopefully we get the right players in at the top end.”

Defender Oliver Wilkinson, 15, became the youngest person ever to start for the club. Clarke said: “He did really well and stood out. We’ve got high hopes for him. If he’s good enough, he’s old enough. He tired a bit but he didn’t do much wrong."

Clarke’s assistant Martin Devaney’s son Jacob played for United. Clarke said: “It’s a proud moment for Martin. His son is doing fantastic at Man United. But trust me no one wanted to win more than him.”

Asked about reports of Callum Styles moving to West Bromwich Albion, Clarke said: “Nothing imminent. Nothing at all. Nothing whatsoever. If anything, he’s in my plans.”

He said he was hopeful of new signings this week.