U’s fall short after suffering a 2-1 loss on the road to Charlton Athletic…
Two early goals from the Addicks made it too much off a challenge for United who couldn’t find an equaliser, despite Kachunga’s strike early in the second half breathing life into the contest as the U's rallied late on, to no avail.
Garry Monk named four changes to the side that lost to Huddersfield Town, as as Kaikai, Smith, Ibsen Rossi and Stokes came into the team.
It was a nightmare start as the hosts opened the scoring with only seconds on the clock, as Tyreece Campbell finished past Reyes from a narrow angle to give the Addicks an early advantage.
United looked as though they had steadied the ship following the early set-back with a good spell of possession, but Charlton had their second on the 21st minute, as a long throw was flicked onto the head of Miles Leaburn, who beat Reyes to the ball to double the hosts lead.
United did manage to get a foothold in the game to keep the Addicks attack at bay as they got to the break without further damage, however a lack of creativity with the ball saw Monk's men unable to test Maynard-Brewer in the Charlton net.
Following the break, the U’s changed shape with Ibsen Rossi and Watts making way for Bennett and Andrew. It was a much more attacking and direct start to the half, as United looked to use wide areas to their advantage.
With less than 10 minutes played, a fine attacking move saw United find a breakthrough. Stokes with the time to advance the ball before playing in Bennett, who fired it across goal for the well-placed Kachunga to tap home and give the U’s a life line.
The goal gave the U’s a real boost and added extra intensity to their play as a few minutes later, Kaikai found himself in possession just inside the Addicks box, but saw his effort crash off the woodwork in what was nearly a superb equaliser.
U’s battled away looking for an equaliser, the best opportunites coming to Kachunga - who blazed wide on the volley - and Nlundulu - who couldn't divert his teammates cross towards goal - but Charlton managed to see out the victory to make it back-to-back defeats for United.
It's another return to London in four days time, as they face Leyton Orient on Sunday 29 December.
Referee: John Busby
Attendance: 14,369 (592 away fans)