Manchester United midfielder Kleberson made an impromptu return to action for the Red Devils last night, playing 45 minutes in Ricky Sbragia's Reserve side as they were defeated 2-1 by neighbours Stockport County.

United, who currently lead the Pontins Holidays League Division One West despite the loss, fielded such youngsters as Gerard Pique, Jonathan Spector and Giuseppe Rossi but all failed to perform in front of a packed Edgeley Park crowd.

Flo Ngalula had an early chance from a free-kick but somehow missed to find the back of the net as Markus Neumayr scuffed the rebound.

County were saved by skilful winger Richard Evans in the closing moments of the first-half, as Colin Heath saw his goal-bound shot cleared off the line by the young Welshman.

As well as pitching in at the back, Evans created a decent attacking partnership with striker Adam Le Fondre.

Half-time saw United make two substitutions in an attempt to freshen up the defence and midfield. American Jonathan Spector replaced Flo Ngalula and World Cup winner Kleberson was replaced by David Bellion.

Bellion made an instant impact, striking a free-kick beyond the reach of Stockport's Neil Culter to break the deadlock.

Veteran Stuart Barlow converted Adam Le Fondre's teasing cross to put the two sides on level terms soon after, but Le Fondre headed in the winner with moments to spare after Colin Heath had been dismissed for United.

Final Score: Stockport County Res 2- 1 Manchester United Res
Att: 2,509

County: Cutler, Brownhil (Foster 70), Kay (Best 90), Hadfield (Oakes 78), Raynes, McAllister, Douglas, Tomlinson, Barlow, Le Fondre, Evans

United: Heaton, Picken, Lawrence, Ngalula (Spector, 45), Pique, Jones (Rossi, 60), Neumayr, Heath, Poole, Kleberson (Bellion, 45), Collett.