A detailed look at how Manchester United’s young side fared in the FA Youth Cup fourth round.
Last season the team suffered a fourth round exit away at Stoke City. Another away tie was posed this evening, with the young Red Devils visiting Swindon Town – and another away defeat awaited.
Manchester United’s under-18s were looking for a more successful FA Youth Cup campaign in 2023/24. The team had been on a winning run in the league, with 11 wins from 11 games this season.
United had a home tie at Old Trafford in the last round, beating Derby County 1-0 with a second half goal from Ethan Williams.
How United lined up
Carrington’s finest were looking to continue a strong tradition of FA Youth Cup success, with the young Red Devils winning the trophy in 2022.
This has since seen Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho progress from academy football, to the Manchester United first team.
But this year’s cup involvement is at an end, with United eliminated.
Starting line-up: Harrison; Amass, Kingdon, Jackson, Ogunneye; Fitzgerald, Devaney, Jack Fletcher, Williams, Missin; Wheatley.
Substitutes: Myles, Munro, Mantato, McAllister, Curley, Scanlon, Musa.
Key moments
- 14 min: Swindon take a 1-0 lead after United fail to clear a cross and they tap in from close range.
- 32 min: Ethan Williams’ free-kick from the edge of the box is deflected by the ball and the goalkeeper gathers it safely.
- 33 min: Elyh Harrison makes a good low save after a Swindon effort from the edge of the box.
- 38 min: Swindon take a 2-0 lead with a strike from just inside the penalty area, high past Harrison.
- 57 min: United make a double substitution, Ruben Curley and James Scanlon replace Jayce Fitzgerland and Ethan Williams.
- 58 min: Fletcher forces a save from the goalkeeper with his powerful close range effort blocked.
- 75 min: Ethan Wheatley sees a shot blocked inside the box after Jack Fletcher creates a chance.
- 77 min: Substitution as striker Victor Musa sent on for midfielder Jacob Devaney.
- 82: A shot from Ruben Curley sails narrowly wide.
- 91 min: Musa aims a header at goal but does not make strong enough contact.
It was a disappointing character-building loss for United’s young stars, who came into the game as heavy favourites. Cup football can be ruthless, and this was a frustrating night for the academy prospects.
Two early back to back losses in 2023 and 2024 Youth Cups show how difficult success in the tournament can be, and put into context the excellent achievement of the team to win the competition in 2022.
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