Manchester United’s under-18s have been beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace.
Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United under-18s side have lost 6-5 on penalties in the Premier League Cup Final.
United had led 1-0 for most of the game before a last minute equaliser from Palace, after a controversial referee call.
Here is a look at five things we learned from the game…
Noah Ajayi’s rise is real
The breakout player at under-18s level in the second half of the season has been Noah Ajayi.
Ajayi proved his credentials by stepping up to open the scoring in this huge game at Selhurst Park.
After great interplay from JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi, Ajayi got loose inside the box but still had a lot of work to do.
He showed excellent close control to dribble into a shooting position and evade the Palace defenders, slotting low past the goalkeeper.
Ajayi’s night was cut short by an injury early in the second half. He will hope to make a quick recovery in time for the FA Youth Cup Final early next month.
Based on what we have seen in recent weeks, Ajayi is setting himself up for a real chance in pre-season with the first team squad, providing the injury is not serious.
Manchester United are looking for a left winger to strengthen next season. Ajayi has a chance to put himself into the conversation.
WHO was Man United’s man of the match in Premier League Cup final defeat?
A painful loss on penalties…
Amir Ibragimov makes his return
Amir Ibragimov returned from injury to make his first appearance of 2026. His last appearance for the under-18s was in early November.
Ibragimov was introduced as a 72nd minute substitute, making his return in a key game.
He was immediately involved in the action, putting in a cross that Chido Obi put wide.
Having Ibragimov back for the final weeks of the season is a welcome boost individually and for the team. He had captained the under-18s before his injury.
Gabriel gamble
Manchester United substitute JJ Gabriel as part of the double substitution to bring on Ibragimov.
Gabriel did not look too happy as he departed the pitch, wanting to stay on and help United to win silverware.
He had already played his role, winning the ball and starting the move for Noah Ajayi’s opener.
It was a gamble from Darren Fletcher to take off the team’s most creative player, and the under-18s top scorer.
It backfired, with Palace awarded a 90th minute penalty for a foul by Albert Mills, which actually looked like it was outside the box.
After Palace equalised, it meant that United had to play a further 30 minutes of extra-time without Gabriel, and with 10 men.
Penalty shootout change fails to pay off
In the 120th minute, Manchester United made a final substitution, switching goalkeepers.
Fred Heath was brought on for Cameron Byrne-Hughes, with the coaching staff deciding he would give the team a better chance on penalties.
Heath, 18, stands at 6ft 6″ and is an imposing figure in goal.
Unfortunately the switch failed to pay off, with Heath failing to save a single penalty.
Dan Armer, Jay McEvoy, Chido Obi, Amir Ibragimov, Jim Thwaites all scored their penalties. Godwill Kukonki was the unfortunate player to miss his spot-kick.
United have another chance
This narrow defeat must fuel the desire from Darren Fletcher’s side to go on and win the FA Youth Cup.
United reached the FA Youth Cup Final by beating Palace in extra-time last week.
The under-18s face rivals City away from home in the Final.
Instead of entering the game with a spring in their step, United will head there even more determined to win silverware.
Fletcher will aim to take the lessons from this game and apply them. It could work in United’s favour if they go on to win the more prestigious competition for a first time since 2022.
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