Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup Final did not go as planned, defeated 2-1 by hosts City.
A winner from Reigan Heskey gave Manchester City a 2-1 win in front of a small crowd at the Joie Stadium, an odd setting for the prestigious FA Youth Cup Final.
Manchester United’s goal in the first half was scored by Godwill Kukonki, after a terrific cross from Jim Thwaites.
First team captain Bruno Fernandes was in the crowd to watch and he will have been impressed by the defence-splitting pass from the young midfielder.
Manchester United fans were also left impressed by Thwaites’ contribution.
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Fans praise Jim Thwaites
Manchester United’s attacking trident of JJ Gabriel, Noah Ajayi and Chido Obi were well shackled by City’s defence, and by their own high standards, they underwhelmed.
Along with Kukonki, Thwaites took the plaudits and he was the talk of fans on social media.
“There’s not really anything more to say about Thwaites other than he’s going to be in the first team next year,” wrote one fan.
“Genuinely think Jim Thwaites has one of those skill sets where his abilities will be more noticeable/valuable in senior football than it is in youth football,” another supporter commented optimistically.
A third wrote: “Thwaites is the Modric/Kroos type player we’ve been yearning for!”
“Thwaites is better than Ugarte i’m not even kidding,” another added.
“I like the look of Thwaites, thought he really stood out,” wrote a fifth.
A sixth post read: “Not a great team performance but Thwaites you can see is ready, cut above everyone else.”
And another posted: “Jim Thwaites potential Garner replacement in the works I reckon. Similar on ball playing style, with his pass selection and dead ball duties.”
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Jim Thwaites has already trained with Manchester United’s first team, taking part in a recent camp in the Republic of Ireland.
He has been a consistent performer at under-18s and under-21s level this season.
Possessed with dead ball ability and a passing range compared to David Beckham, the young midfielder was called up to the first team bench for the recent 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Thwaites could be involved for the under-21s in their playoff final on Saturday night, but it would also not be surprising if United elected to fast-track him to the first team in one of the final two games of the season.
If that call doesn’t come, pre-season will be his big chance.
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