Manchester United’s U18 side were in action on Monday night for the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.
It was the one that got away last season for Adam Lawrence’s treble-winning academy side, so it was always the major target this season.
However, despite Manchester United’s desperation to win the FA Youth Cup, the campaign was brought to a cruel end on Monday night at Villa Park.
United were the better side for 120 minutes with James Scanlon’s 20th goal of the season equalising Villa’s early goal, but a well-organised Villa proved impossible for the young Red Devils to break down.
The game went to penalties, where Jim Thwaites, Amir Ibragimov and Zach Baumann were unfortunate to see their efforts either saved or off target, and Villa progressed to the final as a result.
It was a very cruel end to a game that United will have been sat in the dressing room post-game feeling like it was one that got away. Huge credit should go to the young Villa side, who were so well-organised and made a usually lethal United attack look toothless at times.
Follow along below for all the latest updates and scores throughout the game.
Aston Villa (Mulley) [3] 1-1 [1] (Scanlon) Manchester United
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Villa win the penalty shootout
Baumann scoops his penalty wide and Villa are through to the final. It was heartbreaking for the United boys who should have won the game in 90 minutes and also 120 minutes, but ultimately didn’t do enough to break down their opponents or beat the very impressive Sam Proctor.
It is a sad end to the FA Youth Cup campaign, yet the experience is one from which United’s youngsters can learn a lot.
[Link]2-1 United miss
Ibragimov misses after winking at the goalkeeper beforehand. Mountain to climb now.
[Link]Full time
Normal time is over, and despite the clear disparity game plan and desire to play football, Villa’s defensive structure has frustrated United’s attack. Now, we are set for 30 minutes of extra time for United to find a winner and avoid the lottery of penalties.
[Link]Mantato a danger
Mantato looks very sharp as he dribbles through Villa’s side before being fouled.
[Link]Munro heads wide
The free-kick was finally whipped in by Thwaites, and Munro won the header, but it was just wide.
[Link]Villa timewasting
United have a free-kick, but Villa seem to be timewasting. Playing for penalties at home, United should be winning this.
[Link]United dominating
United have Villa penned into their own box but are struggling to find a way through. Extra-time is looming.
[Link]Baumann comes close
Baumann cuts inside on his left foot and his shot skims the top of the goal after a deflection. Very close.
[Link]Another big stop from Murdock
After a rocky start, Murdock is keeping United in the game right now.
[Link]Chido Obi effort saved
The ball drops to Obi after Biancheri set him up, but his strike is straight at the Villa goalkeeper.
[Link]Brilliant save from Murdock
Murdock denies a sure goal with an instinctive stop as Cotcher shot from close range.
[Link]Halftime
It is all level at the break, with United definitely the better side. Adam Lawrence’s message will be simple: keep going and eventually, the goals will come.
[Link]United hit the post
Excellent play from Chido who dribbles toward the box before laying it off to Tyler Fletcher who sees his effort hit the post.
[Link]United are pushing for another goal
United look the most likely to take a lead here, with a quick counter almost giving Biancheri a big chance, only the pass was slightly overhit.
[Link]1-1 Manchester United
United are back in it, with James Scanlon scoring his 20th goal of the season after some excellent play from the Red Devils.
Assist: Tyler Fletcher
[Link]United have the ball in the net
Chido Obi puts the ball in the net, but it’s waved off for Biancheri fouling the Villa defender. Remains 1-0 to the home side.
[Link]United dominating play
After going behind, United have had the bulk of possession but little to show for it with Villa’s defence holding up so far, as Chido Obi skies his first shot of the night.
[Link]Villa 1-0
United are behind after just three minutes, as a Villa free-kick is blocked by the wall but right into the path of Mulley.
[Link]Fletcher twins looking to enter the history books
It will be a proud night for Darren Fletcher as his two sons both start for United in the FA Youth Cup semi-final. If United wins the tournament, they could join the Neville twins as two brothers to win the trophy with their sibling for the club.
[Link]Manchester United XI
XI: Murdock, Kamason, Munro, Armer, Kukonki, T. Fletcher. J. Fletcher, Devaney, Biancheri, Obi, Scanlon.
Subs: Byrne-Hughes, Baumann, Thwaites, Ibragimov, Lusale, Mantato, Musa.
[Link]How to watch
The game will be live on YouTube on Monday night at 7 pm on The Emirates FA Cup channel.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Manchester United and Aston Villa will kick off at 7 pm on Monday, March 31st. Villa Park was the venue for the clash.
[Link]Welcome to United in Focus’ live coverage of Manchester United vs Aston Villa
We will be providing updates before, during and after Monday’s FA Youth Cup semi-final.
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