Key points
After a long winter break, Manchester United’s U18 side were back in action on Friday night against Derby County in the FA Youth Cup and it was a night to remember.
After a long 120 minutes, Manchester United’s U18s are through to the last 16 of this year’s FA Youth Cup.
It was a long and stressful night for Darren Fletcher, as his side were the dominant team throughout, and should have claimed a big victory.
However, it wasn’t until an own goal that United broke the deadlock.
Who was your man of the match for Manchester United’s U18s in the FA Youth Cup win?
Which player stood out?
After this, Chido Obi added a second fairly quick, before Derby then pulled one back.
It was a nervy conclusion, but the Red Devils walked out victors and now face a round of 16 clash with Oxford United.
Follow along below for all the latest updates throughout the game.
Manchester United (OG, Obi) 2-0 Derby
Full time
AND BREATHE. Manchester United withstood late pressure to hold onto a 2-1 lead and have progressed to the next round. Brilliant performance and a great game of football.
[Link]2-0 Manchester United
And just like that…. United are 2-0 ahead through Chido Obi. Brilliant calm finish. Game over.
[Link]1-0 Manchester United
After all of that, its an own goal that unlocks the defence! United lead with 20 minutes left.
[Link]Kukonki almost wins it
Kukonki dribbles through the Derby defence but its wide, he kicks the post in frustration.
[Link]United scupper another chance
Mantato through one on one but a heavy touch makes it easy for the goalkeeper.
[Link]Extra time and penalties loom
Just a timely reminder, this one doesn’t end on the full-time whistle.
[Link]United close again
United have played so well, really a mystery how they’ve not scored. Bailey this time curls one wide from range.
[Link]James Bailey forces great save
Bailey shoots from at least 30-yards out and it forces a big save.
[Link]Derby much improved this half
They needed to change and have, Derby having a strong showing in the first 15 minutes of this half.
[Link]Half-time
United will wonder how on earth they aren’t leading this. Brilliant performance, Derby have done well with last ditch defending and goalkeeper, otherwise this could already be a cricket score.
[Link]Another chance for Obi
After a Kukonki shot falls out of the air, the Derby keeper fumbles and Obi almost has time to get a shot off.
This one should be done and dusted.
[Link]Obi heads wide
Great delivery from a corner and Obi gets his head to it but it goes agonisingly wide. He will feel very unlucky.
[Link]Obi again comes close
Obi sees another shot blocked after Shah sets him up. The midfielder probably should have went for goal himself. But spaces now opening up regularly for United, matter of time until one of these chances are converted.
[Link]United getting closer
Brilliant play down the right from Mantato to set up Obi, but a strong block denies him.
[Link]Obi forces a big save
Derby sloppy on the edge of their own box and it falls to Obi who’s shot is saved brilliantly.
[Link]Gabriel comes close
Gabriel has the Derby defenders scared to commit to tackling him as they back off. He uses this to his advantage, going left then right then left, and then right again before getting a shot off.
Close, but it just rolls wide.
[Link]Obi tries to do it himself
Having looked isolated so far, Obi picked up the ball and went for it himself, going past a defender with ease but his shot ends up in the side netting.
[Link]Rafe McCormack looking good
McCormack looks really sharp today, both on and off the ball. With the ‘6’ on his back he is looking like a very good defensive midfielder.
Showed press resistance to escape a high press, and then led a high press of his own with a tackle. Impressive start.
[Link]Smith booked
Charlie Smith booked for Derby after a really bad tackle on Rafe McCormack, very late and high. Deserved yellow.
[Link]First effort is Derby’s
Derby have taken the first effort of the game, but it was never going to trouble Byrne-Hughes in goal.
[Link]Michael Carrick in attendance
Just like he was for the U21s on Tuesday, Michael Carrick is in attendance to see the youth in action. Acting as a United manager should and he’s sure to be impressed by at least one player who is in action tonight.
Carrick is sat alongside Wayne Rooney and his son, United academy’s own Jacey Carrick.
[Link]Manchester United’s attack is scary
While United aren’t at full strength in midfield, the front three should be more than enough to blow Derby out of the water.
Obi is a cheat code at this level, while it will be exciting to see him with Mantato and Gabriel either side.
Should be a good game.
[Link]
Kai Rooney in the squad
In what is a real feel good moment, Kai Rooney is in the squad tonight at Old Trafford for his maiden appearance – potentially – at the Theatre of Dreams.
[Link]How to watch the game
The match is being played at Old Trafford on Friday night, but if you haven’t got a ticket, don’t worry you can still watch live.
MUTV will be broadcasting the game from 6.55pm for paid subscribers.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
Hello and welcome to United in Focus’ live commentary coverage of Manchester United’s U18 side taking on Derby in the FA Youth Cup.
Kick-off isn’t until 7pm GMT, but we will be bringing you all the latest befor, during and after the game.
Team news should be with you around 6pm.
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