The U18 campaign came to an end on Thursday night with Manchester United losing Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final.
It has been a season to remember for Manchester United’s U18 side, and it culminated in the biggest game in youth football and an unfortunate defeat.
City took a lead through a brilliant free-kick, before United struck back through Godwill Kukonki.
But City retook the lead in the 87th minute to win the cup 2-1 in the end.
Read below for all the latest updates from the biggest game of the youth season, before and during the clash.
- ⚽️ Manchester City 2-1 (Kukonki) Manchester United
HUGE CHANCE
The ball falls to Obi in the box but his shot is blocked with several defenders in the way.
[Link]2-1 City
It was coming. Heskey scores a thunderous goal after cutting inside. They’ve been the better side tonight, United just haven’t been able to grab hold of the game.
[Link]United coming back into it here
After a period of City dominance, United are coming back into the game.
[Link]McAidoo troubling United
McAidoo has been brilliant today, best player on the pitch, and he’s just hit the crossbar via a Kukonki deflection.
[Link]City close
Lamb fires his shot over the bar. City definitely had the better of things in the second half.
[Link]Half-time
It’s all square at the break between United and City. Shame it’s taken 40 minutes to get going!
All to play for in the second-half.
[Link]1-1 Manchester United
Right in front of the United fans, Kukonki heads home an equaliser from close range after a delightful Thwaites cross.
[Link]1-0 Manchester City
Samba fires his free-kick into the top corner; Byrne-Hughes couldn’t get near it.
[Link]Referee books Gabriel for simulation
Penalty shouts, but the referee finds him guilty of simulation. That’s one each now in terms of bookings for dives.
[Link]Obi with another chance!
The chance of the game so far for United after an excellent breakaway. Gabriel pulls it back to Obi, and he has time to set and pick his shot, but he waits too long, and it is blocked.
[Link]United almost through
United were through for a moment with Gabriel and Obi linking up well on the counter; unfortunately, the pass just isn’t strong enough to find its target.
[Link]Cagey opening 10 minutes
Both sides are still feeling each other out at the moment. Expected considering the high-stakes.
[Link]First chance from United
Good play down the right between Gabriel and Ibragimov as the latter’s cross is headed wide by Obi.
[Link]United players in attendance
Michael Carrick and his first team coaching staff are here, along with Pep Guardiola. Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw also spotted.
[Link]10-minute warning!
Just 10 minutes until kick-off, with coverage of the match now starting on BBC IPlayer.
[Link]Yuel Helafu starts again
Unsurprisingly, Helafu has been handed another start at right-back, having made the position his own this season.
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Darren Fletcher delighted with his side
Speaking ahead of this final, Fletcher hailed his team for their performances this season.
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United at full-strength
No excuses for United today, this team is probably the exact squad that Darren Fletcher would want ideally.
Amir Ibragimov is the only surprise, but he is absolutely good enough to be starting.
Godwill Kukonki returns for this one after making a mockery of City a couple of months back.
United will be confident.
[Link]Manchester United confirmed XI
Byrne-Hughes, Helafu, Armer (c), Mills, Kukonki, McCormack, Ibragimov, Thwaites, Gabriel, Obi, Ajayi.
Subs: Overy, Heath, Plunkett, Brown, McEvoy, Lusale, Bradbury.
[Link]JJ Gabriel will be eager to impress
Star of the match on paper is JJ Gabriel, who is the best U18 in the country right now. Fresh off winning the U18 Premier League player of the year award, he will want to get a trophy here.
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How could United line-up?
Ahead of the game, we predicted how United’s team will shape up for the final.
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How to watch?
The FA Youth Cup unfortunately is being played at City’s academy ground, so attendance for many fans wasn’t possible. Luckily, the game is being streamed on TNT Sports and also the BBC.
[Link]What time is kick-off?
United U18 vs City kicks off at 7pm BST, at the Joie Stadium in Manchester.
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