Manchester United reach first youth cup final in 11 years

For the first time in 11 years, the Manchester United youth team have reached the FA youth cup final.

It has been many years since those famous pictures of baby-faced Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison. But this could soon be recreated with the likes of star players Charlie McNeill and Alejandro Garnacho. Manchester United under 18s reached the final of the esteemed FA Youth Cup after comfortably beating Wolves 3-0 on Wednesday. First teamers Harry Maguire and Dean Henderson were in attendance for the youth, with captain Maguire giving the boys a supportive team talk before they went on to secure their place in the final.

Charlie McNeill opened the scoring for United by catching onto a chipped pass by talent Hansen-Aaroen, swiftly taking it past the goalkeeper who himself was in an unorthodox position but coolly finishing into the open net. After a close effort from the Wolves attacker which deflected off the post, in the second half is where we see the youngsters double their lead. Garnacho, who earned a senior call up to the Argentinian squad earlier this week alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, received the ball out wide on the left, before cutting inside and firing a curling effort into the top right-hand corner – clipping the inside of the post just to make the goal that little bit sweeter. McNeill then finished the performance off with confident poachers tap in from short range, confirming the brace for the player.

Their cup run

United have defeated the likes of Scunthorpe, Reading, Everton and Leicester as well as Wolves on this cup run and will be looking to take on either Nottingham Forest or Chelsea in the final. Their respective semi-final is taking place before the 26^th of March. Garnacho has netted 5 goals this whole competition alongside McNeill who has also reached 5 for the competition. These two would clearly be a danger for the opposition on the day of the final.

Other stars in our side

Within Travis Binnion’s side boast a vast amount of talent other than just stars Garnacho and McNeill. Here are some other talents that the youth side also showcase:

Kobbie Mainoo

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An outstanding showing against Wolves from centre midfield exemplified a top performance against a busy opposition. The Englishman covered the whole pitch and won countless duels whilst playing exceptional forward passes to the two attackers. He will be a brilliant talent for the future and at 16 years of age he has plenty of time to master his game.

Isak Hansen-Aaroen

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Another top centre midfielder United have in the ranks. The Norwegian demonstrated how the youth team clearly have talented and special passers in their deeper midfielders. Hansen-Aaroen pulled the defence apart and also created plenty of opportunities for the attackers. Many associate him with James Garner in his style of play. The United youth setup clearly have a knack for technical midfielders with great passing range.

Tyler Fredricson

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The defender showcased some intense challenges at the back against Wolves. At 17 years of age, he showed desire and intensity to get himself into some strong challenges and deny the Wolves offenders. United have bags of talent all across the pitch.

In a season to forget for the first team, United have a chance at some silverware. Regardless of the level, a youth cup triumph would mean plenty to the youngsters and stamp their place in history. If we look back to the 2011 side and take a look at some of the players and where they are now – Lingard, Pogba, Keane, even the famous story of Morrisson to an extent. These players have had high-level careers and this shows what the taste of silverware can do for a group of youngsters. A big chance for our current under-18s to lift a trophy.