Man Utd have an exciting U18 side, who will begin their FA Youth Cup campaign at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring against Liverpool.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Manchester United have rich history in the FA Youth Cup, the most prestigious competition in academy football. United have won the Youth Cup more than any other club and could extend that record this season.
Darren Fletcher, manager of the Under-18s, has the talent at his disposal to lift the trophy, with the likes of JJ Gabriel, Kai Rooney, Louie Bradbury and Yuel Helafu all ready to contribute.
And the competition rules state Fletcher will be able to call upon academy players who were under the age of 18 at midnight before the end of August, which gives United added strength.
Bendito Mantato, Godwill Kukonki, Dan Armer, Amir Ibragimov and Jim Thwaites are just some of the players who represent the Under-21s but who are eligible to play in the Youth Cup.
That’s without mentioning Chido Obi, who could play in the competition again. Obi is currently recovering from a small injury, but he could feature in the Youth Cup for United for a second season in a row.
Obi’s goals fired the U18s to the semi-finals of the Youth Cup last season, in which they lost on penalties against eventual winners Aston Villa. Fletcher will be hoping his side can go two steps further this season.
The U18s will begin their Youth Cup campaign against Peterborough at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. There should be a reasonable crowd, but it’s a shame to see tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Some may argue that Gabriel is worth paying the turnstile fee for. The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the most exciting talents to have ever come through the academy, and United did all they could to keep him in the summer, with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada involved in a meeting at Carrington.
Gabriel can’t stop scoring.
The 15-year-old has trained with the first team already. It’s unusual for a player so young to be given that opportunity, but United believe he could eventually become the face of the club.
Gabriel and his family were invited into the Old Trafford directors’ box for the opening game of the season against Arsenal, and United recently introduced the youngster to Ruben Amorim at Carrington.
During their exchange, Amorim spent time discussing his philosophy and stressed the importance of working hard, even recalling an anecdote about Cristiano Ronaldo as an example.
In October, the Manchester Evening News provided insight into Gabriel’s rise in youth football. It remains to be seen whether Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, will return from injury in time to face Peterborough, but academy followers are hoping he gets the chance to contribute in the Youth Cup this season.
Kai Rooney has played as a striker since he was a boy, but his father recently explained that his role has changed, saying: “He’s gone to the right [wing]. Left-footed, coming in off the right.”
Michael Carrick’s son, Jacey Carrick, also plays in United’s academy, and he was handed his debut for the U18s last weekend, coming on from the bench with 20 minutes remaining against Newcastle. He is a left-footed midfielder and has been involved with England’s Under-15s.
There are story lines galore with the U18s this season and they are playing entertaining football, impressively beating Liverpool 7-0 at the end of November (Gabriel scored a hat-trick).
Ticket prices should be lower for Tuesday’s Youth Cup game, but the youngsters deserve support.