Man City beat rivals Man Utd 2-1 to win FA Youth Cup

Figure caption,

Carrick and Guardiola in attendance for FA Youth Cup final

Reigan Heskey smashed home a late winner as Manchester City claimed bragging rights over bitter rivals Manchester United by winning the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time.

In a repeat of the two-legged showpiece from 40 years ago, which City also triumphed in, the tie was ebbing towards extra-time before Heskey powered in the from the angle five minutes from time to give Oliver Reiss' side the victory.

Darren Fletcher's United are record 11-time winners of the competition but last claimed the trophy in 2022, when current first-team star Kobbie Mainoo played in a victory over Nottingham Forest.

There had been controversy in the build-up over the game being played at 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, as City said Etihad Stadium was unavailable because of ongoing construction work, and United were left disappointed by their efforts to stage the match at Old Trafford as well as the final result.

The contest had been a slow burner up until five minutes before half-time when the final was brought to life by Floyd Samba's sensational 25-yard free-kick, which was curled into the top corner and gave United goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes no chance.

But United levelled the tie just two minutes later through centre-back Godwill Kukonki's marauding run up the pitch before finishing the move by thumping home a powerful header in from Jim Thwaites' cross-field pass.

But Heskey, son of former Liverpool and England striker Emile, proved to be the match-winner as City lifted the trophy in front of their home faithful.

City prove too strong for United

There was widespread interest in this game with the first-team contingent of both teams in attendance at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium.

United's manager in waiting Michael Carrick took his seat in the stands alongside his coaches, as well as captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu.

But it was the City youngsters and the supporters along with first-team boss Pep Guardiola and senior players such as Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo and Nathan Ake who were celebrating as the U18s lifted the trophy.

The pre-match star billings of Teddie Lamb and JJ Gabriel, who have scored a combined 54 goals between them this season, were both kept quiet for large periods of the contest.

City's prolific striker Lamb's close-range effort was kept out by Byrne-Hughes' incredible reflex save and he also somehow scooped an effort over the crossbar from inside the six yard box.

At the other end, the Premier League U18 player of the season Gabriel did call Max Hudson into making a comfortable save low down, while the 15-year-old was also booked for simulation in the box.

Chido Obi, who had screwed wide from a promising position, then saw a better opportunity fall his way 14-yards out in the centre of goal, but City captain Kaden Braithwaite made a brilliant sliding challenge to deny the United striker.

After trading first-half goals, City felt they had a good shout for a penalty when Byrne-Hughes appeared to bring down Samba in the box, but the hosts were awarded only a corner, much to their displeasure.

Reiss' side were creating the better chances and Heskey gave a warning sign when he struck into the side-netting, before belting home the winning goal which he will remember for the rest of his career.