Man United’s U18s will take on Manchester City’s U18s in the Premier League Cup final on Tuesday night and we’ll have live updates.
Manchester United’s Under-18s and Manchester City will clash in the Premier League Cup final tonight.
United’s youngsters were officially crowned the U18 Premier League North champions last week with a 2-1 victory over Wolves, which confirmed City as league runners-up.
The young Reds took their division by storm this season and City chased them for the majority of the campaign, but they fell short and will be hungry for revenge in the cup final tonight.
United’s U18s were unbeaten in the league until March and that defeat against City is still their only loss, which adds to the intrigue of tonight’s mini-Manchester derby.
The two Manchester clubs have comfortably been the best teams in the U18 league, so it feels appropriate they’ve both progressed to the final of the Premier League Cup. United won 5-0 against Crystal Palace in the semi-final and City won 3-1 against Leicester away from home.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 7.30pm and we’ll bring you build-up and updates throughout.
KEY EVENTS
- FULL-TIME! United 2-1 City 21:26
- 80′ – MUN 2-1 MCI – GOAL! 2-1 CITY! (Mfuni) 21:17
- HALF-TIME! United 2-0 City 20:19
- 25′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – GOAL! 2-0 UNITED! (Wheatley) 19:57
- 8′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – GOAL! 1-0 UNITED! (Wheatley) 19:39
FT – City reaction shows what they put into that
That’s unlucky for City. Ethan Wheatley was the difference between the two sides and United take the trophy. The Blues grew into the game in the second half – and almost forced extra time at the end. But they didn’t quite have enough and the dreams of a cup double for the Under-18s end in Leigh. Still, they can take this disappointment into the FA Youth Cup final next month and they will be stronger for this defeat. The City players sank to the turf at full time and have to be consoled by their coaches. You can tell how much this meant to them
FT – City reaction shows what they put into that
That’s unlucky for City. Ethan Wheatley was the difference between the two sides and United take the trophy. The Blues grew into the game in the second half – and almost forced extra time at the end. But they didn’t quite have enough and the dreams of a cup double for the Under-18s end in Leigh. Still, they can take this disappointment into the FA Youth Cup final next month and they will be stronger for this defeat. The City players sank to the turf at full time and have to be consoled by their coaches. You can tell how much this meant to them.
21:26KEY EVENT
FULL-TIME! United 2-1 City
That’s the final whistle at Leigh Sports Village.
United are Premier League Cup champions.
An outstanding season…
21:21STEVEN RAILSTON
90′ – MUN 2-1 MCI – Four minutes added time
Almost over here.
21:17KEY EVENT
80′ – MUN 2-1 MCI – GOAL! 2-1 CITY! (Mfuni)
City deserve that, they have been the better side in this half and Mfuni found the net.
21:12STEVEN RAILSTON
80′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – 10 minutes left
City are enjoying the bulk of the ball but are struggling to create in the final third.
21:03STEVEN RAILSTON
70′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Lacey coming on
There are 20 minutes remaining and Lacey has come on for Fletcher.
20:59JOE BRAY
66′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Double change for City
It’s a change for City, and Matty Warhurst is off for Luca Fletcher. Also off is left-back Seb Naylor, to be replaced by left-winger Christian Dunbar-McDonald. Divine Mukasa – who has been having some joy on the left – is moved to left-back.
20:55STEVEN RAILSTON
63′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Another change
Devaney ON and Curley OFF.
20:54STEVEN RAILSTON
60′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – United under pressure
City have been the better side in the second half and are pushing for a goal.
20:48STEVEN RAILSTON
55′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – City trying hard
That was a lovely ball to the back post from City but there was nobody there to tap it home.
20:40JOE BRAY
50′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Wheatley has gone off
City will be relieved to see Wheatley go off, he was causing their defence problems and obviously capitalised with two well-taken goals. Wilkinson will have given his players clear instructions to get back into this contest, and if United have one eye on their first team fixture, it could open a door for them to get back into this final with 100 per cent focus on tonight.
20:38STEVEN RAILSTON
48′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Three changes for United
Habeeb Ogunneye, Bendito Mantato, Gabriele Blancheri ON.
Louis Jackson, Harry Amass, Ethan Wheatley OFF.
20:36STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – We’re back under way
Here we go for the second half and there’s been a few changes.
20:23JOE BRAY
HT – Story of City’s season
That half felt like the story of City’s season. They’ve not been bad at all, and have played some good stuff, but United have simply been better. City are trying to enforce their possession-based build-up, and United are going more direct and having much more joy. It’s the kind of contest you’d expect at first team level (if United actually had an identity and playing style these days…). You wouldn’t say City are completely out of this, but they need to show a lot more after the break.
It looks like United are making a double change at the break.
20:19KEY EVENT
HALF-TIME! United 2-0 City
That’s the whistle for half time and Wheatley’s brace has United leading by two.
20:16STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Three minutes added time
Just the three minutes added on here.
20:14STEVEN RAILSTON
42′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Almost half-time
United have limited City’s chances and this has been a close to perfect performance…
20:09STEVEN RAILSTON
38′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – Another trophy for United?
It’s early days in this game, but United have looked comfortable and are on course for another trophy after sealing their league title last week. Lawrence has done a wonderful job with this side and Wheatley deserves huge praise for scoring a first half brace.
20:05JOE BRAY
33′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – City’s best chance
City play themselves into trouble and then out again. Dada-Mascoll strides forward, plays in Divine Mukasa in the middle, and his ball into the box for Matty Warhurst is a good one. Warhurst gets his shot away, but Harrison gets out well to save. That’s City’s best chance of the game and they’ll look to build on it now.
19:58JOE BRAY
27′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – More disappointment for City
Another disappointing goal to concede for City. United win the header and have space to run into. City’s defence are second to a couple of 50/50s, and Wheatley rounds Brits to score. City haven’t played particularly badly here, but find themselves with a mountain to climb.
19:57KEY EVENT
25′ – MUN 2-0 MCI – GOAL! 2-0 UNITED! (Wheatley)
Wheatley has a brace as he rounds the City goalkeeper and tucks it home from a tight angle. He did brilliantly to keep his composure and fund the back of the net.
This has been an outstanding start from United.
19:52JOE BRAY
22′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – City have responded well
It’s been a decent response from City to going behind. Just like the first team, they’ve put their foot on the ball and tried to keep possession. The tactic seems to be to go on the right flank through the lively Matty Henderson-Hall and the more experienced Justin Oboavwoduo. United are equal to that, however, and are putting an extra body to support the full-back. City might need to look elsewhere.
19:48STEVEN RAILSTON
18′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – Another moment for City
City have responded well to going behind and they’ve created a few openings, although they’re yet to seriously trouble Harrison, which Lawrence will be happy with.
19:45STEVEN RAILSTON
14′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – City come close
City did well on the left wing just there and Kingdon’s clearance turned the ball for a corner.
There’s a great tempo to this game and both teams are up for this.
19:40JOE BRAY
10′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – Poor start for City
City will be disappointed with that. Ben Wilkinson was furious on the touchline when the foul was awarded on the opposite side, complaining to the fourth official, and then United go and score from it. City should have defended the situation better. Nobody picked up Wheatley, and although it was a good finish, he had far too much room to pick his spot. END
19:39KEY EVENT
8′ – MUN 1-0 MCI – GOAL! 1-0 UNITED! (Wheatley)
What a stunning goal, Ethan Wheatley. The dream start for United as the young forward volleys home with a brilliant finish. Wayne Rooney is here and even he’ll appreciate that strike.
19:37JOE BRAY
7′ – MUN 0-0 MCI – Chances for United
It’s been a good start in possession from City, but it’s United with the first two chances. The first effort was easy enough for Spike Brits, but the second was a proper ‘camera save’ with the strike heading into the top corner. Both times, the City defence just stood off the opposition – that’s something they’ll want to address.
19:35STEVEN RAILSTON
5′ – MUN 0-0 MCI – Decent crowd
There’s a decent crowd here but it’s far from a sell-out. This match would have attracted a much larger crowd if it was held at Old Trafford but that wasn’t an option for obvious reasons.
19:33STEVEN RAILSTON
3′ – MUN 0-0 MCI – Wilcox is here
Newly appointed technical director Jason Wilcox is here tonight and he’s joined by David Gill in a ‘posh’ Leigh Sports Village private box.
19:30STEVEN RAILSTON
1′ – MUN 0-0 MCI – KICK-OFF!
We’re under way at Leigh Sports Village for the mini-Manchester derby.
There’s a decent crowd here and a trophy is up for grabs.
19:25STEVEN RAILSTON
Just five minutes to kick-off
We’re almost set for kick-off at Leigh Sports Village.
19:25JOE BRAY
City fans are here to support
There’s a decent amount of City fans over in the corner for this final, and the Blues have just finished their warm-ups. Ben Wilkinson was putting the defenders through their paces, and it’s a strong line up including Jaden Heskey, Justin Oboavwoduo and Farid Alfa-Ruprecht. United have been free-scoring in the league to take the title off City, but the young Blues should still have enough to cause problems in attack today – they remain the only side to beat United in the U18 Premier League and are looking for revenge tonight. They can still end the season with a cup double, and this would set them up nicely for the FA Youth Cup final in a couple of weeks.
19:22STEVEN RAILSTON
Jones has been helpful for the U18s
Jones has been a great addition while he studies for his badges.
Phil Jones has been a key part of the U18s’ coaching staff this season.
I spoke to Adam Lawrence in December and he was full of praise for the former United defender #mufc pic.twitter.com/h133k65PSW— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) April 23, 2024
19:08STEVEN RAILSTON
United give squad hint for clash against Sheff United
Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye, Ethan Wheatley and Louis Jackson could still be named in United’s first-team squad against Sheffield United on Wednesday, despite making the Under-18 squad to play Manchester City in a cup final on Tuesday night.
Erik ten Hag’s squad has been ravaged by injuries throughout the season, and the crisis has not relented, which has led the Dutchman to draft in players from the academy.
Ten Hag was forced to play Casemiro at centre-back in the semi-final of the FA Cup on Sunday, and Amass, Ogunneye, Wheatley and Jackson made the bench at Wembley.
All four of those players have featured heavily for United’s Under-18s this season and have all been included in Adam Lawrence’s squad to play in the Premier League Cup final on Tuesday.
Amass, Jackson and Wheatley have been named in the starting XI against City, but club sources have confirmed they could still be involved with the first-team against Sheffield United.
Read more here.
18:57STEVEN RAILSTON
What time is kick-off tonight?
Tonight’s mini-Manchester derby will kick-off at 7.30pm and a trophy is up for grabs.
It’s the Premier League Cup final and the two Manchester clubs have been the best teams in their league, so it feels appropriate they’ll compete for this trophy.
18:52STEVEN RAILSTON
Tickets for tonight’s game are free
You can make a trip to Leigh Sports Village for free, as usual.
Just a week after winning their league, the U18s can lift another trophy against Man City in the Premier League Cup final tonight.
It’s at Leigh Sports Village and tickets are free using the link below #mufc
🎫 https://t.co/Y0IvdmOjti pic.twitter.com/FGOD3NSgPK— Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) April 23, 2024
18:51STEVEN RAILSTON
That’s a strong United side
That’s the strongest United available and a clear indication they are going for this. It was possible Harry Amass, Habeeb Ogunneye, Ethan Wheatley and Louis Jackson wouldn’t be involved given the injury crisis in the first-team squad – but Ogunneye is on the bench and the other three start. Club sources have confirmed all of those youngsters could still be named in the senior squad tomorrow.
18:38KEY EVENT
TEAM NEWS | CITY STARTING XI
XI | Brits, Henderson-Hall, Noble, Mfuni, Naylor, Dada-Mascoll, Oboavwoduo, Heskey (C), Warhurst, Mukasa, Alfa-Ruprecht
Subs | Wint, Okeke, Fapetu, Dunbar-McDonald, Fletcher
18:37KEY EVENT
TEAM NEWS | UNITED STARTING XI
XI | Harrison, Nolan, Amass, Kingdon, Jackson, McAllister (C), Scanlon, Curley, Wheatley, Fletcher, Williams.
Subs: Ogunneye, Mantato, Devaney, Lacey, Biancheri.
16:47STEVEN RAILSTON
ICYMI: Lacey signs first professional contract
United youngster Shea Lacey signed his first professional contract earlier this month.
Only the most highly-regarded prospects in the academy are given professional terms when they turn 17 – the age when you can sign a pro deal – and Lacey has long been considered one of the leading lights in his age group, which explains why he’s been tied down at the first opportunity.
There are high hopes at United for Lacey and he recently took part in first-team training at Carrington following his return from an injury that saw him sidelined for six months.
Lacey is an exciting prospect and could start tonight.
16:46STEVEN RAILSTON
I missed eight months – now I’m back to finish my A Levels
The following is an extract from the MEN’s interview with City U18 player Isaiah Dada-Mascoll.
Most players returning from an eight-month injury lay-off would say they are making up for lost time when they finally get back on the pitch.
But that would imply that not playing for so long is a negative. What if that setback could be turned into a wholly positive experience?
“I wouldn’t refer to it as lost time,” says Manchester City under-18 midfielder Isaiah Dada-Mascoll. “The time I have been injured has been vital for me to understand my body more. It’s given me more discipline as well. It’s time to go again.”
Dada-Mascoll ended last season well. He was part of the under-18s side who won a fourth-straight league title and who suffered a heartbreaking FA Youth Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates, playing almost all of the 120 minutes with 10 players. His coaches described his season as ‘outstanding’. And then injury hit.
“It’s been such a journey considering I got injured at the end of August,” he tells MEN Sport. “I prepared as much as I could in the gym, doing stuff with the physios and sports scientists. The tempo is high but I’m ready for it.
The full article can be found here.
16:46STEVEN RAILSTON
MORE FROM AFRICA NEWS 24
How United developed a formidable youth team
The following is the opening extract of the MEN’s interview with U18 boss Adam Lawrence.
Habeeb Ogunneye, Harry Amass and Ethan Wheatley emerged from the Manchester United dressing room at the same time at Wembley on Sunday. Louis Jackson was a few minutes behind.
Jackson had embarked on a rigorous warm-up in the second half of extra-time after Harry Maguire flagged an issue with the medical staff. Maguire soldiered on and Jackson sat back down.
United’s spineless collapse against Coventry denied the club what should have been an additional celebration. Had Jackson, Ogunneye, Amass or Wheatley been introduced, they would have become the club’s 250th academy graduate to debut for the first team.
Maguire played with an injury, the 32-year-old Casemiro completed the two-hour epic, Scott McTominay limped through the mixed zone and Marcus Rashford was not walking freely. The schoolboys may be needed on a school night against Sheffield United this week.
If United first-teamers were not dropping like flies, the teenage quartet would be certain starters in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final against Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday evening. If they are at Leigh, the likelihood is they will be in the stands.
“If players are on the bench or playing on Wednesday at the expense of being in our squad on Tuesday, we will take that all day long,” the under-18 coach Adam Lawrence says. “That’s our job, that’s essentially what we’re trying to do.”
The article continues here.
STEVEN RAILSTON
Welcome
Hello and welcome to today’s Premier League Cup final match blog.
Manchester United’s Under-18s will take on Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village tonight and we’ll bring you build-up and live updates from the game.
Stick with us – the mini-Manchester derby will kick-off at 7.30pm.
First published by: Manchester Evening News
