Just over 10 years ago Manchester United won the FA Youth Cup Final. Little did many know or assume it would be another decade before United would win it again. That 2011 youth squad had the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, two players with some odd careers. Pogba the better of the two has had some real highs but also some very low, lows. Let’s hope this new set of youth players go on to be something even greater than the likes of 2011. Led by Alejandro Garnacho Ferreyra, the young Red Devils put in a tremendous performance in front of a record setting 60,000 fans at Old Trafford.
Nottingham Forest put in a really impressive performance themselves and made United work for it, but perhaps this was destiny. There has been something very special about this U18 squad over the last year. Combine that with the struggles of the first team and it seems the better days for United truly due lie within this young group of players. Let’s not put too much pressure on the young man, but my word does it sure seem like Alejandro Garnacho is going to be something truly special. Let’s breakdown the match!
1st Half Agony
The match started off in emphatic fashion with both teams acquiring quality chances within the first 5 minutes. Mainoo had a nice strike very early, but Forest countered with a free header of their own from McDonnel, which honestly should’ve been finished. Then less than 10 minutes later, United were awarded a free kick. Sam Murray, the United left back, put in a fantastic ball for Reece Bennet to finish off with a powerful header. Both sides were creating chances but it seemed this would be United’s day.
Nottingham Forest were growing more and more into the match after going 1-0 down, and United seemed content to hold onto their lead before half time. Forest’s determination would pay off when Josh Powell would cut inside from the right and fire into the bottom corner with his left foot to equalize in the 42rd minute. Forest deserved their goal and United managed by Travis Binnion knew they had work to do at halftime.
2nd Half Controversy
After an exciting first half that saw both teams score, the match was all square once again. United had to come out and play more than they did in the first half after scoring their goal. Something we’ve seen too often from the first team in recent years. But, the young lads showed more character than our first team and came out looking to score. United would create ample chances, but Forest was doing enough to keep United in check. Binnion subbed on Oyedele and Hugill for Hansen and McNeil respectively in the 64th minute.
Finally, in the 78 minute United would get their chance to go ahead. United would find themselves on the break when Abbot committed a foul on Garnacho just inside the box for a penalty. At least we thought. Upon seeing the replay the foul was clearly just outside of the box, but with no VAR the call stood. The foul was arguably goal saving, so perhaps justice was served either way but Forest could feel hard done. Garnacho would take his penalty extremely well and put United ahead 1-0.
Finally, Triumph
With United leading 2-1 and only 20 minutes left to go, Forest had to chase the match. Forest would make three changes before the end in efforts to grab the equalizer and send the match to extra time. United would make their final change themselves in the 86th minute as Aljofee came on for Mather to help see out the victory.
Forest were getting their chances but United were sturdy in defense. Then in stoppage time, approximately the 94th minute, Garnacho would secure things. Forest would turn the ball over and Garnacho would find himself weaving down the left and faking out defenders. The run was honestly Ronaldo-esque. After turning around a couple of defenders, Garnacho would score with a powerful strike. Garnacho would then remove his shirt and celebrate Infront the of the Stretford end in what seemed to be a nod to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Finally, ahead 3-1 in stoppage time, the victory was secured and United would be crowned FA youth Cup Champions.
Aftermath
Over 67,000 fans packed into Old Trafford for the Final, among them was Sir Alex Ferguson. Given the way the first team has performed all season this was the most exciting and thrilling Manchester United match of the 2021/22 season. This may have been a depressing season for the first team, but even in the darkest of times a kindle of light can grow. This group of young Red Devils has given every United fan hope for the future. Eric Ten Hag looks set to return this club to its former glory and he’ll have to mange these young players properly. Garnacho looks to be the star of the bunch and he’s surely not far off from becoming a regular for the United first team.
Manchester United are 2022 FA Youth Cup champions and brighter days are surely ahead for this fantastic and storied club!
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