Manchester United’s pursuit of the FA Youth Cup this season continues on Wednesday night against Chelsea.
Adam Lawrence led his U18 side to the treble last season, yet the FA Youth Cup was the one that got away.
This season, Manchester United have been just as good if not better at times – with dreams of a second successive U18 Premier League crown still alive despite recent setbacks for Adam Lawrence.
The fifth-round tie this season in the FA Youth Cup could end up being an early final decider as United face Chelsea, in a repeat of last season’s National final.
United will hope to win and follow in the footsteps of the last United Academy winners of the tournament in 2022 – which would be the club’s 12th in the history of the competition.
United had such an impressive U18 side win the tournament back in 2022, so it speaks volumes that this current crop might be even better.
Here is how the current team compares – with a combined line-up…
Rhys Bennett of Manchester United lifts the FA Youth Cup trophy following victory in the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester United and Not...
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Radek Vitek – 2022
In goal is a tricky one, with William Murdock impressive for the U18s – but we would have to go with the dominant Radek Vitek.
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Vitek is currently on loan and impressing at FC Blau-Weiß, putting himself firmly in the conversations ahead of United’s supposed goalkeeping shape-up this year.
Jaydan Kamason – 2025
On the right side of the back four – we have either Jaydan Kamason or Marc Jurado to choose from, and we’ve opted for the former.
Kamason has been impressive for the U18s all season – in arguably a tougher team to break into with James Overy now back in the fold.
Rhys Bennett – 2022
The right-sided centre-back role we had either Rhys Bennett or Reece Munro to choose from and as of right now – the 2022 winner takes it.
Bennett was seen as a future star at the time and currently is impressing on loan at Fleetwood Town.
Godwill Kukonki – 2025
On the other side of the back two, we would have Godwill Kukonki starting ahead of Louis Jackson.
Ruben Amorim has already paid attention to the 16-year-old, including him in senior squads and training.
But despite this, the giant defender has continued performing excellently for the U18 side and if United will the cup, he will have been pivotal.
Harry Amass – 2025
At left-back, it would either be Sam Murray or Harry Amass – with Amass taking the spot.
Amass is still only 17, yet when he drops down for big games he looks a level above U18 football – which says it all about his talent.
This season was supposed to be Amass’ breakout year – but an FA Youth Cup isn’t a bad substitute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 2022
Moving into the midfield – as talented as Jayce Fitzgerald is there is only one winner with Kobbie Mainoo our choice.
Mainoo was pivotal for the U18s at just 16 years old, and it speaks volumes to his ability that he so quickly became an integral part of the squad.
Mainoo’s rapid rise at United has seen countless brilliant moments – with his FA Youth Cup win followed by a senior FA Cup win two years later.
Tyler Fletcher – 2025
Partnering with Mainoo in this scenario there is a luxury of options, with Dan Gore, Fitzgerald and Jim Thwaites all possible options but we’ve chosen Tyler Fletcher.
The son of Darren Fletcher has been rock solid this season in midfield and has become an excellent No.6 both on the ball and defensively.
Gabriele Biancheri – 2025
Things get more complicated with the attack due to the sheer luxury of options which means certain players simply must be involved even if it is out of position.
Gabriele Biancheri therefore for us would be on the right wing, as he simply has to be in the side considering his impeccable 14 goals at U18 level this season including a hat-trick in the FA Youth Cup.
Biancheri has also scored plenty at U21 level and Amorim is planning his first-team debut already.
Shea Lacey just misses out due to game time – but on talent alone, he’d be the first name on the teamsheet.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Amir Ibragimov – 2025
In the No.10 role – arguably two of the biggest talents Carrington has seen in years with Amir Ibragimov and Isak Hansen-Aaroen competing for the role.
However, when put simply down to impact, Ibragimov walks in with six goals and six assists at U18 level in his first full year – along with U21 contributions too.
Ibragimov is the next Wayne Rooney and has a huge future – it would be no surprise if he were a first-teamer in the next 12-24 months.
Alejandro Garnacho – 2022
Next is a non-negotiable with Alejandro Garnacho starting on the left – despite James Scanlon being so very impressive at the level.
Garnacho was the gem of the 2022 Youth Cup winners and within a year he was a regular for Erik ten Hag.
The U18s this season will be looking at Garnacho and Mainoo as examples of how it can be done.
Chido Obi – 2025
Up front, despite only joining United in October, there hasn’t been a more dominant youth striker than Chido Obi so he would surely lead the line here.
Obi’s goal-scoring record at United is insane and it has even led fans to ask that he be thrust into the first-team.
This has yet to happen, but Amorim has already talked about him – so we would predict a debut this season is not out of the question.