Manchester United’s U18 side defeated Crystal Palace in the FA Youth Cup semi-final on Friday night to set up an all-Manchester final.
The FA Youth Cup final this season will be a Manchester derby, as Manchester United secured their place with a win at Old Trafford.
After a hard-fought and nervy outing, United claimed a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in a prelude to next week’s U18 Premier League Cup final at Selhurst Park.
It was the latest impressive performance by Darren Fletcher’s side in what has been a brilliant campaign for the young side, with four trophies to play for.
While watching the game, Rio Ferdinand tweeted his thoughts on two names earning praise.
Who was United’s man of the match in the FA Youth Cup semi-final vs Crystal Palace?
Manchester United v Derby County - FA Youth Cup
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
JJ Gabriel celebrates for Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand hails JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi
There was a massive spotlight on the United U18 side on Friday night as the game was shown live on TNT Sports to a national audience, meaning more eyes on the likes of JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi, but both thrived.
The pair combined for the first goal, prompting Ferdinand to tweet praise for the duo.
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“Well worked by Chido Obi… calmly finished by JJ! The future”, Ferdinand said.
Gabriel’s goal was a brilliant finish as he stepped up in a huge game, with Obi deserving praise for his control and link-up play to assist the goal.
Obi then scored the winner as he ran in behind, as James Overy played a brilliant ball to the Dane, who then scored to send United into the final, which Ferdinand also applauded on X.
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JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
JJ Gabriel continues to show he’s Manchester United’s future
At 15 years old, Gabriel could be excused for not being the one to step up with goals in what is a high-profile match with lots of pressure around it.
But instead, Gabriel already seems to thrive on the big occasion and big stages of football, proving himself time and time again that he is the star of this U18 side, which could end up winning the lot.
Gabriel is expected to play during pre-season, and he has given no reason for United to doubt his readiness.
However, despite Gabriel’s importance and status, his teammates have proven they cannot be forgotten about either.
United’s youngsters proved they can do it without Gabriel against Sunderland in the quarter finals, and have done so against Palace, although he certainly helps the team’s chances with his brilliance.
Obi stepping up to score the winner will do him a world of good, scoring when it mattered after missing several chances.
Next up, the final.
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