Members of City’s historic 1986 FA Youth Cup winning side have added their good luck message as our Under-18s prepare for the 2026 final against Manchester United.
As fate would have it, exactly 40 years on from the Club’s maiden Youth Cup triumph, where we beat United 3-1 on aggregate, the Manchester clubs will compete once again for youth football’s most prestigious prize tonight.
The Joie Stadium will play host to a contest which has captured widespread excitement and anticipation with the City youngsters having already edged out their United counterparts to lift the Premier League Under-18 North crown.
The showpiece also marks the first time the derby rivals will have contested an FA Youth Cup final since that memorable 1986 meeting.
And for Paul Moulden and Ian Brightwell, two of the key figures of our ’86 triumph, the message is simple one: ‘Go out and seize the moment.’
“It would be uncanny and so special if we beat them again, wouldn’t it,” said Moulden.
“For any City team to win the Youth Cup it would be special but to do it against United even more so.
“I’ve got three lads who play the game and Louis was the closest to winning the Youth Cup as he was part of the City side that finished runners-up in 2019.
“And if you ask all three what their best games as an apprentice were, they will all say the FA Youth Cup matches.
“And once you get to the final, you’ve got to go and win it.
“My message to the lads in terms of the final would be just to concentrate on doing what your job is in the team and not to let the occasion or the size of the crowd take over.
“That was what we were told at City back in 1986 and I remember in our semi-final, second leg against Arsenal we came out and there was a huge crowd there at Maine Road and I thought: ‘I understand what they are talking about now!’
“It’s all about ensuring you do your own job and do it well. And if the City lads do their jobs better than the other team, then we’ll win.”
That message was echoed by Brightwell who also spoke of how special it would be if the footballing fates turned full circle and City went on to win again.
“I actually watched the United v Crystal Palace semi-final and for the first time, I was hoping Manchester United would win!” Ian chuckles.
“I actually wanted them to win because I thought, come on, let’s have a repeat 40 years on and I’m sure the lads will go and do City proud and get another win for us.
“We’re proud of the Youth team and all the young lads, because we all know how hard it is to get where they’ve got, and it’s probably harder now because there’s players from all over the world.
“But we’ll all be rooting for them and wanting them to win.
“They are all very, very good players, and this is a wonderful opportunity and occasion for them.
“I’m sure they’ve got confidence in their ability, and I would just tell them to enjoy it and don’t hold back. Go for it and go and show everyone what you can do.
“It’s such an exciting prospect and I’m sure there will be a big crowd there to cheer them on.
“And like I say, it’ll be a full circle if they can achieve that, that will be a special trophy in the cabinet for them.”