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Watch Man City face Man Utd in FA Youth Cup final

Man City face Man Utd in FA Youth Cup final - watch live at top of page

Match kicked off at 19:00 BST

Cries of "shooooot" from the home fans and Dante Headley obliges with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty box.

In the end it's a straightforward catch for Cameron Byrne-Hughes.

Both senior bosses with their eyes on this one...

Media caption,

Carrick and Guardiola in attendance for FA Youth Cup final

It's always a very, very special trophy this to so many players who come up through the ranks - whatever level they then go on to play.

Some sort of bright yellow spherical object is appearing in the Manchester sky above Joie Stadium.

Not sure what it is, we don't get to see it too often in these parts.

Sun

Fresh off his fabulous showing against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night, City midfielder Phil Foden has just taken his seat near to us here in the press box.

Brilliant play from Manchester United. I think it's going to be a good battle in both wide areas. The full-backs are going to have to time their challenges well.

Risky play from Manchester United as goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes is put under pressure but they just about get away with it.

They go up the other end and win a corner.

If so, a good number have not turned up.

A lot of empty seats in the City area.

We've seen the United first-team staff around and it is understood City boss Pep Guardiola is at the Joie Stadium too, keeping a close eye on proceedings along with his coaching staff.

The midfielder has missed most of the season with a broken foot but has recovered at just the right time.

Ibragimov was selected for Russia's squad for forthcoming friendlies against Egypt, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia earlier this week.

It will be fascinating to see if he accepts. He is also eligible for England.

Permanent manager in waiting Michael Carrick, assistants Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans have all taken their seats.

Director of football Jason Wilcox pops up at the end as well.

Daniel Sturridge, Gareth Bale and David Beckham

The FA Youth Cup has served as a springboard into the professional game for many top British players.

With the likes of George Best, John Barnes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere and Gareth Bale have all won the tournament or played in the final.

Chido Obi of Manchester United celebrates with team mates after scoring their second goal during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick will be watching on as Manchester United try to win the FA Youth Cup - and that will only inspire them, says Darren Fletcher.

Carrick has attended several academy games since replacing Ruben Amorim as head coach in January.

As far as youth team coach Fletcher is concerned, that is proof that the boss cares about youth development.

Fletcher is hoping to end his first season as United's Under-18 coach by guiding them to a record 12th FA Youth Cup triumph when they visit Manchester City.

Carrick has spoken of his disappointment that Thursday's final will be staged at Joie Stadium, which holds 6,000 fans, rather than a larger venue.

But he will be there, watching at the same venue he also saw United's Under-21 team beat City in their Premier League 2 play-off semi-final on 8 May.

His son Jacey is part of the academy, but has not been involved in the Youth Cup run.

Former Scotland midfielder Fletcher - who himself joined United as a 15-year-old - knows the players will be lifted by Carrick's presence.

"All the players love it when the first-team manager is there," he said.

"It shows he cares and he's got eyes on it. It inspires them.

"It definitely shows them this is a club that thinks about young players and doesn't just speak about it.

"That's throughout the history of the club, but when you see it in action it brings it to life really. It's powerful and the parents like it."

Man City v Man Utd (19:00 BST)

Chido Obi of Manchester United celebrates with team mates after scoring their second goal during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford