Manchester United have a proud record of developing the best young players, which looks set to continue with prospects like JJ Gabriel emerging through the academy and looking to help the club win its first FA Youth Cup in four years.
The FA Youth Cup has always been cherished at Manchester United, with the Red Devils winning the competition a record 11 times.
It’s a tournament that has served as a springboard into the professional game for many top players.
United dominated the competition in its early years with the Busby Babes, with the U18s overseen by legendary coach Jimmy Murphy. They won the competition every year between 1953 and 1957.
Duncan Edwards was a key player for United’s U18s in 1953, 1954 and 1955.
It took United nine years to win the FA Youth Cup again as George Best and David Sadler (hat-trick) both scored in the final against Swindon.
However, United would have to wait until 1992 to win the FA Youth Cup. The team consisted of David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville.
WHO is Manchester United’s best ever academy graduate?🔥
Manchester United celebrate winning league.
Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
More United News
In 1996, Phil Neville captained United to glory in the competition, with Paul Scholes also playing a key role in that team.
United’s last three triumphs in the FA Youth Cup came in 2003, 2011 and 2022.
Chido Obi playing against Fulham U21
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Chido Obi set to partner JJ Gabriel in FA Youth Cup against Derby County
After returning to coach the U18s following a brief stint in charge of United’s first team, Darren Fletcher is preparing his team for their next test in the FA Youth Cup fourth round.
It will be a great experience for Fletcher’s young side as the game will take place under the floodlights at Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Mail, Fletcher is ready to unleash Chido Obi alongside JJ Gabriel for the FA Youth Cup clash against Derby County. They are likely to be joined in the front three by Bendito Mantato.
The report claims: “Sources around the Under 18s are bursting with excitement at the prospect of seeing a front three of Gabriel, Obi and Bendito Mantato this week against Derby.”
The exciting duo have not started a competitive game together, which may come as a daunting task for Derby.
Obi, who joined United from Arsenal’s academy last year, has not played a competitive match under Fletcher since he took charge of the U18s in the summer.
The reason for this is Obi is not an U18s player anymore, after being promoted to the U21s. He’s likely to be stepped in because the opposition levels are increased in the latter stages of the FA Youth Cup.
Who is next in line to graduate from Manchester United’s academy in 2026?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
United’s U18s overcame Peterborough United with a 1-0 win in the previous round. Gabriel scored the only goal of the game.
Obi will be looking to go all the way in the competition because it’s his last chance to win the FA Youth Cup, as he will be too old to compete in it next season.
Chido Obi was the top scorer in FA Youth Cup last season
It’s an exciting prospect for United fans and Fletcher to see Gabriel and Obi together on the pitch.
Obi was the FA Youth Cup’s leading scorer with seven goals before United bowed out on penalties at Villa Park in the semi-final.
The young striker was later called up to the first team by Ruben Amorim before becoming a United academy graduate.
Gabriel will be looking for a similar rise to prominence, although Obi has not made any appearances at senior level this season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox