The FA Youth Cup is the biggest youth tournament in England and Manchester United will be hoping to end a four-year drought in the competition.
After an unsuccessful two-game interim head coach spell in the first team, Darren Fletcher is back with his U18s for the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
The game sees Manchester United face Derby County, with a fifth-round visit to Oxford United awaiting the winners.
This follows United beating Peterborough in the third round, with JJ Gabriel scoring the solitary goal against a well-organised opponent.
However, this round of the tournament is expected to see United take it very seriously, and with that in mind, what does the strongest possible U18 side look like for Fletcher?
What happened to the Man Utd 2022 FA Youth Cup winning team? 🏆
Who did you have the highest hopes for?
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Manchester United’s strongest team for FA Youth Cup vs Derby County
United’s strongest available team on paper should at least reach the semi-finals of the competition, with even more depth in the squad beyond the starting line-up.
JJ Gabriel celebrates with Manchester United teammates.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
So with that in mind, here are our picks for the best team Fletcher could use, including two who have already appeared in the Premier League.
More United News
Goalkeeper: Cameron Byrne-Hughes
Branded a David de Gea regen for his ability to produce miraculous saves, Byrne-Hughes is the best option available for the U18s right now, although we think soon he will be bypassed by Charlie Hardy.
Right-back: Yuel Helafu
Recently, Helafu’s rapid development has shocked United, as he goes from strength to strength. With his rise, Helafu has gotten first team training experience and so we have him ahead of James Overy here, with the Aussie recently back from the U23 Asian Cup anyway.
Centre-back: Jayden Ngwashi
Despite limited minutes in the higher age groups, Ngwashi is one of Carrington’s best talents right now and so we think he should now be starting ahead of Albert Mills.
Centre-back: Jacob Watson
It was only Tuesday that Watson made his U21 debut for United and the club clearly rate him, for good reason, as he has impressed every time he’s been given the chance. Ahead of a potentially more likely starter in Albert Mills, we would choose Watson.
Left-back: Godwill Kukonki
Over the past year, Kukonki has been around the first-team plenty and given this will be his last season with the U18s he is a shoo-in to play for Fletcher’s side, and we think it will come at left-back where he shines.
Central midfield: Jay McEvoy
This season, McEvoy has truly arrived onto the scene at U18 level with some really brilliant performances under Fletcher, establishing himself as one of the top midfield prospects at the club, so he starts this one.
Central midfield: Jim Thwaites
A player who seems to have everything and be at a level where he could soon make a leap into the first team is Thwaites, with his brilliant on-ball ability matched by intensity and passion. Special footballer and we hope he is fit to play against Derby.
Right-wing: Bendito Mantato
Congratulations to Bendito Mantato for becoming the latest Man Utd player to make his debut
A positive on a disappointing night vs Wolves, do you think he will get another chance soon?
Mantato graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
It doesn’t feel fair that Mantato is allowed to play in this competition, given his quality was enough to debut for United against Wolves last month. But he is, and this should be a chance for the winger to send a statement, make this competition all about him.
Attacking midfield: Amir Ibragimov
It is unclear whether he will be ready to play after being injured, but in the strongest U18 side, Ibragimov is an obvious pick, looking so far above this level when he plays. Ibragimov had a broken foot, but is thought to be very close to a return; hopefully, it happens tonight.
Left-wing: JJ Gabriel
Can Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup with this team?
Which talent are you most excited by for the future?
U18 Predicted XI
U18 Predicted XI
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
This season, the U18 Premier League has belonged to 15-year-old Gabriel, and he will also want to make the FA Youth Cup his competition. Gabriel might only get one chance to win this competition, given his likely fast tracking, so he will be key.
Striker: Chido Obi
In the build-up to this game, United insiders are excited to see Obi alongside Gabriel in an attack that is good enough to make this match as one-sided as they want. Obi will want to prove he’s too good for academy football as he aims to fight back to the first team.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox