Need to know
Manchester United and Oxford United will face off on Wednesday for a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup
Darren Fletcher during Man Utd vs Derby in the FA Youth Cup
Darren Fletcher is hoping to lead Manchester United's Under-18s to another cup win(Image: Getty Images)
Here's everything you need to know as Manchester United prepare to face Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup:
The fixture is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, at the Kassam Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6pm UK time.
Fans can watch the match live on MUTV, which is available via subscription on Sky, Virgin Media, or the official Manchester United App. Additionally, viewers in the UK and Ireland can access a live stream on Manchester United’s official YouTube channel.
Oxford United have reached this stage by securing impressive victories over Wigan Athletic and Colchester United. This match marks their third consecutive home game in the competition and they will hope they can use it to their advantage again.
The visitors are the most successful team in FA Youth Cup history, having lifted the trophy a record 11 times. They enter the fifth round following hard-fought victories over Peterborough United and Derby County but this is their first away game.
United's star schoolboy striker JJ Gabriel is available for selection after his recent red card against West Brom was successfully overturned on appeal. Midfielder Jim Thwaites also returns to the squad after missing the previous round, providing a significant boost to the midfield, while Kai Rooney could feature after making his Old Trafford debut in the previous round.
Oxford will likely rely on Mo Missanga, an "electric" attacker who recently earned a spot in the senior matchday squad. Striker Jack Lee is another vital figure, having scored the winning penalty in their recent outing against Newport County.
Manchester United arrive with high confidence following a dominant 3-1 victory over rivals Manchester City in their most recent league fixture. Oxford United is also in fine form, having won five of their last six matches across various competitions.
This is a rare visit to the Kassam Stadium for Manchester United, with current coach Darren Fletcher being one of the few to have scored there during a 2006 friendly. The winner of this tie will advance to the quarter-finals to face either Sunderland or Brighton & Hove Albion.