Next week, Manchester United’s U18 side face Sunderland in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher’s side looks to take one step closer to winning the most prestigious youth tournament in the country, under the lights of a spring Old Trafford.
With the first team failing to have a cup run, the youth have been flying the flag for potential silverware this season, with Manchester United’s under-18 side in contention for four trophies.
The biggest would be the FA Youth Cup, and United can head to the semi-finals on Wednesday with victory over Sunderland. But what does a road to the final look like?
JJ Gabriel and Yuel Helafu.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup final route
Ahead of the quarter-final clash this coming Wednesday, the draw for the rest of the tournament has been made.
Quarter-Final: At Old Trafford Vs. Sunderland
Potential Semi-Final: At Old Trafford Vs. Crystal Palace
Potential Final: Away Vs. Blackburn/Man City
United also face Palace in the Premier League Cup final, making for potentially two huge games against the South London side in a short space of time.
The fixture that would be the biggest final is clearly the Manchester derby, which looks possible with both clubs on paper as favourites in their respective ties.
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JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
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How Manchester United got to the quarter-finals
This season’s FA Youth Cup journey began at Old Trafford, with United beating Peterborough 1-0 thanks to JJ Gabriel’s goal.
It then continued at home with a hard-fought victory as United overcame Derby 2-1 thanks to Chido Obi and an own goal.
The most recent round was a convincing 4-1 win over Oxford United, with Albert Mills, Gabriel, Obi, and Noah Ajayi all getting on the scoresheet.
United got to the semi-finals last season before losing to Aston Villa, and the players will be desperate to avoid a similar fate or going out earlier in the quarter-finals.
Sunderland beat United earlier this season
While United on paper are the better side, earlier this season, Sunderland beat Fletcher’s side 1-0 as part of a four-game winless run that almost scuppered title plans.
United will want revenge on Sunderland for this, and there would be no better time to get it than in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final.
Come Wednesday, United in Focus will be at the game providing live coverage from Old Trafford.
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