Manchester United’s pursuit of the FA Youth Cup continues on Wednesday evening, with Sunderland the opposition at Old Trafford.
Darren Fletcher’s side are back at Old Trafford for a third time during this season’s FA Youth Cup campaign, as we reach the quarter-final stage.
Manchester United thrashed Oxford United in the previous round, with a 4-1 beating to progress to this advanced stage of the competition.
The game will be played under the lights at Old Trafford. Here is everything you need to know about the clash for a spot in the semi-final.
JJ Gabriel celebrates scoring at Old Trafford in FA Youth Cup game
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Who do Manchester United face in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final?
JJ Gabriel has outlined desire to win the cup this season, as it would be a milestone for him in his first campaign for the under-18s.
However, reaching the finals will be difficult as United face a tough quarter-final tie against a decent Sunderland side.
Earlier this season, Sunderland beat United 1-0, which was a loss that could prove decisive in the under-18 Premier League title race.
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Sunderland sit 11th in the league table on just 20 points, paling in comparison to United’s 44, and on paper, this should be a no-brainer for the Red Devils.
What time is kick-off between United and Sunderland?
The game between United and Sunderland is the final quarter-final to be played in the competition, and it will commence at 7 pm GMT, hosted at Old Trafford.
There are still plenty of tickets available to purchase if you are interested in watching the match live. But alternatively, MUTV will be showing the game live from 6.55 pm.
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JJ Gabriel
Getty Images.
United will face Crystal Palace in the semi-finals
Victory against Sunderland would see United claim back-to-back semi-finals in the FA Youth Cup, with the draw already 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 will face Crystal Palace in the semi-final, which is a repeat of this season’s Premier League Cup final, but this time for a spot in the final of the FA Youth Cup.
How will United line up vs Sunderland?
Fletcher’s side are the best team in the country right now, on course for a potential quartet of trophies this season, and the strongest side available could comfortably beat any opponent this campaign.
Here is how they should line up.
In goal, Cameron Byrne-Hughes is the clear and obvious starter, with his ability on the ball likely to be utilised as United will dominate possession.
The defence should consist of Yuel Helafu, Albert Mills, Dan Armer, and Godwill Kukonki, a quartet that has become established recently as the best possible combination for United.
Fletcher’s midfield will be Jim Thwaites starting, likely alongside Rafe McCormack as the more defensively minded of the two. While star boy JJ Gabriel should start as the number 10.
Then a front three of Noah Ajayi, Bendito Mantato, and Chido Obi should start, all three having the physical qualities to dominate at under-18 level.
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