Need to know
Manchester United starlet JJ Gabriel has already scored twice during his team's run to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup
JJ Gabriel playing in the FA Youth Cup
JJ Gabriel has already scored in two FA Youth Cup games this season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Here is everything you need to know ahead of Manchester United's FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Sunderland:
Kick-off time: This highly anticipated quarter-final encounter is locked in for Wednesday, March 18, with the action getting underway at 7pm UK time. Fans should be aware that if the scores remain level after 90 minutes, the tie will proceed to extra time and potentially a penalty shootout to decide who advances.
Match location: The prestigious fixture will be staged at Old Trafford, providing the academy stars with a rare and valuable opportunity to compete at one of the world's most famous stadiums. Watching these young prospects at the senior stadium adds a significant sense of occasion to the tournament's latter stages.
UK television: Domestic viewers can watch the full game live on MUTV, where the broadcast is scheduled to begin precisely at 7pm to lead straight into the kick-off. Subscribing to the club's channel ensures fans don't miss a second of the build-up or the live match drama as it unfolds in Manchester.
Live streaming: For those preferring digital platforms, the match will be streamed through the Manchester United App and the club's official website for authenticated users. Additionally, the match will be available on the FA Cup YouTube channel, making the game accessible to a wider audience.
United States coverage: Supporters located in the United States can tune in via Sportsnet World or stream the match live through the Sportsnet Plus application. The stateside broadcast is slated to start at 2.50pm ET or 11.50am PT, which is 10 minutes before kick-off.
Radio commentary: If you are unable to watch the video feed, you can listen to live radio-style commentary featuring Ben Thornley and Liam Bradford via Manchester United's official club app. This audio service provides a detailed play-by-play account of the game, ensuring fans can stay connected to the action while on the move.
Head-to-head record: While United have been in scintillating form recently, they will be wary of a Sunderland side that managed to secure a 1-0 victory against them in the league earlier this season. Historically, however, the young Reds have dominated this fixture with 11 wins in their last 15 meetings, including several high-scoring affairs.
JJ Gabriel in the spotlight: All eyes will likely be on the 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel, who has become a focal point of the attack after scoring 18 goals in 19 Under-18 Premier League games. His incredible technical ability and prolific scoring rate have already earned him opportunities to train with the senior first-team squad under the watchful eye of the coaching staff.
Next round: The team that emerges victorious from this quarter-final clash will secure a semi-final spot against Crystal Palace. This adds an extra layer of narrative to the game, as United and Palace are already scheduled to face each other in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final later this April.