FA Youth Cup Final: Man City v Man Utd – Who are the players to watch?

Darren Fletcher’s team’s progress has not been smooth. Peterborough, a narrow home win over Derby – in extra time – and comfortable wins at Sunderland and Oxford, secured a semi-final against Crystal Palace when they needed extra time to go through, thanks to a Chido Obi goal eight minutes from time.

Chido is one of the key figures at United. The Denmark youth international made eight first-team appearances last season but has made just one appearance on the bench this term. Tall and quick, with an eye for goal, United is developing other aspects of his game. He will spearhead the visitors’ attack and try to pin down City’s defence.

Gabriel is one of the most talked about young players in England. The 15-year-old Londoner was crowned Premier League Under-18 Player of the Year this week. He works in the number 10 slot and tries to get on the ball as much as possible. He has exceptional balance and close control, is fast and represents a major goal threat.

Jim Thwaites was recently on the Chelsea first team bench. A number 10 at youth level, Thwaites has been used in deeper positions this season. He has a fantastic passing range, is quick and has plenty of power. He can also be lethal from free-kicks, as City got their price when United won the last league meeting between the teams in February.

Captain Dan Armer is a key figure in central defence, Junior Brown and Noah Ajayi are out of danger and goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes has had a solid season.

Asked if he had extra motivation going into the final against City, midfielder Rafe McCormack said: “100%.”

He added: “It’s obviously a big occasion, but we have to focus on ourselves and what we can do.

“It would have been a bonus to play in a first-team stadium, but it doesn’t matter to us. We are just focused on trying to win trophies.”