FA Youth Cup Final: Man City Under-18s 2-1 Man United: Heskey scores winner

The 7,000-capacity crowd at the Joy Stadium for the first teams of both teams was hugely interested in this game.

Waiting for the manager of United Michael Carrick sat in the stands alongside his coaches as well as captain Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu.

But when the U18s lifted the trophy, first-team boss Pep Guardiola and senior players such as Phil Foden, Antoine Semenyo and Nathan Ake were City youngsters and supporters.

The pre-season star accounts of Teddy Lamb and JJ Gabriel, who have scored 54 goals between them this season, have both been silenced for significant periods of the season.

City striker Lamb’s close-range effort was saved by Burn-Hughes’ brilliant save and somehow cleared the ball from inside the six-yard box.

At the other end, current Premier League U18 player Jibril called Max Hudson down to make a comfortable save, with the 15-year-old also caught in the box.

Chido Obi’s free kick from a good position saw Chido Obi’s best chance fall 14 yards into the middle of the goal area, but City captain Caden Braithwaite’s superb sliding effort denied the United striker.

After a flurry of first-half goals, City felt they had a good shout for a penalty, with Byrne-Hughes lunging in the box, but the home side were only awarded a corner, which was disappointing.

The Rays side were creating the better chances and Heskey gave a warning sign when he shot wide before netting the winning goal he will remember for the rest of his life.