FA Youth Cup hopes ended at Old Trafford…
Sheffield United’s plucky youngsters succumbed to a 6-3 aggregate defeat against Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final, after a 4-1 scoreline at Old Trafford.
Clinical finishing, and pure bad luck contributed to the Blades downfall, as Terry Kennedy conceded a controversial penalty, whilst defensive partner Harry Maguire was stretchered off early in the second-half resulting in 7 minutes injury time.
Joe Ironside prodded home the Blades goal after an excellent break by Jordan Slew, but in the end it was the Red Devils’ Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison who controlled the game.Pogba was instrumental in the midfield and contributed, despite the goals coming from Morrison himself (2) and a brace for Will Keane.
Manchester United controlled much of the play and looked dangerous when attacking, but the Blades efforts musn’t go unnoticed, as they showed the kind of composure on the ball rarely seen by a Blades XI in a long time.
Slew had the best chance of the opening exchanges, but his shot on the turn was just wide before the Lancashire side took the lead. Morrison managed to get the ball under control in the area and fired low past George Long.
With half-time just moments away Long was beaten again, this time from the penalty spot. After Kennedy had ajudged to have handled when clearing the ball over the bar, Keane stepped up to send United’s impressive young ‘keeper the wrong way.
Long did get his moment for the cameras however early in the second half, pulling off a fine save from Pogba’s long-range effort.
After Slew had tested the Manchester United goalkeeper Morrison made it three, as he collected Pogba’s pass before drifting across the pitch and lashing low and hard past Long, giving the youngster no chance.
Ironside got his goal almost immediately after, sparking chants of “we’re going to win 4-3,” but unfortunately this was made even more unlikely as the Blades threw bodies forward and Keane sealed the game on the counter attack slotting past Long in front of the Stretford End.
A disappointing evening in the end, but the 6,000 Blades chorus of “We’re proud of you” will hopefully give the youngsters the praise and lift in spirit they deserve after a fine campaign.