Cox: Support our young Reds

Led by head coach Travis Binnion, the young Reds have beaten Scunthorpe United, Reading, and Everton to get to this stage and are excited to have a third opportunity this season to play at the Theatre of Dreams.

Fans can get tickets here to attend the 19:00 GMT kick-off. 10,000 free tickets are available and they will go off sale no later than Thursday 24 February at 09:00 GMT.

“We’re really excited,” said Cox.

“We would love it if people could find the time to come to Old Trafford and support the players.

“I think people have to arrive knowing it’s very different. What they’re witnessing isn’t a first-team fixture, they’re watching young boys learning their craft and hopefully fine-tuning some skills that are going to serve them well in their careers.

“But if you turn up and watch the game, you are contributing to their development. If we can have a ferocious atmosphere and we can have passionate fans, it would just help the boys cope that little bit better when they get the chance to play in front of 75,000-80,000.

"I remember watching Charlie Savage and Zidane run on for their debuts and, because of COVID, I’m thinking, ‘these boys haven’t had a chance to have a go’. Their first go at Old Trafford was in the real thing, no dress rehearsal, it was the real thing for them, so it’s important that the next generation of boys that make their debuts have had a go before. 

“It will certainly aid the young boys’ development and for supporters, as well, maybe they’re seeing the next generation of players. It’s always nice to say, ‘I saw those boys long before they were superstars’.”

THE STORY SO FAR

United’s best performance to date was in the last round as we put Everton to the sword. Francis Okoronkwo’s powerful 12th-minute shot put Everton in front in the evening game, but the Reds were quick with our response.

Charlie McNeill dispatched from the spot after Alejandro Garnacho was brought down in the 13th minute, and, 15 minutes later, a wonderfully worked move, involving McNeill and Marc Jurado, was headed home by Kobbie Mainoo.

United's dominance grew after the break and Sam Mather extended the side's lead from close range. Moments before full-time, Garnacho scored a fantastic solo goal on the counter-attack, storming down the left wing before cutting inside to finish past Patrick Nash in the Toffees goal.

Garnacho’s acrobatic finish in front of the Stretford End was the highlight of round three against Scunthorpe, while further goals came from Mather, Maximillian Oyedele and McNeill. Away at Reading, Mather and McNeill found the net again, as well as Mainoo, as the Reds stormed into a three-goal first-half lead. The Royals claimed a deserved consolation goal in the second half.

A limited number of tickets remain for Thursday's FA Youth Cup quarter-final against Leicester City at Old Trafford - come and cheer on our young Reds for free by securing yours here.