Young Reds react to FA Youth Cup triumph

Thursday 12 May 2022 07:30

Manchester United’s Under-18s spoke with pride, emotion and fulfilment after lifting the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.

The young Reds overcame Nottingham Forest 3-1 in the final, watched by a record-breaking crowd of over 67,000 supporters at the Theatre of Dreams. 

After helping the club to win the trophy for an unprecedented 11th time, and soaking in the post-match celebrations, several of our triumphant campaign’s stars spoke to club media. 
U18s highlights: FA Youth Cup final Video

U18s highlights: FA Youth Cup final

Watch the highlights of the 2022 FA Youth Cup final, featuring two Alejandro Garnacho goals in front of 67,000 fans...

“It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life,” captain Rhys Bennett said when asked about lifting the cup.

“It’s stuff I’ve dreamt of since being a kid, since I started at this club, it’s all I’ve ever dreamt of. To win the FA Youth Cup is just a massive achievement.”
The United defender opened the scoring early on with a cushioned header as the Reds seized the advantage on home turf.

“To be honest, I don’t think I’ll ever stop watching that! It was the best feeling I’ve ever had in my life, it’s unbelievable.” 
'Best feeling of my life' Video

'Best feeling of my life'

A buzzing Rhys Bennett and Joe Hugill reflect on a memorable evening at Old Trafford...

Forest did get back on level terms to go into half-time, but two second-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho, the first being a penalty, ensured that the honours would go to the young Reds on the evening.

“Speechless to be fair, it’s magical,” defender Sam Murray explained. 

“There’s nothing that can describe the feeling, 3-1 at the end, you dream of this. You can’t really use words to describe how it feels.

“I watched YouTube videos [of people playing at a full Old Trafford] as a kid and you don’t even know if it’s going to happen. All of us have done it tonight and I’m unbelievably proud of everyone. 

“To do it with the lads that you’ve grown up with is absolutely special.”
Young Reds react to Cup success Video

Young Reds react to Cup success

Sam Murray, Sam Mather and Charlie McNeill share their delight at winning the FA Youth Cup...

Murray’s team-mate Sam Mather went on to give credit to our Nottinghamshire opponent after a hard-fought contest in M16.

“We knew before they come that they were a good team, a very physical team that are good at what they do,” the United winger insisted.

“We knew it was always going to be a challenge, they put up a good fight in the end, but I think we had a bit too much for them towards the end of the game.”

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