When is the FA Youth Cup semi-final?
Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup semi-final at Aston Villa will be played at Villa Park on Monday 31 March (19:00 BST).
The young Reds have enjoyed an excellent campaign in the prestigious competition, scoring five goals against all of Coventry City, Preston North End and Chelsea at home before a dramatic, extra-time victory at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in the quarter-final.
Jack Fletcher opened the scoring in north London but the hosts turned the game around, forcing Adam Lawrence’s side into a typical United comeback. Jaydan Kamason’s excellent finish ensured an additional 30 minutes, in which substitute Bendito Mantato scored a first-half winner.
U18s progress in the FA Youth Cup
🤩 ACADEMY REACTION | Our Under-18s are into the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup and the lads are absolutely buzzing...
United are the most successful club in Youth Cup history, with the most recent of our 11 successes coming in 2022, when a team starring Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho triumphed over Nottingham Forest.
A record-shattering 67,000-strong crowd attended the final at Old Trafford then, and the experience was vital in Kobbie and Alejandro’s development. Having the opportunity to now play at Villa Park, after already winning at the Emirates Stadium, will be excellent for this new generation of talented Academy players, regardless of the result.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are being managed by the home club, Aston Villa. They will cost £5 and are on sale from 17:00 GMT on Wednesday 19 March. Away supporters are encouraged to buy tickets in blocks B3 and B2 to allow our fans to congregate.
The support of travelling United fans in the quarter-final at Arsenal was greatly appreciated by all players and staff involved.
FA YOUTH CUP FORMAT
The FA Youth Cup mirrors the format of the FA Cup, the world’s longest-running national football competition, first played in the 1871/72 season. The Youth Cup began some time later in 1952, designed to encourage development of young players at clubs across the country.
Premier League and Championship sides join the competition at the third-round stage. The games are one-off occasions and, should the match be drawn after 90 minutes, an extra-time period of 30 minutes is played, with a penalty shootout following if necessary.
All players born on or after 1 September 2006 are eligible for selection in the FA Youth Cup, meaning players who are 18 or under.
U18s highlights: United v Chelsea
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WHO WILL THE WINNERS PLAY?
The winners of Aston Villa v Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup semi-final will host the winner of Manchester City v Watford in the FA Youth Cup final.
FA YOUTH CUP SEMI-FINALS
Aston Villa v Manchester United — Monday 31 March (19:00 BST) — Villa Park
Watford v Manchester City — Thursday 10 April (19:00 BST) — Vicarage Road