What our young Reds can expect tonight

The young Reds will represent the club in the finale of the prestigious youth-football tournament, with Nottingham Forest our opponents at the Theatre of Dreams (19:30 BST). 

Travis Binnion’s side have already played at our M16 home on four occasions during our run to this point in the competition, but none of those matches have been played in front of as many fans as there will be in attendance this time around. 

While the stakes of the final provide valuable competitive experience for the youngsters, the opportunity to apply their trade surrounded by over 60,000 supporters could be a crucial asset in their respective developments. 

So, in the countdown to kick-off, our Under-18s can take inspiration and knowledge on playing in front of a record-breaking Old Trafford crowd from their colleagues at United Women, who did just that back in March, when we hosted Everton in the WSL. 

On that day, the Reds were cheered onto victory by a team-high following at the Theatre of Dreams.

“It was unbelievable,” forward Martha Thomas said in an interview recently. 

“Walking out of the tunnel, hearing the fans, in the moments of the game when the goals went in or moments in the game of brilliance and excitement, you could just hear that. The crowd behind us was fantastic. 

“It was really special, and we really felt them behind us the whole time.”

Team-mate Signe Bruun says it was a day that she will remember forever, a sentiment that our Under-18s will no doubt share, whatever the result, in the aftermath of their turn, later on.

“It was a big day. That stadium, you can just feel all of the history and tradition in the stadium, it was a big experience and one I’ll remember when I look back at my career one day.

“There was just so many people cheering and it was special. Also, we got all the three points which was most important. 

“Being on the pitch, looking around the stands and seeing all the people was special.”

Within our Under-18s are several United fans who will no doubt be dreaming of scoring at Old Trafford, with their families and friends watching on. 

Women’s team captain Katie Zelem knows just how that feels, having netted from the penalty spot on that memorable day back in March, as she recently recalled in her matchday programme column.

“It was a great experience for the team as a whole, of course, but for us United fans in the squad, it was extra special. 

“Scoring a goal at the Stretford End is definitely one of the highlights of my career. It was something I dreamt of when I was little. 

“It was such a positive occasion.”

Here’s to an evening of similar positivity, learning and experience for our Under-18s at Old Trafford.