A record 19 League titles, another record 11 FA Cups and with a great chance of lifting a tenth FA Youth Cup which will keep Manchester United ahead of Arsenal on seven. How can anyone possibly argue against the fact that United sets the standards for every other club in England to follow? A 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane tonight gives the youngsters a wonderful opportunity of bringing more silverware to Old Trafford next week. The Final is far from over but the youngsters have put themselves in a great position to clinch another trophy.
The Star in Sheffield reports that “Sheffield United came from behind twice to draw level in a 2-2 thriller against Manchester United in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup Final at Bramall Lane, writes digital editor Graham Walker. A crowd of 29,977 – the biggest gate at the Lane in 18-months – watched the stars of tomorrow battle it out.
Manchester’s Jesse Lingard edged the visitors ahead in the 14th minute but Callum McFadzean put the Blades level just before the break. Sheffield United piled on the pressure in the second half but against the run of play Will Keane got Manchester’s second in the 70th minute.
The Blades soldiered on and Jordan Slew got the deserved equaliser just three minutes later. It was end to end action for the last 15-minutes – including four minutes of extra time – as both teams pressed ahead for the winner. But they were level at the final whistle with all to play for in the second leg”
Next week is sure to be a memorable one for the United faithful. A Premier League trophy presentation after the Blackpool game on Sunday afternoon will be followed by the Old Trafford second leg Youth Cup Final on Monday night. Fans will then have an opportunity to celebrate Gary Nevilles long United career in his testimonial against Juventus the next night featuring a reunion of the ‘Class of 1992’ wonder Youth team.
A memorable season will then come to a climax at Wembley on Saturday with the Champions League Final against Barcelona. Can anyone possibly want to be anything but a Red?
Did this season exceed expectations for United fans?
