Manchester City secured their fifth FA Youth Cup title with a dramatic late winner from Reigan Heskey, defeating rivals Manchester United 2-1 at the Joie Stadium.
Heskey, son of former England international Emile, struck in the 87th minute to seal the victory. Godwill Kukonki had cancelled out Floyd Samba’s opener for City late in the first half, setting up a tense finish.
Watched by figures including Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden, City asserted their dominance in the second half, claiming the trophy for the second time in three years. Oli Reiss’s victorious side now look ahead to a clash with Chelsea for the Under-18 Premier League title next Friday.
Despite the presence of Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes among their supporters, Darren Fletcher’s Manchester United were ultimately outplayed. Much of the build-up had focused on the club’s respective top-scorers, City’s 16-year-old Teddie Lamb and United’s 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.
Lamb, who has 28 goals in as many appearances this season, saw a close-range effort repelled by Cameron Byrne-Hughes in the 24th minute. Gabriel, scorer of 26 goals in 29 games, was booked for simulation in a feisty first half.
Five minutes before half-time, City’s lead came via Floyd Samba, whose brother Tyrone was fouled for the free-kick that led to the goal. United were level just 59 seconds later when Kukonki headed home from a deep cross. City turned up the heat in the second half, with Ryan McAidoo hitting the crossbar before Heskey’s late winner.
