Manchester United will face Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final on Thursday, aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since their 2022 success. That 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest showcased a wealth of talent, but only a few have since broken into the first team. Here's a look at where the squad from that winning side are now.
Goalkeeper Radek Vitek, now 23, remains on United's books but is yet to make a first-team appearance. He has spent this season on loan at Bristol City, making 41 appearances in the Championship. Right-back Marc Jurado, 22, was sold to Espanyol in 2023 and now plays for FC Cartagena in the Spanish third tier. Left-back Sam Murray, 21, left United in 2025 and joined National League side Carlisle United.
Centre-back Rhys Bennett, who scored the opening goal in the final, never made a first-team appearance for United despite being on the bench under Erik ten Hag. He has since had loan spells at Stockport County and joined Fleetwood Town this year. Midfielder Daniel Gore made his senior debut in 2023 but has not featured for the first team since; he is currently on his third loan at Rotherham United.
Attacking midfielder Isak Hansen-Aaroen, highly rated at United, moved to Werder Bremen in early 2024 after failing to break into the first team. He was then loaned to Aalborg before completing a permanent switch to NEC Nijmegen this year. Winger Omari Forson, 21, departed for Turkish side Kayserispor in January 2026, where he has made two appearances this season.
The standout success is Kobbie Mainoo, who scored the winner in the final and has established himself in United's first team, starting for England in the Euro 2024 final and signing a new five-year contract. Another is Alejandro Garnacho, who scored twice in the final and went on to net 26 first-team goals before joining Chelsea for £40 million last summer. Forward Charlie McNeill, who scored over 600 youth goals for Manchester City, moved to Sheffield Wednesday in 2024 and has scored six times in 50 appearances.
