Not Obi or JJ Gabriel: 16 y/o steals the show as Man United U18s beat Derby in FA Youth Cup

Manchester United U18s dug deep to beat Derby County 2-1 in the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford on Friday evening.

After watching United U21s beat Sporting CP in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday, first team interim coach Michael Carrick also attended the fixture.

Coach Darren Fletcher named a strong starting line-up which included talented duo Chido Obi and JJ Gabriel.

Sixteen-year-old forward Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne Rooney—who was also in attendance—made his first appearance at Old Trafford, replacing Godwill Kukonki in extra time.

United were dominant throughout normal time, but Derby goalkeeper Cristiano Dziakluk’s heroics ensured the game stretched to extra time.

Gabriel came close to giving United the lead after 20 minutes with an attempt aimed for the far corner, but Dziakluk kept out his effort.

Chido Obi was then denied twice by the visitors’ goalkeeper, before seeing his header effort cleared off the line.

Dziakluk made another stunning save after the hour mark, tipping James Bailey’s strike over the bar.

Early on in the first period of extra time, Kukonki was denied by Dziakluk from giving United the lead, leaving the defender in frustration.

United finally made the breakthrough when James Overy’s cross was turned into his own net by a Derby defender, setting the hosts on their way to victory.

Shortly after, Derby failed to deal with a long ball, allowing Obi to run through on goal and put the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

The visitors pulled one back in the second period of extra-time, but United held on to claim the victory.

Man United will face Oxford United, who defeated Colchester United, in the fifth round.

Article written by Henry Thornton .