Obi and Gabriel on target as Man United U18s deliver statement win at Man City

Manchester United U18s claimed a 3-1 victory at Manchester City in the U18 Premier League on Saturday, handing the Cityzens their first defeat of 2026.

United started brightly, with JJ Gabriel calling goalkeeper Ben Vickery into action in the seventh minute.

Vickery then parried Chido Obi’s strike away from danger as United continued their search for the opening goal.

City’s first genuine attempt came after the half-hour mark when Kylan Midwood’s effort was tipped wide by Cameron Bryne-Hughes in the United goal.

Before the break, Obi rattled the woodwork from inside the box and moments later, Vickery kept his free-kick out.

United took the lead in the 66th minute, with Gabriel pouncing on a loose ball to drive into the area before slotting home.

Finlay Gorman nearly drew City level but was denied by the woodwork.

Obi doubled United’s lead in the 84th minute, finishing from close range to score his first goal in the competition since 2024.

Moments later, City halved the deficit as Tyrone Samba found the back of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Jim Thwaites sealed the victory for United, sending a free kick into the top corner.

The victory ends City’s 11-game unbeaten run and reduces their lead at the top of the standings to one point, although they have three games in hand.

Darren Fletcher’s side are back in action on Wednesday, away at Oxford United in the FA Youth Cup.

Article written by Henry Thornton .