Arsenal’s Under-18s have been eliminated from the 2024/25 FA Youth Cup at the quarter-final stage after an agonising 3-2 home defeat by rivals Manchester United. Bendito Mantato’s extra-time goal after linking up with fellow substitute Samuel Lusale proved decisive in Friday night’s cracking last-eight tie played in front of a crowd of 7,500 fans at the Emirates Stadium, with Max Dowman’s scintillating display proving in vain for the young Gunners.
The 15-year-old midfield sensation thought he had likely sealed Arsenal a semi-final spot against either Aston Villa or Plymouth after winning and dispatching a second-half penalty in normal time after a foul by Reece Munro, but Jaydan Kamason later forced an additional 30 minutes with a thunderbolt to beat Jack Porter. United had led in the first half after a great strike from Darren Fletcher’s son Jack, only for Arsenal to go in at the break on level terms after Will Sweet’s long pass released Louie Copley, who lifted the ball over Will Murdock with aplomb.
The electric Dowman missed a golden opportunity to win the game for Arsenal before extra time, while the hosts had two major penalty appeals waved away - much to the relief of Godwill Kukonki on both occasions. The Gunners saw captain Sweet sent off in the closing moments for a terrible lunge on Kamason.
Arsenal vs Manchester United highlights
- GOAL! Mantato scores winner for United in extra time
- GOAL! Late Kamason rocket levels tie
- GOAL! Dazzling Dowman wins and scores penalty
- GOAL! Copley lofts home equaliser for Arsenal
- GOAL! Jack Fletcher stunner gives United the lead
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:45Full-time in extra time
Manchester United are through to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup!
A valiant effort from Arsenal in a belting game of real quality featuring some superb goals, but it’s the Red Devils who move on despite the absence of Chido Obi and a brilliant display from 15-year-old Max Dowman, who looks like an absolute superstar in the making.
They will face either Aston Villa or Plymouth in the last four. That game is tomorrow night.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:41 , George Flood120 mins: Scanlon to the corner this time as United look to bleed more time off the clock.
Two minutes of added time signalled at the end of extra time.
It’s now or never for 10-man Arsenal and their semi-final hopes...
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:40 , George Flood119 mins: United try to make their numerical advantage count immediately to put this game beyond reach, but Scanlon bends his strike off target.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:37 , George Flood117 mins: Arsenal are down to 10 men in the dying minutes of extra time!
Captain Sweet completely loses his head and hacks down Kamason badly with a really malicious challenge.
Straight red and he can have no complaints. That was awful.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:36 , George Flood116 mins: United counter well after dealing with the corner and then force one of their own.
They are understandably taking their time over it, warned to hurry up by the referee before a decent delivery is headed off target by the busy Kukonki.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:34 , George Flood115 mins: Both sets of players are looking exhausted now as the game gets frantic with five minutes of extra time remaining.
Casey’s hopeful strike for Arsenal is deflected wide for a corner.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:33112 mins: Lusale into the book for bringing down Dowman.
How many players have now been cautioned tonight for fouling the 15-year-old?
What a player.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:30 , George Flood110 mins: Arsenal looked done earlier in extra time, but they’ve had a new lease of life now as a dangerous O’Neill cross is somehow put behind by Munro through the legs of the attacker.
The corner then bounces off someone’s back from close range as United are given another let off.
This isn’t over yet, folks...
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:29 , George Flood108 mins: A second major penalty shout for Arsenal in extra time is waved away.
It’s Kukonki again, treading on the foot of O'Neill as he looked to create the space for a shot in the box.
That could easily have been given too.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:24 , George FloodOne more change from Arsenal for the second half of extra time.
Joshua Tahou is on for Ogunnaike.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:22Half-time in extra time
Massive penalty appeals waved away for Arsenal on the stroke of half-time in extra time.
Casey’s strike hits the arm of Kukonki, but the referee isn’t interested.
What a huge call.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:18 , George Flood103 mins: Mantato’s fresh legs are proving a real headache for this weary Arsenal defence.
Sweet denies him with a great block inside the box, but he’s soon back causing more issues.
Arsenal look exhausted and are having to do so much chasing now with United monopolising possession and moving the ball well.
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United
21:17Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
The power of United's bench on show there as two substitutes combine. Big ask for Arsenal to hit back now.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United | Bendito Mantato 99'
21:14 , George Flood99 mins: Two United substitutes link up to devastating effect!
Lusale is released by a fine ball down the left flank, making his way to the byline before cutting back for Mantato to sidefoot home inside the six-yard box after he stole a march on his marker.
Can tired Arsenal respond?
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:13 , George Flood98 mins: Ibragimov steers a shot wide for United after the cut-back.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:12 , George Flood97 mins: 16-year-old winger Brando Bailey-Joseph has been sent on for Arsenal.
United ‘keeper Murdock loses a cross from the right and is relieved to see the ball fly to safety.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:11 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Few tired legs, understandably, creeping in now. Dowman staying on, though.
Would be very fitting if he bags the winner.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:10 , George Flood95 mins: United are generally an older and more experienced team at this level and it’s really showing at the moment.
They are dominating possession in extra time, with Scanlon now looking a particular threat.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:08 , George Flood93 mins: It’s all United in the early stages of extra time, Kamason getting forward once again and blazing another shot over.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:06Underway in extra time at the Emirates.
United have sent on Godwill Kukonki in defence.
Samuel Lusale fires narrowly over for the visitors.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
21:00 , George FloodEnd of 90 minutes
Jaydan Kamason’s late super strike means we will have extra time at the Emirates after Max Dowman’s penalty.
Dowman also missed a massive chance to win the game in stoppage time.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:59 , George Flood100 mins: A frantic finish to normal time, a really risky pass from Thwaites deep inside his own half before he’s involved heavily at the other end.
Arsenal eventually slam the door shut and we will have an extra 30 minutes of this pulsating quarter-final tie.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:58 , George Flood99 mins: Porter gratefully claims a cross from Amass from the byline.
Mantato then pulls a shot wide of the front post.
Still we play on at the Emirates...
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:55 , George Flood96 mins: United finishing the stronger now with back-to-back corners, Onyekachukwu heading a difficult cross wide at the back post.
Ibragimov heads harmlessly wide.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:53 , George Flood95 mins: Dowman with yet another amazing run into the box, he’s got the goal at his mercy but it’s straight at Murdock!
Oh what a chance to win this quarter-final tie in stoppage time for the man of the match by an absolutely country mile.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:52 , George Flood92 mins: Dowman’s number has just gone up for Arsenal, but no way he’s coming off, surely.
No, it’s a mistake. It’s Copley who is replaced by Daniel Oyetunde.
There’s also a change in the Arsenal defence as Clarke is replaced by Samuel Onyekachukwu.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:49 , George Flood90 mins: A huge NINE minutes added on in this second half. Where has that come from?!
That’s an important challenge from Arsenal substitute Casey to stop Jack Fletcher from pulling the trigger inside the box.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:48 , George Flood88 mins: Jim Thwaites is on in the United midfield and picks up a booking for scything down the remarkable Dowman as he made another slaloming run down the right.
The subsequent whipped free-kick towards the front post is headed clear.
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United
20:4786 mins: Is extra time looming at the Emirates?
Some sensational goals tonight, it must be said.
GOAL! Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United | Jaydan Kamason 84'
20:43 , George Flood84 mins: Another belting finish has United level late on!
It’s an absolute scorcher from right-back Kamason, who thunders into the far corner with a fierce drive to leave Porter no chance.
Level at the Emirates with just five minutes of normal time to play...
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:40 , George Flood80 mins: Dan Casey replaces Teshaun Murisa for Arsenal.
That’s Adam Birchall’s first change of the evening.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:39 , George Flood79 mins: Clarke is okay to carry on for Arsenal for now.
Approaching the final 10 minutes at the Emirates, where United really look to have run out of steam.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:36 , George Flood77 mins: United with a nifty little one-two inside the box but they are thwarted by a huge block from Arsenal captain Sweet.
Brayden Clarke is now down for the Gunners.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:34 , George Flood74 mins: A lovely jinking run off the left from Ceadach O'Neill for Arsenal, but he gets the shot all wrong and fires high and wide.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:32 , George Flood72 mins: United earn another corner off Clarke and it’s arrowed in towards Munro, with Tyler Fletcher unable to finish from close range at the back post!
That should have been 2-2.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:30 , George Flood70 mins: A change in the United attack with 20 minutes to play.
Musa makes way for Bendito Mantato.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:29 , George Flood69 mins: Bradley Ibrahim has taken a knock for Arsenal and will need treatment, leading to a break in play.
Further substitutions are coming from United.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:26 , George Flood65 mins: Musa lays the ball off for United substitute Ibragimov, who then accidentally blasts the ball into his team-mate as he shoots from distance.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:24 , George Flood63 mins: A warning for Arsenal not to get too comfortable as Jack Fletcher lets fly on his favoured left foot.
Porter is taken by surprise by the speed of the strike as it whistles just past his back post.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:21 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
What a run that was by Dowman to win the penalty. He just looks a cut above everyone.
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United
20:2057 mins: Dowman hurt himself there while celebrating with a knee slide in the corner.
He stays down for a few moments but is now back on his feet and gives the thumbs up to the bench.
Arsenal breathe a huge sigh of relief...
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United | Max Dowman (pen) 56'
20:16 , George Flood56 mins: Cool as you like from the spot from the best player on the park by a mile, right into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Murdock guessing the right way but powerless to keep it out.
But he may well have injured himself during the celebration...
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:15 , George Flood55 mins: United are back in the Arsenal box again but Amass can’t get a shot away.
Here come Arsenal, Dowman weaving his way brilliantly into the box before he’s brought down by Munro!
He’s going to take it too...
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:12 , George Flood54 mins: Scanlon surges forward for United, going for goal despite Amass’ lung-busting run on the overlap as his skidding low shot is saved by Porter.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:1152 mins: Coach Adam Lawrence knows United got away with one there and Devaney is coming straight off.
16-year-old Amir Ibragimov replaces him.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:08 , George Flood49 mins: United skipper Devaney pulls the shirt of Dowman and then slides in recklessly on the Arsenal youngster.
He’s already been booked and the Gunners appeal strongly for a second caution.
But the referee opts for a final warning instead.
He is very, very lucky. Biancheri heads the free-kick behind for a corner.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:07 , George Flood47 mins: A couple of really sloppy and careless passes from United early in this second half, which will give Arsenal a lot of encouragement.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
20:04 , George FloodBack underway at the Emirates.
No changes from either Adam Birchall or Adam Lawrence at the break.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
19:56Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
A high-quality game so far.
United enjoyed the better of it and deservedly took the lead through Jack Fletcher.
Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter made a few good saves and the Gunners levelled through Louie Copley.
Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, both 15, have done well.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
19:49 , George FloodHalf-time
End-to-end stuff before the break!
A really good first half draws to a close, with the two sides locked at 1-1 after Louie Copley’s lovely lofted finish cancelled out a superb strike from Jack Fletcher.
All to play for in the second half.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
19:48Standard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Delightful finish from Copley, especially given he wasted a good chance earlier.
Great time for Arsenal to score, too.
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United
19:4745 mins: United want to restore their lead before the interval, with both Fletcher twins asking questions of this Arsenal defence.
Another good save from Porter and one of the Fletchers then just fails to set up Scanlon.
GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United | Louie Copley 42'
19:43 , George Flood42 mins: The Gunners are level before the break!
Copley gets goal-side of Armer before lofting brilliantly past Murdock.
What a ball to release him too from Sweet.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United
19:42 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Cracking finish from Fletcher. You can see why Arsenal showed him onto his weaker right foot, but he made them pay.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United
19:4241 mins: Tyler Fletcher is very fortunate to avoid a booking for bringing down Dowman.
Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United
19:4139 mins: Arsenal need to be very careful here that they don’t fall further behind before the interval as Jack Fletcher slams into the side netting at the back post.
A frustrated Dowman into the book for a poor challenge.
GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United | Jack Fletcher 36'
19:37 , George Flood36 mins: What an effort from Jack Fletcher to break the deadlock at the Emirates!
He receives possession from Biancheri and stands up his man by jinking onto his favoured left foot before cutting back and rifling home an unstoppable effort with his right.
Sensational stuff from one of the twin sons of Darren Fletcher.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:36 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal under the cosh a bit, here. Harriman-Annous cutting a fairly lonely figure up top. He needs some support.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:35 , George Flood32 mins: Back underway after that break for treatment for Ogunnaike, who is fine to continue. A chance for both sets of players to take on some advice from their coaches.
Porter makes another save from an effort from distance from Fletcher before a vital challenge goes in from Salmon to deny Biancheri on the rebound.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:33 , George Flood30 mins: Some crucial defending there from Ogunnaike to stop I think Scanlon from connecting with that dangerous Amass delivery from the left into the six-yard box.
But he picked up a knock in the process and will need some treatment.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:31 , George Flood29 mins: Arsenal are soaking up plenty of pressure again as we tick towards the half-hour mark, the increasingly influential Amass delivering another great cross from the left that caused panic in the Gunners’ defence.
Fletcher, Scanlon and Biancheri all try to get a shot away from close range, but the blocks fly in as Arsenal struggle to clear their lines.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:30 , George Flood27 mins: Kamason blazes over at the near post with Porter at full stretch.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:25 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
Some of Dowman's passes and touches are just glorious. Starting to see what all the fuss is about.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:2422 mins: Huge save from Porter at full stretch after Amass had tried his luck with a powerful drive from distance.
He did well to track that through a crowd of bodies and react so quickly.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:21 , George Flood19 mins: This game is really opening up now, with the excellent Dowman playing another absolutely outrageous pass.
The 15-year-old looks absolute quality in that Arsenal midfield.
Kamason gets across to snuff out the danger on this occasion.
United counter effectively and Fletcher’s deflected effort is held by Porter.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:19 , George Flood18 mins: A massive first chance of the night for Arsenal as Copley makes an excellent run, staying onside as he collects a fine through ball.
But it’s dogged defensive work from Armer, who gets back to make a vital block.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:17 , George Flood17 mins: Clarke with a huge block inside the Arsenal box after Biancheri cut in off the United left and let fly.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:17 , George Flood15 mins: Manchester United have gone back to dominating the ball now, with Arsenal retreating into a back six out of possession.
The Red Devils are struggling to find the space in which to break them down.
What a flick from Dowman to get Arsenal forward on the counter-attack...
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:15 , George Flood12 mins: Both sides are enjoying spells of possession now and trying to fashion the first real chance of the evening.
Dowman leading the way for Arsenal, as expected.
Captain Devaney is influential for United, with Kamason getting forward plenty from right-back.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:14 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
There's a pocket of what must be 20 or 30 United fans standing and going through the full club repertoire of songs. Fair play to them.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:09 , George Flood8 mins: Better from Arsenal as Dowman gets on the ball and a chance to run, gliding deep inside the United half before being taken down from behind by Devaney.
An early booking for the United skipper.
A lofted free-kick into the box is cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:07 , George Flood7 mins: Arsenal have got to find a way to turn the early tide here or a United opener feels like a mere formality.
Porter parries away after the Gunners lose possession in dangerous area inside their own half.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:06 , George Flood5 mins: Manchester United continue to dominate the early possession at the Emirates, looking very fluid and dangerous moving forward.
Biancheri tries to release Scanlon with a nice lofted pass but Porter gratefully claims.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
19:053 mins: Arsenal can’t really escape their own half here in the opening exchanges, with United piling on the early pressure and earning a couple of quick-fire corners.
They look a real handful in attack, with the Gunners’ young defence already being tested.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
19:02 , George FloodUnderway in this FA Youth Cup quarter-final tie.
A last-four showdown with either Aston Villa or Plymouth awaits tonight’s winners.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
19:00 , George FloodStandard Sport’s Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium
The full "first-team experience", as head coach Adam Birchall called it, for Arsenal's young stars tonight.
North London Forever playing before kick-off.
Arsenal vs Manchester United
18:56 , George FloodHere come the teams at the Emirates!
We’re around five minutes from kick-off now.
Focus on Max Dowman for Arsenal
18:45Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings is in position at the Emirates to preview tonight’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final clash...
🗣️ "A lot of focus tonight will be on Max Dowman, who should be Arsenal's biggest threat in attack."@sr_collings is in position to preview tonight's clash at the Emirates
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) February 28, 2025
LIVE: https://t.co/8xwRVdo7Vq#AFC | #MUFC | #FAYouthCup pic.twitter.com/WdfuH7TrJ1
Three Arsenal changes from Fulham win
18:32 , George FloodAs Simon Collings points out, there are two 15-year-olds in the Arsenal startling lineup in midfield sensation Max Dowman and defender Marli Salmon.
There are three changes in total from head coach Adam Birchall to the side that beat Fulham 2-1 in the last round thanks to goals from Andre Harriman-Annous and Dowman, with Salmon starting over Samuel Onyekachukwu at the back.
Teshaun Murisa and Louie Copley also replace Theo Julienne and Louis Zecevic-John.
No Chido Obi for Manchester United as Victor Musa starts
18:26 , George FloodSo confirmation there then that Chido Obi is not in the Manchester United squad and misses out on a reunion with Arsenal tonight.
He will instead be pushing to make his first senior start on Sunday in the FA Cup fifth round against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Obi’s place in attack tonight is taken by Spanish-born forward Victor Musa in the only change made by U18 head coach Adam Lawrence following the 5-1 win over Chelsea in the last round earlier this month.
Standard Sport’s Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings has arrived at the Emirates.
A crowd of around 10,000 is expected tonight
At the Emirates for Arsenal U18 v Man Utd U18 in the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup pic.twitter.com/z7OQgmJrg6
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) February 28, 2025
Manchester United lineup
18:11 , George FloodManchester United XI: Murdock, Kamason, Munro, Armer, Amass, Devaney, Scanlon, T Fletcher, Musa, J Fletcher, Biancheri
Subs: Byrne-Hughes, Mills, Kukonki, Thwaites, Lusale, Mantato, Ibragimov
Arsenal lineup
18:08 , George FloodArsenal XI: Porter, Clarke, Salmon, Sweet, Ogunnaike, Ibrahim, Murisa, Dowman, Copley, O’Neill, Harriman-Annous
Subs: Ranson, Onyekachukwu, Tahou, Marciniak, Bailey-Joseph, Casey, Oyetunde
Manchester United young stars to watch
17:56 , George FloodSo we’ve heard plenty about the top Arsenal youngsters looking to impress tonight, but what about the top talents in a Chido Obi-less Manchester United side?
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith picks out a handful, including the sons of a former Old Trafford stalwart...
Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher
The twin brothers, sons of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, spent nine years in Manchester City’s academy before joining rivals United for a combined fee of £1.25million in July 2023.
Attacking midfielder Jack Fletcher was on the bench for three straight Premier League games in October and November, against Brentford, West Ham and Chelsea, and again in the 1-0 defeat at Tottenham earlier this month.
He was also among the substitutes in October’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over Leicester, but is yet to be handed his first-team debut.
Tyler Fletcher, a central midfielder, has played the full 90 minutes in all three of United’s matches in the FA Youth Cup this season, as the Red Devils scored five in each match to breeze past Coventry, Preston and Chelsea.
As well as plenty of game time in the U18 Premier League, both have featured in the Premier League 2 — the U21 version — this season, with the Scots having each scored once in the latter competition.
Inside Arsenal's plan to develop next Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly
17:47 , George FloodArsenal’s U18 head coach Adam Birchall can’t help but break into a laugh when he is jokingly asked if Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly could play in Friday’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final with Manchester United.
Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri are technically available for the tie at Emirates Stadium, but such is their remarkable rise that the teenagers are now key parts of Arsenal’s first-team squad.
Not that Birchall minds. Producing players for the first team is his job and all Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri have done is create an opportunity for others to shine, with Friday’s showdown with Manchester United, in front of 10,000 fans, a perfect chance to do so.
“I think Ethan and Myles are a good example of how all the players are on different journeys,” says Birchall.
Adam Birchall: Emirates experience crucial for development
17:37 , George FloodHere’s more from Arsenal’s U18 boss Adam Birchall, who was also interviewed by Standard Sport’s Simon Collings ahead of tonight’s quarter-final contest. More on that to come shortly.
“We spoke about it in the last game against Fulham, that it was an opportunity to go and play at Emirates Stadium if we won the game,” Birchall said.
“It’s a different development tool.
“We want to be relentless and win every game and that’s important at these ages that we develop that mindset, but it’s just a different environment for us to go and test them in in front of 10,000 people, separate from what they usually get on matchday.
“One thing is the talent, so they’ve got the talent and they can do it, so that’s why we ask them to be involved in this, because it’s right for their development at this stage.”
Adam Birchall: 'Inspired' Arsenal out to put on a show
17:34 , George FloodArsenal’s U18 coach Adam Birchall believes tonight’s experience playing in front of a crowd of around 10,000 people at the Emirates will be a hugely beneficial experience for his squad.
“It’s so exciting,” he said. “We’re all very inspired and we know we want to put on a good show.
“This week has been a different type of week for the young boys and we’ve really framed it as ‘enjoy the week.
“Be present, try to take it all in’. They’ll get stuff that they don’t usually get, get a first-team experience on the day, so really excited.
“This is a very young group compared to recent years. I think we’re the youngest in the competition.
“We’ve got 15, 16 year olds in the squad, so there is the balance of too much and overstimulating them and putting them in a good position to go and show everyone what they’ve got.
“All the players are on different journeys and we’ve got really talented players throughout the system and it just creates other opportunities for our talented players to step up and show what they’ve got.
“That’s one of the benefits of players getting the trust of Mikel, it gives opportunities to younger lads underneath to develop.”
Arsenal youngsters to watch
17:29 , George FloodJack Porter
The goalkeeper shot to fame earlier this season when he became the youngest-ever player to start an Arsenal first-team game.
Porter was picked to play in goal for the Carabao Cup tie against Bolton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium, which the Gunners won 5-1.
The 16-year-old joined Arsenal five years ago and made four appearances for the U18s last season, despite being a schoolboy.
Porter has since signed scholarship terms with Arsenal. He has trained with the first team and been on the bench in the Champions League this season.
He has been capped by England at U16 and U17 level. He helped England’s U16s win the Football Federations Cup last season, conceding only one goal in three matches.
Porter was the hero for Arsenal when they beat QPR in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup in January, saving two spot-kicks in a 4-2 win on penalties.
Arsenal vs Manchester United prediction
17:26 , George FloodIt will be interesting to see just how much the absence of Chido Obi will impact Manchester United‘s young side tonight.
His goal-scoring rate is frankly ridiculous and he is such an asset to any youth team, as his hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Chelsea in the last round showed.
United have numerous other attacking threats that can help cover the shortfall, but we’re backing the hosts to edge a tight contest this evening.
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
A lovely sunny early evening at the Emirates, where the Arsenal U18 squad have already been out surveying their surroundings.
Such a big opportunity for all of them tonight, especially with Mikel Arteta having recently sounded open to the possibility of including more youngsters in the senior squad amid his ongoing injury troubles and the successes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Martin Odegaard sends Arsenal U18s good luck message
17:02 , George FloodArsenal captain Martin Odegaard has sent a good luck message to the club’s U18 side ahead of tonight’s FA Youth Cup quarter-final showdown with Manchester United...
A message to @ArsenalAcademy from our skipper 🤝
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 28, 2025
📺 Find out how you can stream the FA Youth Cup quarter-final tonight 👇
Arsenal youngsters to watch
17:01 , George FloodAndre Harriman-Annous
The 17-year-old is a tall and pacy forward, who can play anywhere across the frontline or even as a No8 if needed.
Harriman-Annous actually started at Tottenham’s pre-academy after being scouted by them when he was seven.
But, when Arsenal came calling a year later, he jumped at the chance to join them as a boyhood Gunners fan.
Growing up, Harriman-Annous idolised Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.
Despite being a schoolboy last season, he made seven appearances for Arsenal’s U18s side and chipped in with two goals and two assists.
Harriman-Annous has since signed scholarship terms with Arsenal and has been tipped for a bright future.
His cousin is England rugby captain Maro Itoje, and Harriman-Annous has spoken to him for advice about making it in professional sport.
He has trained with the first team at times this season, with experienced midfielder Jorginho someone cited by Harriman-Annous as a big influence on him.
Max Dowman among Arsenal youngsters to watch
16:53There are so many talented young players on both sides to watch tonight, even without Chido Obi.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith outlines five Arsenal standouts to keep an eye on as they look to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly...
Max Dowman
Tipped as the next big thing to come out of Arsenal’s academy, the 15-year-old has regularly trained with the first team this season.
Dowman is ineligible to play in the Premier League this term, but travelled to Dubai with Mikel Arteta’s senior squad for their warm-weather training camp this month.
The midfielder has routinely been pushed to play in higher age groups and is part of the England U17s squad.
Dowman made his debut for Arsenal’s U21s this season and at 14 years old he became the youngest player in the club’s history to play at that level.
In September, he became the youngest player in history to score in the UEFA Youth League by netting Arsenal’s only goal in a 4-1 loss to Atalanta at the age of 14 years, eight months and 19 days.
Comfortable out wide or as a No10, Dowman scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the last round as Arsenal beat Fulham to set up a showdown with Manchester United.
Chido Obi set to miss out on swift Arsenal reunion
16:38 , George FloodThe biggest team news tonight surrounds the involvement (or lack thereof) of a certain Chido Obi.
The teenage striker sensation’s latest hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Chelsea’s Under-18s at Leigh Sports Village earlier this month set up an enticing showdown with the club he left for Old Trafford only last year.
Obi’s return to north London was set to be the main talking point for this game, but reports today have unsurprisingly confirmed that he will not be in the United squad.
That is because his ongoing goal-scoring form at youth level combined with United’s recent injury crisis has seen him promoted to first-team duties under Ruben Amorim, appearing on the bench in the last three senior matches and making cameos against both Tottenham and Everton.
He is expected to be involved again when United host Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday as he continues to push for a maiden senior start amid the ongoing struggles of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
How to watch Arsenal vs Manchester United
16:32 , George FloodTV channel and live stream: Tonight’s game will be broadcast live on the FA’s official YouTube channel.
Arsenal’s official website and app will also show the game live.
Arsenal vs Manchester United live
16:31 , George FloodHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s live coverage of the high-profile FA Youth Cup quarter-final showdown between Arsenal and Manchester United.
The stars of the future take centre stage at the Emirates Stadium tonight with a place in the last four on the line, with hugely talented youngsters from both Premier League giants hoping to send a clear message to Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim that they are ready to make the step up to senior level.
Kick-off in north London this evening is scheduled for 7pm GMT, so stick with us for match build-up plus team news and live updates including expert analysis from Arsenal correspondent Simon Collings at the Emirates.
