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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Garnacho and McNeill to start — Manchester United predicted line-up in FA Youth Cup final

In a season that has otherwise been dreary and frustrating for the club, Manchester United's youngsters have the chance to provide a much-needed shot of optimism for the future tonight (Wednesday).

They have already done their part in giving one glimmer of positivity this season by getting United back to the prestigious FA Youth Cup final for the first time since 2011. Several members of that side went on to become big stars for the seniors, as did the famous class of '92; now can a new generation of starlets follow them into the history books 11 years on?

United's Under-18s will be taking on Nottingham Forest in Wednesday's final in front of a packed Old Trafford. Some 70,000 United supporters will be in attendance for the game, as well as 6,000 travelling fans, so it's set to be a special occasion.

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With so many talented youngsters at his disposal, manager Travis Binnion will have some tough decisions on his hands when it comes to naming his starting XI, with several players bound to be left disappointed.

However, there can be little doubt that Alejandro Garnacho will come back into the side following his first-team duties and exploits for the Under-23s. The exciting winger has been the breakout star of the season and it's his contributions that have ensured United's place in the final, with five goals and three assists in five matches.

Joining him in the attacking trifecta in a 4-2-3-1 formation could be playmaker Isak Hansen-Aaroen, whose neat passing in the middle helps weave United's attacks together. There is plenty of competition for the right-wing slot with Omari Forson and Sam Mather both enjoying a good campaign but the in-form Ethan Ennis, with 11 goal contributions in his last 12 appearances, may get the nod.

After grabbing two goals in the semi-final win over Wolves, Charlie McNeill might be chosen over Joe Hugill to lead the line to complete the attack. Further back in midfield it's hard to look past the combative and dynamic duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Danny Gore, who have started together in the last three rounds.

In defence, first-choice full-back duo Marc Jurado and Sam Murray will likely keep their spots and Binnion may choose to revert to the same defence that defeated Wolves, by bringing Rhys Bennet and Tyler Fredricson into the heart of the back-line. Radek Vitek will most likely start in goal.

Predicted United starting XI: Vitek; Jurado, Fredricson, Bennett, Murray; Gore, Mainoo; Ennis, Hansen-Aaroen, Garnarcho; McNeil.

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