Reigan Heskey struck a dramatic late winner as Manchester City defeated fierce rivals Manchester United to lift the FA Youth Cup for a fifth time.
Forty years after City overcame United in the competition’s two-legged final, history repeated itself as Oliver Reiss side secured another triumph over their neighbours. The game appeared destined for extra time before Heskey fired home from a tight angle with five minutes remaining.
United, managed by Darren Fletcher, were hoping to add to their record 11 FA Youth Cup titles. Their most recent success came in 2022, when current first-team midfielder Kobbie Mainoo starred in the victory against Nottingham Forest.
The build-up to the final was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the venue. The match was staged at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium after City claimed the Etihad Stadium was unavailable due to construction work, while United were frustrated in their attempts to move the game to Old Trafford.
The contest struggled to spark into life until Floyd Samba produced a stunning breakthrough five minutes before the interval, curling a superb 25-yard free-kick into the top corner beyond helpless United goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes.
United responded almost immediately as defender Godwill Kukonki surged forward before powering in a header from Jim Thwaites delivery to restore parity just two minutes later.
However, the decisive moment belonged to Heskey son of former Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey whose late strike sealed victory for City in front of their home supporters.
