The progress of Darren Fletcher’s side has not been smooth. Narrow home victories over Peterborough, Derby – in extra time – and Sunderland, plus a comfortable away win at Oxford, earned a semi-final against Crystal Palace, when they also needed extra time to get through, thanks to a Chido Obi goal eight minutes from time.
Chido is one of United’s key men. The Denmark youth international made eight first-team appearances last season but has only appeared on the bench once this term. Tall and quick, with an eye for goal, United have been developing other aspects of his game. He will operate at the head of the visitors’ attack and try to pin City’s defence back.
Gabriel is one of the most talked about young players in England. The 15-year-old Londoner was crowned under-18 player of the year by the Premier League this week. He operates in the number 10 slot and tries to get on the ball as much as possible. He has exceptional balance and close control, is quick and represents a major goal threat.
Jim Thwaites was on the first-team bench at Chelsea recently. A number 10 at younger levels, Thwaites has been used in deeper positions this season. He has a fabulous passing range, is quick and has plenty of stamina. Also, he can be lethal at free-kicks, as City found to their cost when United won the last league meeting between the sides in February.
Skipper Dan Armer is a key man in central defence, Junior Brown and Noah Ajayi are dangers out wide and goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes has had a solid season.
Asked if there was extra motivation, with the final being against City, midfielder Rafe McCormack said: “100%.”
He added: “It’s obviously a big occasion, but we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do.
“It would have been a bonus to play in the first-team stadium, but to us it doesn’t matter. We’re just focusing on trying to win the trophy.”