Ben Wilkinson’s side secured the prestigious trophy after a 4-0 victory over Leeds United in Friday’s showpiece final which was staged at the Etihad Stadium.
It marks the fourth time the Club have been crowned FA Youth Cup winners following our triumphs in 2020, 2008 and 1986.
Goals from Justin Oboavwoduo, Jaden Heskey, Stephen Mfuni and Matty Warhurst secured the Cup – widely acknowledged as the pinnacle of youth football - in what was a fine display against our West Yorkshire opponents.
Commenting on the momentous achievement, Academy Director Thomas Kruecken spoke of his pride and admiration for the way the squad and staff had secured the prestigious prize.
“This is a fantastic achievement for our Academy. The FA Youth Cup is one of our main targets at the start of each season, so to have won the trophy for the fourth time in our history really feels special,” he said.
“Ben, his staff and all the players deserve huge credit for the way they have played throughout the competition. It’s been a pleasure to watch them grow and develop together and they’ve produced some outstanding football along the way.
“But this trophy belongs to everyone connected to Manchester City’s Academy. There are so many people who work tirelessly every single day to ensure the Academy environment is as good as it can be – to give our young players a platform to develop and become the best footballers they can. It makes me really proud to see the work our staff do every single day.
“The Academy is in a really good place, and I can’t wait to help us move forward in the coming years.”
Tonight’s memorable victory caps what has been a superb cup campaign for Wilkinson’s impressive young charges.
A third-round trip to Watford saw the City starlets chalk up a 2-0 win at Vicarage Road, before we then secured a hard-fought 2-0 extra time success at holders West Ham after the sides had drawn 0-0 over 90 minutes.
The fifth round saw the City Under-18s see off the challenge of Reading 2-1 at the CFA which set up a quarter-final home encounter against Tottenham Hotspur where the City youngsters fought back from 1-0 down to claim a dramatic 2-1 win, Jacob Wright firing a last minute winner via a superb free-kick.
City then showed character as well as class in clinching a hard-fought 1-0 semi-final win over Bristol City, substitute Ashton Muir’s late second strike enough to book us our ticket into the final.
Tonight’s magnificent achievement against the Leeds youngsters also sets the seal on what has been another fine season for Wilkinson’s talented squad.
City are guaranteed a second-place finish in the Under-18 Premier League North table and also reached the Under-18 Premier League final last month where we were edged out 2-1 by Manchester United.
Everyone at Manchester City congratulates Ben, the Under-18s squad and staff on this latest magnificent achievement.
