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.
