No matter how bad things get at Manchester United, the success of their youth academy will always provide a crumb of comfort and hope of a bright future ahead. While the first-team have failed miserably this campaign, there has been more success at youth level, most notably with the U18s journey to the FA Youth Cup final, which will culminate with a showpiece event against Nottingham Forest in less than two weeks' time.
United have not reached the final of the prestigious youth competition for 11 years. The last time they did, a starlet-studded side including Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard triumphed in a victory over Harry Maguire's Sheffield United side. In a decade's time, United's first-team might well include some of those who have reached the FA Youth Cup final this season. Only time will tell if these latest hopefuls will ever be able to match the heroics of the Class of 2011.
However, success at youth level does not guarantee stardom at senior level, and this summer, United might well look to bolster their side with a couple of youngsters who are already well accustomed to the pressures of regular first-team football.
