Manchester United are expecting a tough test against Nottingham Forest’s Under-18s in next week’s FA Youth Cup final.
Warren Joyce’s Reds reached the showpiece finale for the first time in the club’s history by beating Chelsea in a thrilling encounter at the City Ground last month. And they will now face United at Old Trafford in a battle for the silverware next Wednesday night.
There will be a bumper crowd in place, including a large contingent of travelling supporters. So far, 53,000 tickets have been sold, almost 5,000 of which have been to Forest fans - with more available, if required. That will represent a record attendance for the tournament.
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As well as Chelsea, the Reds have seen off Bristol City, Peterborough United, Cambridge United and Blackburn Rovers in the competition, while they have won their last six league games. And their opponents are well aware of that stunning form as the two sides prepare to meet.
“It’s another step in their journey - a big step in their journey - so how they handle the nerves, how they handle the crowd, how they handle a strong opposition in Nottingham Forest who have been doing very well,” United’s head of academy player development Justin Cochrane told the club’s official website. “I’m looking forward to seeing how these players adapt in this scenario because they need to show that they can play in this sort of stage and this sort of arena if they want to progress and play in the Premier League for Manchester United.
“During the games, we’ve had a variety of different tests since the third round and they’ve shown resilience, they’ve had to come from behind, they’ve played in the right style (and) they’ve played an exciting brand of football that is befitting to the football club. I’m really pleased and proud of what they’ve done and the qualities they’ve shown throughout this cup run.
“It’s exciting. We’re really, really looking forward to it. We want as many people to come and hopefully that (number of tickets sold) can be pushed up a bit further. Playing in front of a crowd of Manchester United supporters, of people from all over the UK or people that may be travelling in to watch the game, it’s great for these players.”
Forest’s final opponents have lifted the trophy a record 10 times. Their last triumph was in 2011, with a side featuring the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard, as well as ex-Reds defender Tyler Blackett.
