For Charlie McNeill, the United mad lad to those who knew him growing up, the noticeably chirpy cheer from the Stretford End that greeted his name on Thursday night will be a memory etched into his memory and will have given his family goosebumps.
McNeill rejoined the United academy from City two years ago and helped end the club's 11-year FA Youth Cup drought. His annus mirrabilis continued with a debut against Real Sociedad.
Cristiano Ronaldo filmed a video message for the United youth teamers that was played in the home dressing room on the eve of the Youth Cup final at Old Trafford in May. Last night, McNeill shared the same pitch as Ronaldo. McNeill's mother was heavily pregnant with Charlie when Ronaldo made his debut for United in 2003. Today is McNeill's 19th birthday.
