Manchester United are the most successful team in FA Youth Cup history, but it has been over a decade since their last triumph.
On Wednesday evening, at Old Trafford, the current Under 18s side can emulate the Class of 2011 but winning United's 11th Youth Cup. Here, Manchester Evening News rolls back the clock to assess that starting lineup and see how their careers have unfolded.
Sam Johnstone
English international Keeper Sam Johnstone, now 29, started in goal when United last won the prestigious youth trophy. Having made no senior appearance for the Red Devils, he has gone on to have an impressive career in English football.
He has experienced loan spells at Preston and Aston Villa where he spent a combined total of three years at both clubs.
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Since 2018, the keeper has made 167 appearances for West Brom, spending one season in the premier league with the Baggies in the 2020 – 2021 campaign. Johnstone has also made three appearances for the England international team since 2021.
Sean McGinty
Sean McGinty, who hails from the Republic of Ireland, started as a right-back for United’s Under 18s team. The defender didn’t make a single appearance for United’s first team and after a couple of disappointing loan spells at Carlisle United and Tranmere Rovers, McGinty’s contract was terminated by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
As of 2021, the 28-year-old currently plays for the Scottish Championship side Ayr United, where he has made 28 appearances.
Tom Thorpe
Tom Thorpe captained Manchester United’s under 18s in the 2011 final and made one senior appearance for the club, against West Ham United in 2014. Since then, Thorpe has had loan spells at Bradford City and Bolton.
In 2017, he joined former Indian Super League team ATK where he made 11 appearances. As of 2018 he currently is without a club.
Michael Keane
Michael Keane was the centre-back pairing with Tom Thorpe. He made five appearances for United’s senior team.
After a handful of loan spells, the defender made a permanent move to Burnley in 2015 where he stayed for two years. Keane then signed for Everton where he has made 158 appearances and has been a key figure in their fight for Premier League survival this season.
The centre-back has also made 12 appearances for England.
Michele Fornasier
Italian Michele Fornasier, was left-back. Having made no first-team appearances for United, Fornasier has spent his entire senior career in Italy including spells at Sampdoria and Pescara.
He currently plies his trade at Serie C side Monopoli, where he has made five appearances.
Ryan Tunnicliffe
Ryan Tunnicliffe was one of the starting midfielders. After failing to break into United’s first team, the Englishman has built a decent career for himself throughout the English football league.
In recent years he has performed at Millwall and Luton Town. As of 2021 Tunnicliffe currently belongs at League One side Portsmouth, where he has made 28 appearances.
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard is one of two of United’s 2011 finalists still at the club. After a string of successful loan spells, Lingard made his first team appearance under Louis van Gaal in 2014.
Since then, he has made a total of 232 appearances for the Red Devils scoring 35 goals. Despite his impressive record, his form has been inconsistent and in 2020 earned himself a loan move to West Ham in a bid to revitalise his career.
Lingard scored nine goals for the Hammers and even won his first Premier League player of the month award last April. He appeared set for a role at United this season but it wasn't meant to be and now looks set to leave the club on a free.
Paul Pogba
World Cup winner Paul Pogba is the only other remaining player still at United. In pursuit of first-team appearances, Pogba joined Juventus a year after the cup transfer, where he made 124 appearances and established himself among the best midfielders in the world.
The midfielder has unfinished business at United and, in 2016, returned for a then world-record transfer fee of £89million. He has gone on to make 230 appearances but never truly lived up to expectations.
Pogba was recently booed by fans in a match against Norwich. He soon after suffered injury, meaning he has played his last game for the club, and will again leave the club on a free this summer.
Ravel Morrison
Once described as one of the most naturally gifted players by Sir Alex Ferguson, Ravel Morrison failed to make a single senior appearance for United. He was sold to West Ham in 2012 due to his off-field misconduct and antics.
After a reported falling out with then West Ham manager, Sam Allardyce, he joined Lazio in 2015. He currently plies his trade for Derby County in the Championship and has made 36 appearances for the club.
In 2020, he switched allegiances to the Jamaican national team and has gone on to make 12 appearances for the country.
Will Keane
Will Keane, twin brother of Michael, managed to make three senior appearances for United. After unsuccessful loan spells, he left the Red Devils permanently when he signed for Hull City in 2016.
The attacking midfielder is currently at Wigan and is impressing all. He has scored 25 goals this season, earning himself the players' player of the year award.
Gyliano van Velzen
Dutch striker, Gyliano van Velzen started up front. Having made no first-team appearances for United he left the club in 2013.
He currently plays for Dutch second-tier side Tellstar, where he has made 48 appearances.
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