Manchester City defeated Manchester United 2-1 to win the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time in their history, with Emile’s son Raegan Heskey scoring a stunning late winning goal.
With Joie Guardiola, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo looking on at the Joie Stadium, the 18-year-old skimmed past Juel Heraf and fired into the top corner to seal Manchester’s first derby Youth Cup final in 40 years.
The goal ensured City won the league and cup double, but at the cost of rivals United, who also won the Under-18 Premier League North title.
Raygan Heskey scored the winning goal for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola and Michael Carrick watched on.
After losing to Aston Villa in last season’s final, City bounced back to win the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time in the club’s history and third in six years.
The Citizens took the lead with Floyd Samba’s superb free-kick from nearly 25 yards for the top corner. Just 59 seconds after the restart, Godwill Kukonki headed home a super pass from Jim Thwaites, with interim first-team head coaches Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes celebrating the goal.
Godwill Kukonki equalized for Man United 59 seconds after Floyd Samba’s opening free-kick.
At half-time the teams were even, but it was immediately clear which team had won.
United’s Cameron Burne-Hughes, who made a top save in the first half to thwart Teddy Lamb’s attack, hit Samba hard in the opening minutes of the second half. The referee ruled the penalty invalid and City were awarded a corner kick instead.
It was one of a number of bizarre decisions by the referee, with both teams being given two yellow cards for simulation instead of two penalties.
First, Dante Headley was called to dive after going down under pressure from Noah Ajayi. That was before United’s JJ Gabriel, who had a quiet night, was also booked despite apparent contact with Caden Braithwaite inside the area.
City almost got their second goal early on when a brilliant Ryan McAidou easily slotted the ball past Kukonki and Thwaites before slotting the ball into the area. It hit the bar, dealing slight damage to the recovering Kukonki.
United suddenly came alive with three minutes remaining when Heskey fired home. Chido Obi had a late shot blocked in an attempt to equalize late, but it was impossible.
City currently await the Premier League title play-off against south winners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week.
