Manchester United sealed their place in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-2 win over Arsenal in a thrilling contest that went to extra time.
Manchester United went in front in the 36th minute at the Emirates after a fine strike by Jack Fletcher – one of the twin sons of Red Devils legend, Darren.
But Arsenal hit back six minutes later to level through Louie Copley. The Gunners then took the lead for the first time 11 minutes into the second half as 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman won and then converted a penalty.
But United refused to lie down and hit back in the 84th minute as a fierce strike from right back Jaydan Kamason found the corner of the net.
Extra time was needed to separate the two teams and it was substitute Bendito Mantato who popped up with the decisive fifth goal of the game in the 99th minute to book United’s place in the last four.
But who were the standout stars? Mail Sport’s ISAAN KHAN and NATHAN SALT were on hand at the Emirates to pick out three players from each team who caught the eye…
Bendito Mantato came off the bench to score the winner in a five-goal thriller at the Emirates
United booked their place in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals after getting past Arsenal after extra time
JACK PORTER: (RATING – 6.5/10)
Porter had to keep alert and did so, parrying away the many opposition shots at his goal.
He was beaten by an impressive strike from Tyler Fletcher — the son of Darren — which arrowed in, and conceded a further two, but made some good saves. Particularly so in the first half in which Manchester United were in the ascendency around the Arsenal box.
The 6ft 2in goalkeeper is big for his age and made use of that size in the goalframe. His goal-kicks need to improve in power, but the 16-year-old’s reflexes were in order.
There was a solid save off Harry Amass’s shot from outside the area and some quick dives to the ball.
His last appearance at the Emirates came in September, becoming Arsenal’s youngest-ever starter against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
That sparked a lot of attention around the Essex-born keeper. He is developing nicely.
Jack Porter is developing nicely after making his first-team debut back in September
AMIR IBRAGIMOV: (RATING – 7/10)
Manchester United were heading for an exit here in a second half where they lacked a bite and guile in the middle of the park.
Ibragimov is only 16 but he changed the tone of United’s play and showed a lot of the work he has developed playing in the U21s.
The English-Dagestani midfielder is so versatile in that he can play further forward as more of a No 10, a creative No 8 or an even deeper-lying option for boss Adam Lawrence.
Ibragimov’s energy was key to United getting back into the game and along with fellow substitute Jim Thwaites, United were able to out-run an Arsenal team that saw numerous players go down with cramp and niggles. His tackling, too, caught the eye with a handful of crucial interceptions to stem Arsenal counterattacks.
Likened to Wayne Rooney as a youngster by some around the academy, this was not his finest night but was a performance that helped the team so much he deserves a mention for his contribution.
A real feather in his cap this performance.
Amir Ibragimov (left) can play better, but still made a telling contribution on a big night for United
JACK FLETCHER: (RATING – 7.5/10)
Has been in and around the first team training group on occasion and you can see his development in real time.
One of his best traits is that he’s always available and showing for the ball in this three-man midfield and he never shies away from receiving in tight spots.
He produced a stunning strike to break the deadlock on his weaker right foot and then suitably riled up the Arsenal fans with a knee slide celebration by the corner flag.
Had his work cut out in a midfield battle dominated by Max Dowman but of all the United players in there, he was the one who held his own the most.
Can still work on his set-piece delivery but this was an accomplished display on a night where a number of United’s youngsters fell short of their standards.
Jack Fletcher is the son of United legend Darren, and did his family name proud by scoring a brilliant opening goal for United
MARLI SALMON: (RATING – 8/10)
It has been a good while since Arsenal have produced a centre back from their academy who has played for the first team.
The impressive Salmon has a chance of putting himself in the mix in years to come if he continues to jump up in levels.
At just 15 years old, only Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri have played for Arsenal Under 21s in Premier League 2 at a younger age than Salmon.
There was a composure on the ball and ability to recover situations with his pace which made him standout in the backline.
Two moments in particular reflected the teenager’s promise. After 34 minutes, he slid in with a great last-ditch tackle to dispossess Gabriele Biancheri who was in on goal. It drew applause from the 7,500 in attendance.
There was also an aerial interception on 52 minutes, where he deftly brought down an over the top delivery with aplomb.
Salmon certainly passed his first big test in an Arsenal shirt.
JAYDAN KAMASON: (RATING – 8.5/10)
Manchester United’s best player on the night, this was another accomplished performance by right back Jaydan Kamason.
He produced a crucial last man challenge to deny Ceadach O’Neill a shot in the area at 0-0 after a stunning through ball from Max Dowman set him free.
Later he should have done better when racing onto Gabriele Biancheri’s cross-field ball where he ended up blazing over the bar.
Was a lock defensively and offered a genuine attacking threat down the right and underlined that with the strike of the night to rifle in the equaliser at 2-2. One of the academy’s most in-form players right now and it showed.
Some of his footwork in tight spaces drew applause from Adam Lawrence and his coaches.
Kamason made United history in 2023 by becoming the first player from the club’s Emerging Talent Programme to sign a professional contract.
He joined the programme in 2017 while playing for grassroots side Stockport Vikings and he continues to go from strength to strength.
Looks a genuine option at right wing-back should he be called upon in the coming seasons.
Jaydan Kamason scored a stunning goal to take the game to extra time
The right back was solid defensively and offered a constant threat going forwards
MAX DOWMAN: (RATING – 9/10)
The fast rise of Dowman continues; a name Arsenal fans will undoubtedly hear more of at the Emirates Stadium in the future. All the pre-match attention was squared on the 15-year-old, having been around the first team since before Christmas. From this performance, you could see why as he ran the show.
Dowman, who went on Arsenal’s recent trip to Dubai and even featured in their open training session ahead of the Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, glided with the ball, beating opposition players at will.
Max Dowman tucked home a penalty and delivered an excellent performance for the hosts
Dowman showed exactly why he has been regularly training with Arsenal’s first team this season
There was a backheel that took out three players, numerous forays forward and a mazy run which won Arsenal a penalty — and Dowman stepped up to score.
The way he was able to dominate players who were mostly two years older than himself showed just why Mikel Arteta has stated to integrate him in his squad.
Tonight was his first official goal at the Emirates. It won’t be the last.
