Man Utd unleash three new stars as Wayne Rooney attempt fails | Football | Sport
Chido Obi starred as Manchester United won in the FA Youth Cup (Image: Getty)
When Manchester United took to the pitch for their FA Youth Cup fixture on Friday evening, Darren Fletcher found himself in an enviable position: an embarrassment of riches, as they say, with more talent at his disposal than one could reasonably manage.
The decision to field JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi together against Derby County seemed almost unsporting. Both are exceptional prospects capable of competing against seasoned professionals, let alone opponents their own age.
Meanwhile, Kai Rooney was named amongst the substitutes. The son of Wayne Rooney boasts an extraordinary goalscoring record, having netted 56 times in a single campaign aged just 11. His legendary father was present in the stands alongside Michael Carrick to witness proceedings.
Wayne Rooney was in the stands after being mobbed for photos outside (Image: Getty)
Carrick’s attendance demonstrated his ongoing commitment to the academy, having also watched the Under-21s earlier in the week. The former midfielder has previously spoken about the significance of the Youth Cup, expressing his enthusiasm about being there.
Steve Holland and Jonny Evans were also observed in the directors’ box. Stephen Torpey, the academy’s head, is believed to have warmly welcomed the renewed presence of first-team personnel at youth fixtures.
Ruben Amorim had shown little comparable engagement during his brief spell in charge. Rooney attempted to maintain a low profile upon his arrival at Old Trafford, though his hooded disguise proved ineffective against a handful of enthusiastic supporters outside the stadium, who persuaded him to pose for photographs.
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It made headlines that Rooney’s son was among the substitutes at Old Trafford, nine years after his father’s last appearance at the stadium. Kai has operated as a striker throughout his youth career, but his father recently revealed his position has evolved, explaining: “He’s gone to the right wing. Left-footed, coming in off the right side.”
The warning signs were evident for Derby. Gabriel glided down the left flank – his balance is remarkable – and delivered an exquisite cross into the penalty area.
The 16-year-old was quickly back on that wing, cutting inside and unleashing a shot, only to be thwarted by Derby goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk. Obi wasn’t about to let his younger teammate take all the plaudits and attempted a strike of his own from the edge of the area.
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Moments later, he was foiled by the outstretched legs of Dzialuk. The forward made seven Premier League appearances last season and shone during the post-season tour, but he’s solely featured in academy matches because coaches believed he still requires development.
It must have been challenging for Obi to step back down after experiencing what it’s like to perform before a packed Old Trafford, however, anyone who has observed him play for the U21s this season will understand the decision to move him down, as he still has aspects of his game to refine.
While Obi’s final ball, decision-making and work-rate when defending could use refinement, there’s no denying his lethal finishing ability at youth level, especially in the U18s. Despite limited U18 action since joining, United’s ambitions to clinch the Youth Cup were made clear by Darren Fletcher’s decision to field him.
Kai Rooney came off the bench in United’s win (Image: Getty)
Fletcher has made his return to the U18s helm following a brief spell as caretaker boss. The 41-year-old turned down a position on Michael Carrick’s coaching staff, believing that staying with the U18s was the right move for his career trajectory.
Fletcher brought the same passion he showed during Premier League clashes with Burnley and FA Cup ties against Brighton, barking tactical instructions at Gabriel and keeping Bendito Mantato sharp on his defensive responsibilities. “Bendi, come on!” Fletcher bellowed as Derby launched a dangerous counter-attack.
Pre-match talk centred on treating Derby with respect, and that assessment proved accurate. Despite United’s array of talent on display, the visitors looked threatening throughout. United goalkeeper Cameron Bryne-Hughes found himself increasingly tested as the match wore on. Fletcher’s frustration mounted on the touchline.
Nothing was going to plan, epitomised by Gabriel and Obi blocking each other’s path near Derby’s penalty area. Tension rippled through the crowd when Gabriel was dispatched forward in the closing 10 minutes, only for Derby skipper Rio Canoville to produce a superb recovery tackle to snuff out the threat.
Moments later, Mantato, who had been the standout figure in red throughout, squandered a golden opportunity as normal time drew to a close. Fletcher likely urged his side to keep battering away at Derby’s defences as they prepared for the additional period. Substitutes James Overy and Kai Rooney were summoned from the bench, with Overy making an instant contribution by delivering a cross that unlocked the deadlock in the 101st minute.
A deflated Derby crumbled again just two minutes afterwards, their resistance finally cracking. Obi claimed the goal he had been craving, marking it with a knee slide before the 2,000 supporters.
Chants of ‘Rooney, Rooney’ rang out when Kai Rooney entered the fray. Derby manufactured a tense finale by pulling one back to make it 2-1 deep into extra-time, but ultimately it was United’s superior squad depth, their wealth of talent, that made the decisive difference on the evening.
