Manchester United defeated Arsenal in a close match to secure a place in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals.
Manchester United took the lead in the 36th minute when Jack Fletcher, son of Darren Fletcher, scored with a powerful curling shot from the edge of the box.
Arsenal responded just before halftime as Will Sweet’s long pass found Louis Copley, who calmly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to equalize.
Arsenal’s standout player, Max Dowman, earned a penalty after a skillful run into the box and converted it to put Arsenal ahead.
However, United quickly equalized again through Jaydan Kamason, who scored with a long-range effort from the right wing in added time.
In extra time, Bendito Mantato scored the decisive goal for Manchester United, tapping in Samuel Lusale’s cross from close range.
Arsenal’s Will Street was sent off late in the game for a foul on Kamason.
Full-time result: Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United (after extra time).
Match Updates:
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Manchester United demonstrated their status as favorites to win the FA Youth Cup. Max Dowman, despite being on the losing side, impressed and is expected to have a bright future.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Players of Manchester United pose for a photo following the FA Youth Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal U18 and Manchester United U18 at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
FULL TIME OF EXTRA TIME – Man Utd progress
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United.
Arsenal’s FA Youth Cup journey ends. Max Dowman shone for Arsenal, while Jack and Tyler Fletcher impressed for United. Dowman is expected to feature for Arsenal’s senior team in the future.
RED CARD!
Will Street (Arsenal) receives a straight red card for a foul on Jaydan Kamason.
Penalty shout for the Gunners?
Arsenal denied a penalty after a foul on Ceadach O’Neill. O’Neill then goes close to scoring.
SECOND HALF IN EXTRA TIME BEGINS
END OF FIRST HALF IN EXTRA TIME
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United.
Arsenal has 15 minutes to save their FA Youth Cup hopes. Bendito Mantato’s goal currently separates the teams.
GOAL DETAIL:
Bendito Mantato scores for Manchester United after a cut-back from Samuel Lusale.
GOAL
Arsenal 2-3 Manchester United.
FIRST HALF OF EXTRA TIME BEGINS
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United.
30 mins to come
Extra-time approaching!
FULL-TIME
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United.
The match goes to extra time.
Potential match-winner…
Max Dowman’s impressive run and shot is saved by William Murdock.
More minutes, anyone?
Nine minutes of added time are announced.
GOAL DETAIL:
Jayden Kamason scores a powerful equalizer for United from the edge of the box.
GOAL
Arsenal 2-2 Manchester United.
Crowd feeling it
United fans chant against Arsenal.
Other ties
Arsenal will play Aston Villa or Plymouth Argyle if they win. Watford vs Manchester City is the other semi-final.
GOAL DETAIL:
Max Dowman scores the penalty for Arsenal.
GOAL!
Arsenal 2-1 Manchester United.
PENALTY – ARSENAL!
Max Dowman earns a penalty after a run from his own half.
‘Dowman another Lewis-Skelly or Nwaneri’
Max Dowman impresses in the second half, compared to other Arsenal young talents.
SECOND HALF BEGINS
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United.
View from the Emirates
Arsenal relieved to be 1-1 at halftime. Max Dowman has been Arsenal’s best player.
HALF-TIME
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester United.
GOAL DETAIL:
Louis Copley scores for Arsenal after a long pass from Will Sweet.
Marcus Bellamy