Youth Cup Preview - Manchester City

Youth Success...
By Chris O'Brien
January 13 2004

Manchester United take on arch-rivals Manchester City in the fourth round of the F.A Youth Cup this Tuesday evening. Youth boss Brian McClair has revealed that he is desperate for his team to beat City tonight, as the Red Devils aim to retain the trophy after last seasons success.

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Youth Cup Preview - Manchester City

Manchester United take on arch-rivals Manchester City in the fourth round of the F.A Youth Cup this Tuesday evening, with Youth team boss Brian McClair ordering his side to do everything they can to advance to the next round of the well-respected competition.

United kicked off the defence of their Youth Cup crown with a 2-1 victory over Rushden & Diamonds, but the Red Devils know they will face an even tougher test this evening in the local derby against City.

Normally, the role of the Youth team is more concentrated on the progress of players involved rather than results on the pitch. However, McClair has told his team that the result is all that matters as the two Manchester sides so battle at Old Trafford tonight.

"In my time at this level City traditionally have had better results in the games we have played in Academy matches," said McClair.

"But the Youth Cup is a totally different situation. At Academy level we are not preparing teams to win games. We are looking at performances and trying to push players on.

"But this game we are preparing to win. It is not because it is City it is because it is the Youth Cup. In other matches the result is not top of the list.

"It is always nice to win but the result is not the absolute necessity. We are trying to get them to play well, get some form and progress through the ranks.

"But this is the one competition where we can prepare to win the game like the first team. The fact that it is City adds to it all. Derbies are derbies at any level."

The Youth Cup is a competition that tends to shine a spotlight on the young guns that are coming through the ranks at Old Trafford. Players such as David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville and Phillip Neville are just some of the starts who have graduated through United's wonderful Youth policy, and some more bright prospects will be in action this evening.

The game kicks-off at 7.30pm, and extra-time and penalties will be played if require. A decent crowd is expected at Old Trafford, with youth team games usually quite popular, so if your in the area get down and support the boys! Over 20,000 watched the Red Devils lift the Youth Cup against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford last season.

United Youth from: Heaton, Picken, Eckersley, Howard, McShane, Spectre, N'Galula, Hogg, Ebanks-Blake, Eagles, Calliste, Jones, Crockett, Flanagan, Marsh, Simpson, Martin.

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