Carrington is calm and cloudy on this quiet Thursday morning. First-team players will arrive at the Hyatt hotel in the afternoon for their nocturnal match against Chelsea, and there is more activity in the academy building across the car park.
On the indoor artificial pitch, the Manchester United youth team is huddled together to listen to a member of the Foundation deliver a sobering speech about the number of deprived children in the city, which is being broadcast live. Alejandro Garnacho, who is with the senior squad, is the lone player who stands out as being obvious by his absence.
A special thank you to the press that came to see the team coach, Travis Binnion. Nick Cox, the head of the academy, walks into the huddle and wraps his arm around Charlie McNeill in an avuncular manner.
It's a somber sermon, to be sure. While many of the silent teenagers are naturally shy, there are some who are not.
Some of his teammates are more reserved than others. Daniel Gore makes his opponents chase shadows in the middle of the field, but he is more reserved off the field when dealing with the media.
Going into the FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, Gore looked at ease at Old Trafford in the previous round, and he will have a record crowd to perform in front of if he wins the competition. To date, United has sold more than 50,000 tickets, each of which costs £1 and all of the earnings will be donated to the Foundation. The crowd is likely to break the previous tournament record of 38,187 set at the Emirates Stadium for the first leg of the 2007 semi-final between Arsenal and Manchester United.
It has been 11 years since United's illustrious Class of 2011 claimed the trophy in front of the Kop, when Ravel Morrison kissed the crest in front of the Kop, Paul Pogba dominated Chelsea's whizzkids at Stamford Bridge, and Jesse Lingard netted in the final.
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As Gore points out, "we are all familiar with Manchester United's history with the Youth Cup, which took place in 2011." "However, we are mostly concerned with ourselves. We know what we're going to do well in the final, and we've put in the effort to get there.
"Forrest is a top-tier squad that puts in significant effort; as such, we must not undervalue them. It will be challenging, but we must remain focused. Every game is treated the same way. Forest is in the same division as us and has the same number of points as us."
A short time after delivering their speech indoors, the rookies travel outside to the 3G pitch, where they will compete in small-sided games with Manchester schoolchildren. Sam Murray, the left-back, scores a stunning goal and celebrates enthusiastically with the rest of the team.
When Maxi Oyedele hears this, "I'll be honest, I was a little taken aback." "He was on the other side of the field from my squad. I thought to myself, 'Woah, I need to push it up a notch.' I enjoyed it."
Joe Hugill and Marc Jurado are on the opposite side of the field from Salford-born Oyedele, who made his Poland Under-18 debut against Switzerland in March. In the summer of 2020, United signed the latter two players, who joined the club together with McNeill, Garnacho, and Alvaro Fernandez.
Juan Jurado, who arrived from Barcelona at the same time as Fernandez, was the first passenger to touch down on the runway in Manchester. They were required to quarantine for two weeks and were introduced to their new coaches through the use of a Zoom video conference. Jurado and Fernandez began intensive English classes, while Arnau Puigmal and Mateo Mejia, two Spaniards already enrolled at the United academy, FaceTimed their newcomers to assist them in adjusting to their new surroundings.
Jurado is the most audible and enthusiastic participant in a memorable games class for schoolchildren. "My teammates and coach have made it possible for me to be here," he says. "I'm overjoyed, and I'm determined to keep going. I'm making good progress with my English learning. "Alejandro and Alvaro are doing exceptionally well so far this season, and we have a plethora of talented youngsters in our academy, so simply follow their lead," says the coach.
Hugill, a £500,000 signing amid stiff competition from Tottenham and Arsenal, was mentioned by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a press conference last season and has already made appearances for the first team in pre-season friendlies against Derby County and Queens Park Rangers this season.
This season, he was promoted to the Under-23s after impressing in his first month with the first team, scoring a total of 10 goals in 18 appearances, including four against Liverpool. "It was fantastic, being over there a few times," the 18-year-old says of the first-team sessions, where he had the opportunity to learn from "the greatest player the world has ever seen." Cavani was also present.
"They are always offering you advice on how to move around in the box, where you should be and where you shouldn't be." They've all been quite helpful, and it's been a significant step forward in my professional life. It is dependent on injuries as to whether you will be called upon to train with the first-team or not. You may find out on the day or in advance; all that is required is that you are prepared.
"You are aware of the club's stature, and they are all outstanding players, but you want to demonstrate your own abilities as well, truly." You concentrate on your training and, hopefully, you succeed.
In training games, I scored a few of goals while playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Sancho, and Marcus Rashford. Observing what they're doing and determining how you might apply it to your game. You want to get guidance from great players - whether you're asking them or they come over to you, it's beneficial to get their input.
"It seemed a little weird, the manager calling you by your first name. However, you must maintain your composure and remain focused. For a striker, scoring goals is the most important thing, but adding in hold-up play, runs in behind, and movement in the box is crucial for a number nine to be effective. "The coaches here have been of tremendous assistance to me."
As a result of an ankle injury, Hugill has played only a few minutes in the Youth Cup this season. As a result of his previous season's lineup with Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire, and Charlie McNeill, he would normally be a lock to start this season. Hugill may have to settle for a position on the bench in this season's attack, which includes Garnacho, McNeill, and Sam Mather, among others.
"Whoever plays, we're all confident in their ability; anyone can step on that pitch and put on a show," he continues. No matter whether it's my responsibility, I want the boys to achieve well.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for all of us." Play in the championship game; there is nothing else you really want. Massive stadium, large fans following us; this should be an exciting game. There is a lot of anticipation and nerves, but at the end of the day, it is just another game. We want to put in a strong performance and come away with the victory.
"It's the biggest trophy you can win if you're under 18 years old. However, for the club, it would be a significant step forward."
The Under-18s have played 13 times since their semi-final victory over Wolves on March 9, and they will face Forest in the league three days after the final at Carrington, where the attendance will be closer to one man and his dog after an audience of tens of thousands in the previous match on the same ground.
The players are well aware of the fact that the media responsibilities and increasing ticket sales briefs are intensifying the build-up. "Everyone is a little more focused around here now," Oyedele observes, "everyone is concentrated, but we are definitely looking forward to it."
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