Manchester United hoping for more FA Youth Cup joy in front of 65,000 fans

Manchester United’s teenagers are providing hope at the end of a wretched season for the club, with more than 65,000 fans set to flock to Old Trafford for the FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest.

While the directionless Red Devils stumble towards the conclusion of their worst ever Premier League campaign, the focus on developing talent at a club synonymous with homegrown stars is reaping rewards.

The Old Trafford giants have the chance to add to their record of 10 Youth Cups on Wednesday as Travis Binnion’s Under-18s host surprise package Forest, who are coached by ex-United reserve boss Warren Joyce.

A record Youth Cup final attendance will provide an unforgettable backdrop as United’s young talents looking to win the competition for the first time since Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Co did in 2011.

“It’s a massive game, significant in the club’s history,” United youth captain Rhys Bennett, with the club since Under-9 level, said.

“We’re proud to get to the final. We’re buzzing. Comfortably the biggest crowd we’ve played in front of.

“It’s an amazing experience for every one of us. It’s the closest you can get to a first-team game, playing in front of thousands of fans, an unbelievable opportunity.”

Bennett grew up eight miles away from Old Trafford in Denton and is among a core of players from the north west, including impressive Kobbie Mainoo, Daniel Gore and Sam Mather.

Those local players are complemented by a sprinkling of talent from across the UK and other European clubs.

Alejandro Garnacho is the star name of this crop, having shone on the run to the final and been called up to Argentina’s senior national team before even appearing on the bench for United’s first-team.

The 17-year-old, who has since