WAYNE ROONEY watched on as Manchester United’s Under-18s secured a league and cup double over Man City.
The young Red Devils had already secured the Premier League North title last week with a victory at Wolves.
They had gone unbeaten in the league until March – when their neighbours ended that incredible run.
But last night their season got even better as United claimed revenge on City to lift the Premier League Cup at Leigh Sports Village.
Several of the players involved were actually on the first-team bench as the Red Devils narrowly avoided disaster and beat Coventry on penalties to set-up a showdown with Man City in the FA Cup Final on Sunday.
Harry Amass, Ethan Wheatley, Louis Jackson and Habeeb Ogunneye were all substitutes for Erik ten Hag, but the first three started yesterday while the latter was on the bench again.
And it was Wheatley that got Adam Lawrence’s side off to a dream start with a first half brace.
His first was a brilliant volley, while the second saw him round the goalie.
Lawrence took off the goalscorer at the break along with Amass and centre-half Louis Jackson, which suggests they may be involved for United’s seniors against Sheffield United tonight.
Ogunneye was introduced into the action at the break and, despite Stephen Mfuni pulling one back late on, they held on to lift the cup and triumph 2-1.
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United’s record goalscorer legend Rooney, along with wife Coleen, was spotted in a private box.
The club’s new technical director Jason Wilcox also joined him to watch the action.
Head of the academy Nick Cox, Lawrence and United’s U21 boss Travis Binnion have all received praise for their work in transforming the club’s academy around.
But Phil Jones, who was part of United’s last Premier League title-winning side, has also played his part.
The 32-year-old retired last summer after his contract at Old Trafford expired.
He started a global football sport directorship course after deciding on his next career move but has also been back on the training pitch.
The ex-England international has also been part of the U18s’ coaching staff this term.
Read more about United's starting XI from last night:
Elyh Harrison
The young goalie joined the club in the summer of 2022 from Stevenage.
James Nolan
The promising right-back was born in Chorley.
Harry Amass
The London-born left-back has been capped for England at U17 level.
Louis Jackson
The Scottish centre-back has already lifted the FA Youth Cup final.
Jack Kingdon
Another Scot who has captained his country at U18s and who was formerly at Morecambe.
Ruben Curley
Local midfielder has been at United since he was a schoolboy.
Finley McAllister
Born in Salford, the midfielder regularly represents England at Under-17s level.
James Scanlon
The Gibraltar born attacker started at Derby County but joined United in 2023.
Jack Fletcher
Left City for United last year and has shone in midfield.
Ethan Williams
A Mancunian midfielder that has risen through the United academy.
Ethan Wheatley
The Stockport-born striker has been a regular scorer for the U18s and U21s and that has been rewarded with him getting the call from the seniors to go on the bench.
