Wrexham And Manchester United U18s Advance In Historic FA Youth Cup Night

The FA Youth Cup is living up to its reputation for drama, history, and the emergence of new stars as the fourth round wrapped up with some unforgettable moments and landmark achievements. On a chilly January night, Manchester United Under-18s and Wrexham's youth squad both made headlines, each for their own reasons, as they advanced to the coveted fifth round of the competition. For Wrexham, the night was truly historic, while Manchester United’s youngsters showed nerves of steel in a tense extra-time thriller at Old Trafford.

Wrexham’s under-18s, led by manager Craig Knight, broke new ground by defeating Southend United 3-1 at Roots Hall on January 23, 2026. This result sent the Red Dragons into the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the club’s history—a remarkable achievement for a side that had never previously advanced beyond the fourth round. The goals came courtesy of Jac Jones, Carrick Murphy, and Sammy Chesworth, each etching their names into club folklore. Knight’s side now faces a daunting challenge: a fifth-round showdown with five-time winners and defending champions Aston Villa.

"It’s a special night for everyone involved with the club," Knight remarked after the final whistle, his pride evident. The excitement among the traveling supporters was palpable, with many already dreaming of a giant-killing against Villa in the next round. Wrexham’s path to this historic night has been built on hard work, unity, and a belief that anything is possible in cup football. The team’s journey through the earlier rounds displayed resilience and attacking flair, as seen in their comprehensive 3-1 victory over Southend United’s promising young side.

The match at Roots Hall was far from a formality. Southend, known for their own robust youth setup, pressed early and looked dangerous on the counter. However, Wrexham’s youngsters weathered the early storm and gradually imposed themselves. Jac Jones opened the scoring, coolly slotting home after a slick passing move. Carrick Murphy doubled the lead with a powerful finish, sending the away fans into raptures. Southend pulled one back to set up a nervy finish, but Sammy Chesworth’s late strike sealed a famous win for the visitors.

While Wrexham were making history, Manchester United Under-18s were embroiled in a tense encounter of their own. Facing Derby County at Old Trafford, Darren Fletcher’s side needed extra-time to edge past a determined Rams outfit 2-1. The match, played in front of a crowd of just over 2,000, was a showcase of young talent and competitive spirit. United entered the fourth round after a 1-0 win over Peterborough United, with schoolboy forward JJ Gabriel scoring the decisive goal in the previous round.

The tie against Derby was a cagey affair, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock during regular time. United’s Godwill Kukonki and Chido Obi both came close, while Derby’s physical approach and quick counter-attacks kept Fletcher’s team honest. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, setting the stage for a dramatic extra-time period.

It was in the 101st minute that the deadlock was finally broken, and in the most dramatic fashion—a Derby own goal. United’s James Overy delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and Derby defender Luca Crolla inadvertently turned it into his own net, giving United a precious 1-0 lead. Just two minutes later, Chido Obi doubled the advantage with a composed finish, celebrating with a knee slide in front of the Stretford End. The quick-fire double seemed to have sealed the win, but Derby refused to go quietly, pulling one back through Max Nessling in the 113th minute to set up a nervy finale.

One of the night’s most heartwarming moments came in the 99th minute when Kai Rooney, son of United legend Wayne Rooney, made his Old Trafford debut for the Under-18s. With his parents watching from the directors’ box, Kai replaced defender Kukonki and immediately made an impact with some neat touches on the right flank. The crowd responded with chants of “Rooney, Rooney,” a nod to the family’s deep connection to the club. According to reports, Kai posted a childhood photo alongside his father on the Old Trafford pitch earlier in the day, hinting at his involvement in the match. The appearance marked another milestone in the Rooney family’s storied relationship with Manchester United.

After the final whistle, Fletcher praised his team’s resilience, saying, "They showed great character to keep pushing and finally get the breakthrough. Derby were tough opponents, but we found a way." The victory means Manchester United Under-18s will face Oxford United in the fifth round, after Oxford came from behind to beat Colchester United 2-1 at the Kassam Stadium. The next round promises even more intrigue, with United’s talented crop—featuring the likes of JJ Gabriel, Obi, Kai Rooney, and others—hoping to continue their march toward Youth Cup glory.

The FA Youth Cup’s fourth round this year has been filled with last-gasp goals, dramatic comebacks, and stories of firsts. Stevenage made history by reaching the fifth round for the first time with a 3-1 win over Bolton Wanderers. Nine-time champions Chelsea edged Reading 3-2 thanks to a brace from Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, and Burnley cruised past Norwich City 5-1. Defending champions Aston Villa had to come from behind to defeat Fleetwood Town 3-2, while Ipswich Town, Charlton Athletic, and Crystal Palace all booked their places in the next round with impressive wins.

For Wrexham, the fifth round brings a chance to test themselves against the very best in Aston Villa. For Manchester United, the path to another Youth Cup title continues with a tricky away tie at Oxford United. Both clubs will be buoyed by their recent performances and the emergence of young stars eager to make a name for themselves on the national stage.

As the FA Youth Cup progresses, fans can expect more twists, more late drama, and perhaps even more history in the making. For now, Wrexham and Manchester United’s youngsters can savor their achievements, knowing that the next chapter in their cup journey is just around the corner.