Arsenal’s Under-18s suffered a heartbreaking exit from the 2024/25 FA Youth Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium. In front of 7,500 passionate supporters, the young Gunners fought valiantly but were undone by Bendito Mantato’s decisive goal in the additional 30 minutes.
The match was an electrifying contest from the start, with Manchester United taking the lead in the first half through Jack Fletcher, son of former United midfielder Darren Fletcher. However, Arsenal quickly responded before the break, as Will Sweet’s pinpoint long pass found Louie Copley, who coolly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Will Murdock to level the score.
Arsenal’s 15-year-old midfield prodigy Max Dowman looked to have secured a semi-final spot for the Gunners after he won and converted a second-half penalty following a foul by Reece Munro. But just when Arsenal seemed to be in control, United’s Jaydan Kamason unleashed a thunderous strike that left Jack Porter with no chance, forcing the game into extra time.
With both teams pushing for a winner, it was United who found the breakthrough. Substitutes Samuel Lusale and Bendito Mantato combined brilliantly, with Mantato slotting home to seal United’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face either Aston Villa or Plymouth.
Despite the painful defeat, Arsenal’s young talents showed immense promise, particularly Dowman, whose performance was a standout on the night. However, it was not enough to keep their FA Youth Cup dreams alive, as Manchester United marched on in their quest for silverware.
