Manchester United

Alex Bysouth
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

There's something magical about those seconds before the FA Cup final kicks off. Trumpets and tin-foil trophies, players as tense as the travelling fans, gaffers pacing the dugout in full club suits. The anticipation of a new hero emerging.

Some goals, though, are written in FA Cup folklore, rolled out for every cup final montage - they're the belters, the moments of individual magic, the strikes that sealed shock wins.

I've chosen 10 that make an all-time list and here's a peek at one of them. You can access the full article below to see where I've ranked it.

Norman Whiteside - Man Utd v Everton 1985

The odds were stacked against Manchester United, down to 10 men heading into extra time against an Everton side who were chasing a treble and had already beaten them twice that season.

But in the 110th minute, Mark Hughes threaded a ball into Norman Whiteside's path with the outside of his boot.

The midfielder scrambled down the right, cut in towards the edge of the box on his left and, with a subtle little stepover, created enough room to wrap a curling effort around Toffees defender Pat van den Hauwe and beyond keeper Neville Southall into the far corner.

"Some people have had the audacity to ask if it was a cross!" he later told BBC Radio 5 Live.

See my 10 selections in full

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick faces the media this afternoon for the first time since it became known he was the preferred candidate of chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to take over as head coach at Manchester United on a permanent basis.

Talks are thought to be happening around that situation, although it is not entirely clear when we are likely to get an announcement.

United always wanted to wait until the end of the season before making a decision, although there is a school of thought that an announcement ahead of the final home game of the season against Nottingham Forest would be better – certainly if he wasn't getting it, there would be a chance for fans to acknowledge the work he has done.

As things stand, he has been nominated for the Premier League's manager of the year prize after winning 10 out of his 15 games in charge of Manchester United.

I wouldn't expect Carrick to engage on the inevitable questions but it would be interesting to know if he intends to speak to the fans from the pitch after Sunday's game as is tradition.

Beth Tucker
Fan contributor

Is Michael Carrick experienced enough to handle Manchester United on a full-time basis?

Carrick came in when the clear objective was Champions League football in a season in which quite a few of the competitors for Champions League football have dropped off.

I think Ruben Amorim made it really easy for Carrick to come in and look like he's doing a fantastic job - and I'm not taking anything away from Carrick if he gets the job.

He put the best player in the Premier League in Bruno Fernandes in his best position - that number 10 role - and he got the best out of the players he's got. That does deserve some sort of reward.

But can he do it after big money has been spent this summer on some serious signings and the pressure mounts on you? You've also got multiple games per week, you've got Champions League football, you've got cup competitions. Has he got the experience to do it at that top, top level?

I think Carrick has [but] my top option would have been Andoni Iraola.

What he's done with Bournemouth is nothing short of sensational. He has a fantastic style of play. He's clearly got great management skills, because his squad gets ripped from him every season and top players get ripped from him after he's built them up and got the best out of them.

The way he makes different sets of players run for him tirelessly, press for him tirelessly and go again and again, on a minuscule budget, amazes me. Iraola is an absolute coup for anyone who manages to go and get him.

Manchester United have decided to not go down that road. The risk with him is it is a mammoth jump from Bournemouth to Manchester United.

Carrick, as a player and as manager, has proved he can handle that pressure. There's not that many top, elite candidates available and I think Carrick has benefited from that - and I wish him all the best if he gets the United job.

You cannot say it's not deserved from the results he's got. Hopefully Michael Carrick will be our Zinedine Zidane.

Find more from Beth Tucker at The United Stand, external

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Darren Fletcher feels the pain of a double cup final defeat will spur his Manchester United on to better things next season.

United lost the FA Youth Cup final 2-1 at Manchester City after conceding an agonising late goal at the Joie Stadium.

It followed up a penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League Under-18 Cup final last month and what turned out to be a second-place finish behind City in the Premier League North table.

Fletcher accepted his side did not perform to their best on Thursday night, with too many of their high-profile players off form.

But he feels they will benefit from the experience and believes it has been a productive first season in charge.

"I am really proud of them," he said. "I have loved every minute.

"No sour grapes tonight. We didn't deserve to lose against Crystal Palace but we came up short against City.

"The players are gutted. But when you lose it doesn't half drive you forward next season. It changes your summer.

"There is no celebrating. You are thinking about rectifying the feeling of defeat."

Four of his starting line-up, including star forward JJ Gabriel, will be available to Fletcher next season, along with 16-year-old Kai Rooney, who missed the final through injury.

It will be interesting to see whether Michael Carrick's son Jacey also pushes his way into Fletcher's plans.

• Listen to Fletcher talk of frustrations with The FA

Manchester United are monitoring Sporting Lisbon and Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand, 26, who is also on Arsenal's radar. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United is upon us - and BBC Sport will be bringing you every moment.

It will be the first time the two sides have met in the final since 1985-86, when Manchester City emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over two legs.

However, the FA Youth Cup reverted to a one-game final back in 2020 - so it will be all or nothing when the two teams go head to head shortly.

Kick-off is at 19:00 BST at the Joie Stadium in Manchester.

You can watch the action live on BBC iPlayer or tune in on the BBC Sport website and app. You can also follow live text commentary of the final here.

The latest news and views on the Red Devils in two minutes, every weekday afternoon.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The progress of Darren Fletcher's side has not been smooth over this FA Youth Cup journey.

Narrow home victories over Peterborough, Derby County - in extra time - and Sunderland, plus a comfortable away win at Oxford United, earned a semi-final against Crystal Palace, when they also needed extra time to get through, thanks to a Chido Obi goal eight minutes from time.

Chido is one of United's key men. The Denmark youth international made eight first-team appearances last season but has only appeared on the bench once this term. Tall and quick, with an eye for goal, United have been developing other aspects of his game. He will operate at the head of the visitors' attack and try to pin Manchester City's defence back.

JJ Gabriel is one of the most talked about young players in England. The 15-year-old Londoner was crowned under-18 player of the year by the Premier League this week. He operates in the number 10 position and tries to get on the ball as much as possible. He has exceptional balance and close control, is quick and represents a major goal threat.

Jim Thwaites was on the first-team bench at Chelsea recently. A number 10 at younger levels, Thwaites has been used in deeper positions this season. He has a fabulous passing range, is quick and has plenty of stamina. Also, he can be lethal at free-kicks, as City found to their cost when United won the last league meeting between the sides in February.

Skipper Dan Armer is a key man in central defence, Junior Brown and Noah Ajayi are dangers out wide and goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes has had a solid season.

Asked if there was extra motivation, with the final being against City, midfielder Rafe McCormack said: "100%."

He added: "It's obviously a big occasion, but we need to focus on ourselves and what we can do.

"It would have been a bonus to play in the first-team stadium, but to us it doesn't matter. We're just focusing on trying to win the trophy."

Read the full preview here

The Youth Cup final kicks off at 19:00 BST on Thursday and will be broadcast live from 18:50 BST on BBC iPlayer here, plus the BBC Sport website and app.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's Youth Cup contingent are benefiting from tips from the first team squad.

United aim to beat Manchester City at the Joie Stadium on Thursday night to win the trophy for a record 12th time.

Before the game, coach Darren Fletcher has already spoken of the positive impact senior team boss Michael Carrick has made by watching so many matches.

Yet the influence from the senior set-up goes much deeper.

When members of Fletcher's squad are called up for first-team training, guidance is offered by senior players.

"I remember there was one session and I was in front of Diogo Dalot and he was just talking me through the whole thing, just making sure I'm pressing in the right way, getting up to the ball, keeping the ball, everything," said Yuel Helafu of his fellow full-back.

Midfielder Rafe McCormack has a similar tale.

"If we have anything to say or we're stuck on some things they're all really nice," he said.

"I remember speaking to Mason Mount about passing through lines. He was very helpful to me and gave me his feedback."

Travis Binnion, United's head youth coach, who was in charge of the under-18s the last time they won the Youth Cup and is now part of Carrick's coaching team, is also a key figure.

"Every time we go to the first team, he'll give us some tips before the session," said McCormack. "He's very helpful for all of us that go up to the first team."

Chelsea have Real Sociedad's 24-year-old Spain forward Ander Barrenetxea on their list of potential signings this summer. (Marca - in Spanish), external

United are ready to make a formal move for Nottingham Forest's England midfielder Elliot Anderson. (Give Me Sport), external

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are looking for a permanent home for 30-year-old Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, who has been on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor. (ESPN), external

Manchester United are also ready to offer a new deal to 40-year-old third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick is expected to be recommended to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the permanent boss of Manchester United by the club's senior executives.

The 44-year-old has been viewed as favourite for the job since securing qualification for next season's Champions League during a successful period as caretaker head coach.

The club intended to delay making a decision on appointing a successor to Ruben Amorim, who was sacked in January, until the end of the season.

However, as first reported by The Athletic, chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox are thought to have concluded Carrick is the right man for the job and will tell Ratcliffe of their choice this week.

Providing minority shareholder Ratcliffe agrees, United will begin formal talks with Carrick before his future is confirmed.

United have been assessing other options, but some, such as England boss Thomas Tuchel, have decided to stay where they are, while Luis Enrique remains committed to PSG.

Read the full story here

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Benjamin Sesko's goal for Manchester United against Liverpool was allowed to stand because there was no definitive proof of handball, according to referees' chief Howard Webb.

Sesko scored United's second goal in a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford on 3 May.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot voiced his frustration that the video assistant referee did not intervene to disallow the 14th minute goal.

The Slovenia international had bundled the ball home from close range, and it looked like his fingertips may have brushed it before it went in.

"I think it probably does hit the hand," Webb said on Match Officials Mic'd Up.

"But of course, the VARs need [to see] that conclusively. They need to be absolutely certain that it does.

"Clearly, Sesko doesn't deliberately handle this. He doesn't make himself bigger. It's all very natural.

"But, of course, the laws of the game require any goal that comes off the hand immediately to be disallowed.

"That means the VAR has no option but to start looking for that.

"Sometimes it looks like they're being a bit too forensic, and you hear, in this situation, the VAR looking from various angles.

"They want to get it right.

"They need to be absolutely categorical to get involved, and they weren't able to find [the evidence], and hence the reason that the on-field decision stood."

Image source, Getty Images

Does Marcus Rashford lack the "graft" needed to return to Manchester United and feature prominently in the Premier League?

That is the question raised by BBC Radio Manchester's Gaz Drinkwater on the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast.

Rashford scored a fine free-kick as Barcelona defeated rivals Real Madrid to secure the La Liga title on Sunday, taking his tally to eight goals and nine assists in the league and 14 in all competitions.

"Based on what I've heard, I don't think they want to keep him," said Drinkwater.

"I would welcome him back at United if he's going to come back and accept he's not going to be in the team week-in-week-out.

"He wasn't in week-in-week-out at Barcelona, he was helped by certain players being injured. That's what got him in the team. He's not the player who will win you a league and he didn't win them the league.

"I'm sure he'd be happy to play that role at Barcelona but I think maybe he, in his own head, thinks that he's proved too much at Man United to not be given the starting position.

"But, that is not necessarily going to be the case and you need more than just little moments in the Premier League, you need constant graft. It's different to La Liga.

"I don't think at times Rashford was showing that constant graft, and that's not me saying he doesn't care about Manchester United. That's not me insinuating he doesn't try enough, it's me insinuating he is not that kind of player.

"He's a moments player. He's not your player to get stuck in and track back and put those tackles in. He's not Wayne Rooney, which is fine - not every player can be like that.

"But I think, just at United right now we need more players who are willing to graft, graft and graft. We have that in [Matheus] Cunha, [Bryan] Mbeumo and [Patrick] Dorgu. They may not have the ceilings of Rashford but they have those other things."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating:"Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"

• Listen to the show in full on BBC Sounds

• Watch the show in full on iPlayer

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United's Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher has confirmed the club offered hold the FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford.

Manchester City say they cannot host the game at the Etihad Stadium due to ongoing construction works. Instead, the match will be played at the Joie Stadium on their training complex, which holds around 7,000.

City are the only club since 2000 that has hosted finals away from the club's main stadium and this latest move has meant a scramble for tickets and limitations on the number of family members players can have at the game.

"We tried, because we really wanted a big stadium, and Old Trafford would have been an amazing occasion for the players, for everyone," said Fletcher.

"Obviously we're disappointed, because I think part of this competition is about playing in these big venues.

"This competition has a special history. Players who have gone on and won Premier Leagues still talk about how amazing it was to win with their youth team and their friends.

"We're disappointed for everyone, the Man City players, our players, coaches on both sides and the fans."

United played all their home games in the competition at Old Trafford.

Their one away game, at Oxford, was held at the Kassam Stadium.

"It is a learning for the players; how they feel it and how they find it difficult at times," Fletcher added.

"Everything in youth football is about developing them to be the best players they can be to go and have futures in the game. So, exposing them to that (stadiums) is a part of it.

"Usually, the Youth Cup is the first stage in that, and the one time you probably do expect it is in the final."