Carrick watches on as Man Utd's future appears bright despite tough Youth Cup final

Michael Carrick was in the stands to watch Manchester United's future stars battle hard but were cruelly beaten with a late goal in the FA Youth Cup final.

Reigan Heskey’s late winner saw Manchester City lift the trophy 2-1 against United's U18s.

United had the better of the first half but were pressed back after the break and failed to create many chances.

It was only after they had conceded a second after 87 minutes that they really came to life and went close on several occasions.

United’s Godwill Kukonki cancelled out Floyd Samba’s opener late in the first half but the visitors also had many other openings mainly on the counter-attack.

Carrick and the United first-team staff were watching on as well along with an impressive turnout from the first which included Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Ayden Heaven.

United arrived at the Joie Stadium – the controversial venue for this final with the Etihad Stadium unavailable – with all eyes on 15-year-old JJ Gabriel.

The youngster, scorer of 26 goals in 29 games, was named the Premier League’s under-18 player of the year award this week but he was unable to inspire his side to victory.

His talent is clear for all to see but he was unable to get enough of the ball to cause real damage.

Five minutes before half-time, City’s lead came via the sons of former Blackburn defender Chris Samba. Tyrone Samba was felled by Rafe McCormack and his 17-year-old brother Floyd curled a shot into the top left-hand corner.

But United were level just 59 seconds later. Jim Thwaites, on the first-team bench at Chelsea last month, crossed from deep and Kukonki barged his way through to head home.

City turned up the heat in the second half. Tyrone Samba fired into the side-netting and Ryan McAidoo saw a cross deflected on to the crossbar.

With time running out, McAidoo ran into a wall of defenders inside the United box but City worked it wide for Heskey to cut inside his defender and fire into the roof of the net.

It may be a disappointing end but it has been a stunning season from the U18s and the likes of Gabriel and Thwaite will be knocking on the first team door.