OFFICIAL: Manchester United faces Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United U18 secured a thrilling victory over Crystal Palace U18 to advance to the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City U18.

In the second semifinal of the FA Youth Cup (the FA Cup for the U18 age group), Manchester United U18, playing at home, confidently started against Crystal Palace U18.

This proactive approach quickly translated into dangerous opportunities, as Yuel Helafu and Obi nearly scored within the first 12 minutes. However, despite good ball control and determined pressing, the home team lacked sharpness in their final touches to truly challenge the opposing goalkeeper.

This somewhat allowed the London representatives to regain their footing. They successively created two notable chances with Dean Benamar and David Angibeaud. In the latter situation, the visitors even argued that Angibeaud was fouled inside the penalty area, but the referee firmly denied awarding a penalty.

It was only around the 60th minute that the next clear opportunity emerged, and Obi unfortunately failed to capitalize when shooting from close range. At minute 76, the decisive moment finally arrived. Receiving a through pass from Obi, JJ Gabriel, a player just 15 years old, calmly shot into the low corner, opening the scoring for the home team.

However, this slender advantage did not last long. The visitors immediately responded when Cameron Byrne-Hughes rushed out to handle a long ball unsuccessfully, inadvertently creating an opportunity for Anderson to easily score the equalizer.

The remaining minutes unfolded with high drama. Ben Casey nearly became the hero, but his shot was denied by the crossbar and Dan Armer. The two teams were forced into extra time after 90 minutes of stalemate.

In extra time, the match became tighter and opportunities became scarce. The most notable was a shot by Kairo Smith-Phillips that was blocked by the home team's goalkeeper.

When the match seemed destined for a penalty shootout, James Overy made the difference on the right flank. With just three minutes left, he assisted Obi to score the decisive goal, helping Manchester United U18 secure a thrilling 2-1 victory.

In the final, Manchester United U18 will face their arch-rival Manchester City U18, who achieved a crushing 4-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers U18 in the previous semifinal.

The FA Youth Cup final will take place at 1:00 AM on May 10.