Manchester United Advances to FA Youth Cup Quarter-finals with 4-1 Win Over Oxford
Once again, JJ Gabriel emerged as a standout player for Manchester United, scoring a remarkable goal from 25 yards to secure a place in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, under the watchful eye of first-team head coach Michael Carrick.
The 15-year-old is becoming increasingly pivotal in United’s campaign, having scored in previous matches against both Peterborough and Oxford, displaying skill that outshines his more experienced teammates.
He may be smaller in stature, but during a rainy first half in Oxfordshire, he showcased his talent on a challenging pitch that had faced two inspections prior to the game.
Gabriel played off Chibo Obi in a 4-2-3-1 formation and despite not always being heavily involved, his ability to find space and his dribbling skills made him a constant threat.
His standout goal came when he scored with a low shot that slid past Oxford’s goalkeeper Harry Jones, following a clever feint that left a defender off balance.
While Gabriel shone, other players like Godwill Kukonki and Jim Thwaites also showcased their talent. Kukonki was exceptional in defense, while Thwaites directed play effectively from midfield, demonstrating his prowess in set-piece situations.
Thwaites, who missed the previous match due to injury, led by example against Oxford, controlling the game and contributing to numerous scoring chances. His set-piece abilities were particularly notable, which could be crucial for United as they progress further in the competition.
