United’s Rafe McCormack hints secret weapon to sink City in Youth Cup final | OneFootball

Manchester United starlet Rafe McCormack has suggested that they have a hidden edge that could help them get the better of Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final.

Youth Cup final showdown

United are set to make their way to the Joie Stadium on Thursday to take on City in the first Manchester derby FA Youth Cup final since 1986.

Much of the talk leading up to the final has revolved around City’s decision to host the showpiece event, undoubtedly the biggest in English youth football, at the Joie Stadium. There was an expectation that it would be held at the Etihad but a time and date could not be agreed between the two sides.

City later claimed that the Etihad was under construction and therefore could not be used. United offered to make Old Trafford available but their neighbours rejected, insisting they were not willing to give up home advantage.

Rather than unfolding in a large stadium at a career-defining moment for the youngsters, the game will be staged at the Joie training ground, a venue with a meagre capacity of just 7,000.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Darren Fletcher, his coaching staff and the players have been left frustrated by City’s move.

More recently, it emerged that while United sold out their 1,000 ticket allocation in minutes, City are struggling to offload their 4,000 tickets. This could explain their reluctance to have the game at the Etihad as they would have faced the awkward scenario of being outnumbered by United fans.

But McCormack is not dwelling on this and has his sights set on winning the trophy. The player, who can play both in defence and midfield, spoke to club media and suggested that United’s fitness levels could get them over the line against City.

McCormack highlights United advantage

United’s fitness has been pushed to the limit in their FA Youth Cup campaign, while they also have the experience of a narrow penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final at Selhurst Park.

McCormack told club media, “It means a lot. I think me and the boys are really looking forward to it. It’s obviously a massive occasion and it’s going to be a great experience as well. United have won this trophy many times and we’re just hoping to add to that.”

“I’ve been at United since I was eight years old, so I think this is the big trophy I’ve been looking forward to playing in and it’d mean a lot for me and the boys if we did win it.”

He continued, “Especially the work we did in pre-season. We did a lot on the fitness and every day we train to a high standard, so I think that helps a lot.”

“The semi-final [against Crystal Palace] was very tough. We knew they were going to be a tough team, with a lot of very good players, and then the [League Cup] final to them was a disappointing loss. But I feel like it’s made us a stronger team since then and it’s added more motivation for this final coming up.”

“It was a massive shame to lose on penalties but, like you said, it’s about experience. Even if we did lose, we just saw it as a learning curve really.”

McCormack said of his transition from defence to midfield under Darren Fletcher, “I think, since I moved in there, he’s given me bits of advice, which has been really helpful personally, for me. Obviously, positioning-wise, whether I should stay back or whether I should go up. Lots and lots of tactical stuff.”

“He mostly just tells me to stay in the middle, to protect the defence and I think that’s my main job as a no.6. Personally, I really like the position. I think I’m more involved in the game but I just play wherever the manager puts me.”

McCormack spoke about his experience of training with the first team and named Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro as the two players he watches closely.

“When I have the opportunity to train with the first team, I’m looking at players like Kobbie [Mainoo] and Casemiro because I think, especially for Casemiro, he’s played there a lot of time. So I just tried to learn off them.”

“When you go up there, it’s just everyone’s technique, everyone’s touch. Obviously, they’re much faster but it is just a whole another level. So you have to get used to it. But’s been amazing, really good experience. I was quite nervous to be fair but, they’re all really nice lads. They all give you a handshake at the start and stuff so it was nice for me and made me feel more at home.”

“Obviously, with Ireland, it’s very different compared to here. They play a different sort of football but me and Jay McEvoy have just got use to it and we really enjoy going there.”

McCormack finished off by saying, “I think, since the start of the season, we’ve all progressed really well, which is the main thing for our development. So I think we’re really happy.”

“We’re all just really excited for the final. Obviously, it would have been a real bonus to play at a first-team stadium but I think we’re all just focused on playing well and, most importantly, winning the trophy.”

The FA Youth Cup final kicks off at 19:00 BST.

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