Oxford United U18s vs Manchester United U18s | Match Preview

Kassam Stadium
Wednesday 18 February, 6:00pm

Oxford United’s rising stars host English football giants, Manchester United, in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup. The U's are aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the competition for the second time in three years.

Retail Offer

The Club shop will be open until 6:00pm on Wednesday, and all ticket holders for this game can get themselves 10% off all junior lines in-store. Head to the store before kick off to make the most of this offer!

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How Both Teams Got Here

• Oxford United: The Yellows entered the competition at the third round stage and beat Wigan Athletic 2-0 at the Kassam back in December. Jack Lee and Mo Missanga scored either side of half time to seal a comfortable victory. This was followed up by a 2-1 victory against Colchester United. After falling behind in the first half, an own goal and Jack Lee's winner sealed the comeback and ensured their progression to this stage.
• Manchester United: The visitors also entered the competition at the third round stage and started their journey with a 1-0 victory at home to Peterborough United. They then followed this up with a 2-1 victory after extra-time against Derby County at Old Trafford. Chido Obi scored the late winner for Darren Fletcher's side. 

FA Youth Cup Under The Lights: The Scene Is Set For A Historic Night

Few competitions in English football carry the romance and pedigree of the FA Cup, and the same can certainly be said for the FA Youth Cup. A tournament that has provided the stage for generations of young talent to announce themselves on the national stage, the Youth Cup is full of drama, excitement and prestige.

For the young Yellows, this week’s tie is about much more than a routine fixture; it’s a chance to measure themselves in a competition rich with history and tradition. Having already faced Wigan Athletic and Colchester United in the previous rounds, they’ve had a glimpse of what it demands, but coming up against a side like Manchester United raises the challenge to an entirely different level.

Backed by a crowd of more than 2,000 supporters at the Kassam Stadium, the U's will experience a taste of the big occasion that makes this tournament so special. Under the lights and in front of a passionate home support, the stage is set for a memorable night as the next generation look to write their own chapter in the Club's story.

The Challenge Of Facing Manchester United

Standing in the way of a place in the quarter-finals for the U's is a club synonymous with elite youth development in Manchester United. Renowned for producing generations of top-level talent, including the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Bobby Charlton and Marcus Rashford, United's academy sides combine technical quality with athleticism and a winning mentality that reflects the standards set by the senior sides for many years. Manchester United hold eleven FA Youth Cup titles, the most of any club.

For the Yellows, it represents a formidable test. It is one that demands discipline out of possession, bravery on the ball and the composure to seize key moments. It is precisely this level of opposition that makes the FA Youth Cup so special, offering Oxford United's Under-18s the chance to measure themselves against one of the country's most respected academies on a stage built for big performances.

The Red Devils: The Ones To Watch

• Chido Obi: With seven premier league appearances to his name already, the young forward is largely considered to be United's greatest threat. Obi has quickly built a reputation as one of the most prolific young attackers in his age group. Powerful, direct and clinical in front of goal, Obi possess the physical presence to trouble defenders as well as the movement and instinct to find space in the box. His eye for goal makes him a constant threat, hence the reason he was trusted by former United boss Ruben Amorim to play a part in the first team squad towards the end of the 2024/25 season. Obi is also progressing through the age ranks for the Danish national team, so has built incredible experience already at just 18 years of age and will fancy his chances of scoring once more in the FA Youth Cup this week.

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• JJ Gabriel: Obi’s fellow striker, Gabriel, is central to much of Manchester United’s attacking play. Operating alongside his forward partner, he combines sharp pace with close control and flair, while also posing a persistent danger from set pieces, regularly contributing both goals and assists. Still only 15 and already representing the England Under-16s, he is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects at Manchester United, with a very promising future ahead.

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• Jim Thwaites: Part of Manchester United’s pre-season tour of Asia in the summer of 2025, Thwaites is a midfielder brimming with talent and widely regarded as one of the academy’s standout prospects. Technically assured and composed, he combines sharp vision, intelligent passing and close control with a real threat from set pieces, highlighted by his stunning 25-yard free-kick against Manchester City at the weekend. Comfortable across several midfield roles, he dictates tempo from deeper areas and, despite his young age, has already played above his age group and trained with senior players at Manchester United, earning praise for his maturity and all-round quality.

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How Are Both Teams Looking Heading Into The Game?

Both teams arrive to this game in excellent form, winning five of their last six in competitions. Manchester United's Young Devils will be buoyed by the brilliant 3-1 win on the (short!) road to arch rivals Manchester City at the weekend, whilst Jack Lee scored a late penalty to gain a vital win away at Newport County.

Mo Missanga: Oxford United's Electric Attacker

Recently rewarded for his outstanding academy form with a place in Matt Bloomfield’s matchday squad for the Sky Bet Championship clash with Birmingham City at the end of January, Missanga has emerged as one of the club’s brightest young talents.

This season, Missanga has featured 16 times for the Under-18s and has scored nine goals and produced four assists. A goal against Wigan Athletic in Round Three and an assist versus Colchester United following a dribble across the length of the pitch in Round Four have played a major role in the U’s run to this stage, underlining his growing influence in wide areas. His pace and direct running make him a constant outlet, while his sharp acceleration and fearlessness in one-on-one situations allow him to stretch defences, commit full-backs and create space for teammates in the box.

Beyond his attacking threat, Missanga’s willingness to track back and contribute defensively highlights his work rate, and his quality in the final third provides a genuine cutting edge. On a big occasion under the lights, his energy and exciting wing play could prove a decisive weapon for the young Yellows.

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Watch Mo Missanga's Football Journey So Far:

Jack Lee: Goals, Goals, Goals

Alongside Missanga, Jack Lee has been the main man in front of goal for the young Yellows this season. Lee scored the opening goal in the Third Round victory over Wigan Athletic and scored the winning goal in the last round against Colchester United.

Lee brings a focal point to the attack with his intelligent movement and tireless work rate. A natural penalty-box striker, Lee has a knack for arriving in the right place at the right time, whether attacking crosses or reacting quickest to second balls. His physical presence and ability to be aggressive makes him very useful in the air and allows him to hold the ball up and bring teammates into play. 

If the U's are to come out on top on this game, Lee will likely play a pivotal role.

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A Word From The Gaffer:

We sat down with  head coach Niall Keown ahead of the Young U’s fifth round clash against Manchester United.

“It's a massive opportunity for the boys to go and show what they can do at the Kassam again. It's the third occasion that they've had playing there this season, and the hope is that by now they start to find a routine and start to find a way to enjoy that occasion as much as possible."

Oxford have had the advantage of drawing a home tie in each of their three games, with Manchester United travelling for the first time in their Youth Cup run. When asked about this, Keown said:

“It's always a massive advantage being the home team and we've had a really good crowd the last few times and I expect the same and probably a few more for this one. It's always about the experience for the boys and it will be for a lot of them, maybe the biggest crowd they've played Infront of in their careers.

It’s important that they learn to cope with it and not over obsess with it, staying fully focussed on the game and then enjoying all those things after it.”

The Red Devils will be looking to win their 12th FA Youth Cup title, strengthening their record as the competitions most successful club. The visitors have knocked out both Peterborough and Derby County to reach this far in the competition and will be hoping to return to Youth Cup glory for the first time since 2007.

“A club of that size, there's always going to be a few individual players that are of a really high level. I think when you play against a team like that, there is obviously a respect for the badge and for the history. However, when the game starts and when the whistle goes, it's just eleven versus eleven and our boys have got to recognize that the badge counts for nothing once the game starts.

You get the opportunity once the whistle goes to prove that you're better than them and that's what the aim will be.”

The club have sold over 2000 tickets for the game, more than both the third and fourth round combined, representing the spectacle that Wednesday night holds. It’s a great opportunity for fans to come and watch the next generation of Oxford United and Manchester United. Keown finished by saying:

“It’s a massive occasion for the boys and the support is massively appreciated, the more numbers that we have their supporting and backing them, that does make a massive impact on the group.”

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Voices from the Camp: 

Watch Charlie Cramond's Pre-Match Interview HERE.

TICKETS

Tickets for this match remain on sale. Secure your seats for this exciting encounter in OX4 by:

• Clicking HERE
• Calling 01865 337 533
• Visiting the Ticket Office in person 

RETAIL

The Club Shop will be open until 6:00pm, so be sure to head to the store before the game to check out our latest merchandise! You can also shop 24/7 via our online store, where you’ll find a wide range of great products. From replica kits and golf apparel to home accessories and more, there’s something for every Oxford United fan.

You can shop online 24/7 HERE

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COMING UP

Oxford United Men's team look to finish February on the front foot as they take on West Bromwich Albion in OX4 on Saturday 28 February.

Meanwhile, this Sunday, the Women's team look to advance to the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women's FA Cup as they take on WSL2 outfit Charlton Athletic at the MGroup Stadium (Oxford City Football Club).

Tickets for both these fixtures are available to purchase, and can be done so by:

• Clicking HERE
• Ringing the Ticket Office at 01865 337 533
• Visiting the Kassam Stadium Ticket Office in Person

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STREAMING INFORMATION

The match will be free to watch on Manchester United's Official YouTube Channel.

You can watch the game by clicking HERE.