Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United: Reigan Heskey settles FA Youth Cup final with late derby goal
Report as Man City beat Manchester United to win their fifth FA Youth Cup final; Reigan Heskey, son of Emile, scored the winning goal; Godwill Kukonki had cancelled out Floyd Samba's opening free-kick for City; Michael Carrick, Bruno Fernandes and Pep Guardiola among those watching on
Thursday 14 May 2026 22:56, UK
Reigan Heskey, son of Emile, scored a superb late winner as Manchester City beat Manchester United 2-1 to win the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time in their history.
With Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden and Antoine Semenyo watching on at the Joie Stadium, the 18-year-old smartly chopped past Yuel Helafu to fire into the top corner to settle the first Manchester derby Youth Cup final in 40 years.
The goal secures a league and cup double for City, both at the expense of their rivals United, who were also pipped to the U18s Premier League North title.
- As it happened | Man City fixtures & scores | FREE Man City PL highlights▶️
- Got Sky? Watch Man City games LIVE on your phone📱
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
City, who were beaten in last season's final by Aston Villa, redeemed themselves to secure a fifth FA Youth Cup in the club's history and their third in six years.
Controversially, the final was held at City's academy stadium due to scheduling issues with the Etihad. The 7,000-seater stadium hosted the first Youth Cup final at a non-Premier League ground for the first time since its decider was changed to a one-legged tie.
The Citizens opened the scoring through a stunning Floyd Samba free-kick from near 25 yards out that found the top corner. Just 59 seconds after the restart, Godwill Kukonki headed home a super pass from Jim Thwaites, a goal celebrated by interim first team head coach Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes, who were in attendance.
The sides went in level at the break, but it was quickly clear which side had emerged the brighter of the two.
United's Cameron Byrne-Hughes, who had denied Teddie Lamb in the first half with a top save, clattered into Samba minutes into the second half. The referee decided against a penalty and City were awarded a corner instead.
That was one of a number of curious decisions from the referee, who gave two yellow cards for simulation instead of two penalties for either side.
First, Dante Headley was booked for a dive after going down under pressure from Noah Ajayi. That was before United's JJ Gabriel, who had a quiet night, was also cautioned despite clear contact from Kaden Braithwaite in the area.
City nearly found their second earlier on when Ryan McAidoo, who shone, made easy work of Kukonki and Thwaites before drilling a ball into the area. It took a nick off a recovering Kukonki and hit the bar.
After Heskey fired home, United had suddenly sparked into life with three minutes to go. Chido Obi saw a late effort blocked in search of a late equaliser that wasn't to be.
City now look forward to a Premier League title play-off against south winners Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next week.
Fletcher left disappointed after defeat
After the game, United's U18s head coach Darren Fletcher says he feels for his players after their defeat. United who were gunning for a treble last month, have now lost two finals after losing in the PL Cup to Crystal Palace.
"I'm disappointed for the players in terms of the efforts that they have put in all season and we sit here having lost two finals and finished second in the league," said Fletcher.
"There have been some amazing performances, lots of improvements, individually and as a team, and we have come up a little bit short tonight.
"I feel for them but you learn more from a defeat - and that's a big part of being a footballer - and they have to use that to drive themselves forward to become better players and a better team in the future.
"Disappointing for me that we didn't quite bring our level to the game tonight, which will be the thing they [the players] are most disappointed with."
Heskey hoping to emulate his father after winner
Reigan Heskey said he wants to emulate his father Emile after scoring the winning goal. Former Liverpool and England forward Emile Heskey was seen celebrating in the stands.
"I'm very happy and he's proud of me as well," the younger Heskey said. "He was celebrating like mad. I haven't seen him yet.
"Sometimes he shows me videos, he was also a No 9 who scored lots of goals, so I'm trying to take a leaf out of his book.
"He's my dad and such a well-known player that I'm always going to get questions about it and I'm fine with it."
