Displaying the characteristic resilience of their senior colleagues, Manchester United’s youngsters twice hauled themselves back into their FA Youth Cup semi-final before finally triumphing thanks to Danny Welbeck’s header five minutes from the end of extra time.

United will face Liverpool in the final seeking a record tenth victory in the competition, having justified Sir Alex Ferguson’s claim that his own youth set-up is producing young players that are more than the equal of Arsène Wenger’s much-vaunted youngsters. This may not have been the senior teams but there can be no doubt, given the intense rivalry between the managers, that Ferguson will derive particular pleasure from the win.

Arsenal arrived at Old Trafford backed by a single-goal advantage from the first leg. Kier-an Gibbs had scored the only goal of the game in front of a remarkable 38,000 crowd at the Emirates Stadium, and the left-sided midfield player appeared to have put the tie beyond doubt when he doubled the London club’s aggregate lead four minutes after the break, turning home from close range after good work by Nacer Barazite.

The goal confirmed the superiority of the Arsenal youngsters, whose controlled passing mirrored the style of their seniors, but it proved insufficient in the face of United’s determination. With Ferguson looking on, the home side pulled themselves into the game when Chris Fagan bundled the ball in from close range, setting up a dramatic flourish, capped by Antonio Bryan’s drive in added time.

The extra 30 minutes brought more of the same with Rhys Murphy, Arsenal’s England Under-17 international, restoring the visiting team’s overall lead in the 104th minute with a neat lob. United’s commendable spirit was undaunted, however, with Fabien Brandy again levelling the tie, scrambling the ball home before Welbeck eventually drew the proceedings to a close with a well-placed header.

Manchester United (4-4-2): B Amos (sub: R Zieler, 11min) — C Evans (sub: A Bryan, 66), J Chester, C Cathcart, R Eckersley — D Welbeck, D Drinkwater, S Hewson, D Galbraith — F Brandy, C Fagan. Substitutes not used: J Derbyshire, K Strickland, S Moffatt.

Arsenal (4-4-2): L Butcher — A Ogogo, P Rodgers, G Hoyte, R Steer — J Dunne (sub: H Lansbury, 74), M Randall, F Merida Perez, K Gibbs — J Simpson, N Barazite (sub: R Murphy 78). Substitutes not used: W Szczesny, R Fonte, C Parisio.

Referee: R Booth.

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