Young guns look to take positives after being given cup final Blues

IT wasn't to be City's day on Tuesday, as they were beaten by rivals United in the Premier League Cup final.

- JOE BRAY

The under-18s have maintained their high standards this season, but have come up against a United side who have raised the level. City can better their tally from last season that won them a fourth-straight title, but United have already surpassed that total to be crowned champions and completed a double by lifting the League Cup equivalent for the under18s this week.

Ethan Wheatley on the bench for United at Wembley - scored a first-half brace which proved enough to down City in front of former academy head (and now United technical director) Jason Wilcox, and United legend Wayne Rooney.

From disappointment comes the positives, however, with 16-year-old Stephen Mfuni impressing again and scoring as he continues a record-breaking campaign.

■MFUNI'S EVENTFUL DAY

Centre-back Mfuni has been fast-tracked to the under-18s this season and even used in the under-21s and it's clear to see why. The defender is calm on the ball and many of City's attacks against United started on his side. As City pushed to save something from the final, Mfuni popped up in the box to set up a nervy finish, even if it only proved to be a consolation.