The Cole Palmer-inspired message that motivated Man City players to FA Youth Cup success

Manchester City’s players knew ahead of time that Friday’s FA Youth Cup final was a chance to write their name into the history books.

Jahmai Simpson-Pusey told ManchesterWorld in the build-up to the game about his motivation to lead City to success, and said it would be an opportunity to ‘put on a show’. That’s exactly what they did, with a 4-0 victory over Leeds United achieved thanks to second-half goals from Justin Oboavwoduo, Jaden Heskey, Stephen Mfuni and Matty Warhurst at the Etihad.

But just to underline the pre-match message that this was the most significant game of these players’ precious careers, manager Ben Wilkinson had an inspirational trick up his sleeve.

“The staff did a meeting where we saw the history of the club in the competition,” defender Kian Noble said after the game “For me personally, it really motivated us to go out there and win the game and win it comfortably as well.

“It’s massive. We know the history of the competition,” he added. “It was an amazing experience for us and an amazing moment. The first half was difficult because the game was very tight, but I'm just happy we got over the line.”

Friday’s victory was the fourth time City’s Under-18s have won the greatest prize on offer in youth football. The 2020 iteration was the last side to achieve the feat, with James McAtee, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all scoring in the final, three players who are now Premier League regulars and were mentioned in Wilkinson’s video.

“We are just trying to emulate them, the likes of Cole Palmer, Tommy Doyle, Taylor Harwood-Bellis won it a few years ago so we are trying to be like them almost and trying to make our own way in the professional game,” said Noble.

“That was good motivation before the game,” added Heskey, who scored in the final and has now got one over his dad, Emile, who never won the Youth Cup during his distinguished career.

“I came out of that meeting proper pumped for it. It showed the ‘Class of ’92’, the old City teams in the ‘80s that won it and all the players and where they’ve gone on to. Some in the Champions League now like [Jadon] Sancho, [Felix] Nmecha, Brahim Diaz, all them. That was good motivation to have before the game just to try and get yourself in history again.”

“It kind of touched my heart,” added Simpson-Pusey. “Seeing all the players in the ‘90s to the 2024 group is crazy and we’ve just gone and won it. We’ve got our names down on that list. I’m over the moon.”

The defender also added his name to an even more illustrious list, and became the fourth player to have captained City to Youth Cup glory, along with Doyle, Ben Mee and Steve Redmond. But the news that he would wear the armband came completely out of the blue for Simpson-Pusey.

“Being captain is crazy,” he said. “I know I wouldn’t have been captain if Laks [Lakyle Samuel] was fit. But to have that extra confidence boost from Ben, I’m really grateful. I think it makes me play better with loads of confidence and not as much worry.

“When I walked into the changing room I saw the captain’s armband on my shirt and I was shocked. For me personally it gives me a big confidence boost to be able to lead the team.

“It was unreal. It still feels surreal to win such a big tournament and we’ll definitely be remembered for that,” the teenager added.

For now, Noble, Heskey, Simpson-Pusey et al will be remembered for their Youth Cup triumph, but it’s unlikely to remain their biggest achievement for long.