United achieved an entertaining victory despite missing teenage striking sensation Chido Obi, who scored a hat-trick in the last round against Chelsea but missed out on a swift reunion with the club he left only last year due to his ongoing involvement with Ruben Amorim’s senior side ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round meeting with Premier League rivals Fulham at Old Trafford.
The fleet-footed midfield sensation - one of two 15-year-olds in the hosts’ starting lineup, along with defender Marli Salmon - was in dazzling form for Arsenal as he boosted his considerable hype even further and earned rave reviews for a superb display featuring a number of majestic passes and eye-catching runs that left opponents trailing in his wake or entering the referee’s notebook.
The Gunners saw two massive penalty appeals waved away in extra time, with United substitute Godwill Kukonki surviving strong handball claims following a shot by Dan Casey before also getting away with a risky challenge on Ceadach O'Neill inside the box.
Bendito Mantato’s extra-time effort from close range put on a plate by fellow substitute Samuel Lusale settled a pulsating last-eight showdown held at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, after Jaydan Kamason’s late rocket had forced an additional 30 minutes following a penalty won and scored by Max Dowman.
United had led in the first half through a cracking strike from Jack Fletcher, one of two twin sons of former Red Devils stalwart Darren in Adam Lawrence’s starting lineup, along with Tyler.
