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Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox warns young stars such as Garnacho, Hansen-Aaroen and Mainoo that they have a 'long and winding road' ahead to the first-team despite FA Youth Cup triumph at Old Trafford

Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox believes the club's traditions remain as strong as ever after their latest talented crop won the FA Youth Cup.

After a thoroughly miserable season at Old Trafford, the club's under-18 team provided some optimism as they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to win the competition for the 11th time.

A crowd of 67,492, including club icons Sir Alex Ferguson, Bryan Robson and Ryan Giggs, saw the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Rhys Bennett and Kobbie Mainoo make names for themselves.

Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox says the young stars still have a long way to go
Manchester United's Under-18s produced a brilliant display to win the 2021-22 FA Youth Cup

Manchester United's head of academy Nick Cox (L) says the young stars have a long way to go

The Under-18 team beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 to win the competition for the 11th time

And Cox, who joined the club in 2016 and replaced Nicky Butt as academy head in 2019, has helped restart United's production line of young talent.