Winning isn't everything - McGuinness

Whether they win or lose the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford tonight, coach Paul McGuinness believes his Manchester United players will be better for the experience.

The Red Devils boast a 2-1 lead over Liverpool from the first leg at Anfield and are favourites to clinch a 10th Youth Cup crown for the club.

While McGuinness, whose father Wilf is a former United manager, is determined his team will complete the job against their fierce rivals, he is not losing sight of the overall point of his job.

“I have seen a lot of development in this side over the last few months,” he said.

“But for a number of them, we are approaching the time when we find out whether they can move on to the next level, whether that be the reserve team or the senior team.

“To win the Youth Cup would be a fantastic achievement but, win or lose, it is getting experience playing in big games that will have the biggest effect.”

Even with star defender Craig Cathcart injured, United will start heavy favourites following their narrow triumph on Merseyside.

Alex Ferguson has already admitted he did not expect the Red Devils youngsters would progress so far in the competition, and few would have given them a chance of reaching this position when they were trailing deep into injury-time in their semi-final with Arsenal.

However, it seems United’s youngsters have the same never-say-die spirit as Ferguson’s first team as Antonio Bryan hauled them back into the game, sending the tie into extra-time and ultimately paving the way for a win.

“I wouldn’t call it brainwashing exactly but these boys grow up at Manchester United from the age of nine or 10 and they are taught about the traditions of the club and what it takes to be a player here,” said McGuinness.

“The good thing about this group is that they have been together for so long. They have been on tours and trips and shared the same great experiences, so in a way they are like surrogate brothers and sisters.”