MANCHESTER YOUTH

Last updated : 01 April 2003 By editor

BRIAN McClair has backed his United young guns to reach the FA Youth Cup final - and overcome Charlton's mind games.

But Charlton's youth academy director Mick Browne was quick to pile on psychological pressure after the final whistle when he claimed the result made the Addicks strong favourites to go through.

"I was happy with a draw at home because we will win at Old Trafford," he said. "The United boys won't be used to playing at Old Trafford. It will be hard for them and it will put them under an awful lot of pressure. We can go there and enjoy ourselves and finish the job."

McClair, however, remains convinced that United will set up a potential derby final with Manchester City if they repeat their efforts in south-east London in the second game.

"More than half of the lads have already played at Old Trafford because some have played for the first team and we also had some youth games there last season," he said.

"I'm not worried about them playing there at all. In fact, I think they will enjoy it. If we play as well and apply ourselves as we did at Charlton, perhaps being a bit more clinical, we'll have a good chance."