The trophy had eluded them since the waif-like skill and mesmerising pace of George Best had guided them to a 5-2 aggregate defeat of Swindon Town.

Now another wing wonder was set to emerge, an 18-year-old Welshman called Ryan Giggs.

His irresistible talent had aleady propelled him into United's first team and his occasional presence in their youth team, alongside future England stars like David Beckham and Nicky Butt, made United the team to beat in that season's Youth Cup.

They started their long journey to the Final with a 4-2 defeat of Sunderland at Roker Park. Subsequent victories over Walsall, Manchester City, Tranmere Rovers and the fancied Tottenham Hotspur confirmed the potential of Eric Harrison's side and set up the prospect of a Final between United and Crystal Palace.

Nearly 8,000 fans turned up for the first leg at a rain-soaked Selhurst Park and they saw a rampant United, even without Giggs, win 3-1.

Butt swept Ben Thornley's (pictured) cross past Jimmy Glass for the opener on 17 minutes and Beckham rifled home the second eight minutes later. Substitute Stuart McCall gave Palace some hope with an excellent headed goal before Butt restored United's two-goal advantage with just a minute to go.

A month later the inspirational Giggs and Thornley set up a thrilling 3-2 victory in the second leg before more than 14,000 at Old Trafford.

Coach Harrison said after United's 6-3 aggregate success: "The secret with kids is not to put pressure on them, by telling them to be careful in what they do all the time. Whilst they have to have discipline, they must also be allowed to express themselves".