Manchester United v Crystal Palace
The FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON
Fifth Round
Tuesday 30 January 2007
Hyde United FC


15 January 2007
VIDEO: Fourth Round - Crystal Palace 4-2 Plymouth Argyle

Watch the action as Palace edged past Plymouth Argyle despite a frantic finale where four goals were scored in just seven minutes.


Crystal Palace haven't bothered hiring any spy planes to fly over the Manchester United Academy's training sessions - instead, they have been tuning into MUTV.

There were stories last week that planes had been flying over United's Carrington training ground and filming Wayne Rooney and co going through their work-outs, but Palace have simply turned to the small screen for some inside information.

The Eagles have been recording the United youngsters' televised matches ahead of their FA Youth Cup match tonight in a bid to familiarise themselves with their tactics.

And their assistant Academy manager, Gary Issott, believes the only way to prepare for the competition is by copying the masters.

He said: "We have had them watched. I saw them play Southampton and we have been watching their games on MUTV too, which could work in our favour.

"It is good for our lads to go and play Manchester United because they are the team that has won the competition the most times.

"We do not get the chance to play them much. I think the last time we met was over ten years ago, so it will be good for the lads to test themselves against the biggest club in the world.

"There are lots of teams who have won this competition before and the players have not gone on to make the grade in the full squads, but Manchester United have the ability to bring those players through.

"They are the benchmark at this level. During the 1990s they produced so many top players who went on the win the treble and play for England and that is credit to their youth system."

Palace have been given a helping hand with their preparations from United's local rivals Manchester City, who have offered the club the use of their training pitch.

Issott added: "We travelled up after training on Monday and stayed the night.

"Manchester City have been very kind and allowed us to use their training facilities on the day for a little light session. It was very good of them but maybe it has something to do with who we are playing!"