Cristiano Ronaldo sent Manchester United U18s a video message before FA Youth Cup final

Manchester United’s Under-18s were spurred on to their FA Youth Cup triumph by a stirring video message from Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.

The young Red Devils clinched the trophy thanks to a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in front of a record-breaking crowd of 67,000 spectators at Old Trafford, with Rhys Bennett and Alejandro Garnacho firing them to victory.

United had to rally after Radek Vitek had drawn Forest level, but Travis Binnion’s side dug deep and found a stoppage time winner through Garnacho to seal the win. 

Cristiano Ronaldo sent the youngsters an inspiring video message before their big match 

And as it turns out, their success could have been inspired by Old Trafford legend Ronaldo, who had attempted to give the players a boost with a pre-recorded message that was played to them in the dressing room before kick-off, according to Manchester Evening News. 

Ronaldo has a good relationship with some of the club’s youngsters and has been mentoring 17-year-old starlet Garnacho – who marked one of his goal with the Portuguese star’s trademark ‘siuuuu’ celebration.

The pair have been seen embracing in training together and after Garnacho made his Premier League debut against Chelsea this season – while other members of United’s Under-18s know Ronaldo from experiences training with the first team.

Garnacho was the hero on the night with a brace and is now in line for a new contract as the exciting talent continues to develop, as revealed by Sportsmail. 

Alejandro Garnacho (left) produced Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuuu’ celebration after making it 2-1

Garnacho has been mentored by Ronaldo (left) and the pair have a close relationship 

The teenager was also named United’s young player of the year, following in the footsteps of players like Marcus Rashford, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes by picking up the Jimmy Murphy Award.

Garnacho has been named in United’s first-team squad for the last six games and made his senior debut as a late substitute against Chelsea last month.

The Madrid-born winger was also called up by Argentina for the first time in March and trained with Lionel Messi before representing the Under-20 team against the USA.

United are now set to reward Garnacho with improved terms, even though he only signed his first professional contract after turning 17 last July.

Former academy stars Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Anthony Elanga all got new deals within months of making their first-team debuts, and Garnacho is the next in line.