Matty Young is thriving at Salford City as he gets set to try and keep out Manchester City in the FA Cup this weekend. The 18-year-old Sunderland keeper has had a superb season so far on loan at the League Two outfit.

Salford have the highest percentage of clean sheets in League Two and have recorded six wins in a row – with Young playing his part. After gaining valuable experience in the National League North with Darlington, the 18-year-old made the season-long loan switch in July to the Ammies.

After a spell on the bench, Young has gone on to feature in the last nine, keeping eight clean sheets in all competitions along the way. The astonishing run sees Karl Robinson’s side joint second in the division.

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“My first game ended up being the week after my 18th birthday, in the FA Cup in which I got Player of the Match and saved a penalty,” Young told safc.com. “I spent a lot of time watching from the sides, but it was a good time for me to learn and adapt. It takes adjustment to be in a new environment, away from home, but it’s something I’ve enjoyed.

“Starting that FA Cup game was the turning point, I was over the moon and thankfully did enough to keep my place in our next 2-0 victory over Harrogate.

“Learning curves come along the way. The defeat at Gillingham, and the conditions, was very humbling. Since then, we have climbed the table on this brilliant unbeaten run.”

Young is yet to make his competitive debut for his home-town club, but did feature in the pre-season trip to USA in 2023. The shot-stopper has hailed the Salford squad, emphasising the importance of being involved in a first-team environment.

He continued: “It’s been very rewarding. I have learnt to just trust the process. The environment is a good balance. We have a mixed-age group with a bunch of youth. I have matured a lot. I know I have a lot to work on but the pros around me are helping me learn each day. Their experience is so valuable.

“The gaffer [Robinson] has been excellent with me. We built trust through performance and development. He wants to see I am taking on all his learning. I am very grateful for his opportunity and now it’s time to return the favour. The back three in front of me have also been fantastic. The defence is excellent at preventing chances.

“We show heart and desire to defend the box. You could say I haven’t had a great deal to do but when I have been called upon, I’ve thankfully made the right decisions.”

The League Two side face the almighty challenge this weekend of heading to local neighbours and Premier League champions, Manchester City. The third round Emirates FA Cup tie will take place on Saturday evening (5.45pm) live on BBC One.

“To be drawn against Manchester City, it is surreal,” he admitted. “It’s a massive challenge but we are going to go after them. We will make sure we fight for everything. There is a buzz around the club. It’s a part of the club’s history to face our neighbours.

“Being involved in this fixture, whether I play or not, is no doubt, the biggest game of my career so far. They are the elite of the elite. We are relishing the challenge. We are there to create that FA Cup magic. The dream scenario is to start the game and then just control the controllables. You won’t know what to expect as they are so fluid within their playing style. I envision a moment of saving a big one-on-one against Erling Haaland or even saving a penalty.”

A season of achievements and accolades continued when the Academy of Light graduate signed a new contract on Wearside in November. Having joined the Black Cats at the age of seven, a new deal sealed his future until the end of the 2027-28 season.

“I have been with the club for more than a decade. I have supported Sunderland AFC my whole life. The place means the world to me, as a player and as a supporter.

“I want to play for this club in the future, that is the goal for me. I am working my way up to hopefully get my opportunity. I am really pleased with the progress I am making so far.”