Darren Fletcher feels the pain of a double cup final defeat will spur his Manchester United on to better things next season.
United lost the FA Youth Cup final 2-1 at Manchester City after conceding an agonising late goal at the Joie Stadium.
It followed up a penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League Under-18 Cup final last month and what turned out to be a second-place finish behind City in the Premier League North table.
Fletcher accepted his side did not perform to their best on Thursday night, with too many of their high-profile players off form.
But he feels they will benefit from the experience and believes it has been a productive first season in charge.
“I am really proud of them,” he said. “I have loved every minute.
“No sour grapes tonight. We didn’t deserve to lose against Crystal Palace but we came up short against City.
“The players are gutted. But when you lose it doesn’t half drive you forward next season. It changes your summer.
“There is no celebrating. You are thinking about rectifying the feeling of defeat.”
Four of his starting line-up, including star forward JJ Gabriel, will be available to Fletcher next season, along with 16-year-old Kai Rooney, who missed the final through injury.
It will be interesting to see whether Michael Carrick’s son Jacey also pushes his way into Fletcher’s plans.