Man Utd fans appeal for rethink on FA Youth Cup final venue
The Football Association has been urged to move the FA Youth Cup final to the Etihad Stadium or Old Trafford after Manchester City confirmed they would host Manchester United at their 6,447-capacity Joie Stadium.
The all-Manchester showpiece was finally confirmed on Tuesday for Thursday, May 14 and the venue for next week’s one-off fixture has caused consternation.
City cited “ongoing construction timelines for the North Stand development” behind the decision to play FA Youth Cup final across the road from Etihad Stadium at the far smaller Joie Stadium – home of their elite development squad and women’s team.
The Press Association understands United offered to host the game at Old Trafford to allow for a larger crowd and better development opportunity for the teenage players on both sides.
City’s decision to host the final the Joie Stadium has triggered some angry responses, with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and members of the Fans’ Forum calling for the FA to intervene.
A joint statement read: “The news that the FA Youth Cup final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 6,000 people is a disgrace.
“Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford, so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far.
“The FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once.”
The FA has been contacted for comment by the Press Association.
This is the first all-Manchester FA Youth Cup final since 1986, when City triumphed over two legs to win the competition for the first time. Their fourth and most recent victory came in 2024.
United have won the competition on a record 11 occasions, most recently in 2022 when the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho overcame Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.
Published: by Radio NewsHub