Manchester United’s true feelings on the FA Youth Cup venue confirmation has been revealed.
FA Youth Cup details announced
Earlier on Wednesday, a report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Manchester City will host United in the FA Youth Cup final at the Joie Stadium.
United booked their spot in the final after overcoming Crystal Palace in the semi-final stage, courtesy of strikes from JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi. City were drawn as the home team for what will be the first Manchester derby to take place in an FA Youth Cup final since 1986.
The overwhelming expectation was that the showpiece event would be held at the Etihad, but an agreement on a date at City’s man grounds could not be found.
The game will therefore be staged at the Joie Stadium, which is reserved for the youth and women’s teams. It can accommodate 7,000 spectators.
The FA released a statement which reads, “The date, kick-off time, venue and broadcast details for the 2025-26 FA Youth Cup Final have now been confirmed.”
“Manchester City will play Manchester United on Thursday 14 May at the Joie Stadium. The Final will kick off at 19:00 BST and it will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.”
The Daily Mail have now revealed how United feel about this development.
United’s true stance
According to the newspaper, Darren Fletcher’s side are “disappointed” at the decision to hold the match at City’s academy grounds.
The two clubs had been in talks for long to the point that they will not meet the FA’s deadline of playing the game by May 9.
The Mail further explain, “It is customary that the Youth Cup, the most prestigious tournament in academy football, hosts the final at a first-team stadium and City are the only club this century to use their academy ground for such an event.”
“There have been whispers for weeks that a match beyond the end of the Premier League season was discussed as a potential option, while a switch to play it at Old Trafford was proposed by the FA rather than United.”
“Sources close to United’s Under 18s team have expressed their disappointment to Confidential. They say it’s a shame that the first all-Manchester Youth Cup final since 1986 could not be played at the Etihad, but are keen not to fall out with their neighbours over it.”
It is said that City were not willing to give up home advantage. The Blues insist that the Etihad is not available for use due to ongoing construction on the North Stand ahead of a planned test event on May 20.
When United last appeared in an FA Youth Cup final, they drew over 67,000 fans to Old Trafford, with the squad featuring the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and his players are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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