Manchester United were furious with Manchester City after the FA Youth Cup final was staged at the Joie Stadium last Thursday, instead of a much bigger Etihad Stadium
Manchester United were furious with Manchester City after the FA Youth Cup final was staged at the Joie Stadium last Thursday, instead of a much bigger Etihad StadiumCurrent rules state that the team which is drawn first will host the showpiece fixture.
On this occasion, it was City but the club decided to switch this year's final to their 6,447-capacity women's ground, claiming that construction work prevented the game from being played at thein order for players involved the chance to feature in front of a much bigger crowd. The last time United staged the FA Youth Cup final was back in 2022 when Nottingham Forest were the visitors, and a whopping 67,492 were present, the highest-ever attendance in the competition's history.
But United's offer was turned down, prompting fury from some of the club's fans and academy staff. The United Supporters' Trust and members of the fans' forum then called on the FA to intervene, labelling the decision to host the game at City's The Joie Stadium as a 'disgrace'.
"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," United's Supporters' Trust added.have reported that FA officials are contemplating a rule change as part of a yearly competition review, which could prevent a similar situation from occurring again. If the Professional Game Board decides to press ahead, an addition could be made to the present rule which states that, should the hosts not be able to have the game at their 'main' stadium, it should be switched to the home of their opponents.
In last Thursday's case, that would have seen United host the match. City ended up winning the FA Youth Cup final 2-1, with Floyd Samba and Reigan Heskey scoring either side of Godwil Kukonki's equaliser for United. It represented the fifth time City have won the competition and the second time in three years, after Ben Wilkinson's side beat Leeds United 4-0 back in 2024.
After City's win in the FA Youth Cup final, United head coach Darren Fletcher hit out at the FA.
"I'm disappointed in the FA for everything that's gone around this game: for the location, for everything," Fletcher said.
Please follow us on Google to support us Manchester United FC Premier League FA Youth Cup
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest: Where to watch, TV channel, live stream & kick-off timeFind out where to watch Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, including TV channel, live stream options, kick-off time, team news and more.
Read more »
Michael Carrick hints at playing time for Manchester United youngstersMan Utd youngster Shea Lacey could receive further first-team minutes in the final part of the Premier League season.
Read more »
AntNAMEenyo returns to former club Bournemouth with Manchester CityAntoine Semenyo, a former Bournemouth striker, rejoins his former club on Tuesday with Manchester City, as the Premier League title race intensifies. His thrilling backheel flick, which secured the win, paves the way for a challenging encounter against Arsenal, while Semenyo's arrival further strengthens the City squad's formidable offense.
Read more »
Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction after Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1The match ends Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1 and here is the instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction.
Read more »