Man City to Host FA Youth Cup Final at Joie Stadium
Manchester City will hold their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at their smaller Joie Stadium, having declined an offer to move the match to Old Trafford.
City were drawn as the home team for the final but cannot use their main pitch, as Pep Guardiola's first team still has three remaining home Premier League fixtures this season.
Manchester United, who last secured the trophy in 2022 with a squad featuring Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in front of over 60,000 fans at Old Trafford, offered to host the final at their stadium.
However, City rejected this proposal, so the match will take place at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, located near the Etihad Stadium and regularly used by City's Premier League 2 and women's teams.
While City have previously hosted Youth Cup finals at the Joie Stadium, since 2000 all other clubs hosting the final have played it at their main stadiums.
Two years ago, a crowd of 20,000 watched City defeat Leeds United in the final held at the Etihad Stadium.
This final is a repeat of the 1986 encounter, which was contested over two legs at Old Trafford and Maine Road, with City emerging victorious.
Sources within Manchester United consider City's decision a missed opportunity that will deprive many players of experiencing what could be the most significant match of their careers.
Manchester City have yet to confirm the fixture date, though it is expected to be on Thursday, 14 May. The club has been requested to provide a response regarding the scheduling.
