Story perspectives

City Secures Youth Cup Final Venue; United Tickets Vanish

5/8/2026

Summary

Manchester City Hosts

Manchester City will host the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium on May 14.
Manchester City rejected both the Etihad Stadium, citing scheduling constraints and north-stand construction, and Manchester United’s proposal to use Old Trafford, insisting on a home-advantage venue.
Manchester United received an allocation of 968 away tickets, which sold out in under two minutes after going on sale at 10 am on Thursday.

Summary

Supporters' Trust Appeal

The United Supporters' Trust wrote to FA chief Mark Bullingham asking the FA Cup final be moved from its venue.
Michael Carrick, 1999 FA Youth Cup winner with West Ham, attended the 2022 final as a fan in a 67,000-person crowd at Old Trafford.
Carrick said the decision is final but hopes future finals return to main stadiums.

History

Historical Context

Since its 1952 launch, the FA Youth Cup has been staged at England’s biggest grounds, highlighted by a record 67,492 fans at Old Trafford on 11 May 2022. Today, FA chief Mark Bullingham’s refusal to move the 2024 final from Wembley echoes that tradition, while former United midfielder Michael Carrick urges a return to premier venues.

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Manchester City Hosts

Manchester City will host the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium on May 14.
Manchester City rejected both the Etihad Stadium, citing scheduling constraints and north-stand construction, and Manchester United’s proposal to use Old Trafford, insisting on a home-advantage venue.
Manchester United received an allocation of 968 away tickets, which sold out in under two minutes after going on sale at 10 am on Thursday.

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