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City U-18 vs United U-18 Youth Cup Final Sparks Row

5/14/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Oliver Reiss Guides City

FA Youth Cup final takes place Thursday 14 May 2026 at Manchester Joie Stadium, featuring Manchester City U-18s and Manchester United U-18s.
Kick-off is 19:00 BST, streamed on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport platforms in the UK and ESPN Select in the US.
Oliver Reiss guides City’s U-18s to a third final as United’s Darren Fletcher, whose side placed second, offers to move the match to Old Trafford, sparking a row.

Summary

Joie Stadium Hosts

Joie Stadium, a 7,000-capacity academy ground, will host the FA Youth Cup final after Etihad scheduling conflicts.
Manchester United’s U-18 team holds a record 11 FA Youth Cup wins, including five straight Busby Babes titles.
Manchester City have reached eight of the last eleven FA Youth Cup finals, showing a decade of dominance.
United’s most recent Youth Cup win was in 2022, with Kobbie Mainoo starring.

History

Historical Context

Founded in the 1952-53 season after Sir Joe Richards’ proposal, the FA Youth Cup has launched stars from George Best to Gareth Bale. United’s 1991-92 triumph birthed the Class of ’92, later winning three Premier Leagues and giving United a record 11 titles; City have appeared in eight of the last eleven finals. The 2026 final at Manchester Joie Stadium continues that legacy.

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Oliver Reiss Guides City

FA Youth Cup final takes place Thursday 14 May 2026 at Manchester Joie Stadium, featuring Manchester City U-18s and Manchester United U-18s.
Kick-off is 19:00 BST, streamed on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport platforms in the UK and ESPN Select in the US.
Oliver Reiss guides City’s U-18s to a third final as United’s Darren Fletcher, whose side placed second, offers to move the match to Old Trafford, sparking a row.

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