Carrick disappointed with FA Youth Cup final venue

TL;DR

Michael Carrick expressed disappointment with the venue for the FA Youth Cup final, contrasting it with his experience of watching a previous final at Old Trafford. He highlighted the significance of the event for young players.

Key points

Michael Carrick is disappointed with the FA Youth Cup final venue
He attended a final at Old Trafford with 67,000 fans
Carrick's son Jacey is in the Manchester United academy

Mentioned in this story

Michael Carrick

Manchester UnitedWest HamNottingham ForestKobbie Mainoo

A general view inside an empty Joie Stadium

[Getty Images]

Michael Carrick was part of the West Ham side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1999.

He has been to most Manchester United games in the competition this season and revealed in his news conference on Thursday he was part of a 67,000 crowd that watched a side containing Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho beat Nottingham Forest in the 2022 final at Old Trafford.

In addition, his son Jacey is in the United academy and made his debut for the under-18 side earlier this season.

It was not surprising Carrick had an opinion about the decision to host next Thursday's final against Manchester City at the 6,000-capacity Joie Stadium.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "The Youth Cup final always seems to have been a thing where you play at the main stadium. It's such a showcase event for players of that age group.

"I've had some amazing memories in that competition of playing with your close mates.

"It's a shame it hasn't worked out for whatever reason. It's a fantastic game, a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to going and supporting the boys."

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has written to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham imploring him to make a venue switch.

Carrick says it is too late now.

Q&A

Why is Michael Carrick disappointed with the FA Youth Cup final venue?

Michael Carrick is disappointed because he feels the venue does not match the significance of the FA Youth Cup final, especially compared to his experience at Old Trafford.

What was the attendance at the previous FA Youth Cup final watched by Carrick?

Carrick attended a previous FA Youth Cup final at Old Trafford that had an attendance of 67,000.

Who are the notable players mentioned in relation to the FA Youth Cup final?

Notable players mentioned include Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who played in the 2022 final.