FA Youth Cup final venue row erupts as Man United fans brand stadium choice ‘a disgrace’

The FA Youth Cup final is currently scheduled to take place at the 6,000-seater Joie Stadium (Getty)

The Football Association is facing calls to relocate the upcoming FA Youth Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United, after City confirmed the all-Manchester clash would be held at their 6,447-capacity Joie Stadium.

The highly anticipated showdown, set for Thursday, May 14, has sparked considerable consternation over its venue.

City attributed the decision to "ongoing construction timelines for the North Stand development" at the Etihad Stadium, opting instead for the smaller Joie Stadium, home to their elite development squad and women’s team.

It is understood that Manchester United had offered to host the fixture at Old Trafford, aiming to accommodate a larger crowd and provide a more significant experience for the teenage players involved.

City’s choice has drawn sharp criticism, with the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) and members of the Fans’ Forum urging the FA to intervene.

Manchester United are due to play Manchester City in next week's final (Getty)

A joint statement condemned the decision, stating: "The news that the FA Youth Cup final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 6,000 people is a disgrace.