How Man United really feel about FA Youth Cup final venue decision

United’s true stance

According to the newspaper, Darren Fletcher’s side are “disappointed” at the decision to hold the match at City’s academy grounds.

The two clubs had been in talks for long to the point that they will not meet the FA’s deadline of playing the game by May 9.

The Mail further explain, “It is customary that the Youth Cup, the most prestigious tournament in academy football, hosts the final at a first-team stadium and City are the only club this century to use their academy ground for such an event.”

“There have been whispers for weeks that a match beyond the end of the Premier League season was discussed as a potential option, while a switch to play it at Old Trafford was proposed by the FA rather than United.”

“Sources close to United’s Under 18s team have expressed their disappointment to Confidential. They say it’s a shame that the first all-Manchester Youth Cup final since 1986 could not be played at the Etihad, but are keen not to fall out with their neighbours over it.”

It is said that City were not willing to give up home advantage. The Blues insist that the Etihad is not available for use due to ongoing construction on the North Stand ahead of a planned test event on May 20.

When United last appeared in an FA Youth Cup final, they drew over 67,000 fans to Old Trafford, with the squad featuring the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and his players are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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