The real reason why the FA Youth Cup final has been switched from Eithad Stadium to 7,000-seat venue

A huge Manchester derby in the FA Youth Cup final looked set to attract one of the competition’s biggest crowds in years, with many expecting the match to be staged at the Etihad Stadium or even Old Trafford.

Instead, Manchester City’s under-18 clash with Manchester United will now take place at the far smaller Joie Stadium, leaving many supporters disappointed by the decision.

Man City move FA Youth Cup final to Joie Stadium

Man City have confirmed the FA Youth Cup final against Man Utd will be played at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium rather than the Etihad.

City were given hosting rights after being drawn first for the fixture and have chosen to keep the match at their academy and women’s team venue, despite suggestions the final could have attracted a crowd of more than 50,000 at a larger stadium.

According to The Athletic, ongoing construction work linked to the Etihad Stadium’s North Stand expansion complicated plans to stage the game there.

City also face a congested run of home fixtures around the final date, hosting Brentford on May 9th and Crystal Palace on May 13th before the Youth Cup final on May 14th.

United reportedly proposed switching the final to Old Trafford instead, but City rejected the idea of moving the showpiece event to their rivals’ home ground.

The decision has disappointed many connected to United’s academy setup, particularly given the competition’s recent history of huge attendances.

In 2022, more than 67,000 fans watched United beat Nottingham Forest in the final at Old Trafford, while venues such as Villa Park, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates have also hosted recent finals.

FGG says: A missed opportunity for youth football

There are understandable logistical reasons behind the venue change, especially with redevelopment work ongoing at the Etihad, but it’s still hard not to feel disappointed that one of the biggest FA Youth Cup finals in years will now be limited to just 7,000 supporters.

A Manchester derby at youth level had the potential to be a genuinely special occasion, as it is a chance to showcase some of the country’s brightest young talent in front of a major crowd.

Recent finals have shown that, when clubs fully commit to these events, the appetite from fans is absolutely there.

The Joie Stadium will no doubt generate a strong atmosphere, but demand is likely to far exceed supply.

For a competition with such a rich history, and one that has produced stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in recent seasons, this could have been another landmark night for youth football rather than a scaled‑back version of what it might have been.