Manchester United fan groups have called on the Football Association to intervene and move next week's FA Youth Cup final to a larger venue, labelling the current plan to play at City's 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium a 'disgrace'.
The final, a Manchester derby between City and United's Under-18s, is scheduled for Thursday, May 14. City, as the home team, opted to use the Joie Stadium due to ongoing redevelopment work at the Etihad Stadium's North Stand, which made the first-team venue unavailable. United offered to host the final at Old Trafford, but City rejected the proposal.
In a joint statement, the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) and the United Fans' Forum highlighted the disparity in capacity: 'Last time United were in the final we had 67,000 fans in Old Trafford so allowing this massive game to be played in front of such a paltry few fans is letting down supporters and denying these young footballers the biggest night of their careers so far.'
The groups urged the FA to step in and ensure the game is played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford, saying: 'Time to put fans first for once.'
United have played their Youth Cup games at Old Trafford this season, while City received special dispensation to use the Joie Stadium. The FA had reportedly hoped the final would be held at the Etihad if possible.
