Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has voiced his disappointment after Manchester City decided to host the FA Youth Cup final at their Joie Stadium, a 7,000-capacity venue at their training complex, rather than at the 53,000-seat Etihad Stadium. The two academy teams will meet in the first Manchester derby Youth Cup final in 40 years next Thursday.
City's Decision Sparks Criticism
City stated that the Etihad is unavailable due to ongoing work on the North Stand redevelopment. United proposed hosting the match at Old Trafford, but City declined to retain home advantage. The decision has drawn criticism from United supporter groups, with only 968 tickets allocated to away fans.
Carrick's Disappointment
Carrick said: 'I'm disappointed, to be honest. Getting to the Youth Cup final should mean playing at the main stadium — it's a showcase for players of that age. I've had amazing memories in that competition, and it's a shame it hasn't worked out. But it's still a fantastic opportunity for the boys.'
Carrick, who took over as first-team head coach in January, has been a regular at academy matches, including a six-hour round trip to Oxford for a fifth-round tie. He scored in West Ham's 1999 Youth Cup final victory over Coventry.
United last reached the final in 2022, when over 67,000 fans packed Old Trafford to see them beat Nottingham Forest. Carrick attended as a fan and recalled: 'It was a special night. To see the stadium full for that game was what you'd hoped for. But it is what it is, and hopefully in future years it can be moved to the main stadiums.'
United have hosted all previous rounds this season at Old Trafford, making the venue change for the final particularly frustrating for Carrick and supporters.
