Manchester City have confirmed the FA Youth Cup final will be staged at their Joie Stadium rather than Old Trafford after rejecting United's request to host the match at the larger venue. The club was drawn at home but cannot free the Etihad pitch while Pep Guardiola’s side still has three Premier League fixtures pending.

United, last winners in 2022 when a crowd of more than 60,000 watched Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho lift the trophy at Old Trafford, argued the bigger arena would give the youngsters a career‑defining experience. City officials declined, noting the Joie Stadium, with a 7,000‑seat capacity, regularly hosts their Premier League 2 and women’s games and has previously staged Youth Cup finals.

Since 2000, every finalist except City has used their main stadium, a tradition broken when City played the 2021 final at the Etihad before a 20,000 crowd. The 1986 final, also a two‑leg affair, saw City triumph at Old Trafford and Maine Road, underscoring the historical weight of venue choice.

A likely date of Thursday, 14 May, has been floated, though City has yet to set a firm schedule. United insiders believe the decision deprives the players of a showcase that could boost their profiles at a pivotal moment in their development.