Man City reject Man Utd FA Youth Cup final venue offer

Fan groups have called on the Football Association (FA) to intervene following Manchester City's decision to host their FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at their Joie Stadium, after turning down an offer to switch it to Old Trafford.

Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) and Manchester United Fans' Forum representatives called the decision to move the 14 May final to the 7,000-capacity ground "a disgrace" in a joint statement, with the Red Devils given an away allocation of 968 tickets for the trip across Manchester.

Meanwhile, the father of United striker JJ Gabriel has posted on X, saying it is a "robbery of kids' dreams".

Joe Gabriel added: "To not play it in a main stadium is ludicrous. I don't blame City, I blame the FA for allowing it to happen."

BBC Sport understands United academy staff are unhappy with the situation and many parents are privately annoyed.

The FA is unlikely to step in as Manchester City have had dispensation from the governing body to play their Youth Cup games at Joie Stadium this season.

However, the FA supported the final being played at Etihad Stadium if possible.

"The news that the FA Youth Cup final, a great fixture which has heralded so many superstars of the future, is to be played in a stadium of just 6,000 people is a disgrace," the Manchester United fan groups said.

"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 FA needs to step in and ensure the game can be played at either the Etihad or Old Trafford. Time to put fans first for once."