Man Utd youth team can't even allow families to Youth Cup final after Man City decision

Manchester United are set to face their city rivals Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final, and it has been reported that some of the families of the players for the Red Devils may not be able to attend.

The final of the competition will be played at the Joie Stadium, which is the Academy Stadium, which is part of the Etihad campus, with it being home to Manchester City Women.

Joie Stadium has a total capacity of 7,000, with Manchester United being given an away allocation of 968 tickets for the final.

It is believed that this away allocation sold out in less than a minute, according to The Sun's Samuel Luckhurst, which has denied some families of the players the chance to see Darren Fletcher’s side attempt to lift the trophy.

Told #mufc's allocation of just 968 for the FA Youth Cup final sold out in a minute.

— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 7, 2026

Fan groups have called on the Football Association (FA) to intervene after Man City turned 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 final set to take place on May 14 to the 7,000-capacity ground "a disgrace" in a joint statement.

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, a possible solution has been suggested after the rejection by Man City to play the final at Old Trafford, as the FA supported the final being played at Etihad Stadium, if possible, due to the apparent demand for tickets.

The Manchester United fans' groups said: “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.

"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."