Manchester City will play Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final at their smaller Joie Stadium instead of Old Trafford due to first-team fixture conflicts.
Manchester City have decided to host the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester United at their Joie Stadium, a 7,000-capacity ground, rather than accept an offer to move the match to Old Trafford. This decision comes after the club was drawn to play at home but was unable to use their main pitch, the Etihad Stadium, because Pep Guardiola’s senior team still has three Premier League home fixtures remaining.
United, who had proposed hosting the game, were informed of City’s refusal to switch venues, confirming the Youth Cup final will take place at Joie Stadium.
Sources linked to Manchester United believe City’s choice to reject Old Trafford will deprive many players of what could be the most significant match of their careers. The club’s last triumph in the competition came in 2022, when over 60,000 supporters filled Old Trafford to watch a side featuring Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho defeat Nottingham Forest.
This upcoming final marks a rematch of the 1986 edition, which was contested over two legs at Old Trafford and Maine Road, with City emerging victorious.
Joie Stadium, located near the Etihad Stadium, serves as the home ground for City’s Premier League 2 and women’s teams.
While the stadium has previously hosted Youth Cup finals, every other host club has used their main stadium since 2000. The last time City played a Youth Cup final at their primary ground was two years ago, when 20,000 fans watched them beat Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium.
The club has yet to announce an official date for the match, though Thursday, 14 May 2026 has been suggested as a likely option.