The FA is contemplating a significant rule modification following the dispute between Manchester United and Manchester City regarding the location of this year’s FA Youth Cup final.

Currently, the team drawn first enjoys the privilege of hosting the final match.

Manchester City triumphed over Man United to clinch this season’s Youth FA Cup at the Joie Stadium Credit: Alamy
Man United reportedly proposed hosting the match, which took place last Thursday, at Old Trafford Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

However, City’s choice to hold last week’s crucial match at the 6,447-seat Joie Stadium instead of the Etihad enraged United supporters and academy personnel.

According to the Dailymail, City claimed that ongoing construction made it unfeasible to host the game at the Etihad.

United was reportedly in favor of staging the match at Old Trafford to provide the young athletes with the opportunity to play in front of a considerably larger audience.

Regardless, this suggestion was dismissed, and the derby took place at City’s women’s ground, situated next to the 53,400-seat Etihad.

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The final concluded with City emerging victorious 2-1, but the post-match discourse quickly overshadowed the on-field actions.

The Manchester United Supporters’ Trust, alongside members of the club’s fan forum, vehemently criticized the decision in a collective statement.

They branded the venue choice as “a disgrace” and highlighted that 67,000 fans attended United’s last Youth Cup final at Old Trafford.

The statement further asserted: “Allowing this important match to take place in front of such a limited audience is a disservice to supporters and deprives these young players of the most significant night of their careers thus far.”

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Darren Fletcher expressed disappointment after Man United’s request to host the final at Old Trafford was declined Credit: Shutterstock Editorial

Presently, reports indicate that FA officials are reassessing the competition rules to prevent a recurrence of this issue.

One proposal under consideration is that if the designated hosts cannot hold the final at their primary stadium, the match could be moved to the other team’s ground.

United Under-18s manager Darren Fletcher articulated his discontent after the match.

The former United player criticized both the venue selection and the organization surrounding the event.

Fletcher remarked: “I’m disappointed with the FA regarding all aspects related to this game, including the venue.”

“Respect must be given to the opposition. But it shouldn’t happen when Man City is dominating an FA Youth Cup. This is an FA competition; it should not have unfolded this way.”

He also criticized the pre-match presentation and atmosphere.

Fletcher added: “I’ve never seen individual coaches and every single player acknowledged in such a way. It’s not common in cup finals.”

“It felt as if it was a Man City competition in the run-up to the match.”

“Nonetheless, the best team won; credit to them.”