‘It’s a showcase occasion’: Man United boss Michael Carrick hits out at name to stage FA Youth Cup ultimate towards Man City in entrance of simply 7,000 followers

Michael Carrick has expressed his disappointment that the FA Youth Cup final will be played at Manchester City’s academy stadium and not the Etihad.

Manchester United Under-18s face their neighbours in the eagerly-awaited game next Thursday, and there were hopes that it would be staged at City’s 53,400-capacity home.

But City have insisted on it going ahead at the 7,000-seater Joie Stadium next door, much to the frustration of United and Carrick who was at Old Trafford four years ago when a team inspired by Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho beat Nottingham Forest in the final in front of 67,000 fans.

Manchester United stars celebrate in the Youth Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace

The 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium is home to Manchester City’s academy and women’s sides

‘I’m disappointed, to be honest,’ said Carrick, who featured in the 1999 final for West Ham against Coventry. 

‘I think getting to the Youth Cup final always seems to have been a thing where you play at the main stadium. It’s such a showcase event for players of that age group.

‘So we’re disappointed. I think I’ve had some amazing memories, some of my best memories, in that competition of playing with your close mates, and it’s a shame that it hasn’t worked out for whatever reason.

‘I was at the Forest game, it was a special night to see the stadium full for a game like that. It was what you’d hoped for, but it is what it is. 

‘There’s nothing from what I know that can be done about it. It’s kind of agreed, and hopefully, as years go by then, then it can be flipped to the main stadiums.’