Manchester City will host Manchester United next week in the final of the FA Youth Cup after weeks of discussions
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Reigan Heskey of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their side's third goal from the penalty spot during the FA Youth Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers at Joie Stadium on April 10, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Manchester City Under-18s will take on Manchester United in the Joie Stadium
View Image
Manchester City will host Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final at the Joie Stadium after being unable to agree on a date for the game to be played at the Etihad Stadium. The showpiece fixture of the youth calendar will be held next week, with a date to be confirmed shortly so that tickets can go on sale.
City were drawn as the home team in what will be the first Manchester derby in an FA Youth Cup final since 1986, when the Blues emerged victorious over two legs. There is an expectation that the game will be played at the main stadium but, in a decision that will disappoint tens of thousands on both sides, the decision has been made to play at the 7,000-capacity stadium at City's training ground instead.
Oli Reiss's City side booked their place in the final on April 10 and United were confirmed as their opponents a week later. However, the Blues have had first team fixtures to reschedule with the Premier League that had to wait until after the FA Cup semi-finals to resolve.
City had wanted to play Bournemouth away next week and then Crystal Palace at home in the following midweek, but the Premier League insisted that they be played the other way around. With two home games in five days for Pep Guardiola's side as they chase a Premier League title, the decision has been made for the Youth Cup final to be played in the stadium reserved for the women's team and academy sides instead.
A full house will be expected, although many more supporters from both fanbases were looking forward to cheering their youth team on in a derby at the Etihad. Barring a last-minute switch, the game is set for the Joie Stadium instead.
City have just pipped United to win the northern section of the Under-18s Premier League, and will face Chelsea in the national final. There will also be a Manchester derby in the semi-finals of the Under-21 competition, with a date for that game at the Joie Stadium also expected soon.