Manchester City and Manchester United are pushing for silverware in two academy age groups with time running out in the season
The FA Youth Cup Trophy(Image: 2022 Getty Images)
View Image
Manchester City and Manchester United have been handed another fixture headache after the FA Youth Cup final. The showpiece youth event will take place on Thursday, May 14, at the Joie Stadium after a date for the Etihad could not be agreed.
Before then, there is an Under-21s derby on Friday as both teams look to win the Premier League 2. United finished second and defending champions City third in the group phase but now it is a straight knockout.
The winner of Friday's semi-final will travel to either Spurs or Brighton for the final, and that fixture is intended to be played next weekend. The dates given by the Premier League for the final initially are between Friday May 15 and Monday May 18, and it is understood that the Friday had been suggested.
However, that will surely have to move now that the FA Youth Cup final is the day before unless one club is forced to play a weakened team for one of their finals. United youngsters Chido Obi and Jim Thwaites and City's Reigan Heskey and Ryan McAidoo are among the players who would be wanted by both their Under-18s and Under-21s managers.
Moving the fixture to another date is possible but brings its own problems. City's first team are in the FA Cup final on the Saturday while Spurs, Brighton, and United are in Premier League action on the Sunday. Last year's final between City and Southampton ended up being played later than the original dates and only confirmed a day before it took place after a disagreement over where it should be held.
There has also been unhappiness over the FA Youth Cup final, with City refusing United's request to give up their home advantage and play the game at Old Trafford with City deciding that it cannot be staged at the Etihad while they get the new North Stand ready for the final Premier League match of the season. The Youth Cup final will take place at the Joie Stadium next Thursday.