Manchester City and Manchester United are preparing to face each other in the FA Youth Cup final. This marks only the second time the two rivals have met in the final of the competition, which has been running since 1952. City won the first final between the two, back in 1986.
The upcoming final has generated considerable attention. The match will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, thanks to an agreement with TNT Sports. Live text coverage will also be available via the BBC Sport website.
Controversy Over Venue Choice
City are making their third successive final appearance. In 2019-20, they beat Chelsea to win the trophy with a side including Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. United last won the competition in 2022, their record 11th title, when Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho started in a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest in front of over 67,000 fans at Old Trafford.
However, the final has been overshadowed by Manchester City’s decision to host the game at the Joie Stadium. The stadium has a 7,000 capacity and is located in their training ground complex. This is in contrast to 2024 when they hosted a win against Leeds at the Etihad Stadium in front of 20,000 people.
City have stated that the decision is due to construction work taking place at the Etihad. Manchester United complained, arguing that the match should be held at a main stadium, and requested it be moved to Old Trafford. The Football Association also supported the game being held in a main stadium.
Despite the complaints, City, as the designated home team, refused to move the game. United sold their allocation of just under 1,000 tickets very quickly. Tickets for home areas remain on sale to City members.
City’s Free-Scoring Run to the Final
Oliver Reiss’ Manchester City side has scored 18 goals on their way to the final. They have secured wins against Fulham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton and Blackburn to set up the Manchester derby final against United.
Teddie Lamb scored in the semi-final victory over Blackburn and has netted 28 goals in 27 games in all competitions this season. The 16-year-old joined from Leyton Orient and was the top scorer in the Premier League U18 competition. Lamb was nominated for the player of the year award, but was beaten by JJ Gabriel.
Reigan Heskey, son of ex-Liverpool striker Emile, also scored in the previous round. Tyrone and Floyd Samba, sons of former QPR and Blackburn defender Chris, have scored 18 goals between them so far this season.
Leke Drake was named as City’s Premier League scholar of the year after playing in every game and captaining the side to the Premier League U18 North title. The 18-year-old is known for his ball-playing ability and versatility.
The FA Youth Cup final promises to be a tightly contested affair, despite the off-field disagreements.