Manchester United learn venue for FA Youth Cup final vs. Man City

The tightly contested game was unlocked in the 77th minute after substitute Samuel Lusale found Chido Obi, who proceeded to slip in JJ Gabriel . The 15-year-old drove towards goal before producing a brilliant chipped finish to beat the goalkeeper. But United’s advantage didn’t last for too long as Raihaan Anderson ruthlessly punished a big mistake from United keeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes.

But Darren Fletcher’s starlets had the last laugh, as Obi got on the end of a sensational defence-splitting pass from James Overy to round off the goalkeeper and fire into the back of an empty net. This winner set up a final against City, who just narrowly pipped United to the title in the northern section of the Under-18s Premier League. Venue confirmed City were drawn as the home side, and the expectation was that the final would be played at the Etihad Stadium.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News , an alternative venue has now been confirmed after City were unable to agree on a date for the game to be played at the Etihad. Simon Bajkowski writes that City will host Fletcher’s side at the Joie Stadium. He further notes, “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.

” “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. ” While the Joie Stadium is reserved for City’s women’s and academy sides, a sell-out crowd is expected for the first Manchester derby final since 1986. Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and his players are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland.