United’s Rafe McCormack hints secret weapon to sink City in Youth Cup final

There was an expectation that it would be held at the Etihad but a time and date could not be agreed between the two sides. City later claimed that the Etihad was under construction and therefore could not be used. United offered to make Old Trafford available but their neighbours rejected, insisting they were not willing to give up home advantage.

Rather than unfolding in a large stadium at a career-defining moment for the youngsters, the game will be staged at the Joie training ground, a venue with a meagre capacity of just 7,000. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Darren Fletcher, his coaching staff and the players have been left frustrated by City’s move. More recently, it emerged that while United sold out their 1,000 ticket allocation in minutes, City are struggling to offload their 4,000 tickets.

This could explain their reluctance to have the game at the Etihad as they would have faced the awkward scenario of being outnumbered by United fans. But McCormack is not dwelling on this and has his sights set on winning the trophy. The player, who can play both in defence and midfield, spoke to club media and suggested that United’s fitness levels could get them over the line against City.

McCormack highlights United advantage United’s fitness has been pushed to the limit in their FA Youth Cup campaign, while they also have the experience of a narrow penalty shootout defeat to Crystal Palace in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final at Selhurst Park. McCormack told club media , “It means a lot. I think me and the boys are really looking forward to it.