Manchester United Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher criticised the Football Association after his side lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final. He admitted City were the better team, but said the final felt too heavily shaped around the hosts.
United unhappy with Joie Stadium decision
City hosted the final at Joie Stadium, their 7,000-capacity venue for academy and women’s matches. United had offered to stage the game at Old Trafford, but City rejected that option, while the Etihad Stadium was unavailable because of construction work.
The decision frustrated United academy staff, who believed both sets of young players were denied the chance to play the final in a bigger showcase setting.
Although City officials said the match was sold out, the home sections had many empty seats. The United section was full, and both first-team managers, Pep Guardiola and Michael Carrick, attended the game.
Fletcher says final looked like a City event
Fletcher said he was disappointed with the FA over the build-up, the venue and the way the post-match ceremony was handled. He argued that an FA competition should not feel controlled by one club.
The former United and Scotland midfielder was especially unhappy with how City’s coaches and players were individually announced before receiving their winners’ medals from EFL chairman Rick Parry.
According to Fletcher, that kind of presentation does not usually happen in cup finals. He said his main complaint was with the organisation, while still giving credit to City for winning the match.
United’s youth season ends with frustration
The Youth Cup defeat completed a difficult finish to the campaign for Fletcher’s side. United also lost the Premier League Under-18 Cup final to Crystal Palace on penalties after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.
They also finished second behind Manchester City in Premier League North, adding to the feeling of missed chances across the season.
Fletcher was reportedly vocal with FA officials during the post-match presentations as he made his frustration clear.
Premier League 2 schedule adds another problem
Fletcher also criticised the timing of the Premier League 2 play-off final against Brighton. That Under-21 match is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Amex Stadium, only 48 hours after the Youth Cup final.
The short gap means some United players who feature at both age levels may miss out on the experience. It could also affect young players who might be needed for United’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Fletcher said there are lessons for both the Premier League and the FA in how youth fixtures are arranged. Manchester City declined to respond to his complaints.
