In a surprising twist ahead of the FA Youth Cup final, Manchester City have opted to keep the Manchester derby showdown at their intimate Joie Stadium, declining an offer from rivals United to move the fixture to the iconic Old Trafford.

The 7,000-capacity venue, typically home to City's women's and Premier League 2 sides, will host the highly anticipated youth clash instead of the 60,000-seat Etihad Stadium. With Pep Guardiola's first team still needing to play three more home Premier League matches this season, the senior pitch is unavailable.

This decision has raised eyebrows across the football world. United, who last lifted the Youth Cup in 2022 in front of over 60,000 fans at Old Trafford—a team that included future stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho—generously offered to host the final. But City politely said no.

For context, every other host club since 2000 has played their Youth Cup final at their main stadium. City themselves welcomed 20,000 fans to the Etihad for their 2022 final win over Leeds United. This year's choice of the much smaller Joie Stadium marks a notable departure from tradition.

The fixture is a repeat of the 1986 final, which was played over two legs at Old Trafford and Maine Road, with City emerging victorious. United sources have expressed disappointment, suggesting the decision robs young players of a career-defining experience at a major venue.

While a date is yet to be officially confirmed, the final is expected to take place on Thursday, 14 May. City have been approached for comment on their reasoning but have yet to respond.