In a surprising twist to this season's FA Youth Cup final, Manchester City has opted to host their fierce rivals Manchester United at the compact Joie Stadium, turning down a generous offer to move the game to Old Trafford.

City, drawn as the home side for this highly anticipated clash, face a scheduling conflict with Pep Guardiola's first team still playing three crucial Premier League matches at the Etihad. Rather than shifting the venue, the club has decided to keep the game at their 7,000-capacity ground—a space typically reserved for their Premier League 2 and women's teams.

The decision comes despite United's willingness to host the final at their iconic stadium, a venue that saw over 60,000 fans pack the stands when United last lifted the trophy in 2022. That memorable day featured future stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho as they defeated Nottingham Forest.

While City has used the Joie Stadium for Youth Cup finals before, the move breaks a long-standing tradition dating back to 2000, where every other host club has played the final at their main stadium. Just two years ago, a crowd of 20,000 watched City beat Leeds United at the Etihad in the same competition.

This year's final is a nostalgic rematch of the 1986 edition, which was played over two legs at Old Trafford and Maine Road, with City ultimately claiming victory. However, United sources believe the decision to keep the game at a smaller venue is a missed opportunity, potentially robbing young players of a career-defining experience on a grand stage.

The date for the final is yet to be confirmed, but it's expected to take place on Thursday, 14 May. City has been asked for further comment on the matter.