Manchester United boss Darren Fletcher angered by ‘Man City parade’ after FA Youth Cup final | OneFootball

Manchester United under-18s manager Darren Fletcher has launched a fresh complaint over the staging of the FA Youth Cup final, describing the post-match trophy celebration as a “Man City parade”.

United were already deeply unhappy that Thursday’s match was played at the Joie Stadium, home of City’s women’s team and academy sides, with City saying the Etihad Stadium was unavailable due to construction work.

And after seeing his side beaten 2-1 by City thanks to a late Reigan Heskey strike, Fletcher was seen complaining during the trophy presentation as City revelled in their fifth FA Youth Cup success.

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Darren Fletcher was not best pleased by the celebrations (Getty)

City’s backroom staff were invited to step up to the podium before the players were individually introduced to the crowd as they went to collect their medals, and Fletcher felt it went too far.

Responding to a question over the lessons his young players will take from watching their rivals celebrate, the Scot said: “Not only to watch a team lift a trophy, but to be a Man City parade when it’s an FA Youth Cup final.

“I’ve never heard individual coaches be shouted out, every individual player be shouted out. That doesn’t happen in Cup finals.

“So I’m disappointed in the FA for everything that’s gone around this game, for the location, for everything. And then our players having to deal with that. But as you say, it’s disappointing.

“You have to stand there. You have to respect the opposition. But not when Man City take over an FA Youth Cup. It’s an FA competition. It should never have been like that.”

The Press Association understands Fletcher made his views known forcefully, shouting at FA officials during the presentation.

Asked if the FA needed to take more ownership of this 74-year-old competition he said: “It’s an FA competition and it felt like it was a Man City competition for this whole build-up to the game in terms of how we had to deal with that at the end there.”

City declined to comment on Fletcher’s complaint although it is understood club officials reacted with some amusement.

Fletcher sent his sons Jack and Tyler to City’s academy early in their careers before they signed for United in July 2023. The FA has been approached for comment.