Darren Fletcher expressed disappointment at the FA for letting Man City “take over” the FA Youth Cup final and turn the trophy presentation into a parade.
Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat against Man City in the FA Youth Cup final on Thursday night.
The build-up to the game was marred by controversy after City refused to play the match at the Etihad or move it to Old Trafford. Instead, they opted to host the final at the Joie Stadium, which is used for youth and women’s teams.
To make matters worse, United didn’t get the result they wanted. That means the under-18s will end the season without winning any silverware.
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Darren Fletcher hits out at FA as Man City lack class at FA Youth Cup final
Fletcher wasn’t happy after watching his young side lose the FA Youth Cup final to City.
When speaking to reporters after the match, Fletcher aimed his frustrations at The FA as well as Man City for the venue situation, as well as for overstepping the mark with their celebrations in front of United.
Fletcher slammed the FA for allowing the Joie Stadium announcer to name every City player and coach on the mic as they collected their medals.
Meanwhile, United’s under-18s had to watch on.
“Not only to watch a team lift a trophy, but [for it] to be a Man City parade when it’s an FA Youth Cup final,” Fletcher said, as per Sky Sports.
“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 [on] 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.
“But that’s my one gripe for tonight. But the best team won, compliments to them.”
Unsurprisingly, City declined to comment on Fletcher’s complaints. They will just try to sweep it under the carpet.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Darren Fletcher fumes with the FA after Man City win FA Youth Cup final at Joie Stadium
- Man City were accused of taking over the FA Youth Cup and overdoing it with the celebrations
- Fletcher accepts the best team won on the night
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Darren Fletcher credits Man City U18 manager Oliver Reiss
While Fletcher was upset with the FA and City, he accepted that his United side lost to the better team on the night.
Fletcher also hailed City U18 manager Oliver Reiss, saying: “But what I will say is City have got a fantastic manager. He’s a great, really nice guy. Dead respectful. Coaches his team the right way.”
Hopefully, these United players can bounce back stronger and some of them are invited to join the first team on pre-season this summer.
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