Ex-PGMOL chief: FA will charge Darren Fletcher for behaviour amid Man United youth controversy vs Man City
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Credit: Imago, TNT Sports on YouTube Fri 15 May 2026 11:21, UK Darren Fletcher could face a charge from the FA after he criticised its handling of Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup Final defeat to Manchester City on Thursday, according to Keith Hackett.The young Red Devils lost the game 2-1, with Reigan Heskey smashing in a late winner after Godwill Kukonki had cancelled out Floyd Samba’s sensational free kick.Fletcher was critical of the decision to choose Man City Women’s home, Joie Stadium, to host the final, after the Citizens had rejected calls for it to be played at Old Trafford.The game had initially been set to go ahead at the Etihad Stadium, but officials declined amid apparent ongoing construction works. VISIT THE MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Darren Fletcher expresses anger at FA decisionsFletcher served as Man United’s caretaker manager in January, before Michael Carrick was appointed on an interim basis.The Scot returned to his role within the academy following his former teammate’s return, and had hoped to end the season with success in the FA Youth Cup.Darren FletcherMan United U18s (2025-current)Wins23Draws2Losses7Scored78Conceded31Points per game2.22But the circumstances surrounding the game, even more than the defeat, have left a sour taste in Fletcher’s mouth.
The 42-year-old was seen shouting at FA officials during the trophy presentation, and after the game, said: “I’m disappointed in the FA for everything that’s gone around this game: for the location, for everything.“You have to respect the opposition. But not when Man City take over an FA Youth Cup.
It’s an FA competition. It’s an FA competition and it felt like it was a Man City competition for this whole build-up to the game and in terms of how we had to deal with that at the end.”"I'm disappointed in the FA for everything that's gone around this game" 🗣️Darren Fletcher reacts to Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to rival's Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup Final ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/PivmrfqQzH— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 15, 2026 View Tweet Carrick and Pep Guardiola reportedly watched the game, which the Citizens claimed was a sell-out at the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium, although large numbers of empty seats in the home end quickly became clear.Keith Hackett tips Fletcher for FA chargeSpeaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Hackett said: “Knowing how to lose is part of sport and the need to retain dignity even if you have lost.“I can understand the disappointment of Fletcher dealing with a loss in a final to their rivals.