Michael Carrick was part of the West Ham side that won the FA Youth Cup in 1999.
He has been to most Manchester United games in the competition this season and revealed in his news conference on Thursday he was part of a 67,000 crowd that watched a side containing Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho beat Nottingham Forest in the 2022 final at Old Trafford.
In addition, his son Jacey is in the United academy and made his debut for the under-18 side earlier this season.
It was not surprising Carrick had an opinion about the decision to host next Thursday's final against Manchester City at the 6,000-capacity Joie Stadium.
"I'm disappointed," he said. "The Youth Cup final always seems to have been a thing where you play at the main stadium. It's such a showcase event for players of that age group.
"I've had some amazing memories in that competition of playing with your close mates.
"It's a shame it hasn't worked out for whatever reason. It's a fantastic game, a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to going and supporting the boys."
The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has written to FA chief executive Mark Bullingham imploring him to make a venue switch.
Carrick says it is too late now.
"It is what it is," he said. "There's nothing that can be done about it. Hopefully, in years [that] go by, it can be played in the [main] stadium."
