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Manchester United return to the illustrious SuperCupNI this week with their opening fixture on Monday night.
Formerly known as the Milk Cup, the tournament in Northern Ireland has a long held connection with United dating back to the 1980s.
Regularly competing in the competition it has seen such greats as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Marcus Rashford, and Kobbie Mainoo represent United in Northern Ireland while coming through the ranks.
This year United are competing in the u16s age group, which includes a very talented group who will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the stars before them.
Using the international standard cut off for the u16s age group, it allows some of the younger players from the upcoming season’s u17s to still compete, including Amir Ibragimov and Bendito Mantato.
United’s full squad list travelling to the tournament is:
Goalkeepers
Zac Watson
Darlington Osuchukwu
Defenders
Albert Mills
Godwill Kukonki
Rafe McCormack
Jayden Ngwashi
Connor Thorley
Yuel Helafu
Midfielders
Amir Ibragimov
Douka Nkoto
Bassirou Nkoto
Jay McEvoy
Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher
Forwards
Bendito Mantato
Louie Bradbury
Junior Brown
Noah Ajayi
Neithan Barbosa
While Mantato and Ibragimov are the most well known names on the list, there are many more talented players to keep an eye on.
A Wales youth international, Louie Bradbury scored over 40 goals for the u16s last season and will be United’s main attacking threat.
The story of the tournament may yet be the Nkoto brothers though, still only in the u14s, they have regularly played above their age group, forming a formidable duo in midfield including impressive performances at the KDB Cup last month.
United’s group stage fixtures all kick off at 19:00 BST with the below schedule.
July 22nd: vs Co. Fermanagh
July 23rd: vs Skouted FC
July 24th: vs Intercontinental FA
All matches will be available to stream at supercupni.tv for £7 per match.
It is double the action this year for United fans as the girls academy also join the boys in competing.
United’s u16s girls will take on Aston Villa, Surf Select, and USSSA Select in their group stage.
Be sure to check The Peoples Person for daily match reports and live coverage on our Twitter feed to not miss any of the action.
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