Manchester United send youth team starlets to Northern Ireland's Milk Cup international tournament

By Sean-Paul Doran

Manchester United will again send a team to the world-renowned Milk Cup youth tournament on Northern Ireland’s north cost following the draw for the cup yesterday.

The competition, from July 21 to 26, has run since 1983 and attracts footballers from across the world, including national squads from Mexico, Israel and Denmark.

Last year’s finalists United will join fellow English sides Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Bolton Wanderers in the Premier (U-16) section of the cup.

Paul McGuinness’ young Reds will be pitted against Northern Ireland's Co Tyrone, Norwegian side Revo Express and Japanese club Ichifuna in the group stages.

"We normally do the Milk Cup, it’s almost an automatic choice," director of youth football Jim Ryan told ManUtd.com. 

"We have lots of old friends there in Northern Ireland. They always look after us well and we try to help them as much as we can.”

The tournament has a rich history of honing the skills of talented youngsters, including Sergio Busquets, David Beckham, Thomas Hitzlsperger and James Milner.

Current United stars Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney have all graced the pitches of the picturesque north coast, as have Northern Ireland’s Aaron Hughes and Jonny Evans.

Former United player Corry Evans, younger brother of Jonny and a current N.I international, assisted with the draw for the 30th running of the prestigious youth tournament today.

The tournament is broadcast on BBC Northern Ireland and can be accessed on the iPlayer after the match. Some games will be broadcast here.

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