Man Utd returns to defend SuperCupNI crown

Recently crowned Carabao Cup winners Manchester United will once again be on their way to SuperCupNI later on in the summer, organisers have announced.

The Old Trafford giants are one of the headline acts in a 16 strong Premier Section and after success in the Junior category last summer, the Red Devils will be aiming to secure their first Premier title since 2014.

Indeed, one of the stars of their last success in 2014, Marcus Rashford, has gone on to become a global star and is currently one of Europe’s in-form strikers.

United are joined in the Premier Section by Carabao Cup runners-up Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion, who are making their debut at the tournament.

SuperCupNI chairman Victor Leonard said Manchester United’s support for the tournament is testament to how well respected it is among decision-makers at Old Trafford.

“Over our 40-year history, we have been incredibly well supported by Manchester United and in the past the tournament has acted as a launchpad for their young players to go on and make their mark for the first team.

“They are always incredibly well supported at the tournament and attract large crowds at every game.

“I know from the conversations we have on a regular basis with Nick Cox, head of the academy, that it is a tournament their young players look forward to and they are told about how the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Elanga used their experiences at the tournament to progress into the first team and become household names,” added Leonard.