Today saw the conclusion of the group stages of the Manchester United Premier Cup and an impressive 55 goals as all twenty teams fought desperately for a place in the knockout stage of the U-15 tournament jointly sponsored by Nike and Manchester United.
European teams came back with a vengeance with exceptional wins early on in the day from FC Honka, Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Basel. However there were also tremendous disappointments for many as their Premier Cup dream came to an abrupt end.
Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United progress to the quarter finals from Group A, forcing Real Madrid to make an unexpected departure. Their highly anticipated match against the host club ended goalless when neither team could break the deadlock. "It was so frustrating because it was our best performance by far but we just couldn’t score" admitted Coach Tristan Celador. "However, our failure to qualify is really down to our first match against Chilean side Audax Italiano. We should have won that match but were just too slow and couldn’t find our rhythm."
Brazil's Fluminense continued to lead the field taking maximum points in Group B, leaving Coach Marcelo Veiga to eagerly anticipate their quarter final match against Manchester United. "I am very pleased with our level of performance so far and am looking forward to progressing to the semi finals and the challenge of facing teams like Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United." Eintracht Frankfurt capitalized on their 7:0 win over Shizuoka Gajuen to secure second place and a quarter final match against Paris Saint Germain.
FC Atlas remained consistent to hold first place in Group C and will face surprise contenders Right to Dream Academy whose Coach Gareth Henderby is delighted with his team’s progress so far: "We’ve come a long way since starting our journey and this opportunity for the boys to play against the likes of Manchester United will be something they will take with them through the rest of their lives."
Juventus face FC Basel in the last quarter final after which the placement matches commence, culminating with the semi finals at 5.30pm.
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About MUPC
The Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) gives talented under fifteen year olds the chance to show off their skills and come up against other young footballers from around the globe. They get to play on an international stage and meet and compete with the best of their class. It is the chance for football crazy kids from around the globe to play against each other on an international stage, bridging language and cultural barriers through sport.
Over the past 14 years, the Premier Cup tournament has travelled the globe and seen a lot of changes. What started out as European regional tournament in 1993 has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious football events of its kind.
Over 900,000 players have taken part in the tournament since its inception, with over 9,000 teams from more than 40 countries competing each year to represent their nation at the World Finals.
The Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) is jointly sponsored by Nike and Manchester United as part of their commitment to grassroots development.
Over the past 14 years, the Premier Cup tournament has travelled the globe and seen a lot of changes. What started out as European regional tournament in 1993 has grown into one of the largest and most prestigious football events of its kind.
Over 900,000 players have taken part in the tournament since its inception, with over 9,000 teams from more than 40 countries competing each year to represent their nation at the World Finals.
The Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) is jointly sponsored by Nike and Manchester United as part of their commitment to grassroots development.