It was a clash of the Titans at Old Trafford today when Brazilian favourites Fluminense took on Mexico’s FC Atlas and became Manchester United Premier Cup World Champions for the second time.
This fixture was the eagerly anticipated Final of the Nike sponsored tournament which brings together the twenty best under-15 teams in the world.
The match was played out on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford as the curtain-raiser to the Manchester United v Juventus friendly. On the pitch, there were flashes of brilliance from both sides, but ultimately only Fluminense were able to convert.
A goal just before half-time and a second halfway through the second half left FC Atlas trailing and the Brazilians in dominant form. Despite their best efforts, FC Atlas could not maintain control of the ball leaving Fluminense to take the match, and the title, in a comfortable 2-0 win.
Bryan Robson and Gary Neville presented runners-up Atlas and third place Eintracht Frankfurt with their medals before Fluminense went up onto the pitch to receive the MUPC trophy in front of a crowd of 69,872.
Over the past twelve months 9,400 teams from forty-two countries have participated in local, national and regional tournaments to earn a place in Manchester and to play on the pitch at Old Trafford in the MUPC final. Earlier in the day the bronze match took place at Carrington to determine third and fourth position. In the closely contested match between FC Basel and Eintracht Frankfurt, the frustration with the 1-1 score line was clear. Penalties decided their fate and it was Frankfurt who held their nerve after yesterday’s bitter semi final disappointment and ended up
The Awards and Closing Ceremony were held at Manchester University’s Armitage Centre. All teams were awarded medals and MUPC World Champions Fluminense received the coveted trophy by General Manager of Manchester United Merchandising David Tucker. Trophies also went to Willem II who took the Fair Play Award with only one yellow card whilst Fluminenses’ W.De Silva received awards for both Tournament MVP and highest Goal Scorer.
David Tucker noted in his closing speech how "157 goals were scored over the course of the tournament, and that clearly indicates just how hard all the teams worked, and the standard of football you produced. It has been an incredible tournament and you should all be very proud of yourselves".
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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.