Manchester United maintained their 100% record in pursuit of an eighth Boys’ Premier title at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI as they swept aside Rangers 3-0 in front of a packed Coleraine Showgrounds.
The crowds turned out in force despite the inclement weather, underlining the popularity of both clubs at the tournament.
The Red Devils were determined to reward the supporters, with wingers Mane Balde Soares and Jaice Dore providing the spark throughout a dreary July evening.
United broke the deadlock inside five minutes when Muhammed Ibragimov reacted quickest to volley home from the edge of the box after a loose pass rebounded kindly into his path.
United dominated possession, but Rangers went close in the 20th minute when Riley Bryson curled a free-kick narrowly wide of the far post after Daniel Owoyomi had been brought down on the edge of the area.
The Gers had goalkeeper Callan McKenna to thank for keeping the deficit to a single goal as he produced a superb full-stretch save to tip Angus Murdock’s looping header away.
Rangers started the second half with greater intent but fell further behind on 42 minutes after excellent work from Soares down the right. His inviting cross was met by Jeddeed Bangura, who powered home a header.
It got even better for United eight minutes later when Soares delivered another pinpoint cross, this time for Ben Lyne to head home and seal an impressive victory.
It has now been more than 30 years since Rangers last lifted the Boys’ Premier title, and that wait will continue following back-to-back defeats. United, meanwhile, remain firmly on course for the semi-finals.
They now face a winner-takes-all showdown with County Antrim on Wednesday evening after the county side claimed their second successive victory with a thrilling 5-3 win over Intercontinental FA in Broughshane.
County Tyrone and Derby County battled for their first points of the tournament at The Ropewalk.
It was the county side who came out on top in a hard-fought contest. Tyrone had to withstand early pressure before Eoghan Kelly headed them in front after 24 minutes.
The goal swung the momentum in Tyrone’s favour as Rocco Devlin tested the Derby goalkeeper with a low drive on 31 minutes.
A minute later, Brayden McNally unleashed a long-range effort that forced Arlo Tye into another save after he initially spilled the ball before gathering at the second attempt.
Devlin continued to cause problems after the break, twice forcing Tye into action before firing into the side-netting with another effort.
Tye then denied Tyrone substitute James McNally after Devlin had picked him out with an incisive pass.
The county side almost paid for their wastefulness in front of goal as Derby piled on the pressure during the closing stages, with tempers also beginning to flare, but Tyrone stood firm to secure all three points.
Right to Dream continued their free-scoring form with a 5-2 victory over County Down in Bushmills.
Ibrahim Sidibe was the standout performer for the Ghanaian academy, scoring four times to move his side onto six points in Group A.
Tournament newcomers Kamimura Gakuen made it two wins from two with a 5-0 victory over County Fermanagh at Seahaven.
The Japanese side, who are yet to concede in the tournament, led 2-0 at the break before adding three more goals after the interval to strengthen their grip on top spot in Group B.
Fellow newcomers Iconz Elite earned another valuable point with a 1-1 draw against Southampton at Parker Avenue.
Iconz led at the interval through Beckham Moyer before Samuele Fox equalised for the Saints in the second half.
Goals from Bailey Magee, Kenzie Fitzpatrick and Alfie Davidson completed a superb comeback for County Armagh, who recovered from a half-time deficit to defeat Sunderland 3-2 at the Riada Stadium.
County Londonderry slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Tigres UANL at Limavady Showgrounds.
Gerardo Iván Muñiz Flores and Gerónimo Montes González were on target for the Mexican top-flight side, while Coleton Mitchell replied for the hosts.
Boys’ Premier Section Results (Tuesday 28th July 2026)
- Southampton 1-1 Iconz Elite
- Kamimura Gakuen 5-0 County Fermanagh
- County Tyrone 1-0 Derby County
- County Down 2-5 Right to Dream
- County Antrim 5-3 Intercontinental FA
- Rangers 0-3 Manchester United
- County Armagh 3-2 Sunderland
- County Londonderry 1-2 Tigres UANL
For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com
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For further information please contact:
AY.
Russell Lever
Mob: 07841676976
Email: russell@ay.studio
