Perhaps Milk Cup fans will witness another Manchester United starlet such as midweek goalscoring sensation James Wilson when the Red Devils return to the youth tournament this summer.
Wilson’s sensational arrival in the United line up against Hull City last week brought smiles to the faces of Milk Cup fans here.
They had marvelled at the teenager’s scoring ability a couple of years ago and one night in Ballymoney in particular when he also hit a brace.
“He is a super talent,” says United’s outgoing interim manager Ryan Giggs, himself a graduate of the Dale Farm-sponsored event back in the nineties.
“We have always prided ourselves on giving youth a chance at Old Trafford and James is an exciting prospect,” adds Giggs.
Wilson, who became the fourth youngest player to score a Premier League goal for Manchester United at 18 years, five months and five days, showed his potential with a double strike against Norwegian side Revo Express in 2012.
Now United are joining regulars Benfica in the Premier section this summer to continue their long standing support for the event.
Dubliners Bohemians are back along with newcomers Lusaka Academy from Zambia who have competed in similar international tournaments in Spain, Sweden and Denmark.
“It is a first for us to bring a Zambian team to the competition and I think our supporters are in for a real treat. Football in Africa is reaching new heights and I believe it is important we reflect that,” says Milk Cup chairman Victor Leonard.
“We have tried to improve the mix of teams this year and Manchester United’s decision to come again is a massive boost for us along with Premier League clubs such as Liverpool, Everton, Southampton and Newcastle United.”
The draw for the tournament will take place in Belfast’s W5 complex on Tuesday, May 27, with the competition kicking off on Monday, July 28, following the welcome parade of teams and opening ceremony in Coleraine the previous evening.
ENDS
Note for editors:
Dale Farm is part of the United Dairy Farmers Group, a UK dairy farmer co-operative owned by over 1,600 dairy farmers who supply it with fresh milk. Dale Farm has operations throughout the UK and Ireland producing and distributing a wide range of dairy products which it sells across the UK and Ireland as well as exporting to over 45 countries worldwide.