The
opening ceremony and official draw for the 20 finalists in this year’s 20th edition
of the Manchester United Premier Cup was hosted on Monday evening
and once again proved that this tournament is anything but predictable.
Officiating at the draw were Manchester United legends
Denis Law and Bryan Robson who were clearly eager to watch a new generation of
players emerge over the coming days:
Dennis Law, "There is no doubt that we will see some
real talent here this week. These kids are so lucky - when I was just 15 years
of age I was going to play in Southport - just down the road - and some of
these youngsters have travelled across the world. They will have the
opportunity to play and learn from young players who will go on to become the best
of their generation."
Bryan Robson had some sound words of advice for dealing
with the highs - and lows - of competitive football: "If they want to make
it as a professional footballer, then they need to dedicate themselves to their
football. Eat well, train well, sleep well. Play every game with passion and a
determination to win. Work hard - as part of your team - and give it your best
shot. Then win, lose or draw, you will have done your best. No-one can ask more
than that."
The group stages will be played over the next two days,
with the top two teams from each group moving into the knockout stages.
Group 1 sees an MUPC Finals debut for Rosina
Sedibane Middle School from South Africa and Chilean side San Luis de Quillota,
who carry their nation's hopes of repeating Catolica's remarkable win in 2012,
alongside 2011 qualifier Ulsan Hyundai from Korea; seasoned competitors Real
Madrid and tournament hosts Manchester United, who would no doubt revel in the
opportunity to play the Final on their home turf.
Group 2 is headed up by Ghana's Right to
Dream Academy, preparing to face Shandong Luneng FC. Footballing giants Boca
Juniors and AC Milan kick off their title bid.
Group 3 is another tough draw with the return
of SC Internacional from Brazil, who haven't qualified since 2010, against
Arsenal who last qualified for the world finals in 2006. Both teams will
undoubtedly have something to prove, along with Borussia Dortmund, who will
inevitably be looking to emulate their senior team's success as Champions League
Finalists in 2013. Newcomers Omiya Ardija and 2010 qualifiers Onehunga Sports
will also compete for supremacy in this group, which will certainly throw up
some surprises.
Group 4 appears the most open group, with
Indonesian team Saswco FC competing in the tournament for the first time,
alongside CD Guadalajara who will be hoping to take the trophy home for a
second time, and European clubs Grasshopper Club Zurich and NK Domzale who play
their first match against North American qualifiers, Dallas Texans.
As the evening draws to a close, the young players are no
doubt reflecting on the words of Manchester United player Tom Cleverley:
"I remember my MUPC experience in 2004 as if it were yesterday, reaching
the final and walking out at Old Trafford was the best experience ever. We lost
out to Manchester City, but you can't have everything. I would advise the young
players here to enjoy themselves, enjoy their football, the whole experience.
It's a shame only two teams can win the chance to play at Old Trafford, but the
memory of this tournament will stay with you for a very long time."
Rosina Sedibane will kick off the tournament with their
first match against Ulsan Hyundai, followed by their second match of the day
against Real Madrid.
Tournament matches will take place at the newly renovated
Aon Training Complex in Carrington, from August 6-9 with
the Final being played out at Manchester United's "Theatre of Dreams"
on Friday August 9,
in a curtain raiser to the Rio Ferdinand Testimonial match, featuring Manchester
United -v- Sevilla.
Group 1
Rosina Sedibane; Ulsan Hyundai; San Luis de Quillota;
Manchester United & Real Madrid.
Group 2
Right to Dream Academy; Shandong Luneng FC; Boca Juniors;
AC Milan & GNK Dinamo Zagreb.
Group 3
Onehunga Sports; Omiya Ardija; SC Internacional; Arsenal
& Borussia Dortmund.
Group 4
Saswco FC; CD Guadalajara: Grasshopper Zurich; NK Domzale
& Dallas Texans
