Manchester United’s under-21 side begin their Premier League international cup journey against Hertha Berlin this week.
The Premier League International Cup competition provides a chance for these academy sides to take on some of the finest young teams on the international stage.
The Premier League International Cup was first introduced in the 2014/15 season as part of a strategy to provide Premier League Academies with International experiences. Manchester United’s academy side enter into the competition this week.
Here is everything you need to know about the Premier League International Cup.
When was the Premier League International Cup introduced?
As mentioned, the tournament began in the 2014/15 season and the competition has seen a plethora of different sides compete for the trophy.
Have any first-team Manchester United players played in the competition in the past?
Kobbie Mainoo has featured in the international tournament before and the Englishman has gone on to become a mainstay in the Manchester United first team.
What is the format for the Premier League International Cup?
The English clubs are split into four groups of eight clubs, with four PL2 and four invited international clubs occupying each group.
The top two clubs from each group will proceed to the knockout stages and all participating PL2 clubs are to host the group-stage matches at either their main stadium or an approved alternative venue.
From there, the teams will enter into the quarter-finals, then the semi-finals, and then the final to determine who will lift the trophy.
The knockout matches are just one-off games to determine who will reach the next stage of the competition.
Past winners of the Premier League International Cup
With the competition approaching its tenth anniversary, barring the hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal Palace and Manchester City are among the sides who have won it.
- 2023/24 Crystal Palace
- 2022/23 PSV Jong
- 2020/21 N/A (due to Covid)
- 2019/20 N/A (due to Covid)
- 2018/19 Bayern Munich
- 2017/18 Porto B
- 2016/17 Porto B
- 2015/16 Villarreal B
- 2014/15 Manchester City
Where is Man United’s game against Hertha Berlin being held?
Manchester United begin their PL International Cup campaign against Hertha Berlin at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium.
Tickets are available for the 7pm kick-off, priced at £3 for adults and £1 for children, which is certainly a reasonable price.
How to livestream Manchester United vs Hertha Berlin?
If you are in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, United’s game against the Bundesliga side will be available to watch through MUTV.
By signing up to MUTV, and paying a monthly subscription fee, you can watch United’s academy match. However, due to broadcast rights, streams are not available internationally.
Manchester United players to look out for in Premier League International Cup
United certainly have a history of producing some superb academy players AND Ethan Wheatley, who is outgrowing the Premier League 2, is certainly a star and is probably deserving of first-team opportunities.
Ethan Williams will also be given game time in the competition as he looks to impress first-team manager Erik ten Hag.
Williams has continued to be United’s player to watch in 2024 with seven goals to his name in the under-21 side in this calender year.
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