Manchester United reached the Super Cup NI final on Thursday night after coming out on top against County Down.
It has been an impressive performance from the U16s this week in the fabled Northern Irish youth tournament.
Having topped the group with seven points, Manchester United progressed into the top level knockout round which is for the SuperCupNI Cup.
The team reached this level as United beat Rangers 2-0 on matchday two, which all but secured top spot.
Wayne Rooney has been watching the Super Cup NI, as he supports Kai Rooney who has played an important role for the team in reaching the final.
However, before reaching the final, which is against Southampton on Friday night, United had a semi final clash to play against County Down.
It was a hard fought battle, but United walked out 1-0 victors thanks to two brilliant attackers.
Emmanuel Ziro scores to send Manchester United into the Super Cup NI final
Reaching the SuperCupNI final is effectively the Champions League final of this tournament, with the winners of each group contesting for the trophy and it will be an all-English affair with United battling Southampton in Coleraine.
United secured their place on Thursday night in a tightly contested 1-0 win over Down, which was a well organised and defensively strong team.
It took united until the second half to find a breakthrough, and it came from a move started by Douka Nkoto and finished by Emmanuel Ziro.
Nkoto slipped Ziro in behind with a perfectly weighted pass from the number 10 position, before the striker then rounded the keeper before coolly finishing into the back of the net.
It was a goal worthy of reaching the final, and United will know that the toughest test of all now awaits them on Friday night.
Who is Manchester United youngster Emmanuel Ziro?
While Douka Nkoto has stolen the show this tournament so far for United, on Thursday he was the creator to give the limelight to his talented teammate Ziro.
Ziro only joined United in December 2024, who arrived from London-based academy, Cre8tive. United beat Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, with the 16-year-old considered a real talent
Upon arriving, Ziro lauded United as the “biggest club in the world”, which would have immediately endeared him to fans, and this goal only further cements his class.
Having watched him shine against Down, Ziro looks to be a quick, strong and smart forward, which will benefit him massively in his pursuit of footballing greatness.
Now, he will want to put his name up in lights again in the final.
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