Manchester United will compete at the Super Cup NI again in 2026.
The Super Cup NI kicks off on July 26, one of the most keenly anticipated club youth tournaments of the year.
Manchester United have been sending teams to the tournament Northern Ireland since 1989, when it was known as the Milk Cup.
David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville were among the names to represent the club at the tournament in the early days.
In recent seasons, Godwill Kukonki, Ethan Wheatley, Bendito Mantato and Kai Rooney are among the current academy players to feature for the Red Devils.
In 2025, United reached the final of the competition, before losing the final 1-0 to Southampton. Michael Carrick’s son Jacey was among the United squad.
Key dates for Super Cup NI 2026
While the official opening day of the tournament is Sunday July 26, the group stage matches begin on Monday 27.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday July 30, with the final being held on Friday July 31.
United will be sending players to represent the club for the under-16s, like previous years. All players must be born after January 1 2010.
The tournament is open to clubs and academies from around the world. Manchester United’s u16 opponents have already been drawn.
- County Antrim
- Intercontinental FA (academy from New England, US)
- Rangers FC
In addition, there will also be girls teams representing United at under-16s and under-14s.
Which Man Utd academy midfielder do you feel has the biggest case to be in Michael Carrick’s squad next season?
Manchester United players to watch
Here is a look at five Manchester United academy players to watch at the tournament…
Lincoln Fagborun: Manchester United beat competition from Liverpool and Brighton to sign Lincoln Fagborun from Bradford City’s academy a year ago. The young full-back is multi-talented, he was also offered a rugby league scholarship.
Brian Nyonyi: Central midfield prospect Brian Nyonyi has already been called up to represent England at youth level, where he played in a 7-0 win over Iceland. He was named on the bench for Manchester United’s under-18s last season.
Ben Lyne: Talented Republic of Ireland prospect Ben Lyne is a name to watch over the coming years. The young striker has two goals in three games for his country at youth level. Lyne joined United from Wolves, beginning his career with Irish side Ennis Town. He was born in the Cayman Islands.
Jaice Dore: Fans may already recognise the name Jaice Dore after his performances went viral earlier in 2026 at the Snow Bowl Tournament in America. Dore was named the tournament MVP after scoring a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund. Teammates Lyne and Nyonyi also impressed at the tournament.
Mo Ibragimov: The younger brother of under-21s star Amir Ibragimov, Mo is looking to make his mark at the Super Cup NI. Muhammed Ibragimov was on the books at Manchester City before switching to United in 2023. He was born in Russia but is eligible to play for England.
Full squad
- Goalkeepers: Marley Irving, Billy Hartley
- Defenders: Lincoln Fagborun, Joey Akinsanya, Gus Murdock, Jack Waters, Joe Deighton, Locclan Harrison
- Midfielders: Jed Bangura, Brian Nyonyi, Eddie Wright, Estan Chisnall-Devent, Ellis Mills
- Forwards: Mane Soares, Jaice Dore, Ben Lyne, Simone Okeke, Mo Ibragimov
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