Manchester United take on County Londonderry in the Super Cup NI Globe final on Friday, here’s the latest updates from Northern Ireland.
The Super Cup NI journey for this year’s Manchester United U16 side has reached its climax, with a Globe final date with County Londonderry on Friday, July 26th at 2 pm GMT.
The youngsters from Manchester United’s academy reached the final thanks to a 5-0 thrashing of Hamilton Academical on Thursday in which the Nkoto twins were the shining light.
Having finished second in the group stage, United are effectively competing for the second-tier trophy, akin to a Europa League final, for example.
Follow all the latest coverage and action LIVE here with United Focus as we support our U16s on their quest for gold.
SCORELINE: United (3)1-1(5) Londonderry
Manchester United finish the tournament sixth
With United’s defeat, it’s a sixth-place finish in the Super Cup NI 2024.
[Link]It’s not all bad news
Despite the U16 boys losing their final, the club will be going home with gold in one category and that is the girl’s Premier Section after they beat Northern Ireland in the final.
Super Cup NI ends it disappointment for Manchester United
After some impressive performances throughout the tournament, ultimately it wasn’t to be as Londonderry were flawless in the penalty shootout. Douka Nkoto will feel disappointed with his spot-kick miss, but he has nothing to feel down about after an incredible tournament.
The 13-year-old was playing above his age category and was one of United’s highlights as he scored a handful of goals and should be very proud of his efforts, with plenty more to com in the future.
[Link]Fulltime – United 1-1 Londonderry
It’s all over here, and the teams couldn’t be separated. Now we have a penalty shootout.
[Link]Londonderry make it 1-1
Sloppy play from United allows Londonderry to counter-attack and convert to equalise and make it 1-1. A deserved goal from the local favourites.
[Link]Mantato looks a level above
In the game, Mantato has shown exactly why he’s so highly rated at the club. He’s been a constant threat down the right every time he gets the ball.
A huge U18 season and maybe even U21 looks to be in store for United’s answer to Bukayo Saka.
[Link]Halftime – United 1-0 Londonderry
After an on-edge opening half hour, United managed to take the lead just before the break against the run of play. There have been several standouts but Mantato looked the most dangerous player on the pitch. Credit to Brown for his goal too as it was well taken.
[Link]United take a 1-0 lead!
Manchester United have taken the lead in the 36th minute through Junior Brown. Mantato drove down the wing excellently once again before his cutback somehow managed to reach Brown who finished well. 1-0.
[Link]Pause in play
There’s been a momentary pause in play with United’s No.16 Shah down with an injury. He is limping it off but will continue for now.
[Link]Bendito Mantato denied
In almost a trademark of his now, Mantato drove toward the Londonderry goal looking to unleash a shot with his left foot. Only a last-ditch tackle denied him, which led to a corner that came to nothing.
[Link]Manchester United U16 starting XI
Zac Watson; Yuel Helafu, Godwill Kukonki, Rafe McCormack, Conor Thornley; Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, Douka Nkoto, Bassirou Nkoto; Bendito Mantato, Junior Brown, Jariyah Shah.
[Link]When did United last win silverware at Super Cup NI
The last time the Red Devils lifted silverware in the Super Cup was 2022, with a U16 triumph.
[Link]United Academy can round out a strong week
The U16s have the chance to complete a strong week for the academy in general, following the U21’s impressive dismantling of Chester. In this game, Gabriele Biancheri bagged a brace, along with James Bailey getting on the scoresheet too.
Bendito Mantato in particular will be hoping to impress in the final today and catch the eye of Travis Binnion.
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Previous Manchester United players to feature at Super Cup NI
Shea Lacey played and scored at the Super Cup NI two years ago.
Marcus Rashford starred in 2014, scoring four goals in the competition, just two years before he made his senior debut under Louis van Gaal. Could any of this year’s squad be making their debut in two years?
Kobbie Mainoo represented United at the tournament in 2019.
[Link]A reminder of United’s Super Cup squad
Zac Watson, Darlington Osuchukwu; Albert Mills, Godwill Kukonki, Rafe McCormack, Jayden Ngwashi, Yuel Helafu, Connor Thorley; Douka Nkoto, Bassirou Nkoto, Jay McEvoy, Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher; Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Junior Brown, Neithan Barbosa, Noah Ajayi.
Amir Ibragimov was originally in the squad but he withdrew for a currently unknown reason.
[Link]Bendito Mantato could play a starring role this afternoon
Of all the players over in Northern Ireland, few are as talented as Bendito Mantato and he could be pivotal this afternoon.
Mantato impressed earlier in the tournament, and we hope to see him in action during Friday’s final.
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How Manchester United reached the final
Manchester United’s U16 side reached the final with Thursday’s 5-0 thumping of Scottish side Hamilton. Here it was Douka Nkoto and Bassirou Nkoto who stole the spotlight ahead of the final.
This came after winning one, drawing one and losing one in the group stage to send United into the secondary-level knockout phase.
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Welcome to our live blog
Welcome to United in Focus’ live blog coverage of Manchester United’s U16 Super Cup NI Globe final against County Londonderry. Follow along for all the latest news and game updates to see if our youngsters can win the silverware.
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