Derry’s Brandywell Stadium is expected to attract its largest crowd in recent times tonight when it plays host to the Dale Farm Milk Cup clash between Manchester United and CSKA Moscow as the citywide venue hosts matches for the first time in the tournament’s 32-year history (kick off 7.00pm).
David Beckham captained Manchester United when they won the Milk Cup in 1991.
The United youngsters have regularly attracted large crowds and this evening’s game against the Russian giants – in the tournament’s Premier section – is expected to draw fans from throughout the North West and further afield eager to catch a glimpse of possible future stars at Old Trafford.
Current Red Devils Wayne Rooney (Everton), Michael Carrick (West Ham United) and Danny Welbeck have played in the tournament in the past.
Former stars who have represented the club include Wes Brown, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Keith Gillespie, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Federico Macheda, Robbie Savage and David Beckham who captained the victorious side in 1991.
United have brought over a 17-man squad to defend the trophy they won for the fifth time last year with a late Oliver McBurnie header in the final against Co. Tyrone,
Six of those who appeared in that final feature in Paul McGuinness’s squad this time round along with trialists Oscar Borg and Ogo Obi.
“It’s always a nice start to the year and a traditional thing for us,” said McGuinness.
“What we say is they are following in the footsteps of lots of Manchester United players in the past who have gone on to achieve big things.
Wayne Rooney played for Everton in Milk Cup.
“It’s a really enjoyable week where the lads come in as first-years and get a real taste for what it’s like to be a Manchester United player, competing in front of crowds.”
United began the defence of the trophy with an 11-0 hammering of Gold Coast Academy from Australia at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Monday and followed that up last night with a 3-0 victory against Co Armagh.
CSKA also go into tonight’s games with two wins out of two having defeated Otago Academy from New Zealand 3-0 on Monday and Dublin outfit Bohemian FC 4-0 yesterday.
Manchester United: Dean Henderson, George Dorrington, Oliver Byrne; Charlie Scott, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Ro-Shaun Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, Tyler Reid, Tyrell Warren, Oscar Borg; Jordan Thompson, Zachary Dearnley, Callum Gribbin, Demetri Mitchell, Travis Johnson; Marcus Rashford, Ogo Obi.
CSKA Moscow: Mayorov Pavel, Saraev Kirill, Alibekov Mutalip, Nikitin Denis, Sokolov Dmitry, Gordyushenko Astemir, Kasatkin Nikita, Solovyev Mikhail, Zhamaletdinov Timur, Nazarov Mukhammad, Ulukhanov Elgyun, Lelyukhin Egor, Glukhov Denis, Rudev Vladislav, Knyazev Savva, Ferapontov Ilia, Matunov Egor
Earlier today (kick-off 1.30pm), the Brandywell will stage the clash of China and Canada in the tournament’s Elite (international) section.
Matches have also been staged this week in the Waterside where the Riverside Stadium hosted last night’s Premier clash 3-1 win by Benfica over Co Tyrone as well as Glasgow Rangers 3-0 victory against Armagh in the Junior section on Monday night.
CSKA Moscow.
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