Sowetan Reporter

Sowetan Reporter

Manchester is preparing to welcome some of the most talented young footballers in the world this week for the World Finals of the Nike-sponsored Manchester United Under-15 Premier Cup.

Bryan Robson and Brian McClair will host the opening ceremony and draw as the 20 teams gather at Manchester United's Carrington training complex tomorrow night.

Tournament matches will be played at Carrington from Sunday until Wednesday. The finalists will play at Old Trafford's "Theatre of Dreams" in a curtain raiser to the Manchester United v Juventus FC friendly match on Wednesday.

South Africa will be represented by SuperSport United who beat Moroka Swallows on penalties in the competition's national finals at Hyundai Park, Klipsruit, Soweto last month.

Over the past twelve months, more than 9400 teams from more than 40 countries have battled their way through local, national and regional competitions to win a coveted place at the most prestigious Under-15 football tournament in the world.

From grassroots teams to some of the biggest clubs in football, the Manchester United Premier Cup offers a unique experience for stars of the future to live the dream of international football today. Carlos Tevez, Francesc Fabregas, Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres are just a few of the many "graduates" in the MUPC Hall of Fame.

Host club Manchester United are joined by teams from clubs famed for their youth development like FC Basel 1893, Juventus, and 1995 European Champions Real Madrid who are hoping to go one better this year and add their name to the illustrious list of World Champions. - (Additional reporting by Sello Rabothata)