Manchester United u19s are returning to the Mercedes Benz Junior Cup and Rewe Junior Cup this weekend.
The two tournaments, which occur simultaneously, have been a part of United’s academy schedule for years now. United have become regular participants in both, having previously lifted both trophies.
With the tournaments on the same weekend and in Sindelfingen and Gottingen respectively, it means United have to split the squad to attend each.
Despite both being indoor football, there are different rules between the two tournaments, providing a variety of experience.
The Mercedes Benz Junior Cup is a 6-a-side tournament with 2×9 minute halves. Meanwhile, the Rewe Junior Cup is a 5-a-side tournament with just one 13 minute period of play.
Speaking about the challenge, Academy Director Nick Cox said “these competitions give us different stimuli. It’s small-sided, indoor games, so it’s about touch, close control and intensity. We’re also playing against German clubs like Bayern Munich who play in this format every week so it’s a proper challenge.”
The Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup kicks off on Saturday where United will meet Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach and Rangers in the group stage.
Marcus Rashford was a key figure at the tournament in 2015 when United won the tournament.
The Rewe Junior Cup starts on Friday night as the young reds take on Borussia Monchengladbach, 1. SC 1911 Heiligenstadt, Hamburger SV, JFV Eichsfeld, JFV West Gottingen and SV Rhume-Ode in the group stage.
The squad lists for the tournaments have been released but there is some overlap which means there will be last minute changes.
Mercedes Benz Junior Cup: Victor Musa, Zach Baumann, Jacob Devaney, Yuel Helafu*, Jayce Fitzgerald, Amir Ibragimov*, Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, Godwill Kukonki, Samuel Lusale, Will Murdock, James Scanlon, Jayden Ngwashi
Rewe Junior Cup: Cameron Byrne-Hughes, Yuel Helafu*, Albert Mills, Dante Plunkett, Rafe McCormack, James Bailey, Jim Thwaites, Amir Ibragimov*, Jariyah Shah, Louie Bradbury
*Named in both squads.
Adam Lawrences is expected to take charge of the Rewe Junior Cup squad, while Colin Little steps up to take charge at the Mercedes Benz Junior Cup with the assistance of Paul McShane.
With a Premier League 2 fixture tonight for the u21s as well, it means many of the older u19s have stayed in England, opening up a chance for a number of u16s to step up and gain some unique experience.
Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
