United's famous names 'dealing with the craziness' at SuperCupNI

BBC News

2 days ago

The sight of a Manchester United team-sheet with the names Rooney and Carrick upon it may usually cause fans of the Red Devils to look back fondly but, in Northern Ireland this week, it has instead represented a glimpse of the possible future. The Premiership giants have a rich history at the SuperCupNI - the junior tournament formerly known as the Milk Cup - and this year's crop of under-16s have once again reached the Premier Division final.They will take on Southampton in Coleraine on Friday night in a game that will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website (20:00 BST).David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, the Neville brothers, Danny Wellbeck and Marcus Rashford are just some of those who have shone at the tournament before going on to grace Old Trafford.Local favourites Jonny Evans and Keith Gillespie, who will be part of the BBC coverage on Friday, are notable alumni too. With their famous fathers, Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick have been attracting plenty of attention on the way to the final but their coach, Tom Curtis, does not feel the duo are under any undue pressure."Wayne and Michael were top, top players - world class players - so, of course, there's a bit of pressure on the lads but I don't think they feel it," said Curtis who is head of player development at Manchester United for the 13-16 age group."They have been fantastic in their work ethic, their application, their approach to the tournament, which is a really tough one, by the way, especially the way we play."They're top guys and hopefully they'll have a good career."
Both Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick have been interested specatators on Northern Ireland's north coast this week."The parents are fantastic, the way they have supported their sons in their Manchester United journey," Curtis said."In all seriousness, the way they as parents manage the lads' football has been top class and I don't feel that the boys feel any pressure"I've got to say, any time I've ever spoke to them they're level-headed, very calm, not expecting too much from the boys – just letting them get on and enjoy their football and that is really reflected in the way they go about their business."With so many from previous teams having gone on to professional careers, local Manchester United fans have been clamouring all week for a sight of potential stars of the future. Curtis feels dealing with the furore is an added benefit of the week for his young charges. "If these lads are going to go and play for Manchester United they're going to have to deal with the pressure so it's really nice practice for them," he added."I've loved them going to sign their autographs, I've loved them dealing with the craziness really – everyone's a United fan."