SuperCupNI Day 1 Recap: Kai Rooney leads from the front | OneFootball

Manchester United have returned to the annual SuperCupNI in Northern Ireland.

Famously known by its former name of the Milk Cup, Manchester United have a long history in the competition dating back to the 1980s with some of the biggest names in the club’s history.

From David Beckham to Marcus Rashford, the next generation of United academy talents look to follow in their footsteps by lifting the cup.

It isn’t just the boys’ side representing United at the tournament though. The club has sent two girls teams to compete in the Premier and Junior age groups.

Boys Premier (u16s) vs West Cork Academy

United took an early lead within the opening five minutes. Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, charged down the right wing to the byline to cross deep to Sam O’Brien whose first touch perfectly set it up to hit on the volley past the keeper.

Rooney then hit the net from the penalty spot to double United’s lead going into the break, having earned the penalty himself.

The young Rooney was a danger throughout but it was an outrageous goal from Bassirou Nkoto that left supporters talking.

Found in the box by Camron Mpofu, Bassirou cut back onto his left foot, sitting down the keeper and a defender in the process before slotting into the net.

The 3-0 score line was more than enough to earn United the three points as they head into their second fixture on Tuesday night against Rangers.

Girls Junior (u14s) vs Larne FC

United u14s girls took on local Northern Ireland club Larne who may be familiar to United fans as the latest club of United academy graduate Roshaun Williams. The connection doesn’t stop there though as one of Larne’s biggest talents, Caleb Sweeney, has been on trial with United multiple times within the last year. The County Antrim club were no match for United though who ran away 6-1 winners. Kai Rooney isn’t the only familiar name donning the number 9 at the SuperCupNI with Jonny Evans’ niece and daughter of former United academy graduate Corry Evans, sporting the shirt for United’s junior girls as she follows in the steps of Jonny and Corry who both played at the SuperCupNI as teenagers as well.

Girls Premier (u16s) vs Shamrock Rovers

United narrowly missed out on a perfect sweep on day 1 as the u16s girls fell to Dublin side Shamrock Rovers 2-3.

The youngsters will look to bounce back on Tuesday night though against Northeast Rush, a select team comprising of players from New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, USA.

online polls

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social