The Reds’ Under-15s finished sixth in the 2008 Manchester United Premier Cup, which took place in Manchester this year.

United, who put in some fine performances throughout the competition which took place between 3-6 August, were knocked out by eventual winners Fluminense.

The Brazilian side became World Champions in the prestigious U15 tournament by defeating Mexican club FC Atlas in the final on the Old Trafford pitch before United’s pre-season friendly against Juventus.

To give an idea of just how wide-reaching and hotly-contested this tournament is, 9,400 teams from forty-two countries participated in local, national and regional tournaments to earn a place in this week’s World Finals.

In the past the Nike-sponsored MUPC tournament, with matches played 20-minute each way, has proven to be a platform for now world-renowned names such as Cesc Fabregas, Robinho, Fernando Torres and United's very own Carlos Tevez.

It is a tournament to be taken seriously by clubs, coaches and players alike. United’s youngsters did exactly that, and made it through as runners-up in Group A with wins over Indonesian side Villa 2000 and Chile’s Audax Italiano, and draws against Paris