Award for Academy stalwart Bushell

The Reds first sent a youth team to the competition - formerly known as the Milk Cup - on Northern Ireland’s north coast in 1989 and since then we have been one of the most regular participants in the tournament.

United’s relationship with the SuperCupNI also extends beyond the playing side, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer officially opening the tournament in 2008, while Sir Alex Ferguson has always been a keen advocate of the junior competition.

Bushell has been an integral part of United’s participation in the event over the years, acting as the main link between the club and the committee. He has regularly taken up the role of tour leader, taking some of the Reds’ most celebrated players to the competition including our renowned ‘Class of ‘92’ stars and recent graduates such as Mason Greenwood.

Once again, the Under-16s headed to Northern Ireland this summer and played in three friendlies on the trip, beating Coleraine, Ballymena and Linfield, to mark the 30th anniversary of the club's famous Milk Cup win in 1991.

During the tour, tournament chairman Victor Leonard made a special presentation to Bushell with the accolade, and paid tribute to him for his support and encouragement of the competition, as well his dedication to youth football in Northern Ireland.

Nick Cox, Head of Academy, said: "Dave thoroughly deserves this recognition for his fantastic work with the SuperCup over the last 30 years. Without Dave, this key tournament in the Academy diary simply wouldn’t have been possible. 

"Dave’s years of service for Manchester United have been phenomenal. Long-standing staff such as him are vital to the Academy, they are custodians of culture and ensure that we stay true to the values that have ensured that the Academy has continued to produce world-class players throughout its history.

"Dave is a fantastic operator who has supported so many young players throughout their journey, and we are delighted that he has received this public acknowledgement of his dedication to youth development."

Everyone at Manchester United would like to congratulate Dave on his award and thank him for all the work he has done for the club over the years.