Manchester United: Red Devils’ famous names feeling ‘no pressure’ before SuperCupNI final

The sight of a Manchester United teamsheet 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.

Rather than Wayne or Michael, it has been their sons Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick who have been attracting attention at the SuperCupNI.

The Premier League giants have a rich history at 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 Welbeck 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.

Despite their famous fathers, and the subsequent attention bestowed upon Rooney and Carrick on the way to the final, 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.”