United Academy Preview | Real Madrid at home

United v Real Madrid | Under 21s Preview

Both sides are battling for a spot in the last four of the Premier League International Cup.

Author | Olivia T

Last minute winner v Athletic Club

Real Madrid boast one of the most highly regarded youth systems in world football, consistently attracting elite young talent with a view to developing them into first-team players.

Both sides have fantastic history against each other in European competitions. Sir Matt Busby's European Cup winning side beat them in the semi-finals in 1968.

How did we reach this stage?

Our young reds reached the quarter-final stage of this competition via two wins at Old Trafford against Athletic Club and Borussia Dortmund, and another victory in Leigh over Portuguese side Sporting.

That earned us a spot in the knockout rounds of this trophy for the first time since 2018/19, and there's no greater welcome to the business end of the competition than a night under the lights against Los Blancos.

We all love Old Trafford under the lights

There is still time to secure your place at Old Trafford for this one, not just to watch two of Europe’s top academy sides go head to head, but to get behind the young United playeds and give them the backing they deserve.

This promises to be a special occasion. Maybe the ticket price should be less than £10 though.

So, what is the Premier League International Cup?

The competition was basically set up to give academy players a proper test against top talent from across Europe. It brings together under-23 sides, mainly from Category One academies in England, and throws them into competitive games against some of the best young players on the continent.

For clubs like United, it is a chance for the next generation to prove themselves against elite opposition, not just domestically but on a wider European stage.