Under-12’s suffer heartbreak in MIC Cup

Manchester United Under-12’s suffered heartbreak in the Mediterranean International Cup in Costa Brava, Spain – after crashing out to Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

The youngsters had to settle for third place in the international tournament, losing to eventual winners Real Madrid. A youthful Galacticos eventually collected the silverware following a miniature El Clasico in the final, beating off Barcelona by a single goal.

The Red Devils opened their campaign with an impressive 7-1 victory over Boyaca SE Atreve. Goals from Shola Shoretire, Charlie Savage – the son of former United midfielder Robbie Savage – and Michael Mellon, added to with braces from Noah Ohio and Rhys Dean secured a comfortable introduction.

A clash with CE Farners also produced an exciting performance from the Manchester outfit, with two goals from Harvey Blair, two from Shoretire and another from Ohio completing a 5-0 rout.

The third fixture ultimately produced their finest display in the tournament, hitting double-figures. A Mellon hattrick, another brace from Ohio, a single strike from Zidane Iqbal, and a quartet from Shoretire allowed the Reds to head into their final group fixture confident of qualification.

Meeting Fundacio UE Ulot, the Under-12’s ensured qualification while conceding just a single goal throughout their group stage. Shoretire added yet another goal to his personal tally, while Ohio, Owen Dodgson and an own goal fulfilled a 4-0 victory in style.

The standard of football admittedly increased substantially in the knockout stages, and only a single goal could overcome EC Granollers in the quarter-final. Nevertheless, the strike came once again from Shoretire – his ninth goal in five games for the Reds.

A youthful United eventually crashed out of the competition at the hands of the Spanish giants in the final four, although the side could hold their heads high after an impressive run of results.

Squad: Harvey Blair, Rhys Dean, Owen Dodgson, William Fish, Scott Holding, William Ioge, Zidane Iqbal, Oliver Kilner, Bailey Marseden, Michael Mellon, Noah Ohio, Harley O’Grady-Macken, Shariff Ologundulu, Kade Ractchford, Charlie Savage, Shola Shoretire, Joshua Wright, George Wyatt.