MUPC All Stars

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Beberapa bintang sepak bola yang pernah berkiprah di Manchester United Premier Cup bersama clubnya nih ...

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“Robinho” Robson de Souza - Santos 1999



Born in Sao Vicente in 1984 Robinho’s prodigious talents were spotted early in life and he signed his first contract with a local football academy at just six years-of-age. At the age of nine, he scored 73 goals in one season of futsal.

He joined Santos’ Youth Programme under Brazilian football legend Pelé, and made his professional debut for the club at just 16 years-of-age. Robinho helped Santos to two Brazilian championships before joining Real Madrid in 2005, the same year he added the FIFA Confederations Cup to his list of honours.

His shock £32.5m transfer to Manchester City ahead of his expected move to Chelsea in September 2008 set a new British record. Robinho scored on his debut — against Chelsea — and added his first hat-trick for the club just weeks later.

On the international stage, Robinho has represented his country since he was just 19 years of age. He was voted Tournament MVP as member of the 2007 Brazil squad that stunned bitter rivals Argentina 3-0 to secure their eighth Copa America title. His hat trick in the 3-0 win against Chile also secured the award as Top Scorer.

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Carlos Tevez - Boca Juniors 1999, MVP & Top Scorer



“I still have my Premier Cup Trophy at home. I was so proud to be voted MVP of our national tournament but when you are fourteen years old you just want to play football and have fun. If you win something with your team that’s a bonus. It is not until later, when you look back, that you realise what a big impact a tournament like this can make on your life and your career.”

Born 1984 in Cuidadela, Buenos Aires, “Carlitos” developed his skills, ball control and renowned tenacity on the mean streets of Fuerta Apache. After progressing through the youth programmes at All Boys and Boca Juniors, he made his professional debut at just 17 years-of-age.

Described by Diego Maradona as the “Argentine prophet for the 21st century”, Tevez’ early honours include South American Footballer of the Year, Sportsman of the Year and gold medallist at the 2004 Olympics. His record-breaking move to Brazilian club Corinthians presented new challenges and, despite a dubious initial reception from fans, his characteristic style of play earned him superstar status, the Captain’s armband — and a league title for his new Club.

Determined that his future lay in Europe, Tevez spent a season at West Ham before switching to Manchester United in a blaze of publicity during the summer of 2007. With 19 goals scored in his first season, he rapidly became an Old Trafford favourite.

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Fernando José Torres Sanz - Atlético Madrid 1999, MVP



“I really loved my Premier Cup experience with Atlético because it gave me and my team-mates a taste of what life as a professional footballer would be like. The chance for kids to play against teams from all over Europe is just incredible. If I could give them some advice it would be to listen and learn, play with passion and try their best every minute of every game.”

‘el Nino’ Fernando Torres was Tournament MVP in Reggio Emilia, Italy, when Atlético were crowned Premier Cup European Champions.

Voted Best Player and Top Scorer at both the European U-16 & U-19 Championships, Torres made his La Liga debut at just 17 years-of-age. Two years later he became the youngest club captain in Atletico’s history and made his international debut against Portugal.

A key member of the national team during Euro 2004 and the main striker for Spain during the 2006 World Cup, Torres became the most expensive Spanish football player in history when he moved to English Premiership team Liverpool in the summer of 2007. He soon became a firm favourite with fans and was voted Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year.

One of an incredible SIX Premier Cup “old boys” leading Spain to their first European Championship since 1964, (alongside Fabregas, Iniesta, Xavi, Casillas and Reyes) Torres won Man of the Match after scoring a memorable goal in the final to secure the 2008 Euro Champs title.

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Francesc Fábregas Soler - FC Barcelona 2002



“The Premier Cup is a good experience for all young players. It conditions you to play in a tournament at a high competitive level. At that age this can be a valuable experience that you can use later in your professional career.”

Another product of the FC Barcelona youth academy and Premier Cup team-mate to Lionel Messi and Gerard Piqué, “Cesc” Fabregas was snapped up by English Premiership club Arsenal in September 2003. He made history for his new club by becoming their youngest ever first team player and the youngest goal scorer in Arsenal’s history.

Fabregas won the Golden Boot and the most valuable player award at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship. A key member of the Spanish squad in the 2004 UEFA U-17 European Championship, he scored a vital last minute goal to take the team through to the final. He also starred for Spain at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, making his senior debut in an exhibition match against China in March 2005.

Named in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, “Cesc” has also been nominated for both PFA Players’ Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year. He was also an important part of the Spanish team to lift the Euro 2008 trophy, their first European Championship since 1964.

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Rafael & Fabio Da Silva - Fluminense 2005



Twins Rafael and Fabio were born in 1990 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Talented defenders with a burning desire to play, they proved an impressive combination for Fluminense at the MUPC World Finals in Hong Kong and helped their team secure the World title. Manchester United and Fluminense agreed a deal and, by January 2008, the “Brazilian Nevilles” arrived in Manchester. The twins made their United debut in August 2008 against Peterborough.

Rafael has since been a regular either on the bench or in the starting line-up, and scored his first goal for the club against Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium. He has constantly impressed with his skill to surge forwards past defenders, as well as his strength in shielding the ball.

A shoulder injury limited Fabio’s early opportunities for first team play, but he has demonstrated the same passion and talent as his brother.

Both Rafael and Fabio have represented their country at U-17. Fabio captained the team and earned the title of top scorer in the U-17 World Cup Finals in Korea in 2007.

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Andrés Iniesta Luján - FC Barcelona 1999



Andrés Iniesta joined Barça as a twelve-year-old in 1996 after he was discovered playing for Albacete. Voted tournament MVP when FC Barcelona played host to the Premier Cup World Finals, he scored a number of crucial goals including the “golden goal” which brought victory over Argentina’s Rosario Central and the world title. He quickly graduated to the senior team, making his La Liga debut against FC Bruges at just 18-years-of-age.

An incredibly hard-working, natural and versatile player, Iniesta is skilful both on the ball and in his passing game. His ability to hold midfield or play a more attacking role has ensured that he is a regular first choice for both club and country.

He played a key role in the Spanish national team that won both the U-16 & U-19 European Championships in 2001 & 2002 and joined the national team for the 2006 World Cup. He was an integral part of the successful Euro 2008 team which gave Spain their first European trophy in 34 years.