Manchester Premier Cup: Right to Dream take pride in 4th place finish

Right to Dream Academy are proud of their achievements at the 2014 Manchester United Premier Cup despite failing to snatch the coveted title on their 6th appearance at the global youth football fiesta.

A last minute replacements for Esperance of Tunisia, the Old Akrade based side went all the way to the semi final at the 20-team world finals, having finished as runners-up at the African finals to Esperance of course.

The last four however proved their last stop as they succumbed 1-3 to Valencia in the semi finals before a 0-1 loss to Hertha Berlin in the match for third place.

It means their 3rd place finish in 2009 remains Right to Dream Academy's best ever performance at the Manchester Premier Cup.

"8000 teams from 43 countries entered the Manchester United Premier Cup 2014. 20 teams competed at the World Finals in Manchester this week. RtD U15s finished 4th. They did themselves, RtD and Africa proud," Right to Dream wrote on their own Facebook wall.

In the event, Dynamo Moscow beat Valencia CF 1:0 in the final match of the MUPC World Finals, to become the first Russian team to claim the title in the tournament's 21 year history.

England and Manchester United star Tom Cleverley made a surprise appearance at the Saturday's closing ceremony. The midfielder was keen to share his memories of MUPC and offer the young stars of the future some advice:

"We reached the first ever MUPC World Finals to be held at Old Trafford back in 2004 against our local rivals Manchester City.  Even though we didn't win it was a great experience," Cleverley advised.

"Work as hard as you can to improve every day. In the end, the difference between winning and losing comes down to the small percentages. Listen to your coach and teammates, but most of all, remember to enjoy yourself," he added.

Awards:
Fair Play Award: Hertha BSC Berlin.
Top Scorers: Brayan (Tigres FC) (shown with Cleverley) & Ivan (Valencia CF).

Tournament MVP: Petr (Dynamo Moscow).