Man United star McNair to make Milk Cup draw at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena

The 20-year-old Manchester United and Northern Ireland star will make the draw for this year’s international youth football tournament at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on May 26.

His rapid progress through the ranks at Old Trafford since his first appearance at the Milk Cup in 2011 has been remarkable, with United boss Louis van Gaal fast-tracking him into his first-team squad.

“I’m proud to be asked to make the Milk Cup draw,” said McNair. “I played in the competition with United two years in succession and it was a fantastic experience.”

McNair is pleased that the Red Devils will again be represented at the Premier tournament, making their 27th consecutive appearance.

“It makes me proud to see the Milk Cups won by the club displayed in the trophy room at Old Trafford. That alone indicates how much prestige is placed on the competition at Old Trafford.”

McNair, spotted by United as an 11-year-old at Ballyclare Colts, made one appearance as a substitute at the 2011 Dale Farm Milk Cup when the side reached the final but lost to impressive Qatar side Aspire.

He featured again the following year in a squad that included Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira.