Nike Football's The Chance Global Tour Stops In Manchester
Following The Chance World Tour stop in Turin, Italy, the squad landed in Manchester, England, for a week of training and football culture immersion at Manchester United s Carrington facility where the lads gained invaluable insight into life as a Manchester United player.
United s reserve team coach Warren Joyce welcomed the finalists and quickly turned them loose for a short, sharp and possession-focused session ahead of their fixture against the Manchester United Under-19s - a match which they took a lot of positives from despite a 2-1 loss. Joyce praised the work-rate and technical ability on show.
The following day Brian McClair, former United forward and current club Director of Youth, ran a high-energy shooting session before Coach Gilligan took the squad through some defensive exercises to address their frailties against the Manchester United Under-19s.
Day 27 of the tour called for Intensive fitness coaching. Tony Strudwick, Manchester United s strength and conditioning expert, put the squad through their paces during a one-hour session that tested the players acceleration and power before they headed to the gym for a yoga class.
The finalists were reunited with Strudwick the following day for a tough fitness routine overseen by Sir Alex Ferguson. Later that day, the Nike players had a meet-and-greet with the senior squad; a guided tour of Old Trafford from Tom Cleverly, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck; and dinner with Rio Ferdinand at his restaurant.
Next up for The Chance Global Tour: the National Football Centre at St George s Park. Let us know what you think of The Chance and join the conversation online, on Twitter on Facebook.