A 2-0 win over Inter Milan secured the prestigious prize for the Academy team, with the young Blues flying home having won all four of their matches.
Slovakian winger Albert Rusnak was named as Player of the Tournament, although he was run close by Jordi Hiwula - City’s leading scorer this season, the striker bagged five goals in Abu Dhabi - though he was part of a collective effort that has delighted Academy Manager Mark Allen.
“The lads were excellent from start to finish,” Allen told mcfc.co.uk. “We emphasised the importance of starting tournaments well, and we certainly did that with a very good win on the first day.
“The lads continued to perform really well against difficult opposition in difficult conditions, and we were deserved winners of the tournament.
We’re very pleased; four wins in four games should really help our momentum in the last few weeks of the season as we chase the league title
...Mark Allen
The squad proved to be outstanding ambassadors for the Club throughout their time in Abu Dhabi, with Allen adding: “I cannot praise the boys highly enough for their conduct on and off the pitch, they have been absolutely superb and a credit to the football club.
“It was a great experience for the boys in terms of culture, climate and tournament football. We stress how important it is for the players’ development that they progress every time they play, and this tournament has seen it all come together with a very good group.
“You always set your stall out against top opposition. Valencia have a very good academy system, and we gave a fantastic performance to beat them. Equally, against Inter it was another thoroughly good display and it was a real coup for the boys.”
