Jersey Tournament 2003 Review

United came away from the tournament with the runners-up spot taking 6 points from their 3 matches, with defeat in their final game against Boca Juniors costing them the tournament.

The rules of the tournament state that no game can finish a draw, meaning should scores finish level after ninety minutes then the three points will go to the club who wins on penalty kicks.

The sad news of the death of Jimmy Davis, who had played in this tournament twice, understandably had a massive affect on the United players in their crucial match with Boca Juniors, which ended up costing them the tournament.

Despite finishing second, United came away with Jersey with two pieces of silverware for their victories against Benfica and Glasgow Celtic in previous matches.

Manchester United 3-2 Benfica
An amazing crowd of almost 3,000 saw United win their opening game of the tournament against an experienced Benfica side, with goals from Eddie Johnson, Mad, Ramon Calliste securing victory for United against the winners of the 1999 tournament.

Manchester United 1-1 Glasgow Celtic (10-9 on penalties)
Luke Steele was the United hero, as the 'keeper scored what turned out to be the winning penalty in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the 'Battle of Britain'. Phil Picken had scored the United goal in normal time with a spectacular drive.

Manchester United 1-2 Boca Juniors
The tragic death of Jimmy Davis marred this fixture, and the United's players frustration was clear to see on the pitch with a series of angry tackles on their Argentinean counterparts, who had rudely talked through the minute silence for Davis. Eddie Johnson gave United the lead, but Boca came back to win 2-1 and went on to win the competition.

Final Group Table:

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