THE scouting expertise of Trafford junior players helped an American team claim a shock victory over mighty Manchester United.

Messenger revealed recently how Timperley-based under-13s team the Unicorn Athletic Wizards, gave tactical advice to MLS team, the Kansas City Wizards, ahead of their match on July 25 with United.

Unicorn Athletic Wizards sent the US Wizards a scouting report on the Reds.

And the tactical insights clearly did the trick - United were beaten 2-1 in their US tour match.

Kansas City uploaded a video dedicating their victory to Unicorn Wizards and placed a copy of the Messenger report on their website.

Kerry Zavagnin, the assistant coach of Kansas City Wizards, said: "We would like to thank our partners, Unicorn Wizards, for giving us a detailed scouting report of Manchester United.

"We dedicate this victory and performance to you guys, Unicorn Wizards."

There has been a strong link between Kansas City and Unicorn since 2007, originally as a result of the two teams sharing the Wizards name.

The junior Wizards feature regularly on the Kansas City website and made a YouTube video to introduce themselves.

The junior Wizards feature regularly on the Kansas City website and made a YouTube video to introduce themselves.

US international and Kansas City captain, Jimmy Conrad took time out to wish his English counterparts well on YouTube.

A goodie bag of Kansas City merchandise was sent to and Unicorn Athletic Wizards' coach Mark Edmundson is often seen prowling the touchline in his Wizards shirt.