"They are rated as possibly the biggest club in the world, with a youth system second to none.
The club has its own TV channel, and we will be the feature match on Day One - fantastic," Otago Youth coach Neil Mackenzie said.
Interestingly, it was the blue opposition of Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who was guest of honour in Belfast, who drew Otago's name out of the hat to play United.
The Milk Competition has three levels, Junior, Premier and the Elite which is for national teams.
Otago plays in the Premier division which starts with a huge parade of all the teams in Coleraine on Sunday, July 27, and five daily matches starting on the Monday.
Regarded as Europe's top Youth tournament, the Milk Cup attracts youth sides from many top British professional sides such as United, Chelsea, and Everton as well as Brazil's Fluminense, Portugal's Boavista, Mexico's Cruz Azul and German clubs Hertha Berlin and Borussia Dortmund.
"Actually we played United the first time we went to Ireland in 2003 and gave them a run for their money. For half an hour we got more shots on goal than they did. But eventually they wore us down and won 4-0," said Mackenzie.
"But it's worth noting that several of United's players that day are now full-time pros, and centreback Paul McShane later captained the Irish national team."
There are posses of talent scouts at most of the matches, searching for promising youngsters and Otago has had several players invited to attend trials with professional clubs.
This year, the Otago Youth side has been competing locally in the Soccersouth Premier League to "harden up" for the rigours of Milk Cup football.
Notable scalps so far are Grants Braes and University.
"The trip to Ireland is a great event in their football career, but personally I feel that six months of dedicated training and coaching sessions, plus playing senior teams in the SPL are the real ingredients that will make them mature into efficient senior players," assistant coach Roger Brooks said.
At frosty pre-school pliometrics sessions at Kaikorai Valley College's gym, Mackenzie aims to boost the explosive power of his squad, "and the mental discipline to put in those sessions is another positive factor".
"This is probably the fittest squad we have prepared. There is an abundance of natural athletes this year, and we aim to have them peak for the Milk Cup," he said.
This year, Otago has four players who competed in the last Milk Cup.
The experience gained by Liam Lockhart, Sam Mepham, Fraser Cameron and Curtis Day will be invaluable.
Research is also being done on the effects of air travel round the world and the best diets for young sportsmen.
Meals are ordered in advance from the hotel in Coleraine, and skilled physiotherapist Dusty Quinn will closely monitor the squad's fitness levels and weight.
To lessen jet-lag, the touring party will have a stop-over in Singapore, where two matches will be played against national Singapore sides.
Last year in the Milk Cup, Otago finished with a flourish by beating the famous Argentinian club River Plate's youth team 2-0.
Mackenzie said, "We will be looking to start up where we left off last year and will have to hit the dirt running to compete against Manchester United, but the lads are up for it."
