Manchester United legends thrash Bayern Munich legends in charity match!
By Ollie Slack
Manchester United legends played Bayern Munich legends on Saturday, thrashing them 5-0 in front of a lively crowd at Old Trafford. The match was raising money for the clubs charity, the Manchester United Foundation.
A United team made up of club legends from the squad who famously completed the treble back in 1999 returned to grace the hallowed Old Trafford turf, commemorating 20 years since they beat Bayern Munich to lift the Champions League trophy.
Stars such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Peter Schmeichel and even the current manager, and super sub goalscorer back in 99′, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian started the match on the bench, however, was brought soon after the referee blew his whistle to commence the first half. It was only right that Solskjaer was subbed into the match as he was 20 years ago.
Not long after entering the field of play in that match at the Nou Camp, Solskjaer bagged the winner. And yesterday, at Old Trafford, it took him just the five minutes to get on the score sheet once again. Tapping in from close range, following a good move and pass across goal from Jesper Bloqvist.
The Swedish winger was at it again and just before the half-hour mark, his cross was met by Dwight Yorke to double United’s lead.
Both teams continued to play the game in a feisty and well-spirited contest after the half time break but it wasn’t until just over 10 to go that we saw the next goal. Nicky Butt of all people getting in on the act.
Despite not playing in the 99′ squad, Louis Saha and Ji-Sung Park joined up with the team, both still openly talk of their love and affection for the club. Saha was the one making an impact on the pitch on Saturday though adding United’s fourth of the day.
David Beckham netted with virtually the last kick of the game to cap off a Man of the Match performance for him and a 5-0 victory for the Manchester United 99′ Legends. His powerful strike into the roof of the net from close range was as emphatic as the number seven’s performance.
Ali Akbar thinks that one of these Manchester United legends could walk straight back into the current team?!. light. Trending
The main purpose of the day was clearly all about raising money for the Manchester United Foundation, a charity which does a lot of work for young individuals in local communities, providing them with opportunities. “Valuable funds” were raised for the charity, infront of a 61,000 strong crowd in the Manchester sun.
It was great to see Sir Alex Ferguson back in the hot seat for Manchester United too, six years after he last managed the Red Devil’s in the Theatre of Dreams, especially given his own personal struggles with a brain haemorrhage earlier this year.
One thing Sunday highlighted, was the love ex-players, managers and just people who have been associated with the club have for Manchester United. Lots of people want the club to do well and with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm, you know he will have the full backing to succeed.