On Fri I took my nephew Jonathan to Old Trafford for Paul Scholes's Testimonial. First halt was the store to buy an outfit for Junior (my commencement grandchild due inwards i weeks time!). His/her mum in addition to dad are debating whether Junior volition back upwards Hull City or Sheffield United but I experience certain that Junior volition join me inwards supporting the Greatest Football Team inwards the World, Manchester United.
It was a span of hours earlier the match but already crowds were gathering exterior the ground with fans posing for photos in front end of the statue of Sir Matt Busby or the sculpture of the legendary United Trinity: George Best, Denis Law in addition to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Paul Scholes retired this twelvemonth subsequently a bright career amongst Manchester United. This friendly game betwixt United in addition to New York Cosmos had been arranged to celebrate in addition to tell give thanks you lot to a pop local hero. H5N1 guard of accolade was formed to welcome Scholes in addition to his immature identify unit of measurement into the stadium piece the North Stand payed its ain tribute to the midfielding genius.
There was a particular air of excitement at Old Trafford every bit the crowd awaited the long overdue supply of the much honey Eric Cantona. H5N1 huge roar of approving greeted him every bit he finally appeared in addition to was escorted to his spot past times the guild mascot Eric the Red.
Eric Cantona - my all-time footballing hero |
Supporters were treated to a goal-filled spectacle with Scholes scoring first. Cosmos players included old United stalwarts, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt in addition to Dwight Yorke. Neville's contributions were treated amongst enthusiastic cheers, in contrast with the boos that greeted Patrick Vieira's every touch. Traditional pantomime villain stuff!
Rooney scores a penalty |
After the jibe Paul Scholes in addition to his identify unit of measurement took a lastly lap of accolade roughly the pitch piece the fans sang in addition to waved their goodbyes to i of the greatest e'er midfielders.
Jonathan in addition to I waited exterior to grab a glimpse of players leaving the ground. Jonathan captured this ghostly icon of Peter Schmeicheland nosotros were fortunate to live standing adjacent to a guy from Sweden who ensured onetime United defender Ronnie Johnson signed our matchday programme. Eventually, we managed to tear ourselves away in addition to caput dorsum home.
In case, similar us, you lot simply can't larn plenty hither are a few to a greater extent than photos from
The Theatre of Dreams.
before the match |
the famous Stretford End |
Scholes leads the warm-up |
more of the team warming up |
it's a huge team for this friendly match |
players subsequently the match |