MANCHESTER UNITED Legends have lost to Celtic after a thrilling charity match.
Wayne Rooney marked his return to Old Trafford with a wonderful free-kick to open the scoring.
But Gary Hooper levelled the thrilling charity match in the second half to take the tie to penalties.
Celtic were victorious on spot kicks to win the Old Trafford spectacle after Danny Webber missed the only penalty during spot kicks.
- Match result: Man Utd Legends 1-1 Celtic (4-5 pens)
- Man Utd starting XI: Van der Gouw; Bardsley, Johnsen, Silvestre, Simpson; Djemba-Djemba, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia; Berbatov, Rooney
- Celtic starting XI: Boruc, Lustig, Wilson, Mulgrew, McManus, Hayes, Petrov, Ledley, Samaras, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Hooper
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
Rooney rolling back the years
Wayne Rooney returned to Old Trafford in style after bagging a stunning free-kick to open the scoring.
Credit: PA History of the Legends matches
The first, back in 2013, saw the now 15-times European champions Real Madrid win 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and Fabio Cannavaro all played that day.
In 2015, United ran out 4-2 winners against Bayern Munich thanks to strikes from Louis Saha, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Jesper Blomqvist.
The Red Legends were managed by Alex Ferguson in 2019.
The team powered to a 5-0 triumph, with Ole Gunner Solskjaer and David Beckham joined on the scoresheet by Yorke, Saha and Nicky Butt.
Becks’ wonderful corners returned to Old Trafford in 2019 The stats
Rooney became the first player to score a free kick in a Manchester United shirt since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2022.
Ronaldo netted the match-winning free hit in a 3-2 win over Norwich in the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney wanted to win
Dion Dublin: “Rooney reminded all the United fans what a winner he used to be.
“He was always expected to win and tried to win every game. He was disappointed after the shootout.”
The cause
All the proceeds from this upcoming event will once again support the Foundation’s vital work with young people across Greater Manchester and beyond.
The Foundation offers a range of educational projects for young people in the local area.
Second defeat for Man Utd Legends
The Red Devils fell to a 3-1 defeat former Liverpool stars back in 2022.
And see themselves on the wrong end of the scoreline after penalties against Celtic today.
Danny Webber missed the only penalty
It was not weighted enough for the poor MUTV man.
Webber said he was desperate to score before the shoot-out.
Dion Dublin on the game
“I can’t believe so many of them nearly played the whole match.
“Both sets of players did brilliantly and it was an entertaining game in the end.
“And that’s what 32,000 people here inside Old Trafford wanted to see.”
Rooney’s stunning free-kick
A quick reminder while we wait for more reaction – Rooney netted a brilliant 25-yard free-kick into the top corner during the first half.
Bryan Robson applauds a “great game”
United Legends manager Robson: “It was a great game. Two fantastic goals. And a great cause. That’s what is all about.
“I had to give everyone a game, and the lads all wanted to play.”
Celtic’s trophy presentation
The fans are still in Old Trafford to watch Hooper collect the Legends trophy.
Celtic win 5-4 on penalties following 1-1 draw
Darren O’Dea celebrates brilliantly, running and sliding on his stomach near the corner flag!
Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
O’Dea buries the decisive kick after Webber’s fourth kick was denied.
That’s game over!
Darren Fletcher rolls his under the keeper (4-4)
Celtic winning shootout 4-3
Danny Webber misses his penalty (3-3)
Celtic can take the lead in the shootout now.
Rooney buries his top bins (3-2)
Stephen McManus then scores his (3-3).
Denis Irwin scores his penalty (2-1)
Celtic’s Jonny Hayes score his too (2-2)
Nicky Butt scores his penalty (1-0)
Man Utd 1-1 Celtic
Celtic keeper Zaluska looked sharp in the final 20 minutes.
Keeping out two great chances for United.
He’ll be sharp again.
Man Utd 1-1 Celtic
Danny Simpson says United practiced penalties yesterday.
He’s confident the Reds will win the shootout.
Man Utd 1-1 Celtic
FULL-TIME!
Penalties await us.
Man Utd 1-1 Celtic
91: Frazier Campbell’s shot goes far and wide for United.
A penalty-shootout looms.
Man Utd 1-1 Celtic
90: Penalties in mind?
Dennis Irwin makes a surprise apperance.
Irwin acted as Bryan Robson’s assistant alongside Andy Cole so far this afternoon.
Phil Bardsley is also off, with Campbell replacing him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
