Another Man United Legends game at Old Trafford is fast approaching and the ex-pros named in the lineup are slowly being drip-fed through to the fans, but who exactly has been confirmed to be playing so far?
The exhibition match is on behalf of the Manchester United Foundation and is the first charity game at the Theatre of Dreams since the Legends of the North fixture back in September 2022.
Scheduled to take on Scottish giants Celtic next month, the squad is now pretty much complete and there are some serious names set for the teamsheet.
It’s going to be a real throwback for any lifelong Red and tickets are already on sale.
So who is in the Man United vs Celtic legend lineup?
To kick things off, club legends Bryan Robson and Andy Cole will once again be returning as manager and assistant coach on the touchline, though we certainly do hope at least one of them might pull on a pair of boots for old time’s sake. We can only hope.
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Working our way through the United Legends squad, supporters will be buzzing to see prolific striker Dimitar Berbatov leading the line, with the likes of ex-wingers Jesper Blomqvist and Karel Poborsky set to provide him service in the box.
In the midfield, two Class of ’92 legends in Nicky Butt, Michael Carrick and the one and only Paul Scholes will be helping run the show in the middle of the park, and in defence, the likes of Denis Irwin, Wes Brown, Ronny Johnsen; Mikaël Silvestre and Antonio Valencia have been confirmed thus far.
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But things the nostalgia doesn’t stop there as making their Legends game debuts will be former goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard and a firm favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson and the fan base, Darren Fletcher – both of whom will be pulling on a United shirt for the first time in over a decade.
Better still, former academy graduates Phil Bardsley, Danny Webber and recently retired Premier League winner Danny Simpson will also be available as part of Robson’s squad, and there’s always time for a few last-minute surprises, so watch this space.
Speaking on the upcoming charity fixture, Robbo said: “You can’t beat being in a competitive game again. Whether you’re standing behind the white line, like me, or out on the pitch, it’s always special to be back.
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“It’s really important for us as ex-players to help promote and support the work the Foundation does. A lot of people benefit from it and we have to remember this, as it’s a really important part of this football club.
“It’ll be a really good event for youngsters, with plenty of activities taking place around the stadium on the day; it’s one for everybody to enjoy and I’m sure it’s going to be another special day.”
Tickets for the Man United v Celtic Legends game on Saturday, 7 September are on sale now, with general admission for adults starting from £21 and under 16s prices set at just £11.
While this new venture is focused on youth football, it’s their second in the United States after New York City FC and could help create new pro pathways into the sport at a grassroots level.
Introducing CFG franchise number 13: Man City North Texas FC.
As per an official statement on their website, “Man City North Texas FC delivers youth soccer programs for boys and girls aged 8–19, led by Manchester City coaches and built on the same coaching methodology developed within the Club.
“Every session is designed to help players become better soccer players, technically, tactically, and mentally, through modern, enjoyable training that builds confidence on and off the pitch.”
Basically serving as another academy setup across the pond, North Texas FC will no doubt help not only develop and create opportunities for aspiring young footballers over in the US, but likely serve as yet another feeder programme/outlet for tapping up the latest American talents.
We’ve already seen fairly recently examples such as ex-players Jack Harrison and Zack Steffen coming through the likes of New York and remaining on City’s wider books and either making the move over for a taste of first-team football or being loaned out to other teams.
Even if they ultimately go on to be sold, the aim is to help nurture youngsters and promise three main takeaways: an “authentic Manchester City methodology”, delivered by actual MCFC coaches, and a clear development pathway.
CITYCOACH gives coaches around the world access to the Manchester City methodology – sharing the knowledge, practices, and philosophy that shape how we develop players at every level ⚽️
This most recent ‘youth soccer club’ is just the latest in a long line of fresh Manchester City Football Programs created over the past decade or so, with coaching now being provided to children of all ages across a total of 38 cities in 14 countries.
At present, more than 40,000 kids are estimated to participate in these schemes every year, and thanks to Man City North Texas FC, that number is set to climb even further.
So, if you or someone you know happens to be based in or near the ‘Mean Green’ sporting hub of the ‘Lone Star State’, you can register interest HERE.
Meanwhile, in news closer to home, there are plenty of other big developments happening over at the Etihad Campus. Find out more down below.
The Premier League is keeping its crucial cap on away game ticket prices – for now
Danny Jones
The Premier League has announced it is extending its crucial price cap for away games, as the general cost of match tickets continues to creep up all over the country.
Most season card holders, be they here in Greater Manchester or elsewhere, are likely looking at their annual spending going up simply, so steps like these are key in keeping first division football as affordable as possible.
And that’s just the ongoing cost of living, let alone the clubs that are continuing the trend of charging more each year and, unfortunately, even pricing some supporters out entirely.
With that in mind, the news of England’s top-flight sides voting unanimously to keep the £30 cap intact for at least another two years comes as relief to those who spend most of the year putting their hard-earned cash towards following their team home and away.
BREAKING: The Premier League extend £30 cap on away tickets for another two seasons 🚨 pic.twitter.com/L336aZwmn3
Now confirmed to remain in place until the end of the 2027/28 campaign, travelling fans obviously still spend plenty of money on transport and so on every year, but at least they don’t have to worry about rising general admissions.
At least not for the time being…
Writing in a statement, the Premier League said: “Away fans help create the incredible atmosphere Premier League matches are renowned for. Since the cap’s implementation in 2016, it has contributed to attendance at away games increasing from 82% to 91%.”
They also acknowledged the significant and regular funds that supporters still spend on these trips, with plenty of people online also praising the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), which helped spearhead the campaign over a decade ago.
With so many other obstacles still getting in the way of fans making it to games either at their usual stadium or on an away day – not least of all the constant and increasingly frustrating rescheduling of fixtures – it’s good to see this isn’t an area the Prem are trying to target.
As always, the multi-billion-pound business can always seek out other, newer money spinners, and we’re absolutley certain they will. For instance, there’s at least one happening over in Spain that we’d happily see carried over here.
Following the news, this now means that fans will ultimately have enjoyed 12 back-to-back seasons of the benefit, and long may it continue.
Nevertheless, the biggest barrier for people to watch the beautiful game at its highest level in the UK remains the cost of standard tickets.
The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Leeds and more have already let matchgoers know that their season ticket prices will be going up, and the likes of Man City have already seen backlash for increasing rates amid the expansion of the Etihad Campus.
Danny Jones -
8th August 2024 
