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.
The same team behind the annual Alton Towers run is bringing a new race to Flamingo Land
Danny Jones
Following the success of Run Alton Towers, the same team is bringing a brand-new running event to another Northern attraction with the first-ever Flamingo Land race.
Knowing how popular its forerunner is (pardon the pun), this one is already well on course to sell out.
The inaugural Alton Towers run first took place in November 2021, and now half a decade later, RunThroughUK – the biggest and fastest-growing race organiser in the country – is recreating the format over at Flamingo Land.
Landing next month, the beloved UK theme park and zoo will be joining them in holding two different distances, and you can still be part of it.
Hosted within the grounds of the wider Flamingo Land Resort, the unique route takes participants through the zoo, passing plenty of incredible animals, before continuing through the theme park alongside some of its biggest rides and amusements.
Located in Kirby Misperton up in North Yorkshire, they will be holding both 5-kilometre and 10km runs around the venue.
With the promotion and sporting events company having already comfortably proved they can hold a slick and seamless running event throughout the 500-acre plot, there’s set to be even more jam-packed sights to see as you jog zip through the slightly smaller and multi-purpose park.
As always with RunThrough dates, runners of all abilities are welcome; whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a different kind of race route, you’re sure to have a memorable time.
And yes, for those wondering: just like with its Staffordshire counterpart, you do get to stay and enjoy all the rides, wildlife and more as part of your entry fee afterwards.
Even better still, not only will every runner be treated to accurate chip timing, a fully marked course, enthusiastic marshals and support from spectators, but you also get a unique finisher’s medal.
Oh yeah, and you get all of your race pictures for FREE, as is standard with RunThrough events. Belter.
With race day not far away, the final places are filling fast for what promises to be one of the UK’s most unique new running events – not to mention one we fully expect to become another annual addition.
Taking place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, you can secure your bibs for the 5/10k running race HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied via RunThrough)
Sport
Manchester Storm announce partnership with USAsports including NHL pop-ups and more
Danny Jones
Manchester Storm have announced a landmark new deal with USAsports, a dedicated home for British fans of North American sporting disciplines and global merchandising suppliers, which will see various exciting events this upcoming season.
Confirming the collaboration ahead of the pending 2026/27 campaign, this crossover will involve everything from special pop-up events to player sponsorships and much more.
USAsports specialise in officially licensed NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB clothing, and while you may have seen the odd jersey here and there at various Greater Manchester locations, they are now gearing up to work with Manchester Storm to deliver better exposure.
Whether you’re just a die-hard member of the Storm Shelter or an ex-pat who still follows an NHL franchise overseas, kit collecting and the fascination surrounding limited edition team jumpers is a big part of ice hockey fandom and culture not just here in the UK but around the world.
Sharing their own announcement, they wrote: “Manchester Storm are thrilled to announce a new partnership with USAsports for the 2026/27 Motorpoint Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season as the club embarks on an exciting new chapter at the AO Arena.
“As part of the partnership, USAsports will sponsor a Manchester Storm player throughout the season and deliver multiple NHL Pop-Up Shop events at Storm home games during the forthcoming campaign.”
On the subject of sponsorship, commercial entities are the only people who will be given the opportunity to back big players this term, as Storm are once again bringing back their ‘own-and-loan’ scheme.
Speaking on working closely with their new partners, the club’s General Manager, Ryan Finnerty, added: “We’re delighted to have USAsports on board for the 2026/27 season.
“Their passion for the fan experience really stood out to us, and their NHL Pop-Up Shops throughout the season will be a fantastic addition to game days at the AO Arena.
“We’re looking forward to working together throughout what promises to be a very exciting season.”
As casual fans here at The Manc, we’ll admit that watching the growing buzz around the resurgent ice hockey team, especially ahead of their Manchester city centre ‘homecoming’, has got us amped to dive deeper into the sport when it gets back underway next month. We’re not the only ones, either…
Danny Jones -
8th August 2024 
