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 Hundred is calling for up-and-coming presenters to co-host this year’s tournament
Danny Jones
The Hundred 2025 is fast approaching and cricket’s fastest-growing tournament is once again asking for aspiring presenters to join their roster of co-hosts and help cover the action.
The fast-paced 100-ball format is entering its fifth year and next to T20, you find a more accessible and thrilling form of cricket, so it’s no wonder the competition is gaining a greater audience each year.
With that in mind, the need for a top-notch broadcast team is more crucial than ever but just like those who backed The Hundred in its infancy, they’re looking to invest in future creatives and on-screen talent.
Are you someone looking to get into presenting or know someone who is? Keep reading.
For the fifth year in a row, we want you to be part of #TheHundredRising! 🎤
So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty straightforward: The Hundred is looking for eight up-and-coming presenters to join their team of main venue hosts up and down the country.
Tasked with guiding and talking fans through an action-packed five weeks across all host cities, successful applicants will be responsible for building excitement and atmosphere inside the seven cricket grounds on each match day.
From player and pundit interviews to crowd engagement and interactive other activations with partnered brands, not to mention members of this year’s live music lineup, you’ll be a key part of putting out the top-quality sports and entertainment product they promise every year.
The best part of all is that no prior hosting experience is necessary – this is all about platforming you and The Hundred as a whole.
Successful applicants will be mentored by the main hosts at their respective venues and will attend a two-day workshop with special guests to get them ready to hit the stage this summer.
The ‘Rising Hosts’ scheme has been set up in tandem with their dedicated event production agency, Progress Productions, which will be in charge throughout the application and selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will then have their details shared with the ECB (English Cricket Board) who will be involved when it comes to making their final decisions.
It goes without saying that even if you just love sports or just want to find a way into the industry, this is an opportunity that is not to be missed.
Sale Sharks notch another new signing ahead of next season – and he’s rather big
Danny Jones
Sale Sharks have acquired another new signing ahead of next season as they have secured the services of Jacques Vermeulen.
Oh yeah, and in case you didn’t know, he’s a very big lad…
The 30-year-old South African will be joining the second group of Sharks in his career, having previously played for Durban’s Hollywoodbets team of the same nickname based back in his home country.
He made his move to the Gallagher Premiership back in the 2019/20 campaign and after spending six years with the Exeter Chiefs, Vermeulen is now set to swap Sandy Park for Salford.
𝙅𝙖𝙘𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙭 💥
Jacques Vermeulen is joining our pack for the 25/26 season #SharksFamily!
Capable of being deployed at lock or along the back-row, the Paarl-born rugby union player has been labelled one of the best in his position that the league has seen in recent times, having made over a century of appearances for the Chiefs, who won their second title the season he arrived.
Joining Alex Sanderson’s side on a two-year contract after spending six years at Sandy Park, he will make his way to the Salford Community Stadium next season, following the arrival of Nathan Jibulu.
Towering above many other players at a whopping 6’6″, not only is he massive in stature but the Premiership heavyweight is known for his work rate and aggression, as well as being no stranger to grabbing a try or two.
Speaking via an official club announcement, Vermeulen said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Sale Sharks. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the club’s structure and incredible fan base, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I already have some good friends in the squad, which will make the transition even smoother, and I truly believe this team has the talent and ambition to achieve big things.
“I’m excited to contribute and give my all for the club, and I can’t wait to get started. Sale Sharks are a very physical outfit and that suits my style of play.”
Sharks Director of Rugby, Alex Sanderson, went on to add: “Jacques has been one of the most consistent performers in his position in the league ever since he arrived at Exeter.
“His enthusiasm is infectious and he’s always been a nightmare to play against and someone we’ve had to target. He’s one of those players you want on your team because of his unparalleled, unrelenting physicality and work-rate.
“He’s a real enforcer, his ability to repeat physical actions is second to none and he’ll complement what we’ve already got. He can play anywhere across the back five but I think there’s more to come from him and that’s really exciting.
“He already has plenty of good mates here, so I have no doubt he’ll fit right in. We’re all buzzing to get him here.”
With fan-favourite Raffi Quirke also signing a new deal recently, the Curry brothers still running the flanks and George Ford looking on top form too, the Sale Sharks are looking strong going into 2025/2026.
Danny Jones -
8th August 2024 
