Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 2pm; played at Old Trafford (Manchester); Man Utd & Celtic TV
- Charity match, second one this summer for Celtic Legends (i.e. former players and guests).
- Match ended 1-1 after 90mins, and then there were penalties with Celtic winning 5-4 with the very unlikely Darren O’Dea scoring the crucial final one.
- £30 for adults and £10 for kids.
- Roy Keane & Larsson who played for both sides didn’t play. Roy Keane has previously said: “I’m not fit. I’m far from fit. My fitness levels are actually very, very embarrassing. Just because I’ve not put on loads of weight doesn’t mean to say I’m fit. I wouldn’t really be able to do any running. Put it this way, I’ve been invited a number of times over the last few years to play legends games or whatever you want to call it. I’d find it really difficult because I wouldn’t be able to get around. Too many injury problems. I try to have a decent diet obviously and I’m wary of putting on too much weight, but I certainly wouldn’t be fit enough to go on any sort of run.”
- Old Trafford is in major disrepair, and recent report called for new stadium to be built to replace the ground. Could be last time Celtic (in any team) play here in its current format.
- Man Utd includes likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Paul Scholes. The squad will be managed by United great Bryan Robson.
- Former Celt Paul Lambert will take charge of Celtic Legends. Their squad will include Charlie Mulgrew, Stiliyan Petrov, Gary Hooper and Georgios Samaras.
- International football week so no senior match games for the top tier sides.
- Ireland (0-2) England in Dublin at 5pm, whilst Scotland v Portugal the next day; Scotland lost to Poland 3-2 a few days earlier.
- Alistair Johnston came off injured in his match v Canada after only 25mins;
- Brighton owner Tony Bloom says ex Celt Matt O’Riley’s surgery on his injured ankle has been “successful.”, but will still be out for 8-12 weeks.
- ITV Secure Deal To Air Scotland and Northern Ireland National Teams Nations League Fixtures
- Celtic women’s team: UWCL: KuPS 1-3 Celtic – Super-sub Noonan nets hat-trick to see off Finnish side. Then they defeat Gintra (Lithuania) 2-0 to book their spot in the second round of the European competition. Congratulations! Brilliant!
- Celtic Champions League squad released. Holm not in it which is only surprise.
Summary
A fun charity day out, and great to see some old players. It has become quite a regular feature over the seasons, and the travelling fans when in their numbers and really made some noise (far more than the Man Utd fans!). Happy days to not lose at Old Trafford in what could be the last time in the current format that the stadium will hold a match v Celtic due to recent noises made in the media.
“Unbelievable so many Celtic fans here today… It’s amazing what they think of their football club!”
Man Utd v Celtic Legends match commentary
Manchester United Foundation @MU_Foundation: A day to remember in the name of the Foundation Almost £1 million in revenue has been generated from today’s game between #MULegends and @CelticFC Thank you to our @ManUtd legends and fans alike for helping to support our work today
Manchester United Foundation @MU_Foundation United & Celtic Thank you so much to @FoundationCFC , @CelticFC and their amazing fans for their support of our #MULegends game
Teams
Celtic:
Boruc, Wilson, Mulgrew, McManus, Lustig, Hayes, Ledley, Petrov, Samaras, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Hooper
Subs: Zaluska, Ambrose, Donnelly, Robson, O’Dea
Subs:
Goals: Gary Hooper (60)
Assists:
Man Utd:
van der Gouw, Bardsley, Johnsen, Siverstre, Simpson, Carrick, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Valencia, Berbatov, Rooney
Subs: Lindegaard, Pilkington, Butt, Pugh, Chadwick, Scholes, Webber, Eagles, Campbell
Subs:
Goals: Wayne Rooney (42)
Assists:
Ref:
Att:
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Articles
Manchester United Legends v Celtic Legends
https://confidentials.com/manchester/manchester-united-legends-v-celtic-legends
Sponsored 26 July 2024
Promotional Feature
Family-friendly football fireworks at Manchester United Foundation charity match
The legends are back on the pitch.
On Saturday 7 September Manchester United Legends play Celtic Legends in a charity event that promises excitement and engagement.
If you’ve never managed to get a ticket for Old Trafford before, this could be your chance.
If you’d love to take your kids to the game but you want an inclusive, family-friendly day out, the Legends fixture has that matchday thrill and the welcoming environment you’re looking for. Plus, it’s good value with tickets from £30 for adults and £10 for kids.
2024 07 26 Muf Owenpetersphotography 5540
The team of Manchester Legends, will be managed by one of United’s all-time Legends. With the squad made up of some of United’s famous names including some of the heroes from the Class of 92 and 99 Treble Winners too, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate the club and its history.
If some of this makes you feel misty-eyed, remembering great footballing moments you watched from the terraces, why not revisit the era with tickets for this amazing charity match.
Take a look at the Legends who are lined up to play against Celtic Legends on Saturday 7 September.
Manager: Bryan Robson
Assistant Manager: Andrew Cole
Paul Scholes
Nicky Butt
Wes Brown
Denis Irwin
Dimitar Berbatov
Anders Lindegaard
Antonio Valencia
Jesper Blomqvist
Karel Poborsky
Mikael Silvestre
Raimond van der Gouw
Ronny Johnsen
2024 06 27 Muf Owenpetersphotography 4107
It’s a thrilling team sheet and no mistake.
What’s more, all proceeds from this charity match go to Manchester United Foundation. You get to see the skills of some of your favourite players in action (they’ve still got it) and young people in the region get to benefit from the support offered by the Foundation.
The Manchester United Foundation engages and inspires children and teenagers through football. Dedicated staff deliver football coaching, educational programmes and personal development, providing young people with opportunities to change their lives for the better and make a difference in the communities in which they live.
It’s a great cause and it’s going to be a great match.
Celtic legends win thrilling friendly at Old Trafford
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/september/07/celtic-legends-/
Match Report
By Daylin Docherty
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07 Sep 2024, 6:19 pm
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Saturday, September 7, 2024
Old Trafford, Manchester
MAN UTD…1
(Rooney 42)
CELTIC…1
(Hooper 62)
Celtic win 5-4 on penalties
In a thrilling legends match at Old Trafford, Celtic and Manchester United rolled back the years in front of an enthusiastic crowd, with the Hoops emerging victorious after a dramatic 1-1 draw and a 5-4 penalty shootout win.
With former fan favourites on both sides and plenty of nostalgia in the air, the match delivered entertaining football and a lively atmosphere, as the Celtic legends edged it in the end.
Celtic had the first real chance of the game after 10 minutes. Jonny Hayes, looking as quick as ever, burst down the left flank, sending a dangerous low ball into the box. It evaded everyone in the middle, but Mikael Lustig, ever the opportunist, picked it up on the far side. The Swede whipped in a teasing cross that found Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, who rose highest. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, his header sailed over the bar and into the iconic Stratford End. The 3,000 travelling Celtic fans, however, didn’t mind—they were in full voice from the get-go.
Moments later, a bit of drama unfolded. Dimitar Berbatov, oozing class as usual, slipped a perfectly weighted pass through Celtic’s backline. Phil Bardsley, always eager for a battle, got the better of Hayes, who tugged him down just outside the box. The United faithful screamed for a card, but referee Jon Moss was in a lenient mood, letting Hayes off with a warning. Rooney’s resulting free kick, while promising, hit the wall—a small victory for the Celts.
Celtic continued to push, with Hayes at the heart of things once again. His quick corner in the 19th minute found Kelvin Wilson lurking at the back post, but the defender’s header lacked the precision needed to trouble the United goal.
United responded swiftly. Michael Carrick rolled back the years with a dazzling run past three Celtic defenders, only to see his shot blocked for a corner. The Englishman was keen to make his mark, and just a minute later, he unleashed a low drive from distance. Artur Boruc, as solid as ever, got down comfortably to keep the score level.
After a brief water break (these legends know the value of hydration), Manchester United began to find their rhythm. Rooney, always a danger from distance, had a shot deflected wide, much to the frustration of the home supporters. A minute later, Bardsley came close, volleying a goal-bound effort that Berbatov almost redirected into the net—only for Stiliyan Petrov to clear it off the line to the delight of his goalkeeper, Artur Boruc.
The breakthrough finally came in the 42nd minute. After another foul on the edge of the box, Rooney stepped up once more, this time curling an inch-perfect free kick past Boruc into the top corner. Old Trafford erupted, as their legend delivered a moment of magic to give United a 1-0 lead.
The second half at Old Trafford didn’t disappoint, with Celtic rallying to secure a 1-1 draw and the match ultimately being decided on penalties. It was a half filled with chances, memorable moments, and, for the Celtic support, a sweet equaliser from Gary Hooper that set the stage for an entertaining finish.
Celtic started the half brightly, with Jonny Hayes once again proving to be a thorn in Manchester United’s side. Just three minutes after the restart, his cross found Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, but the Dutchman’s header lacked the power to trouble Anders Lindegaard. Still, it was a positive sign for the Hoops, who looked intent on finding a way back into the game.
United responded in typical fashion. Dimitar Berbatov, ever the artist, came inches away from doubling their lead in the 51st minute. His delicate chip over Łukasz Zaluska seemed destined for the back of the net, but the ball clipped the top of the crossbar, much to the relief of the Celtic defence.
Celtic’s moment finally came on the hour mark. A defensive error from United allowed Jonny Hayes to pounce, threading a ball through to Gary Hooper. The striker, always alert, tried to pick out Vennegoor of Hesselink in the middle, but his cross was too close to the goalkeeper, and the chance slipped away. However, it wouldn’t take long for Celtic to find their equaliser.
In the 62nd minute, a long-range effort from Stiliyan Petrov rattled the crossbar, sending the ball bouncing dangerously back into play. As ever, Gary Hooper was in the right place at the right time, bundling the ball into the net to the delight of the travelling Celtic support. It was all square at Old Trafford, and the momentum had shifted.
United tried to respond, with Danny Simpson coming close in the 70th minute. His curling effort from 20 yards out looked destined for the top corner, but Zaluska produced a stunning save to keep the scores level. The Pole, who had already denied Carrick in the first half, was proving to be a tough nut to crack.
Celtic had a golden opportunity to steal the win in the 82nd minute. Mikael Lustig delivered a delightful ball to the back post, where Georgios Samaras, ever so composed, met it with a side-footed effort. The ball, agonisingly, crept wide of the post, and with it went Celtic’s best chance to secure a victory in regular time. With the score deadlocked it went to penalties.
Nicky Butt, Denis Irwin, and Wayne Rooney all converted for Manchester United, while Charlie Mulgrew, Jonny Hayes, and Stephen McManus kept Celtic level. The turning point came when Zaluska saved Danny Webber’s effort, allowing Simon Donnelly to give Celtic the edge.
Despite Darren Fletcher’s successful spot-kick to keep United in it, Darren O’Dea sealed the win for Celtic, calmly slotting home the decisive penalty to secure a 5-4 triumph for the Hoops.
It was a fantastic day for all at Old Trafford with the real winners being the Celtic FC Foundation and the Manchester Utd Foundation.
Man Utd: van der Gouw, Bardsley, Johnsen, Siverstre, Simpson, Carrick, Djemba-Djemba, Fletcher, Valencia, Berbatov, Rooney
Subs: Lindegaard, Pilkington, Butt, Pugh, Chadwick, Scholes, Webber, Eagles, Campbell
Celtic: Boruc, Wilson, Mulgrew, McManus, Lustig, Hayes, Ledley, Petrov, Samaras, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Hooper
Subs: Zaluska, Ambrose, Donnelly, Robson, O’Dea
Wayne Rooney scores on Man Utd return as legends shine vs Celtic – 5 talking points
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/manutd-celtic-legends-wayne-rooney-33619722
MAN UTD 1-1 CELTIC (4-5): Wayne Rooney’s marvellous free-kick was cancelled out by Gary Hooper in a legends charity match between two of the UK’s most successful football clubs
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 7: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United Legends walks out to the pitch with Manchester United Legends Manager Bryan Robson prior to the Legends match between Manchester United Legends and Celtic Legends at Old Trafford on September 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney played under Bryan Robson in a charity match for Manchester United (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
ByNathan RidleySenior Sports Reporter
16:21, 7 Sep 2024Updated20:57, 7 Sep 2024
Wayne Rooney scored a stunning free-kick to give fans a treat on his return to action for Manchester United.
Donning red for the first time since 2017, United’s former captain and all-time top goalscorer put a team of legends ahead in their charity match against Celtic on Saturday. Gary Hooper’s instinctive second-half equaliser levelled the scores before the crowd, all supporting the MU Foundation with their attendance, were treated to penalties.
Rooney got another chance to hit the back of the net and did so, but it was a disappointing end to his and his team-mates’ afternoon, as Celtic won the shootout after a game full of talking points.
Here are five of them from Old Trafford.
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1. Carrick’s still got it
Michael Carrick was hardly renowned for his driving runs into the penalty area, but like any great centre midfielder he was certainly capable of doing just that. In the 20th minute here, United’s captain showed great footwork to slalom between Celtic’s defence on the left-hand side of the box.
Eventually carving out enough space to whip in a cross, Carrick’s effort was blocked for a corner, prompting applause from around Old Trafford. The current Middlesbrough boss could probably still play at a decent level.
Your turn! Will Michael Carrick manage Manchester United one day? Join the debate in the comments section
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 7: Michael Carrick of Manchester United Legends in action during the Legends match between Manchester United Legends and Celtic Legends at Old Trafford on September 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Michael Carrick was excellent for Manchester United ( Image:
Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
2. Berbatov vs Mulgrew
It may’ve been a friendly but put 22 former professionals on the pitch and you’re bound to get a competitive edge. Charlie Mulgrew didn’t waste any time to leave one on Dimitar Berbatov in the opening few minutes and the former Celtic defender, now playing for non-league Doncaster City, took the Bulgarian down again later in the half.
Berbatov wasn’t best pleased but he was drawing fouls from the opposition, and a free-kick was how United went 1-0 up in undoubtedly the moment of the match.
3. Rooney delivers with a peach
Asked who they were most looking forward to seeing before the match, most United fans answered by saying Wayne Rooney. So was the Old Trafford icon going to let them down? No chance.
Getting into the game more and more as the half wore on, Rooney hit the wall with his first free-kick just after quarter of an hour. When his next chance came with three minutes until half-time, the former England captain produced a pearler; beating the wall and leaving Artur Boruc motionless to give United the lead.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 7: Wayne Rooney of Manchester United Legends in action during the Legends match between Manchester United Legends and Celtic Legends at Old Trafford on September 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney scored a superb free-kick ( Image:
Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
4. Johnsen puts in a shift
At 55, no player in either squad was older than Treble winner Ronny Johnsen. Yet the Norwegian centre-back managed a huge 86 minutes of football before manager Bryan Robson chose to withdraw him.
Johnsen’s excellent sliding challenge on Georgios Samaras was the highlight of his performance, helping keep the game goalless before Rooney scored.
5. Irwin’s surprise appearance
Named as an assistant to Bryan Robson, there was a huge surprise when Dennis Irwin came down from the dugout, stripped and ready to come on late in the second half. The legendary United full-back was, of course, brought on to take a penalty and he made no mistake, rifling in his effort and sending Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska the wrong way.
It was Zaluska and co who were celebrating, though, as Darren O’Dea punished Danny Webber for missing his penalty and sealed a 5-4 shootout win for visitors Celtic.
Carrick, Rooney and co return for Old Trafford fundraiser
https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/press-release-legends-return-for-man-utd-v-celtic-fundraising-match
by
Communications Department
Saturday 07 September 2024 17:36
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Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Paul Scholes and more Manchester United legends rolled back the years at Old Trafford today – all in order to support the charitable work of Manchester United Foundation.
More than 33,000 fans were in attendance at Old Trafford today (7 September) to see legendary players from Manchester United and Celtic come face-to-face, including an international battle across both sides, with Bulgarians Dimitar Berbatov of United and Stiliyan Petrov of the visitors. And it wasn’t just legendary figures on the pitch, with Bryan Robson and Paul Lambert overseeing proceedings in each dugout.
It is the sixth time that Manchester United Foundation has been the beneficiary of a fundraising match at Old Trafford played by retired former players, with previous opponents including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Liverpool.
Legends highlights: United v Celtic Video
Legends highlights: United v Celtic
The match against Celtic has generated almost £1 million in revenue, which will help to support Manchester United Foundation’s work with young people in Greater Manchester and other outreach areas in the United Kingdom.
The conclusion of today’s game means the total amount of funds raised from all six Legends matches is in excess of £5.5 million.
Speaking after the game at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney said: “It was special to be back at Old Trafford today for the Legends game, and it is all for such a good cause. It was great to play here again.
“Manchester United Foundation is doing a great job and being involved for a long time, seeing the work it does first-hand, any time we can give to try to help, it’s always great to do that. It’s a great cause.
“It is important that we continue to do what we can, when we can, to support the Foundation and continue to put smiles on children’s faces.”
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Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive John Shiels said: “We’d like to thank our fantastic team of legends for playing so brilliantly in the name of charity.
“We are incredibly thankful to Manchester United fans for supporting our work all year round, but especially so today, when the price of their ticket goes back into our work supporting young people. Through that work, we aim to make this incredible fanbase proud, every single day, and we’ll continue to do that, now with the added benefit of all funds raised from today’s fixture, for which we’re so grateful.”
Manchester United Foundation is the associated charity of Manchester United Football Club and in the 2023/24 season worked with more than 43,000 participants and delivered 112 projects.
The Foundation delivers community outreach and educational programmes to encourage young people to make more positive life choices, with all funds raised from the Legends matches going back into supporting this crucial work.
Report: United Legends v Celtic
https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/match-report-and-summary-from-man-utd-legends-v-celtic-legends-07-september-2024
by
Matthew Holt
Saturday 07 September 2024 17:55
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Manchester United’s Legends drew 1-1 with Celtic at Old Trafford, before being beaten 5-4 on penalties, in an event to raise funds for our Foundation.
Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a wonderful free-kick on 42 minutes, curling home a delightful effort that beat Artur Boruc in the Hoops net.
But just after the hour mark, the visitors hit back as Gary Hooper tapped home from close range, reacting the quickest to Stiliyan Petrov’s long-range effort.
With the game finishing level after 90 minutes, a penalty shootout was played to decide the winner, with Darren O’Dea slotting home the winner as Paul Lambert’s Legends emerged the winners.
Reds return for Old Trafford fundraiser
Article
FIRST HALF
Rooney’s return was welcomed with wholesale joy as his name was announced prior to kick-off, with our iconic forward starting alongside Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia.
With 15 minutes gone, bated breath awaited most around Old Trafford when Phil Bardsley was hauled down outside the box. Up stepped Rooney but his free-kick, however, failed to threaten, with the Celtic wall doing its job.
Michael Carrick’s dazzling run shortly after again showed United’s promise before he was thwarted. The ball then found our former no.16 as he tested Boruc with a low drive that forced him into action.
Some slick link-up between Berbatov, Darren Fletcher and Rooney brought another United chance with the latter’s goalbound effort deflecting wide for a corner. The resulting set-piece fell to Phil Bardsley who tried his luck from range before Berbatov couldn’t connect with his header on the follow-up.
Another Reds attack saw Bardsley cross for Berbatov with the ball just a little short for our former Bulgarian striker. He then teed up Valencia who smashed a drive both high and wide.
It didn’t take long before a moment of sheer magic lit up M16, with Fletcher hauled down by Joe Ledley outside the box. After his earlier sighter, there was only one man for the job, with Rooney curling an absolute peach of a free-kick into the top corner to hand us the lead.
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SECOND HALF
As the second half began, Bryan Robson’s Legends flew out of the blocks with just Nicky Butt replacing Carrick at the interval.
Berbatov was played through as he tried his luck with a deft chip that just clipped the top of the crossbar. A wry smile then swept the face of the former United man.
On the hour mark Celtic drew level, after a sustained period of pressure from the Hoops. Petrov’s long-range drive crashed back off the crossbar and fell kindly to the feet of Hooper, who tapped home into an empty net.
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This is incredible from Wazza! Video
This is incredible from Wazza!
Danny Simpson attempted to restore our lead as the game ebbed on, with the former United full-back allowed both time and space to test Lukasz Zaluska, as his shot was clawed away by the 42-year-old.
Mikael Lustig’s deep cross from the right flank then found the feet of Georgios Samaras, who side-footed his effort just wide of the post with a penalty shootout soon following at Old Trafford.
When Danny Webber missed from 12 yards for the Reds, O’Dea was left to win it for Celtic and he did just that, rolling the ball past Kevin Pilkington.
Legends highlights: United v Celtic Video
Legends highlights: United v Celtic
MATCH DETAILS
UNITED
Goalkeepers: Anders Lindegaard, Kevin Pilkington, Raimond van der Gouw
Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Danny Pugh, Danny Simpson, Mikael Silvestre, Phil Bardsley, Ronny Johnsen, Denis Irwin
Midfielders: Chris Eagles, Darren Fletcher, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Luke Chadwick, Karel Poborsky, Michael Carrick, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes
Forwards: Danny Webber, Dimitar Berbatov, Fraizer Campbell, Wayne Rooney
CELTIC
Goalkeepers: Artur Boruc, Lukasz Zaluska
Defenders: Charlie Mulgrew, Darren O’Dea, Efe Ambrose, Kelvin Wilson, Mikael Lustig, Stephen McManus
Midfielders: Barry Robson, Joe Ledley, Jonny Hayes, Simon Donnelly, Stiliyan Petrov
Forwards: Gary Hooper, Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink
