Manchester United Legends vs. Celtic Legends: Matchday Guide
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, Celtic Legends will face Manchester United Legends in a charity match at Old Trafford. Around 3,000 Celtic supporters are expected to make the journey to Manchester for the event, which kicks off at 2:00 pm. This match will feature football icons from both clubs and is being held to raise funds for charitable causes supported by both Manchester United and Celtic.
The match will bring back memories for fans as former Celtic greats once again don the iconic green and white Hoops. In charge of the Celtic Legends team will be former captain and coach Paul Lambert, supported by Tom Boyd and Tosh McKinlay, two other well-known Celtic figures.
Celtic Legends Squad
- 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
The Celtic squad boasts a range of talent, including former Scottish internationals like Charlie Mulgrew and Stephen McManus, alongside European stars like Georgios Samaras and Artur Boruc. Fans can look forward to seeing these players in action again, rekindling old memories from their time at Celtic Park.
Manchester United Legends Squad
- Goalkeepers: Anders Lindegaard, Kevin Pilkington, Raimond van der Gouw
- Defenders: Antonio Valencia, Danny Pugh, Danny Simpson, Mikael Silvestre, Phil Bardsley, Ronny Johnsen
- 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
The Manchester United Legends squad is equally impressive, with Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Dimitar Berbatov leading the charge. The team also includes Darren Fletcher, a former United star and a self-proclaimed Celtic fan, adding extra excitement to the occasion.
Traveling to Old Trafford
Old Trafford is easily accessible by multiple modes of transport. Celtic supporters traveling to the match can use various options, including driving or using public transportation such as trains, trams, or buses. For more detailed information on routes, fans are encouraged to check the relevant travel guides provided by Manchester United.
Turnstiles and Entry
For the Celtic supporters attending the match, the away turnstiles will be located at the South East corner of Old Trafford. The gates will open two hours before kick-off, allowing fans plenty of time to find their seats and soak in the pre-match atmosphere.
Safety and Security
As with any major event, there will be enhanced security measures in place at Old Trafford. Supporters will undergo a screening process, which may include both physical and visual searches. It is important to note that certain items will not be allowed inside the stadium. For example, bags larger than 20cm x 15cm x 5cm (8″ x 6″ x 2″) are prohibited, with exceptions made only for essential medical or childcare items. Fans are advised to review the list of prohibited items before attending.
Charity and Community Support
Proceeds from this event will benefit both the Manchester United Foundation and Celtic FC Foundation, two charitable organizations dedicated to supporting young people and tackling issues such as poverty. The Manchester United Foundation works extensively within the Greater Manchester area, providing educational and sports programs to help improve the lives of young people. Similarly, Celtic FC Foundation is committed to alleviating poverty and supporting vulnerable communities in Glasgow and beyond.
Both organizations have a long history of giving back to their communities, and this match represents an excellent opportunity for fans to contribute to these efforts while enjoying a nostalgic football spectacle.
The Legacy of Charity Matches
Over the years, charity matches like the one between Manchester United Legends and Celtic Legends have become an integral part of the football calendar. These games provide retired players with a platform to reconnect with the clubs they once represented and give back to the communities that supported them throughout their careers. For fans, these matches offer a chance to see their heroes in action once more while contributing to important social causes.
At a time when football clubs are increasingly recognized for their community roles, the importance of such charitable initiatives cannot be overstated. In the case of both Manchester United and Celtic, their foundations are vital in supporting disadvantaged groups, fostering inclusion, and providing opportunities for young people.
What to Expect
With footballing legends like Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, and Dimitar Berbatov lining up for Manchester United, and Celtic icons like Artur Boruc, Stiliyan Petrov, and Gary Hooper taking the field, the match promises to be an entertaining and competitive affair. While the primary focus is on raising funds for charity, the competitive spirit between the two clubs will undoubtedly add excitement to the game.
The game also serves as a reminder of the rich footballing history shared by these two clubs. Although Celtic and Manchester United are based in different countries, they have often found common ground, not least in their passionate fan bases and their shared values of community support.
For the players, it is an opportunity to pull on their club’s jersey one more time and enjoy the camaraderie of a competitive match. For the fans, it is a rare chance to witness their idols playing again and to reflect on the impact these players had during their peak years.
A Day to Remember
Saturday’s Legends match is shaping up to be a memorable occasion. Not only will it provide a platform for football’s past heroes to shine, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that sport can have on communities. With thousands of fans expected to attend and proceeds going to good causes, this event is more than just a football match—it’s a celebration of the shared values and rich traditions of two of the world’s most famous clubs.
Celtic supporters making the trip to Old Trafford will be part of a special day that blends sporting nostalgia with community action, ensuring that the legacy of their club continues to make a difference both on and off the pitch.