Friendly 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
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