Apologies for the quality of the video, but I just remembered this and looked it up on youtube. I can't remember a Unite-related testimonial or any other for that matter with so many iconic players on the pitch. This one has always stuck in my mind.
Best testimonial ever?
- Thread starter Crustanoid
- Start date
Apologies for the quality of the video, but I just remembered this and looked it up on youtube. I can't remember a Unite-related testimonial or any other for that matter with so many iconic players on the pitch. This one has always stuck in my mind.
I remember Ronnies freekick from this one:
Is the European XI the one where in the second half, it became United 2001ish vs United 1994ish That one always sticks in my mind.
They should have done a United 1999 vs United 2008 one. Perhaps if we had beaten Pompey they would have
They should have done a United 1999 vs United 2008 one. Perhaps if we had beaten Pompey they would have
Ryan Giggs's testimonial was the best I'm ever likely to see!
Seba volley, Ruud double
Seba volley, Ruud double
Bobby Charlton's testimonial against Jock Stein's Celtic was a great night. Finished 0-0 but the atmosphere at Old Trafford that night was brilliant. Celtic brought about 10,000 down and the place was packed to the rafters. The singing started early and didn't stop. The game wasn't brilliant but it was a hard-fought competitive match, as testimonials were in those days. Still got my match programme.
Yep - its around 6.30 on the vid. There really wasn't any indication at the time that that was going to happen, or so I remember.Is the European XI the one where in the second half, it became United 2001ish vs United 1994ish That one always sticks in my mind.
They should have done a United 1999 vs United 2008 one. Perhaps if we had beaten Pompey they would have
Did Steve coppell have a testimonial? I've got it into my head that I went to it.
Sounds great!
Played Real Socieadad.
Keane's was mad, seeing a sea of green in Old Trafford was weird.
I wish they would do a Barca XI vs Europe XI for charity or something and see how it goes.
Gaz's testimonial was class seeing Becks back at OT:
I remember that one. Beckham spoke to the fans at half time if I remember rightly. Was right behind that Ronaldo freekick... it was mental!
Weirdest thing about that game was seeing a World XI with absolutely random Bolton players in the line up (Vaz Te, Stelios, Diouf, I think...not sure). Think it's because they were playing us in a couple of days and were close enough to fill in as subs.
Ahh, that Bolton game...fond memories. It was the one with the incredible Rooney/Ronaldo goal.
What a volleyRyan Giggs's testimonial was the best I'm ever likely to see!
Seba volley, Ruud double
It was. I found the following match report that was published in the Glasgow Herald the morning after the game:
Glasgow Herald Tuesday September 19 1972
Absorbing benefit for Bobby Charlton despite goal famine
A crowd of 60,538, a British record for a benefit match, packed Old Trafford last night to see Manchester United and Celtic fight out an absorbing goalless draw in Bobby Charlton’s testimonial match.
From the onset it was apparent that this was to be no goal-happy fiesta. That would have been unworthy of the occasion, the dignity of the two great clubs, and the man they had come to honour. If the crowd, which included Tommy Docherty, Sir Alf Ramsey and stars from the past and present were not treated to a Charlton special they were able to enjoy a fine game of pure football.
After only three minutes Celtic were awarded a free kick a yard outside the penalty area. Murdoch’s left foot drive cannoned off the defensive wall and from the rebound McNeill volleyed in a blistering shot which Stepney punched away at the near post.
Four minutes later Dalglish bewildered United’s defence, sending Deans away down the right. The centre forward’s immediate pass into the middle found Johnstone but the winger’s shot hit the outside of the netting.
Having weathered the early onslaught, Manchester United countered through Kidd, who first forced Williams to a good save then sliced a perfect pass through a square-standing Celtic defence to Law, who revelling in the big occasion, slid his shot wide as he fell. Charlton caused a hum of embarrassment in the crowd with one appallingly wild crossfield pass but redeemed himself when he accepted a ball from Law and advanced threateningly on the Celtic goal. His final shot lacked power however, as defenders converged on him.
This was a refreshing, tension-free performance from United, quite divorced from their recent games. Another flowing move sent Charlton away and this time he was able to set himself before unleashing an effort that went over the crossbar.
The goal from Charlton which most of the crowd was willing for him, was not to come and it was Celtic who now were beginning to control the game with the mighty Murdoch dominating the middle of the field. Hood replaced Johnstone at the start of the second half and later Wilson came on for Deans. Kidd limped off injured and Law also withdrew, McIlroy and Sartori taking their places.
With 10 minutes remaining Celtic began to overrun a tiring United defence and twice Macari had opportunities to win the match. A delightful exchange with Dalglish left United’s defence in tatters, but Macari somehow scooped his shot wide. Then he failed to turn on to a loose ball as it rolled temptingly across the face of an open goal.
All that remained was for Bobby Charlton to do his lap of honour, surrounded by hundreds of youthful enthusiasts to whom he has given so much pleasure over the years.
Teams
Manchester United:-
Stepney, Donald, Dunne, Young, James, Buchan, Morgan, Law, Charlton, Davies, Kidd
Celtic:-
Williams, McGrain, McCluskey, Murdoch, McNeill, Connelly, Johnstone, Dalglish, Deans, Macari, Callaghan.
Subs - Davidson, Hood, Lennox.
Referee:- C. Thomas
Attendance 60,538
thanks for posting this was a good watch. amazing how i still remember that match and whole switch of teams in the 2nd half.
I was at that game, and was looking away when Veron scored.Ryan Giggs's testimonial was the best I'm ever likely to see!
Seba volley, Ruud double
Everyone in the know up here keep saying what a genius of a player he was. Easily better than Hoddle and closest thing to a British Beckenbauer the real stand out in this team. Pity his career ended early could some one post the video of him as a kid at half time doing keepy ups around the pitch?