A strong contingent of ex-Manchester United players featured in Sunday’s Soccer Aid fixture at Old Trafford, which raised more than £15.2 million for UNICEF.
The 14th edition of the annual charity match between teams representing England and the Rest of the World finished 5-4 to the latter, with a mix of former professional footballers and famous celebrity faces putting on a show in front of a sell-out crowd at the Theatre of Dreams.
Wayne Rooney rolled back the years by opening the scoring for the Three Lions’ team at the Stretford End, but his old strike partner Carlos Tevez netted four to inspire the World XI to a comeback that saw the night end with Nemanja Vidic hoisting the silverware aloft in M16.
Duggan had been set up by a masterful Michael Carrick pass, which was no rare sight at Old Trafford, certainly more familiar than seeing Gary Neville and Vidic lining up in opposing back fours, as they did in the first half.
Alongside Vidic, fellow 2008 Champions League winners John O’Shea and Carlos Tevez also featured for the World XI – coached by legendary Reds goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel – who made a resounding comeback in the second 45.
The United-turned-City forward embraced his frosty reception on his old stomping ground, celebrating with a finger to his ear and a point to the name on the back of his shirt as he netted twice in two minutes to reduce World XI’s deficit back to one.
Then, after Defoe had scored again to make it 4-2, Tevez netted an accurate free-kick before finishing a mazy run to draw the game level, prior to rapper and television personality Big Zuu grabbing the winner late on.
Along with our aforementioned ex-players, the star-studded squads also boasted a raft of passionate United fans enjoying the opportunity to take to the turf at the Theatre of Dreams.
Perhaps none more so than social-media star and Old Trafford regular Angry Ginge, who was named the game’s Player of the Match for his efforts in England’s defence, which included a brilliant goalline clearance that he visibly enjoyed.
Entrepreneur Steven Bartlett and singer Tom Grennan are also staunch Reds that represented England, as is boxer Tyson Fury, who was in the Three Lions’ dugout.
Legendary Hollywood actress Julia Roberts is also a proud Red and watched on from the stands, having been seen talking to United defender Harry Maguire in the tunnel before kick-off. Meanwhile, former women's goalkeeper Mary Earps was part of ITV's punditry panel.
DONATE TO SOCCER AID FOR UNICEF
Soccer Aid is held to raise money for UNICEF, who look to use the power of football to support children worldwide, so they can grow up in safe and healthy environments.
More than £100 million has been raised through the annual game since 2006, and you can donate to this year’s fund here.