Legends squad update

Fans' favourites Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia have already been confirmed, and we can now exclusively reveal that they will be joined by some new faces – Darren Fletcher and Anders Lindegaard.

Fletch is, of course, still at the club as part of Erik ten Hag’s men’s team coaching set-up – he previously joined the United Legends team at Anfield in September 2022, but this will be the first time he has pulled on the famous red shirt at Old Trafford since 2014. A proud Scot, Fletch grew up supporting the Hoops, but there will be no divided loyalties on 7 September, with Darren no doubt looking to mark his return to the Theatre of Dreams with a win.

Similarly, this will be Anders' Legends bow and his first appearance at Old Trafford in a decade – the Dane is buzzing to be back in M16.

“I'm very excited about it,” Anders enthused. “It’s such a great honour for me, and everyone playing in these games, and I'm very excited to come back. Once you’ve played for Manchester United, you always miss it a little bit, so to feel part of the club again - even for a day - is special.

“I have really fond memories of supporting the Foundation, when the team attended Christmas hospital visits and also the Dream Days that we used to go to at Carrington.

“Playing for Manchester United is a big thing, but it can sometimes be difficult to translate that power into something truly meaningful,” he added. “But going out into the community with the Foundation, meeting and engaging with the kids while wearing that badge on your chest, is when you feel you make a true difference. It’s a pleasure to be back supporting again.”

Following Darren and Anders in confirming their place in the squad are Wes Brown and Denis Irwin. These two defenders will need no introduction to Reds supporters, having amassed an incredible 837 United appearances between them, with both leaving the club as Premier League, domestic cup and - of course - Champions League winners.

The two were mainstays of Sir Alex Ferguson’s defence during some of the club’s most successful periods and both will be looking to continue that theme with a victory over Celtic. Both Wes and Denis are veterans of these fixtures and they will be joined by some other familiar faces in the form of fellow Treble winners Ronny Johnsen and Jesper Blomqvist, along with Karel Poborsky.

Academy graduates Danny Simpson, Phil Bardsley and Danny Webber will also be present in Bryan Robson’s squad, and the boss will be keeping a watchful eye on proceedings from the touchline alongside Andy Cole, who returns as assistant manager once again.

“You can’t beat being in a competitive game again,” Bryan said. “Whether you’re standing behind the white line, like me, or out on the pitch, it’s always special to be back.

“It’s really important for us as ex-players to help promote and support the work the Foundation does,” he added. “A lot of people benefit from it and we have to remember this, as it’s a really important part of this football club.

“It'll be a really good event for youngsters, with plenty of activities taking place around the stadium on the day; it’s one for everybody to enjoy and I’m sure it’s going to be another special day.”

Tickets for United v Celtic are on sale now.