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Legends: Celtic 2 United 2 (4-3 on pens)
Saturday 06 September 2025 16:35
Manchester United Legends were beaten on penalties by Celtic Legends for the second time in two years on Saturday, as the hosts fought back from two goals down to win the return leg of our charity tie.
After the 2024 clash at Old Trafford, which Celtic edged after spot-kicks, United made the trip to Glasgow to help raise money for Celtic’s Foundation.
The Reds started well, too, with Darren Fletcher and Dimitar Berbatov giving Bryan Robson’s side a two-goal lead at half-time.
But Celtic staged a late comeback to forced penalties once more and, as was the case last year, came out on top.
Over 25,000 fans attended the match, which was a great spectacle for everyone and yet another demonstration of the good work Manchester United Foundation does for our community, and others.
FIRST HALF – UNITED IN CONTROL
The first 45 minutes were positive for both sides, but United were more clinical.
Celtic started well and created the first clear-cut chance of the match, with Joe Ledley heading wide at the back post.
Soon after, Berbatov and Nani exchanged passes on the edge of the box and after the latter’s shot was blocked, the ball bounced to the feet of Fletcher. The Scot set himself and arrowed the ball into the bottom corner to give United the lead.
Nani and Berba linked up again soon after, with the Portuguese bursting down the left wing before laying the ball off to the Bulgarian. Dimitar controlled the ball before rifling it into the top corner, doubling the advantage.
Celtic responded well and created opportunities of their own as the half drew to a close. Tom Rogic’s powerful left-footed drive was saved by Raimond van der Gouw and Mikael Lustig’s looping header clipped the crossbar.
SECOND HALF – CELTIC FIGHT BACK
The Reds were looking good to see out the game for much of the second period, but changes for both sides affected the game.
Celtic made wholesale alterations at the break and soon after the restart, Georgios Samaras stabbed an effort narrowly wide.
As the game entered the closing stages, the deficit was halved. McDonald was found by Samaras and, despite his initial shot being blocked heroically by Tyler Blackett, the forward made no mistake with his follow-up and curled the ball into the top corner.
Darren Fletcher scored our first of the game at Celtic Park, but was forced off in the second half with a knock.
With little more than 10 minutes to go, Shaun Maloney latched on to a Samaras lay-off and fired low to level things up, meaning penalties would be needed to settled the game – as was the case with the first leg one year prior.
The hosts edged United 4-3 in the spot-kick contest, ensuring that they have triumphed in both legs of the charity tie.
But regardless of the result, these matches are about more than just that and every player involved will no doubt feel plenty of pride in having helped the communities of Glasgow and Manchester.
Both of our legends games against Celtic have done great things for the communities of Glasgow and Manchester.
MATCH DETAILS
United XI: Van der Gouw (Pilkington 46), Simpson, Silvestre, Blackett, Pugh, Djemba Djemba (Gibson 46), Carrick (c), Fletcher, Nani, Saha (Eagles 46), Berbatov.
Subs: Blackmore, Chadwick, Poborsky, Campbell, Webber.
Goals: Fletcher, Berbatov.
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Saturday 06 September 2025 16:35
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