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Saturday 23 August 2025 02:00
Former Manchester United club captain Michael Carrick has revealed his excitement for the upcoming Legends match against Celtic in Glasgow.
The midfielder appeared for the Reds when the two sides faced off last year in a charity match held at Old Trafford.
The Scottish side edged the contest on penalties after a hard-fought draw in normal time, which featured a spectacular Wayne Rooney free-kick.
A team of United Legends will travel to Celtic Park for the reverse fixture on 6 September for a 14:00 BST kick-off, where Carrick will be joined by the likes of Wes Brown, Mikael Silvestre and Raimond van der Gouw in seeking redemption – and you can be there to watch it unfold!
Carrick is already looking forward to pulling his boots back on for the occasion.
“Yeah, it’s a really good experience,” our former captain said. “I think just being around the boys as much as anything, being around the changing room and just seeing old friends again is probably the biggest thing.
“It’s amazing how your wavelength and your understanding and all that, obviously it’s a little bit slower, but it’s amazing what stays with you.
“We were talking about that last game, a few of the boys, actually. Bits of movement, and who does what and who likes what. And it’s amazing, how it comes flooding back quite quick.”
Darren Fletcher and Wayne Rooney were names that sprang to mind when asked who he enjoyed rolling back the years with the most, but with the full squad list still to be finalised for the upcoming Celtic trip, he revealed just being back with teammates, even those he only spent a small part of his career with, is a treat.
And while Carrick admits that the games are a slower pace, and ultimately for a good cause, there is no shortage of competition when the whistle blows.
He continued: “Obviously, it’s not as full-blooded and played with that aggression that it would be if it was 10 or 12 years ago, but there’s certainly an element of it.
“I think there’s that pride that kicks in, and then there’s the enjoyement and the understanding and the acceptance of what you can do and what you can’t do. You certainly want to do well, and I think that’s just pride in myself and each other.”
With the Bhoys taking the win back to Scotland with them last year, Carrick is relishing the opportunity to set the record straight this time around.
“It’s a great two games to be involved with,” he said. “Two great football clubs, two unbelievable sets of supporters, and a great history between the clubs.
“It’s not just an ordinary game, it’s something different. We obviously played against each other last year, so it’ll be nice for us to come out on top this year, for sure.
“I played there [Celtic Park] a couple of times in the Champions League. It’s one of my favourite atomspheres and favourite stadiums that I played at, genuinely. So, that in itself, I’m looking forward to going back.”
Legends highlights: United v Celtic Video
Legends highlights: United v Celtic
HIGHLIGHTS | Presenting the key action from Saturday’s Legends clash at Old Trafford, between United and Celtic…
But it is all, of course, for a good cause, with the last game raising just under £1m in revenue to benefit the United Foundation, an organisation the former Red has a strong association with through his own charity, the Michael Carrick Foundation.
The organisation funds one of our regular Street Reds sessions, providing young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with a route into sport.
“Every pound, every penny, it’s actually priceless, really, how much you can affect people’s lives,” Carrick said. “It’s something I’ve really enjoyed doing and being part of, with the two foundations coming together from my side.
“We’re heavily involved [Carrick, his wife Lisa and their children], and we get down there, support the coaches and get to know the young people that are taking part. I think it’s vital that we do that.
“As much as it’s great for me to go through the experience of playing football again, in a great stadium, I’m attached to it a lot deeper than that.”
Rolling back the years
Gallery
It was great to see so many of our former players back in the United shirt against Celtic!
He feels the sessions that his foundation funds, a stone’s throw away from the Theatre of Dreams, are crucial in what they can provide to those who participate, and is why taking part in fundraising games like this one is so important to him.
“It’s a team sport, so you’re coming into a group,” the former England international said. “It’s not just about ability or performance, to be honest, that’s not important, it’s more about the social background of it.
“A sense of belonging and wellbeing, and being part of something and attached to something, and having friends and creating relationships: I think that’s the most important thing, and then having the support for coaches or players or participants. You feel like you’re there for each other, that bit of support.
“It’s incredible. Hopefully, the money raised again from this game will be a good amount and go to good causes again.”
Away tickets for Celtic v United Legends at Celtic Park are still available – get yours now.
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Saturday 23 August 2025 02:00
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