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Tag: Old Trafford

  • Eric Cantona set for Manchester United return

    Eric Cantona set for Manchester United return

    Manchester United and France legend Eric Cantona is to return to Old Trafford in June.

    He’ll be playing at Manchester United’s stadium as part of the Soccer Aid charity football match for Unicef.

    The 51-year-old says: “There is no place like home. Knowing I am coming back to Old Trafford is a special feeling.”

    He joins a host of famous faces including Usain Bolt, Sir Mo Farah, Olly Murs and Gordon Ramsay.

    Footballing giant Cantona will play for a World XI made up of ex-footballers and celebs, captained by Usain Bolt. It will be the first time he’s played there since 2001.

    “I am coming back to make the June 10 match the best ever and I want you to join me,” says the Frenchman.

    “Let’s make history together at Old Trafford again one last time.”

    He’ll face an England team captained by Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams.

    Cantona will join other ex-Man Utd stars playing at their famous ground including England Women boss Phil Neville and Edwin van der Sar.

    Other players for the World XI include Yaya Toure, Clarence Seedorf, Robert Pires, Jaap Stam and Patrick Kluivert.

    They’ll face the likes of David Seaman, Jamie Redknapp, Danny Murphy and Robbie Fowler for the England XI.

    Will Ferrell, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Jack Whitehall are just a few of the celebs to have taken part in the charity match in the past.

    The enigmatic Cantona – who signed for £1.2m in 1992 – scored 64 goals in 143 league games for Manchester United, winning four Premier League titles and two FA cups in five seasons there.

    But the number seven was also constantly surrounded by controversy – especially when he aimed a kung-fu kick at a fan during a match.

    He was banned for eight months for the incident 1995.

    At a press conference afterwards, he gave arguably his most famous quote: “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”

    Since he retired from football in 1997, Cantona has acted in movies including Elizabeth, French Film and Looking for Eric.

    He’s even made the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch star-struck.

    Tickets for the Soccer Aid match are priced between £10 and £50, and it will be broadcast live on ITV from 8pm BST on Sunday 10 June.

    The event, which takes place every two years, has raised £24m to help children since its launch in 2006.

    BBC

  • Super Athlete, Usain Bolt to feature in Soccer Aid match at Old Trafford

    Usain Bolt will finally make his footballing debut at Old Trafford.

    The eight-time Olympic gold medallist will captain a team of celebrities and footballers for the Soccer Aid match on 10 June.

    “It’s my dream to make it as a professional footballer. To play against some of football’s biggest legends is going to be remarkable,” the Jamaican sprinter said.

    Robbie Williams will captain rivals England for the Unicef match.

    Usain has spoken previously about wanting to get into professional football after retiring from athletics last year.

    And over the weekend he put out a cheeky tweet – which led to much speculation – hinting he’d been signed to a club.

    “Robbie and his England team better watch out as I won’t be going easy on them,” said Usain, adding that he’s got a “special celebration” planned should his team win.

    The 31-year-old is a Manchester United fan, and once even made a surprise call to MUTV.

    “I always said that I want to cope in more of a team sport because the track is individual,” he told the football club.

    “I catch along easily and understand what I need to do when I get a job. When I get instructions, I can carry them out really well,” he said.

    The Soccer Aid game at the team’s home ground will see celebrities and former world-class footballers playing together on the same team.

    The event, which takes place biannually, has raised £24 million to help children since its launch in 2006.

    The match has seen the likes of footballers Maradona, Alan Shearer and Ronaldinho play alongside celebs like Mark Wright, Jack Whitehall and Olly Murs.

    Will Ferrell, Gordon Ramsay, Mike Myers and Craig David have also played in previous years.

    “Reclaiming the title for England this year is going to taste so much sweeter with Usain leading the Soccer Aid World XI,” said Robbie Williams, who co-founded Soccer Aid.

    “I can’t wait to lead out the England team.”

     

    BBC