Paul Scholes was given the perfect send off today with a 6-0 testimonial win oer a select New York Cosmos XI. It was perhaps most fitting that the Ginger Prince was the one to open the scoring in the 8th minute with the trademark piledriver that he has served to the club for the best part of 2 decades.
It was great to see Pele endorsing Paul's greatness as one of the best players to ever grace the game. His former manager Sir Alex was certainly right in saying before the match that Paul is one of Manchester United's all time great players.
A true model professional that I've already labelled a one-off; if you don't believe it, try finding a player who doesn't have an agent.
It has been an emotional evening for all concerned at Old Trafford but attention quickly turns to Wembley on Sunday for the traditional curtain raiser of the League Season---the FA Community Shield. We've come to get used to playing against a team in blue for this one in the past 5 years but this time, it won't be Chelsea or Portsmouth---its our noisy neighbours.
Now, the manager and some fans alike will let you know that the game carries minor significance for us. True; because win or lose, you can be sure that Manchester United's resolve for the coming season will not be shaken one bit. But I have to say that we've had enough bad days at the New Wembley and regardless of the level of competition, I wouldn't want to see us walk those steps first. Granted, its a derby and for the players, what an opportunity to give themselves that crucial shot in the arm that they can take into the big kick-off next week. No doubt City will be looking for the same so on that note, it should make for a cracking game for neutrals.
The manager has already pointed out the absence of Carrick, Chicharito and Rafael but we do have more than enough cover for all those positions so hopefully our lads carry their pre-season from into the season proper.
Labels: FA COMMUNITY SHEILD
