Scholes, van Nistelrooy, Figo, Zidane to play in Man Utd vs Real Madrid Legends match today

Bryan Robson will be taking charge of the United side that plays in the Red Heart United Legends Match on 2nd June, with the recently retired Scholes joining former team-mates Andrew Cole, Denis Irwin, Dwight Yorke, Edwin van der Sar, Jaap Stam, Ronny Johnsen, Henning Berg, and Teddy Sheringham.

    The star-studded Real Madrid side consists of Zinedine Zidane, but Luis Figo, Claude Makelele, Christian Karembeu, Guti and Fernando Redondo.

    After signing up the former England man, Robson said: “I think Scholsey will love not just being on the pitch with Real Madrid, but with Zinedine Zidane.

    “In the past, he has said that Scholsey was the best midfield player in the world, so it will be nice for Paul to see him again and play against him and the rest of the Real Madrid players.

    “We all still love participating in the game and playing for charity is something players enjoy doing.”

    Real Madrid travel to Old Trafford hoping to defend a 3-2 victory over the Reds, claimed in the first leg at the Bernabeu last year. Although the match is being played in aid of the Manchester United Foundation, Scholes still has that competitive edge and is keen to turn the deficit around.

    “It would be great to win the game,” he said, “but there are some true greats in their team; players who have won World Cups and European Championships.

    “The skill, dedication and passion it takes to be the best in the world is something you never lose.  It may be for charity, but it’s going to be a very tough game.”

    This sentiment is mirrored by the great Zidane, who once hailed Scholes as ‘the complete footballer’.

    “He’s almost untouchable in what he does,” said the French legend.

    “I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get. One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career.”

    The Red Heart United legends match and concert will offer a full day out for the whole family and will include an opening ceremony with a concert on the pitch featuring JLS, Amelia Lily and Tinchy Stryder. In keeping with the two clubs’ origins, there will also be the chance to try your hand at some Spanish and British themed games as well as sample traditional cuisine from both nations.

    All proceeds from Red Heart United will go to the Manchester United Foundation and will help to fund projects that help young people in disadvantaged areas of Greater Manchester. (DailyMirror)