Exclusive Andy Cole: Legends carry ‘competitive edge’ into charity matches

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Stretty News

·19 luglio 2024

Exclusive Andy Cole: Legends carry ‘competitive edge’ into charity matches

Legendary players have been signed up by the Manchester United Foundation to take part in a charity match between Manchester United and Celtic at Old Trafford on 7 September.

The United team will be managed by Bryan Robson with Andy Cole sat alongside him in the dugout as assistant manager. They will be able to field a legendary team consisting of players such as Antonio Valencia, Dimitar Berbatov, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

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Kick-off is scheduled at 14:00 and it promises to be a fantastic day out at Old Trafford.

Speaking exclusively to Stretty News ahead of the charity match, Manchester United legend Andy Cole explained that retired footballers keep their competitive edge for these fixtures.

“It’s the nature of the beast,” Cole explained. “Your competitive edge never leaves you, regardless of whether you are playing football, golf or whatever you decide to take up after football.

“If you’re a winner, you’re a winner. It doesn’t change when you’re playing in a charity match to raise money for the Foundation. You still want to win football matches and nothing will change that. That’s our mentality.”

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In facing Celtic, United welcome one of the biggest clubs in football history to Old Trafford.

Cole experienced a European night under the floodlights in Glasgow’s east end as Blackburn lost out to Martin O’Neill’s side on their way to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final. He also featured for United as part of Tom Boyd’s testimonial.

When asked what he expects from the game between United and Celtic legends, Cole said “good fun”, as two well-respected football clubs take centre stage.

“Good fun for both sets of supporters,” the former United and England striker said. “Celtic legends vs Manchester United legends… Two teams with unbelievable history and two teams that are going to look forward to it.

“We always look forward to it because we enjoy it for what it is. It’s a great opportunity for us to catch up with each other, have a game, laugh and joke. Once we retire we miss having the banter of the dressing room.

“From the first day we catch up, we get into it straight away. It’s very special for those reasons.”

Valencia has appeared in charity matches for the club in the past, but he is still relishing the chance to perform again in front of United supporters.

“I’m so much looking forward to it,” the Ecuadorian told club media. “Every time that I get the invitation, I make sure that I can be there. It’s going to be fun to see so many friends, that stadium and my former team-mates. What the Foundation does for young people around the Manchester area, and elsewhere – I know how much work goes into it.”

Berbatov is another player looking forward to returning to Old Trafford. He said: “It’s always good to be back with the boys, have some banter, play some football, enjoy it and in the process raise money for a good cause.

“It’s good that we former players can have the chance to raise money for all the different things that the Foundation is doing and just enjoying doing it while we play football.”

In May 2022, the legends match against Liverpool raised over £1.3m.

Tickets for Manchester United vs Celtic are on sale here.

Proceeds from the game will go towards supporting the community work of Manchester United Foundation, the club’s associated charity.

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