King Eric back ruling Old Trafford
REVERED UNITED LEGEND ERIC CANTONA RECEIVED A RAPTUROUS WELCOME AT OLD TRAFFORD FOR SOCCER AID
IT was a night to remember at the Theatre of Dreams as celebrities and football legends – including United great Eric Cantona – took to the Old Trafford pitch for Soccer Aid.
The Frenchman played at the Reds’ ground for the first time in years. Cantona, 52, known as The King, was welcomed with roars as he came on as a substitute for the Rest of the World team, who eventually lost on penalties to England.
The match saw music, TV and sport stars play with ex-pros.
More than £5.5m was raised for Unicef UK. Cantona’s side included City legend Yaya Toure, former Arsenal star Robert Pires and multiple European Cup winner Clarence Seedorf.
World record sprinter – and big United fan – Usain Bolt also played.
A torrential downpour before the match failed to dampen the electric atmosphere.
The teams were level at 3-3 as the final whistle was blown.
It was then straight to penalties, with England eventually clinching the tie.
Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison fired home the winning spotkick for a 4-3 Three Lions victory.
Earlier, England took the lead with a goal from former Sunderland and Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.
Singer Olly Murs played him through on goal, before he shimmied past the keeper and two defenders and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Former TOWIE star Mark Wright then put in a great cross, with Jeremy Lynch tucking one in. Robbie Keane made it 2-1 with a goal The Rest of the World, followed by an equaliser from ex-United player Juan Sebastian Veron. Former Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder Seedorf put the Rest of the World in front – but England soon followed with a great poacher’s goal from legendary England striker Michael Owen. The match ended in penalties for the first time since Soccer Aid in 2010. Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness failed to seal victory with a poor spot-kick, before comedian Lee Mack did the same. Luckily for England, Blake stepped up to the occasion. Soccer Aid is held every two years before a major international football tournament such as the European Championships or the World Cup. The event has raised more than £24m for Unicef UK in six matches over the past 12 years.