Eric Cantona will be among the star-studded lineups taking to the Old Trafford pitch to mark the end of Paul Scholes’ career, according to an official Manchester United announcement made on Friday 10th June 2011.
Scholes, who announced his decision to retire at the end of the 2010/11 season recently, played 466 times for United, as well as 66 times for England, in a distinguished career.
While the full team list for the one-off testimonial match – which sees Manchester United take on NY Cosmos – has yet to be confirmed, United told that the match will see “the return of Eric Cantona to Old Trafford.”
Speaking on the testimonial match, and Paul Scholes’ retirement, United’s manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, is quoted by the club’s official website as saying:
“Paul’s retirement was typical of the man: low key, he was safe on holiday just so he could avoid any media interviews.
…He won’t be able to hide away this time and it will be fantastic for the fans to be able to bid farewell to this exceptional footballer.”
Following the testimonial and his retirement from the playing staff, Paul Scholes is to remain at Manchester United in a coaching facility.
Scholes’ testimonial metch is set to take place at Old Trafford on Friday 5th August 2011.
Paul i love u and u were an inspirational player to many, thanks for making man u proud and the fans too. we all loved u. thanks