Manchester United will host The New York Cosmos on Aug. 5 at Old Trafford. The Cosmos will assemble their roster for the tilt with combination of players from around the world personally invited by Pele and Eric Cantona, the former the team’s Honorary President and the latter now Director of Soccer.
It will mark the Cosmos’ first match in over 25 years, with a 40th Anniversary match in New York City being planned for the fall. It will be a testimonial match in celebration of Paul Scholes’ long career, and be played at the Theatre of Dreams.
“It’ll be fantastic for the fans to be able to bid farewell to this exceptional footballer,’’ said Sir Alex Ferguson. “The accolades he’s received have been well deserved, but for me, Paul is one of those players who turns up, plays his football and it’s that natural ability that makes Paul unique and revered by many, including myself.
“Now from one great player to another, Eric Cantona. I am going to relish this touchline showdown, one Gaelic mind to another. Neither of us will want to lose this one, it is sure to be a great night and a well-deserved recognition for Paul.”
The 36-year-old Scholes announced his retirement last month and will join the Manchester United coaching staff.
“This is going to be a big night for me and my family, but one which I intend to enjoy and I will savor every moment,’’ said Scholes. “I have spent my whole footballing life at Manchester United, so this will be an emotional farewell.
“This club is special in many ways, but the fans are the best and I have always appreciated their support throughout my career. I hope they enjoy the night, especially seeing the Boss and Eric battling it out in front of the dug outs.”
It will mark a huge step in Chairman Paul Kemsley and vice chair Terry Byrne’s ambitious plan to resurrect the Cosmos brand.
“After working closely with the committee in order to make this happen, we are delighted to have the opportunity to participate in Paul Scholes’ testimonial match,” said Byrne. “On behalf of our Chairman Paul Kemsley and the entire New York Cosmos staff, we are looking forward to this historic evening.”
For Cantona, it marks a return to the Theatre of Dreams, where he won four Premier League titles in five years _ along with two League and FA Cup doubles to become a Manchester United legend.
“I wish to congratulate Paul for such an incredible career at Manchester United and I am looking forward to returning to Old Trafford in my new role with The New York Cosmos,” says Cantona. “This will be a significant and memorable match for all.”
Pele, whose arrival made the Cosmos the first significant and memorable soccer team ever in the U.S., said “We are honored to have the opportunity to play in one of the most historic stadiums in the world, and look forward to having The New York Cosmos be a part of Paul Scholes’ testimonial match. More importantly, I hope this will be a fantastic evening for Paul and for all the fans, while giving us a chance to reconnect with our football family at Manchester United.”
