MLS has played big clubs before in its annual All-Star Game — from Chelsea to Chivas — but none has been as star-studded as tonight’s match against Manchester United. MLS, which passed up larger profits by holding the game at Red Bull Arena, has created a hot ticket and a league showcase.
United is led by Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, while the All-Stars feature a possibly more-famous tandem in L.A.’s David Beckham and the Red Bulls’ Thierry Henry. MLS is seeking vindication for the beatings United handed out in last year’s match versus the All-Stars and during this summer’s U.S. tour.
“Man United is Man United. Everybody expects them to win,” said Henry. “We’re going to try to give them a test, and see how we can do it. It’s special because we’re playing at Red Bull Arena. But I think for the league it’s going to be a special one. Playing against Man United, it’s always something special.”
After United routed the All-Stars 5-2 last July, they returned this summer and outscored New England, Seattle and Chicago by a combined 14-2. However, Bobby Convey, an MLS All-Star from the San Jose Earthquakes, insists this is a better squad than last year’s, and Henry and Beckham are two huge reasons why.
Beckham, who missed last July’s loss to United due to injury, comes into tonight’s match against his former club ranked second in the MLS with eight assists. And Henry — who joined the Red Bulls just two weeks before last year’s game and declined an invitation out of respect to the players already in MLS — has a league-high 11 goals.
“They’re the biggest club in the world,” said Beckham. “When you play at that level, you approach every game the same: You play to win. Manchester United players don’t come over here just for holiday and to have a nice runaround on the field. They came over here to win.”
Beckham came up through United’s youth ranks and won the 1999 Champions League with them, and Henry spent eight years at Arsenal and had memorable battles with United. Tonight likely will be another.
“We are competitors. You will see, we will fight,” said Henry. “You don’t play against Manchester United every day, in New York. It’s special for the players that play for the Red Bulls. It’s a fun thing.”
