Sir Alex Ferguson (former Aberdeen manager) was back at Pittodrie yesterday - but only to see his Manchester United side easily defeat Scottish team Aberdeen.
The European Champions barely broke sweat against the Scottish Premier League side, despite fielding what was almost a weakened side, exposing the huge gulf between the English league and the Scottish league...
OLD PALS ... Willie Miller welcomes Sir Alex Ferguson back to Aberdeen
Published: 12 Jul 2008
The Sun
13th July 2008
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
ABERDEEN 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
ABERDEEN boss Jimmy Calderwood paid tribute to Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs after Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 win against Sir Alex Ferguson's old side.
Michael Carrick netted a penalty before Wayne Rooney headed home the winner as United opened their pre-season campaign in dominant fashion.
But it was veterans Scholes and Giggs who caught Calderwood's eye.
The Dons manager said: "You could see the quality of the United players.
"When you see older players like Scholes and Giggs with their attitude, hunger, touch and vision, it's fabulous."
Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie had a goal ruled out for offside before United were awarded a penalty a minute before the break.
I'M BACK ... Rooney was in action for the European Champions
Keeper Jamie Langfield sent Rooney crashing inside the box and Carrick made no mistake from the resulting spot-kick.
But Calderwood believed his side were unlucky on both occasions.
He added: "I thought we did really well in the first half when they were at their strongest.
"I don't think Mackie's goal was offside, while Rooney told me after the game that his touch was too heavy and he wouldn’t have caught the ball at this stage of the season.
"They still got the penalty but all in all it was a fantastic workout."
Rooney's header added a touch of gloss to the occasion in the second half as Sir Alex paid tribute to the Dons side he led to glory in the European Cup Winners' Cup 25 years ago.
United boss Fergie said: "It was an emotional day for many reasons.
"The squad of 25 years ago were a fantastic bunch of lads.
"Many teams never win a European trophy but lifting one is part of Aberdeen's history."
thesun.co.uk
The European Champions barely broke sweat against the Scottish Premier League side, despite fielding what was almost a weakened side, exposing the huge gulf between the English league and the Scottish league...
OLD PALS ... Willie Miller welcomes Sir Alex Ferguson back to Aberdeen
Published: 12 Jul 2008
The Sun
13th July 2008
PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY
ABERDEEN 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED
ABERDEEN boss Jimmy Calderwood paid tribute to Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs after Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 win against Sir Alex Ferguson's old side.
Michael Carrick netted a penalty before Wayne Rooney headed home the winner as United opened their pre-season campaign in dominant fashion.
But it was veterans Scholes and Giggs who caught Calderwood's eye.
The Dons manager said: "You could see the quality of the United players.
"When you see older players like Scholes and Giggs with their attitude, hunger, touch and vision, it's fabulous."
Aberdeen striker Darren Mackie had a goal ruled out for offside before United were awarded a penalty a minute before the break.
I'M BACK ... Rooney was in action for the European Champions
Keeper Jamie Langfield sent Rooney crashing inside the box and Carrick made no mistake from the resulting spot-kick.
But Calderwood believed his side were unlucky on both occasions.
He added: "I thought we did really well in the first half when they were at their strongest.
"I don't think Mackie's goal was offside, while Rooney told me after the game that his touch was too heavy and he wouldn’t have caught the ball at this stage of the season.
"They still got the penalty but all in all it was a fantastic workout."
Rooney's header added a touch of gloss to the occasion in the second half as Sir Alex paid tribute to the Dons side he led to glory in the European Cup Winners' Cup 25 years ago.
United boss Fergie said: "It was an emotional day for many reasons.
"The squad of 25 years ago were a fantastic bunch of lads.
"Many teams never win a European trophy but lifting one is part of Aberdeen's history."
thesun.co.uk