The road to the CL finals was put on the back burner for a few moments today as Gary Neville's testimonial match was played this afternoon at Old Trafford. The fact that Juventus won the game 2-1 in the end did little to dampen the atmosphere as one of the most loyal Reds to ever kiss the United badge brought an end to his playing career in a grand fashion. For many United fans this friendly match was a dream come true since it brought back some legends who have not put on the United colours for some time. Today we got the chance to once again see David Beckham wearing the United number 7 and whipping crosses all over OT. We also got to see Gary and Phillip Neville play together on the same field once more and if that was not enough to make it an evening to remember they you add in the fact that for the first time in 9 1/2 years United fans got to see the midfield of P. Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham start a match together. It really was a special night and as I fan I was once again reminded that I got to see something special through out the 90's when that class of talented young players were grabbing the world's attention by winning trophies year in and year out. The only way that the match could have been made any more special would have been with Keano and King Cantona in the lineup as well or maybe even having Ole come back but with the timing of such an event it is no surprise that not all of the big names could make it out. It was also a relief to see that all of the first team members that took place in the match came through it fine and should all be available for selection on Saturday.
The match was a fitting tribute to Neville who gave the club 20 years of loyal service and despite not being the most naturally talented defender to ever play the game proved that with hard work you really can accomplish great things. Neville is likely now to go into broadcasting but having already completed some of his coaching badges I really hope that Sir Alex gives him the chance to return to the club in a coaching role at some point in the near future since Gary Neville is a Red and he belongs with the team in some capacity.
One of the moments for the night that struck me was the fact that on a night that was supposed to be all about Gary he made sure to point out that in Manchester it was all about saturday and this game was nothing in comparison to United going for their fourth European title. Having been such a loyal Red it is no surprise that Gary would put the goals of the club above his own moment in the spotlight. Gary may have been focused on the weekend and wanting United to go out and win but for the fans of the club tonight gave them a chance to look back to another chapter of the clubs glorious history. The next chance to see such a spectacle may come in the near future when Paul Scholes retires but the fact of the matter is that the class of 92 is almost gone and I for one am glad that I got to watch all of them play and got to enjoy the success which they helped bring to United. Plus did I mention that David Beckham was back in United's number 7 shirt?
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