A nod to the past but not Fergie’s last stand

GIVEN that the post-flotation United has always tended to be a byword for ‘naff’, especially when it comes to the grubbier activities of the commercial department, Saturday reminded us that we can still do some things with a modicum of class.

Looking back over the big set-piece commemoration-matches the modern United has had to stage — Busby’s death, the Munich 50th and now this — you can’t quibble too much about the tone and handling.

Despite being a bitter old cynic, I was almost touched by Fergie’s sudden head-bow and blushing when he realised the nature of the stunt that David Gill had just pulled with the North Stand tarpaulin.