No glittering farewell for Larsson as Boro fume

THIS was no way for one of world football’s finest forwards to close the latest chapter on a glittering career.

Booked for a blatant dive, limited to a peripheral role under the watchful eye of Middlesbrough’s outstanding defender, Jonathan Woodgate, and fortunate to escape an embarrassing defeat, Henrik Larsson had surely imagined a far superior send-off in the famous colours of Man Utd.

The Swede will, however, be afforded one final opportunity to say a fond farewell to the club which welcomed him into their hearts for three memorable months. Tomorrow, Larsson will line up for the European XI which takes on a Sir Alex Ferguson’s selection in the Old Trafford exhibition staged to celebrate half a century of United performances in Europe.