Star-studded squad for Man Utd charity match

The European Commission today unveiled its all-star football squad to play Manchester United in a one-off charity match at Old Trafford.

Tomorrow night’s televised game is a joint 50th anniversary celebration of the creation of the European Union and of United becoming the first English side to play in UEFA’s European club competition.

The Commission’s first “signing”, David Beckham, has had to drop out through injury, but will be at the match to see his old club face up to an EU team boasting Liverpool players Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol and many of the Italian World Cup-winning squad.

Three Brazilian stars – Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Juninho – will play as “guests”, because they are not strictly eligible for a “Europe XI” team.

An unusually popular European Commission press conference saw Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton take the stage alongside the Europe XI coach, Italian World Cup winner Marcello Lippi.

And UEFA President Michel Platini was on hand to present Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso with a Europe XI team shirt – number 27, to reflect the number of EU member states.

Bobby said he was proud of Manchester United and proud of the European Union, and the match was a “very significant” occasion.

He added: “The history of Manchester United is tied up with that of Europe. Some of the club’s greatest moments have been played out on a European stage.

“I look forward to welcoming so many stars and friends to Old Trafford to celebrate these two significant anniversaries.”