ENGLAND 3, REST OF THE WORLD 2
Jose Mourinho made a winning start at Old Trafford as he managed 10-man England to victory against the Rest of the World in Soccer Aid to raise funds for UNICEF, the United Nation’s children’s charity.
Mourinho was at the game, though he decided not to take up his place on the touchline after being named Manchester United manager for the fear of attracting too much of the limelight. That was left to Sam Allardyce to take charge.
England made it 4-2 in the series of games against the Rest of the World, despite being forced to play nearly half the game with 10 players after Ben Shepherd’s sending off.
Jermain Defoe, omitted from England’s Euro squad, scored twice and there was also a goal from reality star Mark Wright.
Former United favourite Dimitar Berbatov scored both goals for the Rest of the World in a game far more entertaining than most Manchester United games this season under Louis van Gaal.
Pele was the guest of honour and it was emotional as the legend was introduced to the two teams.
But due to his lack of mobility – he was using a walking stick – the players went to him on the touchline with most giving him a warm embrace.
It was a chance to see some of the greats of the game as the Rest of the World side starred Brazilians Dida, Cafu and Ronaldinho, Dutch duo Jaap Stam and Edgar Davids.
And apart from Stam, there was a return to Old Trafford for Berbatov along with Phil Neville.
The England side also included former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher who was jeered with every touch yet Robbie Fowler and Danny Murphy, two other ex Anfield stars, escaped such harsh verbal treatment.
England dominated the goalless opening period but could not turned possession and chances into goals.
England eventually made the breakthrough early in the second half when reality television star Wright powered home an unstoppable free kick from 30 yards.
The game turned eight minutes into the half when Good Morning Britain presenter Shepherd was sent off for a second booking.
The Rest of the World quickly wrestled the initiative through two goals from half-time substitute Berbatov, a neat shot on the turn and a penalty after Ronaldinho was fouled, to lead 2-1 after an hour.
England made it 2-2 mid-half when comedian Jack Whitehall threaded a great through ball to Jermain Defoe who was not gong to miss against keeper Patrick Kielty.
And England’s 10 men regained the lead with 13 minutes left when Kieron Dyer cut the ball back for Defoe to score with a venomous low shot.