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Roy Keane takes charge of Manchester United as 45,000 watch legends including Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs take field for Liam Miller tribute match

Two teams have come together to celebrate the life of the former midfielder, who died in February after a battle with pancreatic cancer

MANCHESTER UNITED legends turned up in force to take on a combined Celtic and Republic of Ireland XI in the Liam Miller tribute match.

Roy Keane returned to his hometown to take charge of the United squad, which included all-but two of their famed 'Class of 92'.

Ryan Giggs made 672 appearances for United in 14 years
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Ryan Giggs made 672 appearances for United in 14 yearsCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription

The match was played to celebrate the life of Miller, who died on February 9 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Over 45,000 fans crammed into the Pairc Ui Chaoimh stadium in Cork and the afternoon started after a minute's silence.

Giggs dusted off his captain's armband and led his side out, but Rio Ferdinand ruled himself out at the last minute due to injury.

Robbie Keane caused United some early problems and the fans tried their best to get under the skin of Neville.

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Player-manager Roy Keane put himself on the pitch in the second half
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Player-manager Roy Keane put himself on the pitch in the second halfCredit: PA:Press Association
Paul Scholes proved that he has not lost his touch during the charity match
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Paul Scholes proved that he has not lost his touch during the charity matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Denis Irwin broke the deadlock after Nicky Butt won a penalty
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Denis Irwin broke the deadlock after Nicky Butt won a penaltyCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription

The Reds got their breakthrough in the 18th minute after Nicky Butt won a penalty after a soft challenge in the box.

Irwin rolled back the years and sent the keeper the wrong to give his side the lead.

Saha doubled United's tally from close range following a textbook assist from Giggs.

In the dying stages of the first half, Keane pulled one back for the combined XI to breathe life into the match before the interval.

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United dominated in the first half of the tribute match
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United dominated in the first half of the tribute matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Mikel Silvestre in action against Shaun Maloney during the charity match
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Mikel Silvestre in action against Shaun Maloney during the charity matchCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription
Robbie Keane caused the Manchester United defender endless problems in the first half
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Robbie Keane caused the Manchester United defender endless problems in the first halfCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription

Manchester United legends squad

  • Keane
  • Giggs
  • Butt
  • Johnsen
  • Scholes
  • Irwin
  • May
  • Saha
  • Ferdinand
  • Fortune
  • Cole
  • Clegg
  • Silvestre
  • Pilkington
  • Dublin
  • Carroll
  • G  Neville
  • Smith
  • Ryan Giggs
  • Louis Saha

Celtic legends squad

  • Forde
  • Carr
  • Kilbane
  • Dunne
  • Cunningham
  • Andrews
  • Doyle
  • Mcphail
  • Reid
  • Keane
  • Duff
  • Carsley
  • Healy
  • Maloney
  • Lambert
  • Hartson
  • Lennon
  • Petrov
  • Supple
Gary Neville tried his luck with a few shots on target during the match
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Gary Neville tried his luck with a few shots on target during the matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Luis Saha scored United's second goal to pile the pressure on Celtic
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Luis Saha scored United's second goal to pile the pressure on CelticCredit: PA:Press Association

Following a much-needed breather at half-time, the combined XI put on Ireland shirts for the second half after starting in Celtic kits.

And Keane, who made 326 professional appearances for the Reds, even subbed himself on the field in the 60th minute.

The match ended 2-2 after Colin Healy's late equaliser - which resulted in a tense penalty shootout.

Celtic and Republic of Ireland's combined squad won after Nicky Butt and Roy Keane missed from the spot.

Ryan Giggs was at the front of the pack when the Reds made their way onto the pitch
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Ryan Giggs was at the front of the pack when the Reds made their way onto the pitchCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription
Derby boss Frank Lampard had some strong words of encouragement for Manchester United's Paul Pogba

 

 

 

 

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