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

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'.

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.

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.

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.