Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement just 26 days ago and already he was back at Old Trafford, only it was to watch Manchester United Legends face their Real Madrid counterparts.
Although Ben Thornley and Quinton Fortune are not legends, it was quite the star-studded line-up. Messrs Van der Sar, Hierro, Stam, Salgado, Scholes, Zidane, Van Nistelrooy, Figo, Morientes and Cole graced Old Trafford again as Madrid ran out 2-1 winners.
Fernando Morientes gave Madrid the lead but Ruud van Nistelrooy, who played a half for each side, levelled for United much to the delight of the Old Trafford crowd.
Ferguson enjoys a Mexican Wave during the charity match
The Dutchman left via the back door in 2006 after a falling out with Ferguson but returned to bid goodbye to supporters who cherished his five goal-laden years with the club.
Rubén de la Red, the youngest player on the pitch, won it for Madrid five minutes from time when he dinked the ball over Raimond van der Gouw.
The charity match raised £800,000 for the Red Heart Foundation.