It was less a contest and more a celebration – of United’s enduring Irish connection, of unerring finishing in front of goal and of a magnificent new sporting structure – as United romped to a 7-1 win against a League of Ireland XI in Dublin.
Wayne Rooney made his long-awaited club return but goals from Ji-sung Park (2), Michael Owen, Javier Hernandez, Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans and Nani stole the show.
The Reds, English football's crown jewels, had travelled to the Emerald Isle to open Dublin's glistening new Aviva Stadium. And it was a group of rough diamonds, mined from the semi-professional League of Ireland, who had been charged with the unenviable task of trying to stop United's stars from shining.
For 13 minutes, the home side – a term used loosely here, for United supporters dominated the virgin terraces – succeeded. But the Reds, bolstered by returning World Cup stars Rooney, Park, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic – all playing their first games since the summer tournament – were never likely to stumble. Valencia and Owen were also named in Sir Alex’s starting XI, their first run-outs since injury curtailed their 2009/10 campaigns. For Owen, it meant the end of a five-month wait to lace up his boots again.
Source : Man Utd
