PHILADELPHIA – Any time a man who made more than 350 appearances for Manchester United is in town, people tend to take notice.
Philadelphia was lucky enough to experience this on Wednesday as Red Devils legend Dennis Irwin visited to discuss his former team’s upcoming tour of the United States, one that includes a stop in the City of Brotherly Love in July.
The former Republic of Ireland international stated the importance of American fans getting a glimpse at a team that’s as big as Manchester United.
“It gives a chance for the fans over here to see Manchester United,” said Irwin on Wednesday. “It’s very hard for [North American] fans to come over to England. It’s a chance for fans of Philadelphia Union to watch Manchester United. It really should be a great occasion.”
The match, scheduled for July 21, won’t be too long after the conclusion of this summer’s World Cup. With United stars like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all taking part in the tournament, questions remain about who Sir Alex Ferguson will have to play at Lincoln Financial Field.
Irwin, now an ambassador for the club, made sure that everyone remembered the depth of Ferguson’s squad.
“You’ve got the three old wise men—Gary Neville, [Ryan Giggs] and Paul Scholes,” said Irwin of some of team’s veterans. “Edwin van der Sar. Besides that you’ve got a good mix of youngsters as well. [Antonio] Valencia’s coming across, Jonny Evans, John O'Shea, Darren Fletcher. [Federico] Macheda and [Danny] Welbeck, two young lads, so you have a great mixture.”
The between the Union and United is slated as a friendly, however, and there are those that will question the determination of the obviously superior Man. United side to get a result in the match.
For Irwin, when you put on that red jersey, you immediately become driven and that those who will be available are already anticipating the trip stateside.
“Whenever you pull on a Manchester United shirt, you go out there to win,” he insisted. “I’ve spoken to a few players already and they’re really looking forward to coming across here to Philadelphia and playing the game.”
Leaving Philadelphia with a better perspective of what’s ahead for his former club, Irwin will return to England to spread the excitement for the friendly that has already attracted plenty of attention since its announcement earlier this month.
