Sir Alex Ferguson mixed youth and experience for Neill Simpson benefit game last night, but the biggest inclusion to the team that took on Aberdeen was Darren Fletcher.
Last appearing against Benfica in November due to a bowel condition, it was up in the air in regards to Fletcher ever playing again. Last week it was revealed that Fletcher would be training with the Scottish national team ahead of a friendly against Australia and last night he got a 30 minute run out.
Far from full fitness, this is hopefully the beginning of his comeback.
In the game United had the lion’s share of chances, but it was Aberdeen that took the lead when Paul Scholes of all people had his pocket picked by Johnny Hayes who calmly slotted past David De Gea.
At half time a number of new faces appeared for United including Clayton Blackmore and Dwight Yorke but it was Aberdeen who grabbed the next goal when Sam Johnstone flapped at a cross, allowing Isaac Osbourne to poke home from close range. Yorke had a goal disallowed for being offside, but Anderson finally got United onto the scoresheet playing a neat 1-2 with Yorke before dancing through the Aberdeen defence and lifting the ball over the oncoming Langfield.
United continued to apply pressure but there would be no late comeback like against Hannover and Aberdeen won the game 2-1.
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