MANILA, Philippines—Time to finally settle the rivalry.
With a Manchester United legend reinforcing each squad, brothers Phil and James Young-husband clash in the final installment of the Clear Dream Match Saturday night at University of Makati pitch.
Paul Scholes, considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, will reinforce Team Phil, while former ManU striker Andy Cole will beef up Team James, adding spice to Philippine football’s All-Star showcase.
“It’s all about bragging rights,” said Phil at the press conference launching the match. “If I lose, I will never hear the end of it from James and the same is true with him if he loses.”
Team Phil took the first Clear Dream Match, 5-1, with Phil Younghusband netting a hat-trick. Last year, with Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro in the squad, James got his revenge with a 4-1 rain-soaked triumph.
Kickoff is at 8 tonight.
Phil, who got to pick first in the draft after getting the most votes online, selected Scholes whom he thinks “compliments his play.”
Having won 11 English Premier League titles and two European titles, Scholes, who retired only last season, said he’s hoping to bring a winning mentality to Team Phil.
“I’ll try to do everything I can to win,” said Scholes, who is known for his long-range goal scoring.
A deadly finisher in his prime, Cole said he’s looking forward to giving his side some goals. “I’ve been retired six years now but I think I can still do something on the pitch,” said Cole, 41.
Phil’s squad includes national players Simone Rota, Chris Greatwich, Kenshiro Daniels and Patrick Deyto, as well as Roxy Dorlas, Baba Sampana, PJ Fadrigalan and Sam Bonney.
Team James counts on Azkals Misagh Bahadoran, Chieffy Caligdong, OJ Porteria, Nate Burkey, Simon Greatwich and Daisuke Sato.
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