"Europe XI", composed of David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Steven Gerrard, Grégory Coupet, Juninho Pernambucano, Gianluca Zambrotta and other huge names in the world of European football will play Manchester United in a gala match on 13 March 2007.
This event transcends the label of sport. More than just a celebration of 50 years for both the EU and Manchester United's participation in European club competitions, it is an affirmation of solidarity, as all proceeds will go to the Manchester United Foundation. This charity supports projects for young people in the fields of football, education and personal development, at local level in Manchester, nationally in the UK and internationally through UNICEF.
The final European selection, led by Marcelo Lippi, will be announced in Brussels on 12 March 2007 by José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, with Michel Platini, UEFA's new president, and Sir Bobby Charlton, legendary Manchester United player and member of the World-Cup-winning team of 1966.
The kick-off will be at 8pm. The Manchester United website has information on ticket sales, prices and availability. The match will be televised live in the UK by the BBC – details will follow about watching it elsewhere in Europe.
