Manchester stars spice up Clear Dream tiff

MANILA, Philippines - Manchester United legends Andrew “Andy” Cole and Paul Scholes will add star power to Round 3 of the Clear Dream Match duel between Phil and James Younghusband on June 7.

Cole, the second highest scorer in Premier League history with 187 goals, and Scholes, one of the best midfielders of his generation, will link up with players from the United Football League (UFL) who will split up in two teams under the banners Team Phil and Team James.

 â€œWe have partnered with players of the UFL and Manchester United, the biggest club in the world. We want to showcase the best of Philippine football, and for us to inspire and motivate the next generation of Filipino footballers,” said Clear brand manager Andrew Capuyoc during the event’s press launch the other day.

Cole and Scholes follow the path taken by the former World Cup champion Fabio Cannavaro and Chelsea legend Dennis Wise, who came over to reinforce the Team Phil and Team James and help promote the game in the country.

The brothers are locked in a 1-1 standoff in this duel, with Phil’s team scoring a runaway 5-1 victory in the first edition in 2012 and James’ squad exacting revenge with 4- 1 verdict a year later.

Joining the action this year are stalwarts from the UFL. A total of 50 players have been shortlisted for the pool with fans voting for the final 32 who will eventually take the field and learn from the visiting world-class footballers.

Cole helped MUFC win five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two FA Charity Shields, and an UEFA Champions League trophy.

A Red Devil in his entire career, Scholes played a key part in United’s treble-winning feat in the 1998–99 season, and has won 11 Premier League, three FA Cup and two UEFA Champions League winners plums.