Man United legends join Younghusbands in Clear Dream Match 3

MANILA, Philippines – Phil and James Younghusband will have Manchester United legends at their disposal when they try to settle once and for all their sibling rivalry in the Clear Dream Match III on Saturday night at the University of Makati Football Field.

The match is set at 7:30 p.m.

Phil picked Paul Scholes, regarded as one of the best midfielders of his time, to reinforce his team as his reward for winning the online poll.

Scholes is expected to complement Phil as he tries to win the bragging rights over his older brother James. Team Phil won the first edition of this series in a dominant 5-1 rout.

“I’m a striker, he’s a midfielder. It’s a perfect match,” Phil said of his choice answering questions from media during the glitzy press conference Friday at the Fairmont Ruffles Hotel in Makati City.   

“I’m a big fan.  We watched ManU growing up and we tried to model our games to their style. Playing with them tomorrow (tonight) will let us learn,” Phil added.

While the match is friendly in nature, Scholes vowed to do everything to win the match.

“You look at these games as friendlies, but once the game starts, you want to win. I’m sure once the game starts I’ll try to do everything to win,” said Scholes, who is a tough guy on the field having amassed a total of 120 bookings, including being sent off 10 times, in his colourful career.

James settled for Andy Cole but not a bad choice as the former Manchester United forward is the second highest goal scorer in the English Premier League history. Cole will try to help Team James repeat its 4-1 conquest of his younger brother’s team last year.

“I may not be seen in the headlines as much as my brother because Phil is the one who taps in the ball and gets all the glory and I’m  the one who does all the hard work,” James said in jest. “I make him look good.”

And his playmaking skills will be put to test anew as he will try to link up with Cole, who has scored a total of 187 goals throughout his Premier League career.

“It’s (facilitating) my strength,” James said. “I’m sticking to my strengths and I know if I get the ball into the box, Andy Cole will finish it off.”

But the 42-year old legend will have to shrug off rust as he has been away from the game for six years now.

“I’m really looking forward to the game. My game face will be on. It hasn’t been on in six years,” Cole said.

The Younghusband brothers have predicted that this might go down to extra time penalty kicks in what would be a dramatic finale and a stark contrast of the first two editions of the biggest All Star football match in the country.

“This is bragging rights for life. If he wins, I’ll never hear the end of it, if I win, he’ll never hear the end of it,” Phil said.