Lunch With Legends

Barely 48 hours after helping the Reds to a famous derby-day victory, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra returned to Old Trafford to take centre-stage at the Manchester United Foundation’s annual Legends Lunch.
The two pillars of Sir Alex’s present-day defence were joined by one from the past –Gary Pallister – for a three-course lunch and an extensive Q&A session, hosted by broadcaster and United fan Eamonn Holmes.

“It’s important to support these events,” Vidic said. “In the last few years the Foundation has enjoyed a lot of success and we hope we were able to help raise more money so they can continue to help people around the world.”

The Q&A session, which lasted more than an hour, covered a vast array of topics, including the manager’s fabled “hairdryer treatment” (Patrice and Nemanja were pleased the boss appears to have mellowed since Pally’s day!) and, of course, Wayne Rooney’s wonder-goal.

“It’s the most beautiful goal I’ve seen at Old Trafford,” Evra told the 150 fans who had snapped up tickets for the event. “The goal was so perfect. I couldn’t believe it when the ball went in.”
Foundation chief executive John Shiels described the lunch as “a terrific success” and praised both the players and supporters who attended.

“To dine in the company of two of the heroes from our victory against Manchester City two days earlier made this event all the more special,” he said. “Nemanja and Patrice gave a great insight into life in the first-team and Gary Pallister entertained the guests with some excellent anecdotes.

“I want to thank the players and Eamonn Holmes for taking the time out to support the Manchester United Foundation, as well as all the fans who attended. Some supporters travelled from as far afield as Bahrain and Australia. Their presence enables us to continue delivering services and support to those who need it most.”

All profits made at the Legends Lunch will be channelled back into the Foundation, which works closely with local charities Francis House and The Christie, as well as global organistation UNICEF.
For more information about forthcoming Foundation events, visit www.mufoundation.org.