SINGAPORE – Rivals Liverpool FC and Manchester United paint the Lion City red as greats from the iconic English clubs clash tonight in the “Castlewood Group Battle of the Reds” at the National Stadium here.
Ian Rush, Liverpool’s top-scorer of all time who skippered the Reds when they beat the Singapore legends in a 2014 tour, 3-1, leads the Merseyside crew in a battle for pride with the Red Devils at 6 p.m.
“Liverpool and Manchester United are the best supported teams in the world, and anytime we play against United it’s always exciting. We always look forward to entertaining supporters, especially here, and we’re going to score first,” Rush said.
Rush teams up with Jerzy Dudek, Stephane Henchoz, Steve Harkness, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Luis Garcia, Dietmar Hamann, Patrik Berger, Vladimir Smicer, Phil Babb, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Jan Kromkamp, David Thompson, Michael Thomas, and Jari Littmanen for the LFC Masters.
“It’s always nice to be here in Singapore. It’s a fantastic event and an opportunity to see each other after one year. It’s phenomenal to see so many fans interested in the match and supporting us,” said Dudek.
Paul Parker manages the Manchester United Masters side composed of Nick Culkin, Russell Beardsmore, Lee Martin, Ronny Johnsen, Bojan Djordjic, Lee Sharpe, Keith Gillespie, Jesper Blomqvist, Ben Thornley, Clayton Blackmore, Quinton Fortune, Karel Poborskly, Louis Saha, George Switzer, and Andrei Kanchelskis.
Sharpe said the competitive edge among the players remains strong.
“As soon as you get the boots on and step across the white line and get on the pitch, you want to win and do the best you can. There’s always pressure against Liverpool. We don’t like losing to Liverpool and they don’t like losing to us,” he said.
The Liverpool Masters and Manchester United Masters will slug it out in an 80-minute, 11-a-side match.
Last night, Liverpool’s legends attended a hospitality event hosted by the club’s partner Standard Chartered Bank for clients across the region.
“Standard Chartered Bank is a proud sponsor of the Liverpool Football Club and our partnership roots from a similarity in heritage and values and a strong determination to give back to the local community,” said Mai Sangalang, Standard Chartered Philippines,Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing.
“We both have over 100 years of history- Standard Chartered Philippines has been in the country for 143 years. We also share common values of teamwork, partnership and a winning spirit,’ she added.