United Beaten 3-2 In Sami Al-Jaber Testimonial
January 23, 2008
Al-Hilal 3-2 Manchester United
Al-Hilal came from 2-1 down to seal a win over a strong Manchester United side at the packed King Fahd Stadium…
Sami Al-Jaber managed a penalty goal in his testimonial match against a reasonably recognisable Manchester United lineup in Riyadh.
While some fans questioned the wisdom of a mid-season journey to Saudi Arabia, Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased to take his side out of the English limelight - and straight into its Saudi equivalent.
The King Fahd stadium was packed for this encounter, with 35-year-old Saudi international legend Al-Jaber the main focus of attention.
The home fans left delighted with an Al-Hilal victory, but it came after two spot-kicks (one scored) that might, in a competitive game, have been dismissed.
Still, there was nothing illegitimate about the first goal, which saw Yasser Al-Qahtani finish from close range after a deflection off Rio Ferdinand.
United gained near-instant reply when Carlos Tevez netted six minutes later, capitalising on some energetic countering from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo himself then grabbed a goal when he nodded home from Nani’s corner.
