United Beaten 3-2 In Sami Al-Jaber Testimonial

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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.

However, the visitors were pegged back to 2-2 just before the interval when Al-Jaber netted a very dubious penalty after an alleged foul by Ferdinand.

He earned another penalty later, but Al-Shalhoub blasted it wide.

Still, the hosts were left cheering when Bader Al-Kharashi netted a wonderful overhead kick past substitute keeper Tom Heaton, sealing a memorable afternoon for the hosts, and presumably a lucrative one for the visitors.

United’s starting lineup: Van der Sar, Simpson, Ferdinand, O’Shea, Evra, Eagles, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo, Tevez.