Man United set for Perth

May 21 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

MANCHESTER United are coming for Perth to honour testimonial man Alan Main.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that United’s Champions League legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be leading a Reds team to McDiarmid Park on Saturday, July 31 for the keeper’s testimonial match. It will kick-off at 3pm.

Main and his committee were delighted that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a former Saint himself, had paved the way for the trip north.

Main, whose injured hand will be in plaster for the next four weeks after post-season surgery, now faces a fitness race to make sure he lines-up against United and takes a belated curtain call in front of Perth supporters months after being released.

The 42-year-old all-time club appearance record holder admits his committee have hit the jackpot.

He said: “It is absolutely brilliant news and a real pick-me-up after being injured at the end of the season and missing a chance to say cheerio to the fans in an SPL game.

“This is as good as it gets. They really don’t come any bigger than Man United. It’s an exciting prospect for me and for the supporters.

“It will be a special occasion all-round. I’m glad it is a glamour game for the fans and it will give me a chance to say goodbye properly. The committee have done me proud. Maybe the Scottish connection helped my cause.”

Main was in line to break back into the Perth side late in the campaign but his plans were shattered by injury.

“I was on a real downer after chipping the bone and damaging ligaments in my hand in training. I broke a leg playing for Saints but that was as low as I’d felt in my career.

“I had been working hard and was ready for my first team chance. It is just so unfortunate that the injury was so badly timed.

Main revealed he once was assessed by Sir Alex at Aberdeen, only to miss out on a move to the Granite City.

“I was at Pittodrie on trial for a week when he was the manager. Jim Leighton and Bryan Gunn were the top keepers but they had a handful of goalies on the staff in those days.

“I was a youngster at Elgin at the time and got my chance. Sir Alex didn’t sign me but this makes up for it!

“That was not long before I got a move to Dundee United.

“I’ve played a few big clubs during my career but never faced Man United so this is fantastic news. St Johnstone versus Man United has a good ring to it.

“I’ll have a chance to say a proper farewell to fans who have been good to me in my time with Saints. It should be special for them and for the players as well as for me.”

Main is confident he’ll be ready for his big day.

“Nothing is going to stop me. Certainly not a broken hand. When the cast comes off I start rehab and I’ve already been out running. I’ll have a Velcro strip on for added protection.

“I’m on the look-out for a club and I want to be ready. This game could help my chances if nothing has been sorted out by July.”

Main went out of his way to express his thanks to manager Derek McInnes for tweaking his pre-season plans to accommodate the testimonial game.

He said: “The manager has been very accommodating. I owe him a massive thank you. He has had to change his plans for me and that is superb gesture. Hopefully the game will provide the ideal tests for Saints as they work towards the new season.”

John Cowmeadow, testimonial committee chairman, said: “Manchester United was top of our wish list back in February so this is the dream game. Other clubs were under discussion but it was fantastic when it was confirmed. This is the biggest club to visit Perth since Monaco. Supporters will be really excited by it. It’s a Saturday in the summer and I’m sure the name alone will lure neutrals along.

“Youngsters will be keen to come along and we have pegged admission for under 16s to £5 and adults are just £10 on the day.”

The committee, which has secured sponsorship for the testimonial year from Binn Skips, is anticipating interest in match sponsorship from the business community.

MAN United were last at McDiarmid to officially open the stadium on October 17, 1989. Saints lost 1-0 to a Brian McClair goal.