Motherwell 1-0 MUFC - Steelmen win Sir Matt Busby Shield

A young and inexperienced Manchester United XI were beaten 1-0 by Motherwell on Sunday in the inaugural Sir Matt Busby Shield. In a game organised to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Busby’s birth, 3,470 crowd watched from the stands as Giles Coke’s cool strike proved enough to take the spoils at Fir Park.

Brazilian defender Fabio was probably the most famous name in United's ranks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the Red Devils second-string to Lanarkshire on Sunday afternoon.

James Chester and Sam Hewson were other promising youngsters in action, but Motherwell superior experience and strength told as they controlled the game for long period.

Goalkeeper Ben Amos, named as an additional member of United's 35-man Champions League squad, pulled off a couple of excellent saves to deny Jim O'Brien before the break. However, he could do little to stop Coke latching onto John Sutton's through-ball and firing a powerful strike home eight minutes into the second period.

Sir Matt's son, Sandy Busby was among the presentation party who handed the shield to Motherwell skipper Mark Reynolds. It will join the one Scottish League Championship and two Scottish Cups inside the Steelmen's trophy cabinet.

Whether another game of this ilk will be organised next year remains to be seen, but certainly there were a few grumbles from the Fir Park terraces as to the strength of United's XI - particularly following unfounded rumours that some of United's stars who have retired from international football may make cameo appearances.

Full Time - Motherwell 1-0 Manchester United XI
Attendance - 3,470