It will be an emotional night on Friday 5 August at Old Trafford, as Manchester United will face the New York Cosmo’s in Paul Scholes’ testimonial game.

The 36-year-old midfielder ended his career as a player with us days after the Champions League final but will pull his no.18 shirt one more time to face the Comsos who will be led by none other than former United legend Eric Cantona on the night.

The Frenchman, Director of Soccer at the Cosmos, will pit his managerial wits against Sir Alex Ferguson as he takes charge of the Americans for their first game on English soil since their reformation.

Scholes is clearly looking forward to the game and told ManUtd.com, just how much he is looking forward to the game

“This is going to be a big night for me and my family but one which I intend to enjoy and I will savour every moment,” he said. “I have spent my whole footballing life at Manchester United, so this will be an emotional farewell.

“This club is special in many ways but the fans are the best and I have always appreciated their support throughout my career. I hope they enjoy the night, especially seeing the Boss and Eric battling it out in front of the dug outs.”

Sir Alex like everybody else expects Scholes to get a huge send-off on the night from the Old Trafford faithful and told ManUtd.com that Scholes fully justified after his highly successful time at the club

“Paul’s retirement was typical of the man: low key, he was safe on holiday just so he could avoid any media interviews,” said the United manager. “However he won’t be able to hide away this time and it will be fantastic for the fans to be able to bid farewell to this exceptional footballer.

“The accolades he’s received have been well deserved but for me Paul is one of those players who turns up, plays his football and it is that natural ability that makes Paul unique and revered by many, including myself. It is sure to be a great night and a well deserved recognition for Paul.”

Aside from the night obviously being centred on Scholes, it will be a chance for United fans to see the legendary Cantona back at the club again and there’s no doubt he will get a huge reception on the night as well.

No man aside from Sir Alex of course was more pivotal to our success in the 1990’s than Cantona who will always be remembered as one of  United’s greatest ever players for what he brought to the club in his five years at the club.

United’s former talisman joined the Cosmos in January and it’s hoped that through his involvement and connections the club can win admittance to the MLS and more than live up to their chequered past when the likes of Pele and Bobby Moore played for them.

August 5^th 2011 will certainly be one night that Old Trafford will never forget.

By Adam Dennehey – @ADennehey87