21 October 2018
Manchester United-Juventus has a vast history of matches, between the first played in the UEFA Cup in 1976 and the last game, a friendly for the farewell of Gary Neville in 2011. Here are 11 names that will have made a name for themselves in the fixture or for either side, excluding the great player that will be on everyone's minds, Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the Champions League with the Red Devils in 2007/08.
1) Edwin Van der Sar
Van der Sar spent two seasons In Turin before the arrival of Gianluigi Buffon between 1999-2001. The Dutchman set the Premier League record whilst at Man Utd for the longest shutout streak. He played against his former club in an August 2008 friendly at Old Trafford that finished 0-0.
2) Ciro Ferrara
Along with Alessio Tacchinardi and Paolo Montero, Ciro Ferrara is the player who has appeared in the most number of Man Utd-Juve matches, four. He also played in the Champions League final in 2003 at Old Trafford against Milan, coming up against his former teammate, Filippo Inzaghi.
3) Paolo Montero
Paolo Montero won his first Champions League game on his first Champions League appearance, which was against Manchester United at Old Trafford in a 0-1 win in 1996.
4) Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra arrived at Juventus after eight and a half years at Manchester United, winning everything. At Juve he continued to win titles, whilst also enjoying two victories over former rivals, Manchester City in the 2015/16 Champions League.
5) Franco Causio
He could have been the first Juventus player to score at Old Trafford if the post hadn't kept out his shot in the 1977 UEFA Cup tie. However, it proved not to be costly, as Juventus went on to eliminate United, as well as neighbours City, going on to win the tournament!
6) Paul Pogba
From Manchester United to Juventus and then back again to the Red Devils. For now, the difference so far has been the titles won, having lifted nine trophies in Italy, compared to two in England.
7) Antonio Conte
More than just a goal in the Theatre of Dreams. The goal that Antonio Conte scored against Man Utd in a 1-1 draw was a demonstration of what the Juventus midfield of the 90s was capable of. Assisted by some great skill from Edgar Davids, the Juventus number eight kept his composure to score a great Bianconeri goal.
8) Manuel Giandonato
Although currently at Fermana in Serie C, Manuel Giandonato played in the match at Old Trafford to commemorate Gary Neville as a second half substitute. Giandonato played five games for the Bianconeri in his time at the club and marked the occasion in Manchester with a stunning goal. His free-kick proved to be the match-winner after Wayne Rooney had put United ahead before Simone Pepe's equaliser.
9) Zinedine Zidane
Speaking of free-kicks, there is also Zinedine Zidane. His goal was a consolation in a 3-2 defeat on Matchday Two in 1997-98. However, it still remains to be a stunning goal that was able to beat legendary keeper, Peter Schmeichel in the Man Utd goal.
10) Carlos Tevez
Throughout his Manchester United career, Carlos Tevez only played in three more games than he did with the Bianconeri, even lining up against them for the Red Devils in the 2008 friendly. However, Tevez netted more goals during his time in Black & White, notching an impressive 50 to go with his 34 scored in the Red of United.
11) Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero is often a player who can transcend the support from other fans and he proved this on two occasions, as he received a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful in both the friendly matches in 2008 and 2011. The Manchester United support recognised a true champion, who had clearly left a lasting impression in previous Champions League fixtures.
