One of Manchester United's staff members has sent them a reminder in a way nobody expected

Manchester United rolled out the red carpet at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon to welcome back some of the club's most famous faces of the past.

Hosted by the Manchester United Foundation, a United Legends XI went head-to-head with a Celtic Legends XI in M16. Played in good spirits, an excellent time was had by all, even if it resulted in Celtic winning the trophy that was up for grabs via penalties.

Wayne Rooney, who raised the volume of the crowd every time he got on the ball, scored the game's opening goal, bending home a brilliant free-kick before half-time. Celtic responded after the break, taking the contest to a penalty shootout after Gary Hooper tapped home an equaliser.

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Rooney, who is now in charge of Plymouth Argyle, was arguably the headline act. The crowd thought so too, purring at his every touch.

His free-kick was, of course, the standout moment of the afternoon, but it was the work of Darren Fletcher in midfield that sent out a reminder of how good he was in his heyday. The Scot, who continues to work with the United first-team, joined forces with former teammate Michael Carrick - now in charge at Middlesbrough - in the engine room and they bounced off each other in the first half, orchestrating proceedings.

Albeit in very different circumstances to what they were used to during their playing careers, they still carried the qualities that led to them making more than 800 appearances for United between them. Fletcher, 40, was excellent, pressing with intensity and covering just about every blade of grass possible.

He demonstrated terrific energy levels and grew into the game after United Legends boss Bryan Robson had instructed him to push higher up the pitch after a first half drinks break 25 minutes in. He also showed a willingness to get stuck in and compete out of possession.

Alongside Carrick, who rolled back the years with some excellent footwork in the first half, Fletcher brought a sense of control to United's midfield. He kept proceedings simple, moving the ball efficiently and with purpose.

Of course, a collection of caveats applied, not least the fact the game, for the most part, was played at virtually a walking pace, but any United supporters who were in attendance must have been wishing United's current team had as much control and discipline in the centre of the pitch as this one.

United's midfield was at the heart of last weekend's post-Liverpool inquest, not least because of Casemiro's two mistakes that led to Luis Diaz netting a first half double. United's midfield has been a problematic area over the last 12 months and pressure is already on new signing Manuel Ugarte's shoulders to come into the team and hit the ground running following his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.

Ugarte is going to be installed as United's chief midfield enforcer, meaning it will be his responsibility to provide the control and defensive nous Ten Hag's team has been missing. He could make his debut next weekend at Southampton.

Just as Fletcher did at Old Trafford on Saturday, Ten Hag will expect Ugarte to press with similar hunger and desire. For 40-years-old, Fletcher's persistence and willingness to run was very admirable.

It is those levels of commitment and desire that United now need from their newest midfield recruit, who will no doubt be aware of the impact he is going to be expected to have. Fletcher might just be having a word in the Uruguayan's ear this coming week.