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JUL 2003 G-POD

Manchester United v. Celtic - 22 July 2003

Robbie Prokop, Brian Schrader and Richard couldn't miss the big match at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle as world-class soccer comes to Seattle. Manchester United beat Celtic of Glasgow, Scotland, 4-0. The exhibition match played in front of a sold-out crowd of 66,722 at Seahawks Stadium. It was the biggest crowd in the 11-month history of the stadium and the largest crowd to see a soccer game in Seattle, and it helped make for a successful beginning to United's four-match U.S. tour. It was a great atmosphere, Manchester manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. There was a lot of action, which I think was terrific for the fans in the USA. And there was no negative play.

Manu vs Celtic 01
Manu vs Celtic 02

A Celtic fan dressed in a kilt crosses to Seahawks Stadium before the match.

Manu vs Celtic 03

Fan favorite Ruud van Nistelrooy (10) scores the first goal of the night.

Manu vs Celtic 04

Celtic's Jamie Smith is tripped and fouled by Man U's Rio Ferdinand in the early minutes.

Manu vs Celtic 05

The fact that David Beckham, who has become something of a cultural phenomenon for his marriage to Posh Spice (Victoria Adams) and his ever-changing fashion, wasn't around did not take away the glamour from the game. However, it was the first ManU had played since April 1995 without Beckham (transferred to Real Madrid for $41 million earlier this summer) on the roster.

Manu vs Celtic 06

A sold-out crowd of 66,722 people watch the exhibition match.

Manu vs Celtic 07

A man runs onto the field near the end of play, perhaps inspired by Brandi Chastain's celebration and defining moment at the 1999 Women's World Cup or by the occasional antics at Wimbledon.