The New York Cosmos are preparing to become the first American owned soccer team to play at Manchester United’s famous stadium and in preparation for the Paul Scholes testimonial game at Old Trafford on Aug 5 the team has added FIFA World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro to their roster, alongside retired Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira and Tottenham Hotspur’s very own Robbie Keane.
The team, led by Eric Cantona, selected their “guest players” with the assistance of both Cantona and Pele.
Also joining the team is American World Cup goalie Brad Friedel and American Brian McBride, while England is supplying Nicky Butt, Wayne Bridge and Sol Campbell.
The Cosmo’s would like to join the MLS and this stunt could help their chances, however Manchester United plays Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield two days later and therefore are unlikely to start their best players.
The original Cosmos team hasn’t played a match since the North American Soccer League fell apart in 1985.
In the meantime here’s a full roster for the New York Cosmos:
Nicky Butt Wayne Bridge Chad Calderone * Sol Campbell Fabio Cannavaro Ibrahim Diaby * Stefan Dimitrov * David Diosa * Brad Friedel Marvin Iraheta * Robbie Keane Brian McBride Dane Murphy * Gary Neville Yanik Reyering * Michel Salgado Moriken Sangary * Patrick Vieira
What do you think about the teams roster going into the August 5 game? If you’re undecided I suggest checking out the defensive capabilities of Fabio Cannavaro on the field during World Cup 2006. If Manchester United doesn’t play their best players he could help the Cosmo’s pull off a win.
