1983 heroes and current European champions on show in glamour friendly

TODAY'S match between Aberdeen and Manchester United is not a run-of-the-mill pre-season friendly. If it was, then Pittodrie wouldn't be packed to the rafters and there wouldn't be Dons fans scrambling around internet message-boards trying desperately to get their hands on tickets.

Not only is this the first opportunity to see United in action since they lifted the Champions League trophy in Moscow in May, but, primarily, today gives Aberdeen supporters the opportunity (again) to honour the people that played a part in the club's finest hour: the 1983 European Cup-Winners' Cup win against Real Madrid.

During today's half-time interval, a team including many of the 'Gothenburg Greats' will take to the field to face a Paul Lawrie Select XI in a ten-minute match. The 'Greats' will line up with Jim Leighton, Brian Mitchell, Brian Irvine, Bryan Gunn (the former goalkeeper will play in a defensive role), John McMaster, Neil Simpson, Robert Connor, Ian Angus, John Hewitt, Peter Weir and also Fraser Fyvie, a 15-year-old representing the current youth development system at Pittodrie. The side will be managed by Willie Miller, Eric Black, Stewart Kennedy and Neale Cooper, another four players from Alex Ferguson's celebrated squad 25 years ago.

While golfer and celebrity Aberdeen fan Paul Lawrie is expected to be tied up at Loch Lomond following his efforts at the Scottish Open yesterday, a team bearing his name will provide the opposition for the half-time mini-match. Managed by former Scotland boss Craig Brown, it will include some other weel-kent Aberdeen faces – like former strikers Eoin Jess and Duncan Shearer – and will be completed by a number of local businessmen.

The half-time kick-about – which will be followed by a few words from Willie Miller – promises to be an entertaining sideshow to the main event: the friendly between Aberdeen and United's current crops.

While Cristiano Ronaldo and his fellow Euro 2008 participants Nani, Patrice Evra and Edwin van der Sar will be absent from the United party that flies north from Manchester this morning, it is understood the rest of Ferguson's star-studded squad will be available for selection at Pittodrie.

As for Aberdeen, Jimmy Calderwood's pre-season preparations have so far been injury-free and he has a full squad to choose from, which means summer signings Mark Kerr, Gary McDonald, Sammy Stewart and Bertrand Bossu could make their first appearances for the SPL club.

"I think Saturday's game will be a great way to start the season," said Calderwood, "and I expect Manchester United to give it their all as they are the kind of team who will fight for everything whether or not it is friendly.

"We know we are facing some of the world's greatest players and almost certainly the world's greatest manager, but the lads need no team talk to get them going for this game. This is something a lot of the lads have been looking forward to for a long time.

"Everyone associated at the club has the utmost respect for Alex and it will be a great occasion for fans, players and all backroom staff. Alex has always taken time to help out when I have requested his advice and I think this is testament to the character that he is. I have spent time with him at manager's meetings and Scotland games and he is a genuinely great guy, someone who has never forgotten where they come from."

At full-time, the 'Gothenburg Greats' will come out again and embark on a lap of honour and Tom Smith, chairman of the Gothenburg Testimonial Committee, will present the winning captain with a trophy. Then, shortly before he flies back down to Manchester, Ferguson will address the capacity crowd. They can surely expect to hear the words "very" and "proud".