Aberdeen 2 - 1 Manchester United: Packed Pittodrie pays tribute to their European hero Simpson

Sir Alex Ferguson brought the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand north to honour his former player, but the sight of Darren Fletcher warming up before kick off was an added bonus on an emotional night.

Of course, for too many people outwith the Granite City, the career of the recipient of a benefit match expected to raise over £200,000 was defined by a single tackle on Ian Durrant. However, the measure of affection Simpson is held in by Aberdeen supporters for his outstanding contribution to the club’s glorious era under Ferguson was clearly evident here.

The standing ovation from 21,000 grateful punters must have matched the decibels generated during any event at the recent London Olympics as Simmy emerged in his old No 8 jersey. It was a fitting response for a player who won nine top trophies with the Pittodrie club, including the Cup Winner’s Cup triumph in Gothenburg and scoring in the Super Cup success against Hamburg.

Last night, he was only out there to take the ceremonial kick off before immediately making way for Stephen Hughes. Prior to kick off, Sir Alex described Simpson as “a serious competitor with a tremendous engine, going up and down all the time, and was an integral part in Aberdeen’s success”. The United manager added: “He is a very quiet and unassuming lad who has always kept his feet on the ground and has been a smashing servant to Aberdeen.”

The game itself produced some open and attractive football, with Aberdeen anxious to impress against a United side that combined youth and experience. Ferdinand, Giggs and Scholes provided the latter as they prepared for the season opener at Everton on Monday and the last named in that trio will need to be sharper at Goodison.

Bebe forced Jamie Langfield into an early save and Giggs hit a post from long range but the Dons had Scholes to thank for the breakthrough in 38 minutes.

The home side’s attractive attacking play lacked a killer touch until Jonny Hayes embarrassed the former England midfielder by dispossessing Scholes on the six-yard line and rolling the ball past David De Gea.

Simpson would be delighted at the identity of Aberdeen’s second goalscorer as he has played a key role in the development of teenage defender Joe Shaughnessy. The youngster showed he also knows the way to goal, stabbing in Michael Paton’s cross for what turned out to be the winner after 70 minutes.

By then, the game had become more of an exhibition with the likes Clayton Blackmore and Dwight Yorke coming on for United and Dons legends Brian Irvine, Dougie Bell and big Doug Rougvie in the home side. United did pull a goal back when Brazil international Anderson skipped through to lob a delicate effort over Jamie Langfield and Fletcher – a most welcome substitute – was only denied a late equaliser by a Bell block that turned back the years.

Aberdeen: Langfield, Milsom, Anderson, Clark, Simpson, Paton, Hayes, Osbourne, Naysmith, Megginson, Reynolds. Subs: Rae, Considine, Vernon, Bell, Low, Hughes, Rogers, Shaughnessy, Brown, Rougvie, Irvine, Tosh.

Manchester United: De Gea, Keane, Blackett, Thorpe, Ferdinand, Powell, Anderson, Macheda, Bebe, Giggs, Scholes. Subs: Cole, Blackmore, Johnstone, Fletcher, Fortune, Januzai, Yorke.

Referee: Kevin Clancy. Attendance: 21,000