In a whirlwind week of sight-seeing, training and an epic clash with the All Stars, Manchester United created a spectacle that Australian football fans could only have dreamt of in years past.
In a whirlwind week of sight-seeing, training and an epic clash with the All Stars, Manchester United created a spectacle that Australian football fans could only have dreamt of in years past.
Despite the 5-1 defeat for the Foxtel A-League All Stars side there is no doubt that football fans are keen to see more world class clubs grace our shores.
Western Sydney Wanderers captain and inaugural A-League All Star Michael Beauchamp believes the concept is definitely one that is here to stay.
“Having these EPL clubs out here is massive for Australian fans definitely and of course it will help to put Australian football on the map,” said Beauchamp.
“Hopefully this is only the beginning of something that can go on forever.”
After a record breaking A-League season, the 32-year-old believes that the ability to attract a side like Manchester United down under says a lot about the extent to which the competition has grown.
“It shows how far the A-League has come for us to get these types of sides out here.
“We can all walk away from tonight’s match with our heads high.”
With the debut of the All Stars now in the history books, Beauchamp expects there to be a big fight on the hands of all of the inaugural All Stars to keep their spots for next year’s side.
“Next year all the boys are going to be fighting harder to be a part of this squad.
“Matches like these give you the opportunity to play against quality players and you walk away with memories and that is what football is about.”
The attention now turns to Melbourne as the Victory have their moment in the global spotlight as they take on Liverpool at the MCG on Wednesday.
“The Victory boys now have a chance to play Liverpool which is another great match for Australian football.”
