Thursday 09 August 2012
Everton's Tony Hibbert scored for the first time in more than 300 matches in his testimonial
Patrice Evra helped Manchester United keep a clean sheet against Barcelona
James McClean (left) scored for Sunderland, but they were thwarted by a late equaliser
Wayne Rooney failed to score with a first-half penalty as Barcelona and Manchester United played out a goalless draw in Sweden.
Rooney was denied by Barca keeper Victor Valdes from the spot, and although he connected with the rebound, he put it wide.
David de Gea, in his first appearance for United in pre-season after featuring in Spain's disappointing Olympic campaign, was in good form, thwarting Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Pedro.
In a reduced three-penalty shoot-out, Nani and Ashley Young missed while Xavi and Gerard Pique scored to give the Catalans victory.
Everton stalwart Tony Hibbert got on the scoresheet for the first time in his Toffees career to help his side to a resounding win in his testimonial match at Goodison Park.
The rare goal - Hibbert has played in 252 Barclays Premier League matches for Everton and more than 300 in all competitions without scoring - came alongside a superb Steven Naismith hat-trick.
Naismith produced a delicate finish inside the opening minute but the Greek side levelled through Taxiarchis Fountas' volley soon after.
Naismith restored the lead with a header from Steven Pienaar's cross, then finished after a goalmouth scramble to make it 3-1 at half-time.
And Hibbert provided the memorable finale with a powerful free-kick which sparked wild celebrations among the Goodison faithful.
A late goal denied Sunderland victory after James McClean had given them the lead.
McClean, who had hit the post in the first half, controlled well before driving in on 71 minutes.
But with Martin O'Neill's side set for the win, Nathan Tyson headed in on 89 minutes.