Marseille 8 Manchester United XI 2: Red Devils crumble in French charity match

Fabian Barthez had an unhappy return as a guest in a Manchester United XI as they lost 8-2 to Marseille in a charity game in Monaco. 

The match was organised by former Marseille goalkeeper Pascal Olmeta for his children’s charity and although the first half produced some entertaining football, once the majority of the United players were replaced by a selection of guests and celebrities, the floodgates opened.

Impressive: Tom Cleverley (right) was on the scoresheet for Manchester United

Cameroon defender Nicolas Nkoulou and Ivory Coast striker Jordan Ayew put Marseille 2-0 up but United hit back soon after as Tom Cleverley played a clever through-ball between two defenders for Danny Welbeck to finish.

The two linked up again minutes later with Cleverley leveling matters but United were unable to build momentum and fell apart after the break.

Return: Former Untied keeper Fabien Barthez played in the charity match

In a one-sided second half, Benoit Cheyrou and Loic Remy scored twice apiece, Ayew also grabbed his second and Alou Diarra was on target as the Coupe de France holders completed their rout.