The Europe XI ended up losing 4-3 in last night’s match Old Trafford which celebrated the 50th anniversaries of the Treaty of Rome and Manchester United’s first foray into European competition.

With all the proceeds going to charity and 74,343 in attendance the scoreline was never the point but, even as a Liverpool fan, I’m happy to admit that the choice of Manchester United for the match was an appropriate one.

The European Cup actually started in 1955 with then champions Chelsea supposed to be England’s inaugural entrants but, with the draw already made, the Football Association and Football League pressured them into pulling out.

It wasn’t until the 1956-1957 season that an English club played in the competition, with Manchester United ignoring all pleas to the contrary, and by doing so blazed a trail for English clubs to follow them very successfully.

The early attitude of the English authorities, who were decidedly uneasy with competitions abroad (also demonstrated by England’s refusal to enter the World Cup until 1950), mirrors Britain’s general apprehension towards the continent, which is why Manchester United’s determination to embrace Europe should be acknowledged; in their own way they have made a very real contribution to European integration in Britain.

Though they still get far too many penalties at Old Trafford!