Irwin testimonial set for record crowd

Denis Irwin looks set to win himself a unique place in football history by smashing the all-time attendance record for a testimonial match.

The Republic of Ireland star is already established as the most successful Manchester United player of all time, having won an abundance of silverware - including the famous Treble triumph of 1999 - since his arrival from Oldham 10 years ago.

The full-back has been rewarded for his service to the Old Trafford club with a lucrative testimonial against local rivals Manchester City on August 16.

If the new West Stand is completed in time, the attendance looks set to be around 64,000 - some 4,000 more than the previous record set by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1972.

Over 54,800 fans turned out to honour manager Sir Alex Ferguson for his testimonial against a Rest of The World XI at the 62,000 all-seater stadium last season.