Chris Eagles confirmed for Manchester United Legends XI squad for Iron Aid encounter

Scunthorpe United can confirm the first Manchester United player to take part in Iron Aid 2026 as Chris Eagles.

Eagles emerged through Manchester United's academy after joining from Watford as a teenager, earning a reputation as a skilful winger with excellent dribbling ability and creativity. He made his first-team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2003 and went on to make 17 senior appearances for the Reds, scoring once in the Premier League against Everton in 2007.

During his time at Old Trafford, Eagles gained valuable experience on loan with Watford, Sheffield Wednesday and Dutch side NEC Nijmegen before leaving permanently for Burnley in 2008. He enjoyed his most successful spell at Turf Moor, helping Burnley win promotion to the Premier League in 2009, before later playing for Bolton Wanderers and several other EFL clubs during a career spanning more than 350 league appearances.

IRON AID 2026

Scunthorpe United Football Club is delighted to announce the return of Iron Aid, with a Scunthorpe United Legends side set to take on a Manchester United Legends XI in a special pre-season fixture at the Attis Arena on Sunday, August 2nd (4pm kick-off) as part of a wider event with more details to be released in due course.

The highly anticipated event, organised in partnership with Nor-Lait Promotions, will bring together some of the most iconic names from both clubs' histories for a memorable afternoon of football, nostalgia and fundraising.

Iron supporters will once again have the opportunity to see former fan favourites pull on the claret and blue shirt, while a star-studded Manchester United Legends squad promises to attract supporters from across the region.

The match marks the return of the popular Iron Aid concept, which in 2024, as part of the club's 125h anniversary celebrations, raised significant funds for local charities and community causes, whilst creating unforgettable occasions for supporters of all ages.

PLAYERS INVOLVED

As we confirm our ex-professional players line-up, we will begin to confirm them on social media.

If you're a former footballer for the Iron, reading this, and would like to get involved, please get in touch!

CONFIRMED SO FAR...
Manager of the Iron team: TBC
Iron Players: Josh Morris, Sam Togwell, Michael Nelson

Manchester United Legends manager: TBC
Manchester United Legends players: Chris Eagles

Due to the nature of football, and ever-changing cycles, the appearance of some confirmed players may change at short notice.

SPONSORSHIP

There are a number of sponsorship, VVIP, VIP and hospitality packages available for the game.

Please contact Simon North (07472 690709) or Tess Conway (07403 980888) or by emailing [email protected] for further details, with Nor-Lait Promotions handling these packages.