Carrick and Rooney on target as United make winning return to action

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood paid tribute to Manchester United veterans Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs after the Champions League holders cruised to a 2-0 win in their challenge match at Pittodrie.  

A first-half penalty from Michael Carrick and a Wayne Rooney header after the break demonstrated the superiority of the visitors who were never in any trouble.  

Afterwards Calderwood pinpointed the talents of Scholes and Giggs in particular, saying: "It was a worthwhile exercise and a wonderful learning process for our players.

"You could see the quality of the United players.  

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match at Aberdeen

"When you see older players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, their attitude, hunger, touch and vision - it was fabulous."  

Dons striker Darren Mackie had a goal ruled out for offside before United were awarded a penalty a minute before the interval when keeper Jamie Langfield brought down Rooney inside the box after the England striker had latched on to a defence-splitting pass from Carrick.  

Calderwood believed his side were wronged on both occasions.  

"I thought we did really well in the first half when they were at their strongest," the Dons boss said.

Jonny Evans headsclear during the pre-season friendly match between Aberdeen and Manchester United

"I don't think Darren Mackie's goal was offside and I spoke to Wayne after the game and he said his touch was too heavy and he wouldn't have caught the ball at this stage of the season.  

"But they got the penalty.  

"However, all in all, it was a fantastic work-out."  

A near sell-out crowd of 20,500 turned up at Pittodrie for the testimonial game in honour of the Aberdeen side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup 25 years ago in Gothenburg when United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was manager at Pittodrie. 

Ferguson took the microphone after the game and addressed the Dons crowd, saying:  "It was an emotional day for many reasons.  

"The squad (of 25 years ago) were a fantastic bunch of lads.  

"Many teams never win a European trophy but it's part of Aberdeen's history, they have won a European trophy."