By Chris O'Brien
November 15 2005

Sir Alex Ferguson named a second-string Manchester United 'XI', without expected inclusions Roy Keane or Gary Neville, for Monday's friendly with Burton Albion. Marcus Neumayr hit a stunning strike for the visitors but it wasn't enough as the hosts celebrated the opening of their new stadium. There was no return for injured duo Roy Keane and Gary Neville as a weak Manchester United ‘XI’ went down in the Midlands on a memorable night for supporters of Nigel Clough's Burton Albion.

Sir Alex Ferguson named a second-string side for the friendly which marked the opening of the Conference side's new Pirelli Stadium. It had been thought that the United boss would start with Keane and Neville to help ease the pair back into first-team action, but the neither were deemed fit enough to be involved.

6,065 were in attendance, though with the ground full of families and first-time attendees the atmosphere was hardly intimidating for the United ‘XI’. However, a capacity crowd played their part as the hosts beat United’s reserves with an impressive 2-1 victory thanks to strikes from Andy Ducros and Jon Shaw.

United, who included striking sensation Giuseppe Rossi and highly-rated midfielder David Fox, were not on form and a motivated Burton side will be delighted with their victory that will boost them as they look to climb the fifth flight table. Marcus Neumayr netted consolation for the visitors with a free-kick but this was a night for Burton Albion, their supporters – loyal and new – and the opening of their new ground.

Manchester United ‘XI’: Lee T., Simpson, Cathcart, Bardsley, Eckersley A., Fox, Neumayr, Gibson, Martin, Cooper, Rossi.