There were no points to play for but a night to enjoy as the Clarets pitted their wits against a side that included the likes of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
But it all started much earlier as some of Stan’s friends, led by Sir Alex Ferguson, were introduced to the crowd by former Claret Paul Fletcher.
Stan himself made his entrance from the players’ tunnel along with his granddaughter Olivia and what a fantastic reception as he made his way to the centre circle before taking the microphone to thank everyone for their support.
The players then came out, wearing special shirts for the occasion, and the game finally got underway.
The first half was a tame sort of affair but there was no doubt that in Giggs and Scholes the visitors had the best two players on the field. It was no surprise when they combined for Scholes to give United the lead.
It was 2-0 by half time but there was a suspicion of offside as Phil Neville got on the end of a ball from Giggs – this is Manchester United though so the flag stayed down.
Half time saw Ian Britton join a group of Burnley fans to recreate his goal against Orient in 1987 in a
Both sides made extensive changes during the second half and certainly for the Clarets it provided a wonderful opportunity for members of the youth team to get a run out. Ryan Townsend played the full game but others got on for the second half with many of them equipping themselves really well.
But it was Manchester United who scored again to make it 3-0 this time from Chris Eagles after he and David Bellion broke through.
It looked as though that would be it but with “Stan Ternent’s Claret & Blue Army” rattling around Turf Moor again Marc Pugh, and what an impressive forty five minutes he gave us, pulled a goal back, making no mistake after being put through by Alex Taylor.
Stan came down to the pitchside at the end to a superb reception and certainly looked as though he had enjoyed himself. He was still smiling over an hour after the final whistle as we spoke to him.
It had been the night he wanted, alongside his family and friends, and almost 9,000
The players who took part tonight were.
Burnley: Brian Jensen, Frank Sinclair, John McGreal, Ryan Townsend, Lee Roche (capt), Tony Grant, Graham Branch, Matt O’Neill, Mo Camara, Ian Moore, Robbie Blake. Subs all used: Michael Hale, Neal Trotman, Chris McCann, Paul Scott, Marc Pugh, Nicky Platt, Joel Pilkington, Martin Reilly, Richard Chaplow, Alex Taylor.
Attendance: 8,814.