Evening all! Manchester United play their last match of pre-season this evening as the Premier League side welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford for Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial. It was the summer of 2002 that the England defender arrived from Leeds United, but now he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest defenders and indeed players in the club's history.

When United shelled out £30m for the centre-back some 11 years ago, not too many questioned the move despite the high price. It was obvious that the London-born defender would be a star having impressed during his early career with West Ham United, before spending two successful years with Leeds. Even if you are not a Manchester United supporter, it is difficult to be critical of still one of the best centre-backs in the game.

As mentioned, Ferdinand has won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, the European Cup and Club World Cup during his time at United. However, he recently admitted that he did not expect to remain with United for such a long period of time. He told reporters: “I could see myself at a club for 10 years which wasn’t as big and as prestigious as Manchester United. But to do it at Manchester United is just crazy to think about. I never believed it, I never even thought about it, if I’m honest.”

He continued: “I thought I would be at United for a couple of years, maybe three or four, and then go abroad somewhere. But I just fell in love with Manchester United. I fell in love with winning, fell in love with the history of the club and being part of it was something I could never have imagined.” It would be fair to state that the feeling is very much returned.

Ferdinand has insisted that the match this evening will be treated as a pre-season fixture with Wigan Athletic to come in the Community Shield on Sunday, but the Englishman has also revealed that “there will be a few surprises at half-time”. It has been speculated that the likes of Dynamo, Boris Becker, Usain Bolt, Tinchy Stryder, Wretch 22 and Olly Murs could appear, as well as a number of previous teammates. We are still awaiting for confirmation of the team news at Old Trafford.

BREAKING NEWS: Wayne Rooney will not be involved for Manchester United this evening, fuelling suggestions that he will depart the club this summer. In truth, it is not much of a surprise, but if he is injured, then why is he in the England squad for their friendly with Scotland next week? Something does not add up there that is for certain.

As mentioned, the fact that Ferdinand is having his testimonial this summer does not mean that he is planning his retirement. He signed a new one-year contract in the summer, and injury permitting, that is expected to be the case this time next year. He is currently stuck on 430 appearances for United, but he will be keen to get as close to the 500-mark as physically possible.

Undoubtedly tonight is all about Ferdinand, but United boss David Moyes will be keen to see a positive performance ahead of the Wigan clash on Sunday. In truth, it has been a mixed pre-season with positives displays from the likes of Wilfried Zaha, Jesse Lingard and Adnan Januzaj slightly overshadowed by some disappointing results and lack of activity in the transfer market.

They began their pre-season with a 1-0 defeat to Singha All-Star XI, before thumping the A-League All Stars 5-1 seven days later. Another defeat followed against the Yokohama F-Marinos, but they did end the pre-season tour of Asia in positive fashion with a 2-2 draw against an energetic Cerezo Osaka side before beating Kitchee FC 5-2.

They returned to Europe on Tuesday for a pre-season clash in Sweden, but they were held to a 1-1 draw by AIK Fotboll, who certainly provided a good workout. The lack of transfer business this summer has also worried supporters, but Moyes still has more than enough time to bring in fresh blood before the window slams shut at the beginning of September.

A pre-match interview with the club’s official website provided an interesting insight into Ferdinand’s views about all things football. When asked who was the greatest footballer he had ever seen, he responded: “Diego Maradona is the best footballer that has ever lived. He was my hero growing up and one of the key inspirations for me growing up.”

Meanwhile, when questioned about the greatest game he had been involved in. He said: “That would have to be the 7-1 win against AS Roma. I just remember Sir Alex saying after the game that you get that kind of result once in a lifetime. That was the moment when everything clicked and every single one of our players deserved 8 or 9 marks out of 10 that night. We would have beaten any team in the world in that match."

Finally, when asked the greatest thing about being a red, he responded: “Just to be a part of the club’s history. When you read up about Manchester United’s history and the club’s tradition, to immerse yourself in that and become a part of that is a great achievement in itself. To do it while winning silverware makes it that much better. Our fans, wherever we go around the world, are the best fans in the world. So that’s just the best feeling - to be part of that.”

It would be easy to forget, but there is another team taking part this evening. Sevilla will not be too concerned with Ferdinand at the moment as they continue their build-up to their La Liga campaign, which gets underway against Atletico Madrid on August 18. They have travelled with a full complement of players and Unai Emery will be keen to get as many players minutes on the pitch this evening.

TEAMS:

UNITED: De Gea; Fabio, Ferdinand, Smalling, Buttner; Valencia, Anderson, Cleverley, Januzaj; Kagawa; Henriquez

SEVILLA: Beto; Figueiras, Pareja, Fazio, Moreno; Marin, Medel, Kondogbia, Vitolo; Bacca, Perotti

So there we have it. No Robin van Persie or Nemanja Vidic this evening, but there are starts for Shinji Kagawa, Anderson and Antonio Valencia, while Angelo Henriquez is given a chance to impress in attack. Sevilla, meanwhile, have named a strong side this evening with Geoffrey Kondogbia and on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin both involved for the Spanish outfit.

Sevilla have been in fine form in pre-season, meanwhile, with four wins from their five matches thus far. They lost on penalties in their opening match against Atletico Nacional on July 24, before securing back-to-back wins against Cordoba and Barcelona. They were then victorious against Mladost in the Europa League on August 1, before securing their spot in the Europa League playoff round with a 6-1 win over Mladost last night.

As of yet, there has been no word on whether there will be any special appearances from certain personnel this evening. But this is Rio Ferdinand, so we should expect something at half-time that is for certain. Rio aside, tonight is a chance for the likes of Henriquez and Januzaj to prove that they can be part of the first-team squad in the new season.

Plenty of Rio masks in the ground this evening as the kickoff draws ever closer. Unsurprisingly, it is a sell-out at Old Trafford with supporters young and old turning up to pay tribute to their centre-back. Of course, tonight will also be the first time that David Moyes takes charge of Manchester United in this stadium, quite an occasion for him.

Here we go then. Both sides emerge from the Old Trafford tunnel. Rio leads his family onto the pitch, which is a nice moment. Both sets of players create a guard of honour for the man of the moment, who is visibly emotional. There is no question that he has been and indeed still is, one of the best defenders in the world.

Truly wonderful reception from the home supporters as Rio, family in close proximity, walks round the pitch. Plenty of familiar faces in the crowd, meanwhile, with Denis Law and Edwin van der Sar both pictured. Kickoff will be slightly delayed as the pre-match handshakes are undertaken.

Here we go then. Just a reminder that there is a new pitch at Old Trafford this season. It certainly needed it after the wear and tear of last season. I am certain that we will get a competitive match this evening and I expect United to pick up the win. The home side get the action underway in Manchester. Perfect evening for a game of football.

Not too much to report in the opening couple of moments with United taking control of the possession. First piece of action for Valencia as the right-winger collects a pass from Buttner before driving past Moreno, but Fazio is across to clear the danger. Decent tempo in the opening couple of moments.

Early half-chance for the away side as Perotti collects a pass from Moreno before striking an effort from the edge of the box, but Ferdinand is on hand to make the block. The resulting corner is delivered by Bacca, but Smalling clears the danger. Have Sevilla not read the script?! They should not be attacking!

Sevilla again threaten down the left as Marin drives past Fabio before delivering a cross into the box, but once more Ferdinand is across to clear the danger. The centre-back has been the busiest member of the United side thus far there is no question about that. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the opening six minutes of football.

'Stand up for the champions' rings around Old Trafford as Sevilla continue to dominate possession in the early stages of the match. A late challenge from Valencia allows the Spanish outfit the chance to whip a free kick into the box, but Perotti can only fire wide of the post. There is no question that Sevilla have made the better start of the two sides.

Break for United as Januzaj collects possession outside the box before attempting to feed Valencia down the right, but Moreno is across to clear the danger. That is about all United have offered in the opening 10 minutes with Sevilla utterly dominating possession. Still no sign of the first goal, however, with the home side comfortable in defence.

Again it's bright work from the away side as Marin drives down the left before delivering a cross into the box, but Smalling is on hand to clear the danger. Januzaj collects possession in midfield before bursting into the opposing half, but he runs out of options. The game just needs something to spark it into life.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United to take the lead as Januzaj finds Henriquez in the Sevilla box, but Beto is out to make a fine save. The Chilean really should have scored his second goal for United in the space of a week. Perotti embarks on a mazy run down the other end, but Fabio just clears at the vital moment.

Better from United in the last few moments with Fabio and Buttner both prepared to drive into the opposing half. A late challenge from Kondogbia presents Cleverley with the chance to whip a free kick into the box, but Kagawa's through pass for Anderson is just too long for the Brazilian. Better tempo to the game with 16 minutes on the clock.

Just a reminder that United are in action again on Sunday when the Premier League champions face FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic in the Community Shield. I suspect that we will see some changes in the second period with that fixture in mind. Another half-chance for Sevilla as Bacca strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Still goalless with 18 minutes on the clock.

Buttner takes matters into his own hands as the Dutchman strikes an effort from outside the box, but Beto was always comfortable in dealing with the danger. Not too much from the away side at the moment with United taking control of the possession. The noise has also risen inside the stadium, which is creating a better all-round atmosphere. All the game needs is a goal.

Another half-chance for the away side as Bacca has an effort from outside the box, but it was always curling over the crossbar. The Sevilla striker called for a penalty moments before after falling in the box under a challenge from Kagawa, but the referee was not interested. Little under 25 minutes of the first period remaining.

Sevilla take the lead at Old Trafford as Vitolo collects a pass from Bacca before finishing under De Gea from close range. Well, that was not in the script there is no question about that. Poor defending from United. Will that lift the performance from the home side?

Perotti is again involved for the away side as the forward combines with Vitolo before driving into the box, but Fabio is across to clear the danger at the vital moment. In truth, it has been a poor performance from United thus far. The tempo just needs to be raised as this first period begins to gather pace.

Sevilla have their second of the evening as Marin drives into the United box before finding Bacca, the striker then returns the favour before the on-loan Chelsea midfielder finishes from close range. Well, that was not in the script there is no doubt about that. United need a goal and very quickly.

CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Sevilla as Marin collects possession outside the box before thumping an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. What on earth is going on here? United just have not been able to grasp hold of this match thus far. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

Half-chance for United as Anderson combines with Fabio before the left-back delivers a wonderful cross into Kagawa, but the midfielder just cannot control at the vital moment and the chance is gone. The pressure is rising from United in the latter stages of this half, but still they cannot create a clear chance on goal. One goal for the home side and it is game on there is no question about that.

Quite a moment from Kondogbia as the midfielder decides to flick back to his own goalkeeper in the penalty area, but Beto makes a hash of the clearance. A free kick follows for United, but Anderson's delivery is cleared by Fazio. You just get the feeling that United need a goal before the interval in order to lift the entire stadium.

No real atmosphere inside the stadium at the moment with United struggling to keep hold of the ball. It appears that the away side have time and space in the final third, but United have been unable to find that thus far. Bacca is again involved in the final third for Sevilla, but Smalling is across to clear the danger at the vital moment.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United to cut the deficit as Kagawa meets a cross from Valencia, but his header is straight at Beto. There is no question that they have had chances to open their tally, but Sevilla remain a constant threat on the counter with the pace and movement of the Spanish outfit.

Good attacking opportunity for United as Buttner drives down the left before delivering a low cross into the box, but it moves straight out of play for a throw. Well, what must Ferdinand be thinking? This was supposed to be his big night, but it has been a nightmare thus far as we enter the latter stages of the first period in Manchester.

CHANCE! Sevilla come within an inch of scoring their third of the evening as Marin bursts into the box before attempting to slide a low effort past De Gea, but the Spaniard just manages to deflect it onto the crossbar. That could and perhaps should have been their third of the night. What on earth is happening in that United defence?

Again it's bright work from Vitolo as the midfielder takes control in a wide area before driving a low cross into the box, but Smalling is across to clear the danger. United attempt to create something down the other end, but there are no runners in the final third. Little over one minute of the half remaining.

Ferdinand had promised some "surprises" at the interval this evening, but will he be in the mood to spring them? Not too much to report in the last minute or two with United still struggling to find that elusive pass in the final third.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United to open their tally moments before the interval as Valencia takes control in the box before striking towards the top corner, but he could only fire into the stands. That would have made everyone feel a little bit better about themselves.

Well, that was not supposed to happen was it? In truth, it has been about as poor a performance as I have seen in recent seasons from United. Sevilla had the lead in the early stages courtesy of a strike from Vitolo, before Marin scored their second. In truth, they could have been out of sight, which is very worrying.

Will the hairdryer come out from Moyes at the interval? Something needs to happen that is for certain. I would be surprised if there were not changes at the interval, but what is this surprise that we have been promised? Is it Cesc Fabregas? Cristiano Ronaldo? It is nice to dream anyway.

It would be fair to admit that there are a number of worried supporters inside the stadium, but it is important to look at the facts. How many of this United team will make their starting XI for the opening weekend of the season? Especially with signings expected in the next week or so. That said, United have been very poor thus far, which is a real shame for Ferdinand.

We are still waiting for confirmation of any changes at the interval, but I suspect that there will be a number. Sevilla will also surely look to their bench following their European tie last night. It had been speculated that a number of celebrities would appear this evening, but that cannot happen now can it? We will wait and see what unfolds.

The players have joined us on the field for the second period. It does appear that there have been a number of changes, which I shall confirm when the information becomes available. Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones are among those that have entered in place of Henriquez and Cleverley.

Sevilla get the action underway in the second period. It is not yet clear whether the Spanish outfit have had any changes. You just get the feeling that if United can strike early in this half, then they will turn it around. But that is a big if at this stage of proceedings. At the very least, there has to be a better tempo.

It's really bright football from Sevilla as the Spanish outfit pass around the United midfield before Marin attempts to curl an effort towards the top corner, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Buttner has possession for the home side moments later, but he is felled by Fazio. Still no real opportunities for either side in the opening five minutes of the half.

Marin is again a threat in the final third as the on-loan Chelsea attacker moves past the challenge of Smalling before delivering a low cross into the box, but De Gea is on hand to claim under pressure from Medel. It appears that Lingard has taken up a central striker role for the home side, but he has been utterly isolated in the final third thus far.

Half-chance for Januzaj as the Belgian collects possession on the edge of the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. He has been the home side's best player this evening there is no question about that. Still no sign of a goal for United with 54 minutes on the clock.

Couple of corners for United in quick succession, but Sevilla deal with the danger fairly comfortably. Lingard attempts to cause a problem with a hooked cross into the penalty area, but Fazio moves ahead of Smalling to clear the danger. Unfortunately, there is no real atmosphere at the moment, which is a real shame.

Better work from United as Kagawa finds Valencia on the right, the winger delivers a high cross into the box, but there are no takers. Just a reminder that there is no Wayne Rooney or Robin van Persie this evening, but Danny Welbeck is in the squad. At the moment the Premier League champions are playing without a forward.

Sevilla make their first change of the match as Puerto replaces Pareja just past the hour mark. It is a surprise that we have not seen a change from the home side with little under 30 minutes of football remaining. I wonder whether plans to introduce some celebrities at the interval were postponed? Is Usain Bolt here? United could use his pace in the final third.

Another half-chance for the away side as Marin collects possession on the edge of the box before sweeping an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moved wide of the post. It does seem strange that United, who need a goal, are not playing with a forward. However, all it takes is one moment of brilliance and the game will be turned upside down. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford.

Not too much to report in the last few moments with Sevilla comfortable in possession of the ball. In truth, the atmosphere is very flat inside the stadium with United struggling for inspiration in the final third. However, there is still more than enough time for them to change this game around as Lingard's close-range strike is blocked by Fazio.

United have their opening goal of the night! It's just fabulous from Januzaj as the young Belgian cruises into the box before finding Valencia, who finds the bottom corner from close range. Couple of changes for United, meanwhile, as Ryan Giggs and Wilfried Zaha both enter the field.

Valencia is one of the players to exit, while Carrick has also entered the field. All change from the Premier League champions. There is still more than 20 minutes for them to turn this one around at Old Trafford. You would not back against them that is for certain.

First involvement for Zaha as the England winger drives into the opposing half before finding Lingard, but the youngster just loses possession at the vital moment. It is so much better from United at the moment with pace and movement in the final third. Little over 20 minutes of football to play at Old Trafford. Sevilla have not offered too much in the last few moments.

Suddenly it is all one-way traffic as the home side continue to commit players in the final third. There is no question that Giggs and Zaha have added to the intensity, while Carrick is now controlling the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that Sevilla's legs are starting to go following their outing in Europe last night.

Another half-chance for the home side as Lingard meets a cross from Januzaj, but his header just moves wide of the post. The intensity is much higher from United at the moment with Carrick taking charge of the midfield area. Little over 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Can United turn it around? Another change for Sevilla, meanwhile, as Vitolo is replaced by Sampeiro.

Half-chance for Sevilla this time as Bacca curls an effort from the edge of the box, but it moved high and wide of the crossbar. United have possession with Zaha moments later, the winger finds Carrick, who spots the run of Lingard, but he cannot take it in his stride, before Buttner fires high and wide of the crossbar.

CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for United to level the scores as Fabio delivers a low cross towards Lingard, but the midfielder just could not make contact. That should have been the moment and the whole of Old Trafford knows it. Will there be another chance as good as that before the end of the match?

Another change for Sevilla as Bryan Rabello replaces Bacca, who has certainly made an impact this evening. Half-chance for United moments later as Giggs finds Zaha down the right, but his effort is straight at the goalkeeper. Another opportunity moments later, but Carrick's effort is deflected wide of the post.

United might lose this game, but they have the best player on the pitch and that is Januzaj. This boy can play there is no question about that. Sevilla just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as United continue to force the ball into the box. Can Sevilla hold on? Little under 10 minutes of football remaining as another Sevilla change sees Medel exit for Guarente.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Sevilla to score their third as Pareja meets a loose ball in the box, but somehow he fires over the crossbar. Change for United, meanwhile, as Ferdinand leaves the field to a standing ovation with Jonny Evans entering proceedings. Wonderful moment, but he will want his side to finish the job out there.

Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Sevilla just enjoying an extended spell in possession. A free kick from Moreno threatens to cause concern in the United box, but De Gea comes a long way to claim before releasing Januzaj. Little under five minutes of football remaining at Old Trafford.

United have just upped the tempo in the last couple of moments with Januzaj once more involved in a wide position, but Moreno is across to clear once more. The resulting corner is taken by Buttner, but Beto is on hand to punch clear. United just cannot seem to find that elusive pass as we enter the very final stages. Is there one more chance left?

CHANCE! Oh my word! Wonderful chance for United as Zaha bursts into the box before striking an effort towards the bottom corner, but it just moves wide of the post. How close was that! It just will not fall for the home side as the 90-minute mark moves ever closer.

Sevilla have their third in stoppage time as Gameiro drives into the box before finding Rabello, who cannot miss from close range. It looked offside, but the flag stayed down. Well, that has ruined the night for Ferdinand there is no question about that. Little over one minute of stoppage time remaining inside a flat Old Trafford.

So there we have it. Well, it must be said that it has been a disappointing evening for Ferdinand with Sevilla scoring three times at Old Trafford. Be sure to remain with us as Ferdinand addresses the crowd, but there is no question that there is a flat atmosphere inside the stadium.

Granted, the first period was very poor from United, but they were much improved in the second. It is difficult to say that the result does not matter, however, especially this close to the start of the season. One thing is for certain, United need a big response against Wigan at the weekend. That is when it does get serious.

"Obviously, it is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to have a testimonial. It's good to get the 90 minutes in for the players, I thought Adnan [Januzaj] was our best player this evening. To lose the game was disappointing, but it was lucky there was not three points at stake," Ferdinand told BT Sport.

"It was a proud moment. Not many players get to spend 10 years at a club, let alone at this stadium," Ferdinand continued. In truth, the celebrations have all been a bit flat with the score this evening. However, it is a special moment for the former England international.

So there we have it. Not the best of results for United this evening, but it was a special night for Ferdinand. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for a full programme of football this weekend. Good evening!