Jaap Stam to make return to Manchester United for 'Legends' match against Real Madrid

Defender was sold after criticising his team-mates

Jaap Stam (GETTY IMAGES)

Jaap Stam is set to make an emotional return to Manchester United this summer as part of the Legends squad which will take on Real Madrid.

The popular Dutch defender left Old Trafford in 2001 in controversial circumstances after making critical comments about his team-mates in his autobiography.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson wasted no time in off-loading Stam to Lazio, even though his three-year stint at Old Trafford coincided with a hat-trick of Premier League titles and their historic Treble in 1999.

Ferguson later described the decision to sell Stam as the biggest mistake of his career.

However, the pair have since made their peace and now United have confirmed Stam will be part of their Legends squad for their high-profile encounter at Old Trafford on June 2.

Stam's former international team-mate Edwin van der Sar has also agreed to play in the game, in addition to England duo Teddy Sheringham and Nicky Butt.

PA