Brett Emerton takes it to Manchester United during A-League All Stars match

DESPITE sweeping aside the A-League All Stars 5-1 at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, Manchester United knew the midfield would be tough with a "greyhound" who has troubled them ­previously.

DESPITE sweeping aside the A-League All Stars 5-1 at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, Manchester United knew the midfield would be tough with a "greyhound" who has troubled them ­previously.

The super-fit Brett Emerton, of Harrington Park, was on the Red Devils' radar after scoring against them for Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League in 2011. Emerton received ­inspiration before kick-off when his six-year-old son Zach delivered the match ball to the two teams.

The All Stars skipper was the threat the Reds remembered as he distributed the ball and pressured United's playmakers in front of 83,127 fans. Spectators were treated to a goal spectacular as United netted twice in the first half through Danny Welbeck and Jesse Lingard.

They each found another goal in the second half before a Robin van Persie strike sealed the deal.

All Stars fans received a consolation goal through Brisbane Roar striker Besart Barisha, after Emerton started a midfield attack through a pass to the wing.

Mt Annan striker Mark Bridge, of the Western Sydney Wanderers, was subbed on in the 64th minute and looked dangerous with a powerful attempt on goal but United defender Phil Jones contained it.

Emerton told a post-match press conference the English champions were world class.

"Yeah (they were) exactly what I expected. Like Ange (Postecoglou) said, they showed why they're a world class team," he said.

"I think at times we gave the ball away too easily and when you give them too many opportunities, they punish you.

"People came to see Man United play and hopefully they enjoyed what they saw because there was some world class players out there tonight."