United manager Alex Ferguson tasted defeat against his former club Aberdeen on a night when past glories were high on the agenda at Pittodrie - but his real loss could yet be David Beckham

With honours even at 1-1 after 90 minutes, an incredible 13 successful penalties were converted before United youngster John Curtis had his shot saved by Derek Stillie.

Ferguson kept his promise to field a full array of stars for the testimonial in tribute to current kit man Teddy Scott's 44-year association with the club.

But the United manager's sentimental commitment could prove costly, as the 64th-minute departure of Beckham clutching a groin strain makes him a potential doubt for Sunday's's FA Cup meeting with Liverpool.

Before kick-off, the Dons' 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup winning side were reunited with Ferguson joining stalwart Scott in parading the trophy.

After a lively but goalless opening-half, the introduction of £12million striker Dwight Yorke galvanised United who moved ahead after 51 minutes.

Another substitute Jesper Blomqvist made ground on the left flank, Yorke striking the cross against the underside of the bar from close range before Ronny Johnsen volleyed in the rebound.

But Aberdeen stirred in front of a capacity crowd, and moments after Beckham signalled to the bench his game was up, a Michael Hart cross picked out Mike Newell to level.

Andy Cole combined well with strike partner Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after four minutes before floating a chip just over. A Robbie Winters header was the Dons' response.

On-trial midfielder Andreas Mayer from Rosenborg had a drive well stopped by Schmeichel, and the Dane was again on hand to deny Eoin Jess after 23 minutes.

Cole belied his recent form with a bad miss after 36 minutes diverting a free header over the bar when picked out by a Beckham corner.

After 38 minutes, Schmeichel produced another exceptional save from Jess, and Solskjaer might have done better with an opening in the closing minute of the half.

Johnson's lead might have been cancelled out by Winters before Newell struck, but Schmeichel was again at his best to thwart the former Dundee United striker.

It was proving a luckless night for Solskjaer as he hit a powerful drive against the inside of the post in the closing stages.

The Dons could have snatched it with four minutes remaining when Ilian Kiriakov surged through only to find himself in two minds and fire across the face of goal.

Ultimately it all came down to penalties, Curtis' miss ensuring Paul Hegarty his first trophy at the Dons' helm, but Ferguson's only concern will be that precautionary fitness check on Beckham.