Manchester United v Everton PL match programme, 24.11.25

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

UNITED Review

RUBEN AMORIM

Good evening and welcome back to Old Trafford.

Today marks one year since my first game as head coach of Manchester United. It is an honour to do this job and to belong to our really special club.

We have improved as a team during the last year and we can be proud of the attitude and spirit that we are now showing. Our results and performances have been better but there is still a lot for us to develop together.

In our last two games, for example, drawing at Nottingham Forest and Spurs, we can take the positives that we showed the required spirit to score late goals and not lose, but we are also frustrated that we did not kill these games when we were in control.

“WE HAVE IMPROVED AS A TEAM DURING THE LAST YEAR AND CAN BE PROUD OF THE ATTITUDE AND SPIRIT WE ARE NOW SHOWING”

As we welcome David Moyes and Everton this evening, we have the opportunity to start making real progress in our season. We just need to continue to give everything to be successful to repay you for your incredible support at Old Trafford and around the world.

manchester united football club ltd

CO-CHAIRMEN Joel Glazer, Avram Glazer DIRECTORS Bryan Glazer, Kevin Glazer, Edward Glazer, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Michael Edelson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Gill CBE, Omar Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford SECRETARY Rebecca Britain HONORARY PRESIDENT Martin Edwards

It’s

OLD TRAFFORD: 8pm

After nearly a month away from M16, there is extra suspense and excitement heaped on as we welcome a familiar foe for some Monday-evening action…

The keen sense of anticipation that fills the matchday air around Old Trafford will be even sharper for Everton’s visit tonight, given we’ve had to wait not only through an international break but also until this Monday-night slot for our first taste of United action in 16 long days. It’s been even longer – a day short of a month – since we were last together in these stands. Appetites, for players and fans, will be razor-sharp under the floodlights. Matthijs de Ligt’s late leveller in our 2-2 draw at Spurs ensured we went into the international hiatus in far better spirits than we might have, sparing us the sting of Spurs’ turnaround and preserving a promising unbeaten run. Thanks to that towering header, we

return tonight with no defeats since late September – a five-game sequence that includes Amad’s late leveller at Forest and three hard-earned wins.

Maintaining that resilience is only half the mission for Ruben Amorim’s team. Taking all three points is the true objective, though Everton arrive with mettle of their own under David Moyes. They also resume league action in content mood after a tidy 2-0 win over Fulham in their last outing.

There are blemishes on Everton’s record, but the context is clear: after an opening-day defeat at Leeds, their other losses have been away to Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs – a tough sequence by any measure. Four wins and three draws besides those setbacks have given them a solid platform, and

a marked improvement on last season when, by this stage, they were five points worse off and still recovering from their worst start since the 1950s.

Moyes steadied the club after replacing Sean Dyche last January, and that progress has continued, boosted by their impressive new home and smart summer business. The loan signing of Jack Grealish has injected flair, with his ball-carrying alongside Iliman Ndiaye providing plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments. Containing Everton’s free-spirits and penetrating their James Tarkowski-marshalled backline will be key to United’s prospects of three precious points tonight – and extending that emerging unbeaten run. Let’s make some noise…

been a long wait since we last saw the Reds in action at Old Trafford, our 4-2 win over Brighton making it four home wins on the bounce for Amorim’s Reds, who will be seeking to make that five tonight

Everton are one of United’s most familiar opponents in club history. This will be our 214th competitive fixture against the Toffees – the only two clubs we have met more often than that are Arsenal (244) and Liverpool (217). When you narrow the record down to league football, the Blues leapfrog their Merseyside neighbours: Arsenal 213, Everton 192, Liverpool 185.

UNITED v EVERTON IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE

UNITED WINS 64%

United are currently on a healthy unbeaten run against tonight’s opponents Everton here at Old Trafford. The sequence stands at 12 matches without defeat – eight of those wins – after last losing on home soil to Bryan Oviedo’s solitary goal in December 2013.

United and Everton met in a friendly in the USA last summer – but this competitive game is the 26th time we’ve taken on a Moyes-led Toffees

This will David Moyes’s 41st time as an opposition boss v United. The first 24 of those matches were for Everton prior to becoming United boss in 2013. After his 51-game spell in charge here in 2013/14, Moyes has since taken on United with Sunderland (2), West Ham (13), and once more as Everton boss – our 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in February. His record v the Reds? Played 40, won six, drawn nine, lost 25. 29

Should he feature, tonight will be Bruno Fernandes’s 150th competitive appearance for United at Old Trafford. Don’t bet against milestone man Bruno marking the occasion with a goal, either – he has six career strikes against Everton as a Red, and Aston Villa are the only team he has netted against more often (7).

EVERTON WINS 15%

Talking of Bruno, perhaps it will be an assist that he marks his 150th Old Trafford appearance with. The Portuguese playmaker leads the 2025/26 Premier League stat rankings for chances created, with 29 – his nearest challenger being tonight’s opponent Jack Grealish with 24. His most recent was his corner for Matthijs de Ligt’s leveller at Spurs.

The Premier League’s creator-in-chief assisted our late equaliser at Spurs

Bryan’s award-winning October helped fire the Reds to victory in all three of our Premier League games, including the 2-1

In case you missed it... United Review recaps the latest unmissable news from inside Old Trafford

senne’s belgium bow

United goalkeeper Senne Lammens continued his fine run of form during the international break, by making his first senior appearance for Belgium. The 23-year-old was preferred to Nottingham Forest’s impressive Matz Sels for Belgium’s 7-0 win over Liechtenstein, and acquitted himself well on a comfortable night for the two-time World Cup semi-finalists. It’s been a big couple of months for Senne, who made his United debut in early October. Well done!

Mbeumo’s league award

Summer signing Bryan Mbeumo was rewarded for his strong start to life at United earlier this month, when he was named the Premier League Player of the Month for October. The Cameroonian has already earned the club’s equivalent award twice so far this season, and was voted the league’s best after scoring three times across last month. He also provided one assist. He’s the first Red to win the prize since Bruno Fernandes in March, and only the second Cameroonian to earn the accolade. Keep up the good work, Bryan! For more on Mbeumo’s marvellous start to life as a Red, head to page 46.

RUBEN MAKES IT A DOUBLE...

It was a United brace in the Premier League’s last round of awards, as Ruben Amorim was honoured with the Manager of the Month prize. The Portuguese led United to victory in all of our three games in October – a run which included our first win at Anfield in almost a decade. Amorim finished ahead of Mikel Arteta (Arsenal), Unai Emery (Aston Villa) and Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth) – all of whom hail from the Basque Country, intriguingly – in the voting, and was quick to praise his staff and players after being presented with the award. “I’m really happy,” he told club media. “Not just for my staff, but also for my players. I think they deserve full credit for this award.”

win at Anfield

De Ligt delight on his dutch return

In-form Reds defender Matthijs de Ligt made his first international start for 364 days last week, when he helped the Netherlands qualify for next summer’s World Cup finals via a 4-0 victory over Lithuania. Not all United’s internationals were smiling at the end of the international break though. Patrick Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund both scored against Scotland, only for Scott McTominay and co to score twice late on and snatch automatic World Cup qualification from the Danes. And there was heartbreak for Bryan Mbeumo and Andre Onana, too, due to Cameroon’s 1-0 defeat to DR Congo, which means the Indomitable Lions will not participate at the 2026 finals in North America. Hard lines, lads.

Visit Carrington!

Do you fancy a personal visit to our newly renovated training ground at Carrington? For the first time ever, the club is opening its doors to Manchester United’s inner sanctum, allowing fans a glimpse behind the professional football curtain. Our HQ has just undergone an extensive regeneration process, and supporters are being given the exciting opportunity to follow in the first-team’s footsteps by enjoying their own tours during June and July 2026. Priced at £100, the package on offer includes an all-access tour of Old Trafford, before fans will board a club coach to Carrington to see our state-of-the-art dressing room, gym, swimming pools, recovery areas, press conference room, media studios and players’ lounge. Places are limited, so book early via tickets.manutd.com to avoid disappointment.

NEVILLE IN PL HALL OF FAME

Huge congratulations from all at the club to the one and only Gary Neville, who was rightfully inducted to the Premier League Hall of Fame on 4 November. The older of the two Neville brothers was one of seven Reds nominated for this year’s intake, and made the cut ahead of Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Michael Owen, Teddy Sheringham, Edwin van der Sar and Nemanja Vidic. Few deserve such an accolade more than our former captain and arguably the greatest right-back in United history, who made 400 Premier League appearances and pocketed eight winner’s medals between 1994-2011. Congratulations, Gaz!

Fans now have the chance to see the revamped facilities at Carrington up close after the club announced a series of tour packages for next summer

De Ligt played the full 90 minutes as the Dutch cruised to victory in their final World Cup group qualifier

Neville with his Hall of Fame award

Have you heard our new podcast?

MUW lose in Wolfsburg

Rest in peace, Charlie BArlow

If you didn’t already know, the official Manchester United podcast is back, with an exciting new series that takes fans behind the scenes at the training ground. Episode three of Inside Carrington, presented by United Store, stars new Academy director Steve Torpey (right), in his first interview as a Red. That episode is available now via all major streaming platforms, and can also be viewed on the club’s YouTube channel. To find out more about the relaunched podcast series, turn to page 14.

U18 s face the posh

Marc Skinner’s Reds saw their perfect start in the league phase of the Women’s Champions League come to an end on Wednesday. United lost 5-2 in their fourth game, away to Wolfsburg, with Fridolina Rolfo and Melvine Malard scoring for United. Turn to p70 for more MUW news. SCAN TO

All at the club were deeply saddened earlier this month, when we learned of the passing of a true Red, Charlie Barlow, at the age of 69. Charlie (below) followed the Reds home and away for decades, and was a friend to hundreds, if not thousands, of his fellow fans. Affectionately known within the fanbase as ‘Barmy’ Charlie, he was best known for making the majority of flags visible at United matches across the world, and would proudly stand on Sir Matt Busby Way on matchdays, displaying his designs and chatting with fellow Reds. We will never forget his tremendous passion for the club, his contribution to our match-going culture, and the kindness he showed to so many in the United fanbase.

Darren Fletcher’s U18s will begin our 2025/26 FA Youth Cup campaign at home to Peterborough United during the coming weeks. The tie is due to be played before 13 December, so keep your eyes out for confirmed fixture details. This famous competition is part of the club’s DNA, with United winning it more times (11) than any other team. We won the first five editions in the 1950s, thanks to Matt Busby’s famous Babes, and last lifted the trophy in 2022.

WIN a shirt!

Manchester United is once again supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year, by offering fans the opportunity to win one of five match-worn shirts from our recent draw at Spurs. You have until 12.30pm on Sat 29 Nov to make your bids –visit l.mws.com/h5pB1Q to take part.

previOus fixT ure...

United took a point at Spurs into the international break, after some late goal drama for the second weekend in a row

It’s just over two weeks on from our last Premier League outing, a rollercoaster battle with Tottenham Hotspur in which late drama seemingly lost and then won United a deserved point.

Much like in the draw by the same scoreline at Nottingham Forest seven days before, the Reds gained a valuable first-half lead and responded to a second-half turnaround from the hosts with a spirited effort that bore an equalising goal in the closing stages of the contest.

It was the in-form Bryan Mbeumo who put us ahead on this occasion, meeting

Amad’s curling delivery from the right and planting a header past Guglielmo Vicario in the Spurs goal, before celebrating in front of the United fans that had travelled south for the early kick-off in the capital.

Those that made the journey had a close-up view of Mbeumo’s fourth strike in four games, and a pair of impressive Senne Lammens saves, once the teams had switched ends after the break. The Reds goalkeeper showed swift reactions to deny Cristian Romero with his feet and Joao Palhinha with his hands, as Spurs came on strong at the start of the second 45.

The travelling Reds show their delight after Mbeumo (below) opens the scoring just after the half-hour mark – his fourth goal in as many games for the Reds

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 2 TEL 84, RICHARLISON 90+1

MANCHESTER UNITED 2

MBEUMO 32, DE LIGT 90+6

08 NOV 2025 | 12.30PM | TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR STADIUM

“It’s a double feeling, a mixed feeling. Mixed because I’m happy that we scored [to make it] 2-2 in the last minute, but also a little bit disappointed because I felt we could have won this game”

– MATTHIJS DE LIGT

United XI: Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire

Shaw;

Unused subs: Bayindir, Heaven, J Fletcher, Zirkzee

Booked: Dorgu

It looked as if United had weathered the home side’s attempts to restore parity, but a second wind for Thomas Frank’s charges saw the encounter dramatically turn on its head in the closing stages. First, Mathys Tel’s deflected finish on the turn made it 1-1 with six minutes of normal time to play, before Richarlison flicked in Wilson Odobert’s stoppage-time shot to score what appeared to be a crushing late winner for the home side.

There was still time for the 10-man Reds – finishing the clash a player down with Benjamin Sesko forced off injured after all our subs were made – to silence what

was then a jubilant Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, though.

In the sixth added minute, Matthijs de Ligt capped another solid individual showing by meeting a Bruno Fernandes corner at the back post and getting just enough power on his header for it to go over the line, despite Vicario’s best attempt to claw it from under the crossbar.

It ensured the points would be shared in an up-and-down rematch of May’s Europa League final, with United’s unbeaten run stretching to five games – the very least the Reds warranted for another fighting display on the road.

(Yoro 72),

Mazraoui (Sesko 58), Casemiro (Ugarte 72), Fernandes (c), Dorgu (Dalot 80); Amad, Mbeumo; Cunha (Mount 72)

De Ligt rises above the Spurs defence to head home our last-gasp leveller

The Dutchman’s first goal of the campaign completed back-to-back 2-2 away draws for Amorim’s Reds

Cunha started in attack for the Reds in the league encounter

NEW VOICES FROM INSIDE CARRINGTON...

Our new official podcast was launched earlier this month, pulling back the curtain on the club’s inner workings and kicking off with fascinating chats with our director of football and head of women’s football…

Our first special guest was director of football Jason Wilcox (far right), who kindly spent his ‘day off’ conducting his first in-depth interview since joining the club back in April 2024

The first episode of the new series was hosted by club commentator Liam Bradford, ex-Red Phil

and MUTV favourite Helen Evans. Recorded in the first-team building at the Carrington training ground, the podcast will allow supporters to hear from players, managers, staff, legends and executive leadership on a weekly basis

Jones,

Helen Evans – who admitted to having a shoe malfunction ahead of the first episode! – has hosted all of the previous incarnations of our official podcast

Phil’s inclusion in the podcast team provides a fascinating perspective on what it’s like to be a United player, plus day-to-day life at our Carrington training ground

Liam Bradford lends his voice to match commentary on coverage of our various teams, making him perfect for chatting all things football with our special guests

Episode one of Inside Carrington – which is presented by United Store – covered not only Jason’s job at hand with the Reds but also his own playing career. It made for fascinating listening (and watching, on the club’s YouTube channel)

Johnson shared his vision for the women’s team, including a look at our hopes ahead of the recent Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford, which the Reds won 2-1

Wilcox was a Premier League title winner with Blackburn Rovers, which is just one of several topics covered in our chat with him –while there are also exclusive clips from Bryan Mbeumo and United Women boss Marc Skinner

In addition to the main guest, each podcast will bring you a host of different voices, with Diogo Dalot among those to feature in episode two. Scan here to check out all the episodes...

Director of women’s football Matt Johnson was the guest on episode two, joining our three podcast hosts

LOVE To See IT!

The Reds’ momentum is steadily growing, thanks to a series of solid performances before the recent international break…

F IVE AND COUNTING

The headline news is that United are unbeaten in almost two months. Okay, the period between the recent two international breaks contained just five games. But they were five fairly tricky ones, encompassing Liverpool and Spurs away, plus a home test against Brighton, who had won each of their last three visits to Old Trafford. But Amorim’s Reds took something from every game in October and November, with the win at Anfield the season’s clear highlight so far. We’re on our longest unbeaten Premier League run (five games) since January-February 2024. Should we earn a positive outcome against Everton tonight and make it six league games without defeat, we’ll equal our best stretch in nearly three years, since a period between November 2022 and January 2023, either side of the last World Cup. Some might look at the table and wonder where we might be if we’d converted one or two of our three draws into wins, because there’s always an urgent need to reach the top here at United. But, right now, this steady and sustainable progress feels good.

MARVELLOUS M ATHEUS

United fans love Matheus Cunha (right). That’s obvious. You only need to watch the Brazilian play (particularly at Old Trafford) and clock the reaction to his gutsy, characterful performances. So it was lovely to see him score his first goal for the club; a milestone that the playmaker admitted had been weighing on his mind. “Finally!” smiled our new no.10, after opening the scoring against Brighton. “Of course [it had been bothering me]. We have little actions but when you play in the front, [you want] to score goals. I have [to have] more contributions... the guys started to joke and then said: ‘Wow, you can score!’” Typically, it was a fabulous goal: a deliciously curled finish into the goalkeeper’s bottom-right corner. And there’s plenty more to come, we’re sure of that.

With our last defeat almost two months ago, Amorim’s resurgent Reds will be determined to extend that unbeaten sequence while scaling the league table

SMELLS LIKE T EAM SPIRIT

There were a few drops of frustration around after United’s last two games, both of which finished 2-2. Because the Reds took first-half leads at Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur, only to fall behind when the hosts responded strongly after half-time. Some might argue we deserved to win both matches. But others would quite reasonably note that we lost each of the two respective fixtures last season. Whatever you think, the unquestionable positive, in UR’s opinion, is that we produced late goals and showed resilience after our opponents

had edged ahead. At the City Ground, Amad’s wonderful volley in the 81st minute set up a thunderous finale, and the Ivorian came within inches of making it 3-2 during stoppage time. Matthijs de Ligt struck even later in north London, with a composed header at the back post in the 96th minute. When you consider that Harry Maguire’s now-famous winner at Anfield came with just over five minutes left to play, and shortly after Liverpool had equalised, a clear theme emerges. United might not be the finished article yet under Ruben Amorim, but we’re showing plenty of moxie in the big moments.

S ET-PIECE SUCCESS

It’s also interesting to note that both of those aforementioned late equalisers stemmed from set-pieces. Goals from open play are decreasing across the Premier League, and free-kicks, long throws and corners are newly en vogue. Whether you think that’s a cause for celebration or not, Amorim and co should be commended for paying close attention to a clear trend. De Ligt’s header against Tottenham was our ninth goal so far this season to come from a phase of play initiated by a United set-piece. The hard work of the coaches and players is clearly having a big impact on our season. Keep it up, lads!

Luke Shaw Player F ocus

What’s the story? After two campaigns decimated by injury concerns, the experienced defender is quietly delivering one of the best seasons in his 11-year United career.

How so? The left-footer has started every Premier League game so far, and has found fine form in the left-sided centre-back role within Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system. There seems to be an extra edge to Shaw’s game right now, with his aggressive work in the build-up to Casemiro’s goal against Chelsea and Bryan Mbeumo’s first in the win over Brighton particular highlights. When you pair that with his always pristine work with the ball at his feet, we’re seeing a fuller flowering of someone Amorim has labelled ‘world-class’.

Next steps? Shaw has already bettered the number of league appearances he made last term (seven), so the 30-year-old will be focusing on remaining available. Some fans and pundits have wondered whether he might moonlight in the left wing-back role at some point, too – something which may come into Amorim’s thinking once Lisandro Martinez is ready for selection. But at this rate, the Argentinian has a battle on to depose Shaw from that left centre-back role.

De Ligt’s injury-time leveller at Spurs was another example of how the Reds are finding added strength to recover from setbacks

Maguire’s winner at Anfield remains the season highlight but also points towards a growing appetite to fight to the finish

I just love to win duels... for the team it makes a huge difference

Comfortable anywhere on the pitch, Noussair Mazraoui explains how Ajax’s philosophy shaped his versatility, why pressure doesn’t faze him, and what makes his friendship with Matthijs de Ligt so strong…

You’ve played in several different positions across your career and always seem to perform at a consistently high level. What’s the secret behind your versatility?

Growing up I was not always the biggest, and because I was not always the biggest, I was not always the best in my position – which was, in the beginning, the midfield. So then, of course, I have to play to improve because, eventually, I would get bigger. The club (Ajax) let me play a lot of minutes in different positions, wherever there was some space at that moment. When I went to the second team of Ajax, that’s where it all really started, like on a professional level, where I played one week on the left wing and the other week as the right full-back. It was like I was switching constantly, and I think that’s where I learnt to be comfortable in any place on the pitch.

That is the Ajax philosophy, isn’t it, total football and players able to change positions and play anywhere?

Yeah, you see it a lot. Nowadays in football, as a centre-back for example, you sometimes come into the box of the opponent, sometimes you get into the midfield. Sometimes you’re really wide, and I think, in every position, you have to feel comfortable. That will improve your game and that, for me, is nothing more than normal.

You always look calm and composed on the pitch, no matter the situation. Is that something that comes naturally to you or is it something you’ve developed over time?

It’s because I’ve been in a lot of situations where the pressure was immense. I think having a lot of that kind of moment makes me… I don’t want to really say pressure-proof, but to know what to do when the pressure is really on. So yeah, that’s why I think when I’m under pressure that I’m still calm. I can still do what everybody tells us with no pressure.

Calm and assured no matter his position, Mazraoui says his exposure to high-pressure situations has afforded him the ability to adapt his game

Ruben said last season that he sees you either as a centre-back in a back three or a wing-back. How do you find those roles differ in terms of what is demanded of you?

Of course, they are different positions so they ask something different from you, in [terms of] attacking and also in defence. As one of the centre-backs, it’s more defending, controlling the game, controlling the counters of the opponent. And more building up. So that is basically what your job is during the game. As a wing-back it’s more going up and down. So you have more of both sides. A little bit more defending but also you have to be decisive because you come a lot into the last third of the pitch. And that asks again something different from you than being at centre-back because then you have to give like an assist or be decisive or give a great ball, where it comes to a chance. I think those are the differences between those positions.

It’s a difficult question but do you prefer one over the other? Do you like the attacking role or are you someone who likes defending more? I always used to do both. So whenever I was a right-back I always liked to do the attacking. But I also liked to defend, to catch my opponent, one against one, and just win those duels. For me, those two positions just suit me – and I don’t really have a preference.

One of the things the fans really like about you is your aggression. Is that something you’ve always had naturally in your play or something you have developed over time? I was, kind of, always the smallest. I was more technical, also defending-wise I couldn’t be too aggressive because with just one push they would beat me. So I think that, through time, it came from being stronger. That came more and more into my style of play. I just love to win duels because I know that’s maybe not the most fancy part or the most fancy job in football, or the most appreciated job in football, but for the team it makes a huge difference.

You and Matthijs de Ligt have shared quite a journey, from Ajax to Bayern and to here. What’s it like having him as a long-term team-mate? Amazing. It makes it really easy. Also, when we just arrived here, you have somebody who you know so well, and it makes it easy to adapt in a new team because you’ve always got somebody that you can talk with. To share some thoughts, to have honest opinions about how you guys are doing. I think we’ve built that relationship really, really good. That we are not holding back. Then we can be really honest with each other – if we’re doing well, or if we can really improve on some certain things. And that just makes life really easy here.

How would you describe him as a player and person?

As a defender he’s really aggressive. He likes to be in the duels and win his duels. He’s also really, really good on the ball. You see the Ajax school, of course, in his style of play. He makes really good decisions with the ball and also without the ball, and he’s really vocal – which is really important for his position. It’s always easier when you have somebody behind you, like telling you a little bit left, just a little bit right, to block a certain passing line. That’s how he is on the pitch. And outside the pitch he is just relaxed, a relaxed guy. Really open and really funny. I think he’s a really good guy to be around. Yeah, I just love the guy.

He said to us recently he’s quite self-critical, so maybe we have to talk for him, but he’s been very consistent this season…

Yeah, sure. I’m really proud of the performances he is putting up now. I think he should stay like this and even improve more because I know he can be even better than this.

Would you say this is the best form he’s showing at the moment? And he’s still quite young… He is still quite young, yeah. I think he even won the

“this is the moment to really, really shine and everybody expects us to do some great things”

Golden Boy [award]. I said lately for fun, also a little bit serious, that he is reaching his form of a Golden Boy again. I think he is getting into his prime.

Just some words on Morocco, what with the Africa Cup of Nations on the way and World Cup on the horizon. How much are you looking forward to those tournaments for your country? I can’t wait, to be honest. I’m really looking forward to those two big tournaments, especially because the AFCON is in our country. Yeah, this is the moment to really, really shine and everybody expects us to do some great things there. And the World Cup, of course, that’s always something special but especially [for us] after what we did at the last World Cup. People don’t see us anymore as just, I don’t know how you say, but like a dark horse. So, yeah, it’s something beautiful because now people and teams are going to respect you. I’m really looking forward to both tournaments.

Focusing on you again, last season was your busiest ever, you played almost double the amount of matches you’d played before. What did that stretch teach you about your own resilience? Well, that I was really fit last season. Luckily, I think in game-time or the amount of time, I did maybe two-and-a-half times more than in the past seasons. So it was a real big strain on the body, not just physically but also mentally. Because it was not also one of our best seasons. But, yeah, I think last season I learnt a lot.

That must please you as we know it’s the toughest league in the world, isn’t it, the Premier League, so to come through it like you did is some testament to you? Yeah, I was really proud of myself for being able to do that, and also for performing in a not-easy season – but I want more. I want more than that. I want to be successful eventually, so let’s work to that. ●

Having learned a lot from a highly involved 2024/25 campaign, Mazraoui is focused on delivering even more for both club and country this term

This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

manchester born & bbred

Official Betting Partner

Everton

Having settled well into their new home, results on the road have been harder to come by for the Toffees – something they’ll be out to correct tonight...

KEY DETAILS

Nickname: The Toffees, The Blues

Founded: 1878 Stadium: Hill Dickinson Stadium (capacity 52,769, above) Last season: Premier League, 13th; FA Cup R4; League Cup R3 Top achievements: English league champions: 1890/91, 1914/15, 1927/28, 1931/32, 1938/39, 1962/63, 1969/70, 1984/85, 1986/87 (right); FA Cup winners: 1905/06, 1932/33, 1965/66, 1983/84, 1994/95; UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winners: 1984/85

TALKING POINTS

What pleased Everton manager David Moyes most about the Toffees’ dominant 2-0 defeat of Fulham a fortnight ago wasn’t just a first Premier League three-point haul since the start of October, but his side’s relentlessness in seeking the second goal. Michael Keane eventually did the honours on his 350th league appearance – since the start of 2021/22, only Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes has scored more goals than the 32-year-old’s 13 among Premier League defenders – after the Merseysiders had seen three goals ruled out for offside.

Five days earlier, Everton increasingly sat off Sunderland and allowed the Black Cats back into a game that Moyes’s men had dominated in the first half after Iliman Ndiaye’s wonderful solo goal, the attacking midfielder weaving inside past five defenders to curl nonchalantly into the corner with his left foot. Instead of shipping an equaliser to Fulham, as they had on Wearside, the Toffees attacked and were rewarded – they are yet to lose in games they’ve led in the Premier League this term, winning four and drawing twice.

CREATING MORE CHANCES

Defensive solidity remains Everton’s bedrock, with vice-captain James Tarkowski and ex-Red Keane an established centre-back partnership in the continued absence of Jarrad Branthwaite, who recently underwent hamstring surgery. In a Premier League season so far defined by set-pieces, Moyes’s side have conceded from just two – only Brighton have shipped fewer – while Tarkowski’s unflinching willingness to attack the ball causes havoc in opposition boxes.

If Moyes is to guide his charges back into the top half in their first season at their new home, improved chance creation throughout the team will be key. Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s arrivals mean there’s less burden on Ndiaye’s mesmeric individuality. “We’ve wanted to become a much better footballing team and the players we’ve brought in have helped us to do that,” Moyes says. “We need to get people believing in Everton like we do, like the supporters here do, and what we want us to be in the future. To do that, we need to keep picking up wins.”

“We’ve wanted to become a much better footballing team and the players we’ve brought in have helped us to do that” – David Moyes

Keane marks a milestone appearance by scoring the Blues’ second in the impressive 2-0 home win over Fulham prior to the international break

Ndiaye’s ball-carrying trickery remains a key Everton threat, but he’s now ably supported by Moyes’s new attacking options

tactics board

A back four, sole centre-forward and high work-rate are non-negotiables in any Moyes team, but the Scottish boss tailors the identity and tactical set-up of his central midfield trio and profile of full-back to the opposition. Idrissa Gueye, James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are regular starters, with the former as midfield anchorman and the latter usually as no.10.

Garner’s position is harder to predict – he’s featured most often alongside Gueye as a deep-lying passing option in a 4-2-3-1, but also impressed in a hybrid right-back role against Fulham that provided Ndiaye with more balls to feet than defence-first option Jake O’Brien. Vitaliy Mykolenko is also a better defender than forward-thinking full-back on the left, making Garner’s reinvention central to Everton’s

more expansive philosophy. Tim Iroegbunam’s extra physicality in midfield has also been notable.

Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye and Grealish operate as three no.10s spread across the pitch. The latter tends to hug the left touchline and attack from out to in, while Ndiaye has carte blanche to unleash a sparkling array of skills from the right. Finding each playmaker’s feet is helped by keeper Jordan Pickford’s distribution – no Premier League player, outfielders included, has completed more passes over a bigger cumulative distance this season.

Thierno Barry may be yet to score since his summer move from Villarreal, but he’s superseded Beto as Moyes’s first-choice centre-forward. “He worked his nuts off,” said Moyes of Barry’s display against Fulham.

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

head coach

DAVID MOYES

The former Reds boss, 62, returned to his spiritual home at Everton – whom he previously managed between 2002 and 2013 – in January and galvanised a club just one point above the relegation zone to finish 13th, 23 points clear of danger. Moyes ended West Ham’s 43-year trophy drought and would love to do the same with the Toffees’ own three-decade wait.

FORWARDS

25 YEARS CHAMPIONING GRASSROOTS

Shout it from the terraces, it’s our anniversary! Since 2000, we’ve been transforming lives, giving every community great places to play sport. We're not finished yet, so here's to more game-changing investment.

Search Football Foundation to find out more

Big calves, big talent

JACK GREALISH

Though the Manchester City loanee hasn’t added to the four assists delivered in the opening three games of the season – no Premier League player had created more goals this term at the time of writing – the 30-year-old remains among Everton’s primary attacking outlets. The top-flight’s most-fouled player in 2025/26, former Aston Villa man Grealish is flourishing after two seasons of limited opportunities, his willingness to press high and win the ball back in the opposition’s final third as impressive as the sinuous dribbles that are his stock in trade.

Connecting the dots

KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL

The midfield conduit is another underused schemer to have benefited from a summer move to the blue half of Merseyside. The former Leicester City and Chelsea creator, 27, has gone under the radar as the most forward-thinking of David Moyes’s preferred midfield three but has added excellent set-piece delivery to a team that thrives on balls into the box. “He has made such a difference to the team,” says the Scot of his new no.22, who idolised Paul Scholes growing up. “He has made us much more creative and cultured.”

Returning Red

JAMES GARNER

The versatile United academy graduate, who spent 13 years with the Reds from the age of eight, hasn’t missed a Premier League minute this season and, whether deployed at right-back, left-back or in his natural central midfield habitat, his calmness in possession and work-rate are guarantees. The 24-year-old started at right-back a fortnight ago against Fulham and provided Iliman Ndiaye with a constant supply of the ball while also attacking spaces in front of him with alacrity. “I like Jimmy a lot,” says Moyes of a player he knows he can rely on.

52K

Everton’s average home attendance in the league so far this season at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium. With Goodison Park’s capacity reduced since becoming an all-seater stadium in the ’90s, it was 1987 when they previously had over 50,000 fans at a single home game.

72

This is Everton’s 72nd consecutive campaign in the top flight, with the Toffees winning promotion in 1953/54. Only Arsenal have a longer run in the top flight (125 years).

30

Number of years since Everton last won a major trophy – the FA Cup, after they beat United 1-0 in the final courtesy of Paul Rideout’s headed goal. Their last league crown came in 1986/87.

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

Manchester United’s maiden meeting with Everton also delivered a Toffees first – the 6-0 September 1892 win for the hosts from Merseyside was an inaugural league victory at their newly built Goodison Park. In a match refereed by JJ Bentley, who went on to manage the Reds for two years from 1912, prolific centre-forward Fred Geary gave Everton an early 2-0 lead as the relentless Toffees surged to a sweet triumph that remains their biggest victory against us.

Our most recent encounter with tonight’s opponents was also at Goodison – now the home of Everton Women and one of only four away grounds at which our men’s side have played a century of fixtures – as the Reds fought back from 2-0 down with 18 minutes to go to secure a spirited point. A delicious Bruno Fernandes free-kick and Manuel Ugarte’s first United goal, a stunning chest-volley effort from the edge of the area, sealed

February’s entertaining 2-2 draw in the Premier League.

In between those Goodison games have been 190 other league contests, plus 21 meetings in different competitions

– including a March 1983 FA Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford decided by three moments of late inspiration as the clock ticked into injury time. Before a United corner, manager Ron Atkinson made his sole substitution, sending on experienced winger Lou Macari – “I was nicknamed the Judge back then because I was always on the bench,” the Scot later joked – in place

“I was nicknamed the Judge because I was always on the bench!” – LOU MACARI

of Mike Duxbury, primarily because the full-back was closest to the dugout and time was of the essence.

When the corner was cleared to the halfway line, Ray Wilkins launched a ball back into the box from which the 5ft 6in Macari won an improbable header with his first touch and cushioned it deftly to Frank Stapleton. The limping Irish forward, who would go on to score in the final against Brighton, fizzed a fine volley with the outside of his right foot past a helpless Jim Arnold and into the far corner.

“It all happened so quick,” said Macari of his 90-second cameo, “the Stretford End erupts, you’re into the tunnel and the next round of the Cup!” Atkinson was typically droll. “Lou’s stamina is a bit suspect,” he winked, “so we only put him on for the last minute-and-ahalf. He’s in the dressing room now, physically exhausted, shattered.”

Toffee Tales

Few goals are as fondly remembered by United fans as Norman Whiteside’s winner against Everton in the 1985 FA Cup final.

Smack-bang in the middle of a hit-and-miss decade, it was probably the highlight of the 1980s for most Reds. While United had won the Cup two years earlier, we were expected to beat already relegated Brighton in that final. In ’85, Everton were champions of England, and had lifted the Cup Winners’ Cup just three days before our Wembley date.

This supporters’ hat (right) embodies the feverish excitement the FA Cup inspired back then, when it was probably the biggest day in the English football calendar. The BBC’s coverage began at 11am, four hours before kick-off! At Wembley, a reported crowd of 100,000 showed up – and many fans who were there believe that figure to be a conservative estimate.

We’ve many fan items from FA Cup finals of years gone by in the club museum – rattles, hats, T-shirts, you name it – but 1985 remains one of United’s most vivid Wembley triumphs. Like 1977 and 2024, we went in with the rare sensation of being underdogs, making the eventual victory feel even more euphoric.

These standout items from the club museum highlight how much we’ve shared with Everton over the years

We met Everton again at Wembley 10 years later (look right to see the official match programme), on a somewhat less joyful day for United fans. We lost 1-0 to a Paul Rideout goal, which earned the Toffees their last major piece of silverware to date.

Among the starters that day was Gary Neville, playing in his first FA Cup final. His younger brother, Phil, was unfortunate to miss out, having made his senior debut in the fourth round against Wrexham. But the versatile defender-cum-midfielder would forge a big connection with Everton when he left United in 2005, after 386 appearances. Phil spent eight years at Goodison Park,

from United’s 1985 FA Cup final triumph over Everton (and was perhaps thrown in celebration of Whiteside’s brilliant winner!)

making 303 appearances for the Toffees and acting as club captain between 2007-2013. That did, however, lead to some awkward encounters with his brother – famously, Gary blanked him in the tunnel before one particular Everton-United fixture!

“I went down the tunnel and you just think: he’s going to say ‘hello’. He’s going to say something,” remembered Phil in 2020. “And he didn’t. I turned round and Giggsy said ‘hello’, Scholesy said ‘hello’. I think Wes was there and said ‘hello’. I thought: typical Gary – he’s playing to the cameras!”

To find out more about the many other fascinating objects at the Old Trafford museum, scan here.

check out the Chronicles THIS christmas...

This new official publication brings 30 remarkable stories of the world’s most famous football club to life for young Reds

While countless history books have been written about Manchester United over the decades, not many have told the club’s incredible story in a way specifically for younger readers. A new official title, however, does exactly that.

Entitled United Chronicles, the 142-page kids’ publication, which is available now, details the Reds’ journey from humble beginnings in the 19th century, to giants of the global game.

The book’s editor, club journalist Paul Davies, explains how the idea for the book came about. “Back in 2023, my kids, who were seven and nine at the time, asked me if I could get them a book about the ‘story of United’,” he says. “I had a look online but couldn’t find any that were suitable for their age, which alerted us to there being a hole in the book market that we needed to fill!”

United’s story started way back in 1878, of course, when a group of workers

Each chapter explores a key phase of the club’s history, such as the rise of the fabled Busby Babes of the 1950s, and why they were so loved

in the Newton Heath sheds of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway decided to form a football team. Little did they know that the club they’d created for a bit of exercise and recreation would one day grow into one of the biggest sporting institutions on the planet.

From those early muddy pitches to the bright lights of Old Trafford, covered across 30 fast-paced chapters, United Chronicles takes readers on a thrilling journey through more than 140 years of unforgettable moments, legendary players, and era-defining triumphs.

“Last year we launched the United Heroes book – telling the career stories

of 30 of the greatest players and managers from our men’s and women’s teams,” continues Paul. “That book was really well received, and we very much see this as an accompanying sister book covering the team rather than just our most celebrated individuals.”

Each chapter explores a key phase of the club’s history, such as the rise of the fabled Busby Babes of the 1950s. The new book explains why they were so loved, what made that team so special, but also recalls the awful tragedy that befell them in Munich. It then details the rebuilding that followed and revels in European glory

Young fans have always loved hearing stories about the Reds, and we’ve got 30 of them in a new official club book

that, just a decade on, proved that United’s spirit could never be broken.

“It’s for good reason that Manchester United’s history has often been referred to as the ‘greatest story in football’,” Paul adds. “It was no given that the club would recover from the Munich Air Disaster, so to win the European Cup just 10 years later with players and staff who had survived the crash was an incredible thing.”

That 1968 win is an amazing story of triumph after tragedy, and such a huge part of our history and DNA as a club, but it’s just one of several formative eras covered in United Chronicles

“Some chapters focus on a whole era, while others focus more closely on some of our greatest ever seasons –like the Treble in 1999,” Paul explains. “And it’s all written in language that youngsters can easily understand. Our

“It’s all written in language that youngsters can easily understand. Our aim is to help them appreciate why our club is so special, so unique”

aim is to help them appreciate why our club is so special, so unique.”

Across the 30 chapters, readers meet iconic managers like Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, discover how their teams became some of the greatest ever seen, and relive classic goals, dramatic comebacks, and trophy-winning nights that shaped generations of Reds.

Packed with these gripping stories, fun facts, and a treasure trove of memorable

moments, United Chronicles makes history feel fresh, exciting, and full of energy. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 13, this is not just a book – it’s the fascinating story of a club like no other.

To order your copy, simply scan the code here:

STYLE?

De Ligt MATTHIJS

UNITEDReview

Matheus CUNHA

UNITEDReview

Bryan Mbeumo has quickly emerged as United’s no.1 threat following a summer switch from Brentford –here we reveal the secrets behind his breezy start to life at Old Trafford…

LEADER OF THE

PACK...

Contributing three goals to our all-conquering October led to Mbeumo being named the Premier League’s

The chief allegation levelled at United last season was a simple one: not enough goals. The final table had us exiled in 15th place – easily our lowest finish of the Premier League era – and the number that seemed to glower out from its many rows and columns was ‘44’. That was our goal tally come the end of 2024/25. Only Everton and the three relegated sides scored fewer. But heading into this latest Premier League weekend, things looked somewhat healthier. While last season we averaged just 1.15 goals per match, this term we’re up to 1.7. At the time of writing, only the top three (Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea) had scored more than our 19.

It’s been a team effort, of course. A club effort. In the summer, the first three senior players in through Carrington’s doors were all attackers: Matheus Cunha, then Bryan Mbeumo, followed by Benjamin Sesko. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was added on the final day

THOMAS

FRANK:

“Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I think he’s been their best offensive player. He can create, score, work hard… he’s the perfect example of a player who is confident but humble”

of the transfer window, but the priority was clear: attack, attack, attack.

It has worked, with those new forwards netting nine of our 21 goals in all competitions so far. But one of the trio has been particularly fast out of the blocks: the reigning Premier League Player of the Month, Mbeumo.

The bearded Cameroonian has five goals and one assist in the league to date, but those numbers don’t quite sum up the depth of Mbeumo’s instantaneous importance to United.

Look through all of our goals from 2025/26, and the 26-year-old is almost always involved. Nowadays, fans are eager to tot up ‘goal involvements’ – an instinct perhaps driven by the cold, hard business of betting on sports, or playing Fantasy Premier League – and Mbeumo’s numbers are strong when it comes to goals and assists, as noted above. But if we’re taking the word ‘involvement’ at its true meaning, you get a better picture of what Bryan adds. He’s always there, in almost every United goal. Think back.

Take our first of the season, away to Fulham: a Leny Yoro header, deflected home by unfortunate Cottagers forward Rodrigo Muniz. The corner that forced the situation was taken by Mbeumo.

At Grimsby, the player opened his own account, instigating our comeback from 2-0 down. He later missed the deciding penalty in the shoot-out – a moment of private agony that might have crippled some. But three days later he was more influential than ever, against Burnley. An unbelievable crossfield pass helped Diogo Dalot win the free-kick that led to our opening goal (a Casemiro header which rebounded onto Josh Cullen and over the line) and Mbeumo then tapped home Dalot’s cutback to restore our advantage in the second half. He was also involved in the move that enabled Amad to win a last-gasp penalty, tucked home by Bruno Fernandes. Against Chelsea, he nipped the ball past Robert Sanchez to ensure the Chelsea goalkeeper was dismissed after just five minutes – an incident that laid the platform for a critical 2-1 win.

There he is again, at Brentford, distracting the goalkeeper before Sesko’s maiden United goal, and winning the second-half penalty that Fernandes could

Player of the Month

not convert. Crossing for Mason Mount’s opener against Sunderland. Scoring in front of the Kop to initiate that brilliant win at Anfield. Shooting goalwards to force the ricochet that allowed Bruno to cross for Maguire’s dramatic winner.

There were two more goals of his own versus Brighton. At Forest, his crosses created the confusion needed before each of our goals there. He headed our first against Spurs, and then won the stoppage-time corner for De Ligt’s equaliser, when all hope seemed lost.

You get the idea. Mbeumo has been behind so much of the good that United have delivered in attacking areas. Impressively, he seems to have simply transported the form he demonstrated at Brentford to his new home. Since the start of last season, he has 25 Premier League goals. Only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah have more.

United have, of course, signed many good players in the post-Ferguson era. Some of whom soared at some of the biggest clubs in the world, but struggled in M16. Everyone knows that prior success means nothing here. But in just 12 appearances so far, Mbeumo has made the so-called ‘step up’ look a breeze, suggesting a real self-assurance

We know well what Bryan can do on the pitch, where he’s displayed more versatility than a Swiss army knife: right-foot finishes, left-foot finishes, headers, crosses, corners, free-kicks, dribbles, quality movement, graft, guts. But it’s perhaps what Mbeumo possesses inside that holds the key to his serene start to life at Old Trafford.

“People have come to Manchester United, huge names, and struggled with the pressure,” mused our former midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who was a pundit on TNT Sports for the Spurs

GARY NEVILLE:

“Mbeumo looks like he belongs. He looks hungry, he looks like he wants to score goals. United have something to build on”

game. “But he just sits there, super-calm, super-chilled.

“He reminds me a little bit of Mo Salah in and around the box. When he gets it, he has a clear picture of exactly what he wants, whether the finish is near post or back post. He almost shows no emotion. It’s just business in and around the box, and I love that. You can play into his feet, he can dribble… people have mentioned his touches and how sharp he is. Technically, I don’t think he gets enough credit. People talk about his goalscoring, and rightly so, but he’s an exceptional football player.”

Amad is one of many team-mates

Off the field, Mbeumo has revealed interests in chess and the piano – hobbies that hint at a character that enjoys deep focus, deep thinking. And, interestingly, that was a quality that his former youth coach at Troyes, Benjamin Bureau, alighted on when speaking to The Athletic recently. “He was always focused on the game,” said Bureau, admiringly. “Sometimes when the ball is far away, young players tend to switch off, but he would anticipate.”

Mbeumo’s journey to United might also be instructive, when considering the rounded Premier League player

Amad on Bryan

“We have a very good relationship, even outside the pitch. This is very important: not only to have a good relationship in the pitch, but also to have a good relationship outside the pitch, to put some things [together]. We knew already that Bryan, with Brentford, what he did with them was big things. So we tried to bring him here to do the same, and he is doing the same. We are really happy for him because he’s a humble guy, a really nice guy.”

Bryan’s quickfire opener at Anfield helped set up our best result of the season so far

quick to credit Mbeumo’s impact on our results and performances

he has become. In his early teens, he moved away from his family in Avallon, Burgundy, to join the Troyes academy in Champagne, more than 100km away. At 19, he moved to Brentford and a new country. Such moves can break a young person. But they can also steel them. Sir Alex Ferguson once revealed that he was convinced Michael Carrick would be a success at United because of the character he had shown at 16 years of age, when moving from his family home in the North East down to West Ham.

Mbeumo’s path, from anonymity to Troyes, to Brentford and the Premier League, reveals a similar hardiness. Mbeumo’s talent did not take him straight to the top; his rise to stardom has been a long trek. Goals and assists have made our no.19 a household name, but graft and thought underpin everything. Amorim calls him ‘a working machine’.

You see also a level of humility in the way he interacts with team-mates. The relationship and collaboration he has developed with Amad on the right flank; his joshing with fellow summer signing Matheus Cunha. While Mbeumo

does not have the extrovert qualities of the Brazilian, who bounces into a room like a boxer making his way to the ring, Mbeumo’s personality has a quiet, steadying influence.

Both Mbeumo and his new head coach won Premier League awards at the end of October, following United’s perfect League record that month. But perhaps the best indication of how important the forward has become to United, and in such a short time, was the head coach’s honest comments about how we will ‘suffer’ when Mbeumo and his partner-in-crime, Amad, jet off to the Africa Cup of Nations in December. Amorim went for some positive spin, noting that there were plenty of players waiting in the wings, thirsting for opportunities. Players who might have enjoyed more game time in other seasons. But United will undoubtedly miss our leading scorer and his trusty sidekick over the challenging Christmas and New Year period. Because only the aforementioned Haaland and Salah have been more consistent providers

RUBEN AMORIM

“He’s really important, for everything that he’s been doing, the light that he brings to the dressing room. He’s not the guy who talks more, but you can feel it, that he’s always there to help us”

of Premier League goals in recent years. And it’s not just the goals and assists, but the presence – that sense of intensity, danger and focus that draws attention and fear from opponents. That’s a concern for the short term, though. The long-term picture is that Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United has been a great boon for Ruben Amorim’s improving squad. We’re only a few months in, but this quiet, thoughtful, confident player already feels like an integral part of United’s future. ●

Our goals have not just been the preserve of Amorim’s attack, with three Reds in particular weighing in with some important contributions

United ’ s other secret weapon

Beyond United’s new attacking trident and creative stalwarts like Bruno Fernandes and Amad, another band of brothers are sneakily emerging as a big goal threat. Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Casemiro are responsible for six of our 21 goals in all competitions so far, with their set-piece threat a particular boost.

As Mbeumo’s stock continues to rise, so too do United’s fortunes, which shows how integral he has become to our uptick in goals

honouring Bestie, 20 years ago

Who are we looking at? United fans holding up posters in tribute to the late, great George Best – the player many regard as the finest footballer to ever pull on a Manchester United shirt.

Where and when was this taken? At Old Trafford on the evening of Wednesday 30 November 2005, ahead of the Reds’ League Cup fourth-round tie with West Bromwich Albion.

What’s the significance of the photo? Before kick-off, during an immaculately observed minute’s silence, a sea of United fans raised ‘Bestie’ posters in unison – a moving tribute to the much-loved Reds legend, who had passed away only five days earlier.

Tomorrow marks 20 years since George’s passing, aged 59, but the affection for him remains every bit as strong today as it was then.

How did the game, and the season, go for United? The game felt almost secondary to the tribute to Best, although the fabled member of the United Trinity would certainly have approved of the attacking flair on display against Bryan Robson’s Baggies. United won the game 3-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo winning then converting an early penalty, Louis Saha scoring shortly afterwards, and John O’Shea grabbing our third in a comfortable victory. The fourth-round win followed a third-round victory against Barnet, with United marching all the way to the Millennium Stadium final by overcoming Birmingham City, then Blackburn Rovers in a two-legged semi-final. In Cardiff, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney ran amok against Wigan Athletic – in a style Best would have enjoyed! – thrashing our Lancashire neighbours 4-0 to lift the three-handled cup. For Sir Alex’s emerging side, the trophy win proved a stepping stone to even greater glories.

UN I TED

Bravo, Brummies!

Congratulations to our Birmingham supporters’ branch, which recently celebrated a special milestone…

The Birmingham Manchester United supporters’ club celebrated its 50th anniversary here at Old Trafford recently, marking half a century of magnificent support.

A delegation from the ‘Brummie Reds’ were welcomed pitchside before our memorable 2-1 victory over Chelsea on 20 September, where they chatted and posed for photos with four-time Premier League winner Gary Pallister.

We’re sure many of you remember the dismal weather conditions at Old Trafford that day, but the branch members present assured us that United’s victory, and some warm words from Pally, made up for the drenching!

It’s been another memorable year for our global network of supporters’ clubs: in September, the club announced that we have passed the amazing milestone of 350 official clubs, which means we are represented in 93 countries worldwide.

The Samarkand Reds (Uzbekistan) and our Trinidad & Tobago branch are notable among the new additions. The former is our first fan group from Uzbekistan, and the latter means we now have Caribbean representation in the United-supporting family for the first time. How fitting that this group hails from the same country as our popular former striker and Treble winner Dwight Yorke.

In other news, Old Trafford hosted our latest Warm-Up event last month, with hundreds of fans gathering together the night before our 4-2 win over Brighton, with Lee Sharpe the special guest. The next event is planned for early next year, so keep your eyes peeled for further details on that in the coming weeks.

The weather couldn’t dampen the high spirits of the Birmingham supporters’ club members as they gathered pitchside at Old Trafford to celebrate the branch’s 50th anniversary alongside legendary Red Gary Pallister, with the occasion made even more special as they then witnessed our 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea

thanks, Jim Sandford...

We pay tribute to a lifelong Red who has been a huge help to our Academy over the decades

Long-time Manchester United fan Jim Sandford is stepping away from the iconic SuperCupNI youth football tournament – formerly known as the Milk Cup – after almost 40 years of tireless work.

The competition was founded in 1983, and Jim became central to its organisation soon after, shortly before his beloved United first sent a team to compete in 1989.

We famously won the then Milk Cup in 1991, with a team that featured several players from the group that would become known worldwide as the Class of ’92, including David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. Sir Alex Ferguson was a huge supporter of the tournament, and struck up strong friendships with people like Jim and co-founder Victor Leonard.

Sandford, who was a schoolteacher and principal during his working career, has spent much of the rest of his life dedicated to the development of youth football – and his other great hobby, following Manchester United. For the last 30 years, he has held a season ticket at

Old Trafford, and travelled to M16 from his home in Northern Ireland for every home game.

“I’ve been here since 1992, and I always wanted to go to the Milk Cup!” smiles our Academy player liaison officer, Dave Bushell, who is another great pal of Jim’s. “Anyway, in ’94 they invited me and that year I went. And from then onwards, I’ve been a pal of Jim and Victor Leonard. Jim’s been instrumental in not only keeping the

Milk Cup going – with Victor and other people – but he’s also been a great supporter of the link with Man United.

“Jim is very dedicated to making sure the Milk Cup’s spot-on, he doesn’t suffer fools, he’s a well-organised man and he’s always worked hard to make sure we’re well looked after. Number one, with the hotel that we got, and the trip there... they [Jim and Victor] can’t win games of football for us, but they always made sure our stay was as enjoyable as possible.”

Sandford, pictured here (and top left) on one of his many visits to Carrington, is stepping away from his work with the SuperCupNI youth tournament

The huge support United boast in Ireland means the SuperCupNI is not just important for young footballers, but also for the many Reds that live across the Irish Sea.

“Man United and Liverpool probably have the most supporters over there,” explains Bushell, “so it means that people who maybe can’t afford to come over to Old Trafford can see Manchester United in their neck of the woods. Alex Ferguson always used to make sure we went to

“Jim plays the organ at the local church over in Northern Ireland – though he sometimes has to excuse himself when United have an important Sunday game!”

the Milk Cup; he was a great supporter of it. Nick Cox did the same and [Academy director] Steve Torpey’s new now, but I’m sure he will be the same and support it.”

Jim’s work on the tournament has now come to an end, but the relationship he has helped establish with United will continue – and there will be even more time available to watch his beloved Reds.

“All day he’ll talk about Man United,” laughs Dave. “He’s a real, real solid stalwart of Man United. I can’t say anything else: he’s a proper Man United

fan. Fancy having a season ticket and you fly over from Belfast every other week! He’s a church-goer too, by the way. He plays the organ at the local church over in Northern Ireland, so he’s a real pillar of the community. Though he sometimes has to excuse himself when Man United have a very important Sunday game!” We thank Jim for all his dedication and hard work throughout the last four decades, and look forward to welcoming him at Old Trafford for many years to come.

Brilliant memories as some familiar faces take the medals (plus the free milk!) back in 1991

Jim has held a United season ticket for some 30 years, making the trip over to every home game

United were Milk Cup winners in 1991 –with a side later known as the ‘Class of ’92’ – and a reminder hangs in Jim’s office

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

To Terry Percival: well done on completing your first round of cancer treatment, we wish you all the best and hope you have many many cancer-free years to come. From all of us at United.

Wishing Daithi McDonnell a very happy 12th birthday for 24 November. Fingers crossed for a win today to celebrate!

Happy birthday for 11 November to Parsa, a diehard United fan for as long as he can remember.

Huge congratulations to Chun Yin and Virginia on your wedding day, 13 December 2025. Wishing you both endless joy and beautiful memories together.

Happy 16th birthday, Lucas Hoole.

Happy 33rd birthday, Isaac O! Dreams come true at Old Trafford.

Happy 71st birthday to Brian Gray, and a happy 60 years of supporting the Reds!

Happy 17th birthday, Lewis Reid.

Happy 21st birthday, Rio Telfer. Love Mam, Simon and everyone at United.

To Jack Finan from Ireland: a very happy eighth birthday to you for 26 October and have a brilliant time at the game tonight.

Happy 33rd birthday to Anmol for 1 October. He’s a huge United fan who never misses a game and wears his Bruno Fernandes shirt with pride.

To Finley Ward: happy 16th birthday. Love always, Dad.

Haukur Reynir Einarsson turned nine on 20 November and is here tonight at his first-ever Old Trafford game for his birthday trip. His favourite player is Patrick Dorgu. Welcome to Manchester, and til hamingju með afmælið!

10th birthday, Corbyn

Happy 70th birthday for 25 November to Ged Doyle, known to friends as Ged the Red. He’s been a United fan since 1963 and is a season ticket holder, having been all round the world going to games. Love from Beverley.

Congratulations to Scarlett Harbinson, 10, who is here tonight for her first-ever Old Trafford game to celebrate winning the World Irish Dancing Championship. Fantastic work!

Happy 20th birthday to Belle Makepeace for 22 November. She’s a huge fan who regularly goes to matches and is pictured with her favourite player, Bruno Fernandes.

Happy 10th birthday, Bobby. Enjoy the game! We love you. Mum, Dad, Nicole, George and Lilah.

Happy birthday, Dada!

Happy 10th birthday to you, Lenny! Have a great time at the game tonight.

A massive WELL DONE to Max Dillon from Northern Ireland, who recently completed his SEAG primary school assessments. You’ve worked so hard and you have done Mum, Dad, Darcy and the whole family proud. Go Max!

Happy fourth birthday to Miles Perkins for 20 November and a big welcome to your first game!

Wishing a happy birthday to Seth, who celebrated turning nine earlier this month on 3 November.

Happy

Love Mum and Dad.

Happy eighth birthday to Kit Jagger, from all your family. Enjoy the game tonight!

happy

Happy 18th to Zak, a Red from birth.

Happy 11th birthday, Kai Heard. Lots of love, Mum, Nana and Grandad, and all your family.

Welcome to Old Trafford to Hiroyuki Amano from Yokohama, Japan. He’s made the trip over here ahead changing job next month. Enjoy!

Happy 70th birthday, Steve! Here’s to so many cherished memories at Old Trafford, and to the many more to come. Love Jacob and Ralph.

Happy 70th birthday to season ticket holder Neil Harding. Neil has been coming to Old Trafford for over 55 years and now loves nothing more than bringing his son and grandsons.

Happy 60th birthday to Rachel Bridge from Southport. Many happy returns from Andy and all your family and friends, and everyone at Manchester United.

Happy belated fifth birthday to Nox Robinson for 26 October.

Ethan is a massive fan of United and Bruno Fernandes, and is over for tonight’s game from Ireland with dad Ray. We hope it’s a brilliant trip.

Happy 18th birthday for 5 November to United’s no.1 fan, Jack Rogers from Southport. Lots of Love from Mum, Joshua, Julie, Grandad and Jon.

‘Happy birthday, John! Your first as a dad to our beautiful boy, Jude –the newest Red. Lots of love, Lucy.’

40th birthday to lifelong

been coming to nearly every game as a season ticket holder since the age of six and is

In February this year, Phoebe was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive liver cancer (angiosarcoma). Once the full cycle finishes, she will need a living donor liver transplant. If any fans would like to contribute to this brave girl’s fundraising, go to gofundme.com/phoebeschallenge

Happy 30th birthday, Ryan. Hope you have an amazing day. Lots of love, Mum, Dad, Andrea, Cody, Roen, Bethany and Kieran.

Wishing a happy 60th birthday to Mark Spooner.

A very happy 80th birthday for 19 September to Roger Geen, a lifelong United supporter who is here tonight to celebrate with a special hospitality package.

Happy 16th birthday, Xander. Love from Robyn.

Happy 30th birthday, Tom Bintcliffe. Hope you’ve enjoyed seeing United and your dad again.

Happy 60th birthday to Chris Gledhill, a long-time season ticket holder.

Many happy returns to Lucas Crawford, who is here to celebrate his 11th birthday.

Happy anniversary, Alejandro! With love from your wife, Brenda, who is so happy to see you achieving your biggest dream.

‘Sefton, my beautiful boy: you will make your final journey carrying the United colours, please take time to check on your mates. We all love you so much Sefton.’ MUFC. Forever 21.

and all her family and friends.

‘Happy 11th birthday, Ella. Enjoy tonight’s game and keep up the great work at school and in athletics. We’re very proud of you.’

Happy birthday to Imogen, who turned 15 on 19 October. With love from her brother, James,

Happy birthday to Daisy, 11, and Lenny, seven. Lots of love from grandparents Allen and Gillian Myers.

Happy

United fan Chris Brown. He’s

pictured with his son, Eric.

Many

returns to Brodie – he turned six on 18 November.

A very happy birthday to season ticket holder Emma Harrison, who attends games with husband Richard and twins Rosa and Lewis. She’s a lifelong fan and her all-time favourite player is David Beckham.

Happy 21st birthday to Ellie Crank!

Many happy returns to George Jordan, a huge United fan who celebrated his 12th birthday on 15 November.

‘Wishing our nephew, Chase Burgess, a massive happy 18th birthday. Love Uncle Dean, Aunty Amy, Grace and Charlotte. P.S. Glory, glory Man United!’

Happy 26th birthday, Ciano! Lots of love, Ciara.

Happy 30th birthday, Shaun! Finally entering your dirty thirties. Hope you have the best time at United. Love you millions, Jo, Joey and the kids.

‘Happy 12th birthday, Tye Singh Digpal. Have a fantastic night and we’re so proud of you. Lots of love from Mum, Dad and big sister Mia.’

Happy birthday, Sameer Aboobaker! He’s a long-time Red, a big Bruno Fernandes fan, and is 28 today.

‘Happiest ninth birthday, Olivia Blick! Old Trafford visits give her ‘waves of happiness’. A victory tonight would be the best birthday present to our very special United fan.’

Happy ninth birthday for 11 November to Osian Hughes from Wales. He’s a season ticket holder in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and is pictured here at a recent game.

Happy 60th, Reg! Your passion, humour, and loyalty – on and off the pitch – make you a true legend. With love from all your family and friends. And here’s to many more glorious seasons.

Hello to Killian Hagan, James McAteer, Darren McAteer and Keelan Kerr, who are over from Ireland for tonight’s game.

Happy 25th birthday for 25 November to Sigurd, a lifelong United supporter who has travelled from Denmark for tonight’s game.

‘Nannu John, one of United’s oldest and greatest fans, has witnessed some of the club’s greatest games and has been following since a young age. Together with his grandchildren he witnessed another one last month against Brighton. We love you, Nannu John, and can’t thank you enough for everything that you taught us; an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever. Lots of love, your grandkids.’

‘We recently lost Big Paul after his incredibly brave battle with cancer –a fight he faced with strength, courage, and a heart full of love. True to his nature, he defied the odds time and again, showing us all what it means to never give up. Big Paul was more than a friend or a father – he was a true legend. Admired, respected, and cherished by everyone lucky enough to know him, he had a presence that could light up a room and a heart big enough for everyone in it. To his beloved sons, Jamie, Lewis, and little Paul – your dad was so proud of you. He raised three incredible young men who carry his strength, kindness, and humour in everything they do. And to his loving wife Julie – the bond you shared was something truly special. He loved you all deeply, and that love lives on through you. You miss him every day, and always will – but he’ll be smiling down with pride, knowing how loved he was and always will be.’

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Steven Brindley (Barney), who was a lifelong Red and loyal steward here at Manchester United. He will be missed at Old Trafford and around Manchester. Thoughts are with Barney’s family and friends, from all of us here.

Paul Norris, a lifelong United supporter, passed away at his home in his sleep at 54 years young on 6 October. He was passionate in his love for the club through the good and the bad, and wanted nothing more than to see the club back to being English and European champions. His son would like to thank the club for the opportunity to have his father shared in the programme and knows Paul would be incredibly proud and appreciative.

To Louise: happy birthday, Mam. Have a great birthday. Lots of love from Mason.

IN MEMORIAM

‘In memory of Neil ‘Pridey’ Pride (24.9.1961-24.8.2025).

Rhydyfelin born and bred, Neil was a proud, lifelong United fan. As soon as he earned his first wage, he celebrated by getting the club’s name tattooed on himself four times – along with his own name, just so no one would forget him! Neil was a huge character, full of banter right up until the end. A devoted husband to Mary, beloved brother to Mark and Maria, and much-loved uncle to us all, Neil gave his heart and strength to everyone he cared for. He fought bravely against cancer for 14 months, showing the same courage and spirit he carried through life. Forever in our hearts, forever United. We miss you, Pridey.’

Rest in peace, Rachel Ball (Rothwell), a lifelong United fan and matchgoing Red from the MUSC Southport branch over the years. Our sincere condolences go out to mum Carole, brother Paul, husband Stuart and all the family.

The family of Ben Fanning are deeply saddened to confirm the news of his passing. Just like his grandparents and parents, he was a lifelong and devoted United fan and took joy in celebrating every success alongside his brothers, and in more recent years, with his son, Cairo. His love for life, his family, and the game will be fondly remembered and forever cherished.

Luke Wright sadly passed away on 13 September 2025, aged 35. He was a Red and devoted dad (to his three children), son, brother and friend, and loved his club, United. His family all sat together for the win over Liverpool, the first game after he passed, and were sure he brought some luck. Rest in peace.

In special memory of Andy Notley, who passed away in September, aged 70. A dedicated former supporters’ club branch secretary and lifelong Red, Andy followed the team passionately, travelling to countless matches, including the Champions League final in Moscow in 2008, until ill health prevented him from doing so. From everyone at the Yeovil supporters’ club, and all who knew him, may he rest in peace.

Adrian Benesiewicz, 26, was one of Manchester United’s biggest fans. Even in his darkest moments, he always shone bright when watching his favourite team. Glory, glory Man United.

In loving memory of lifelong United supporter Joe Kobierski, who passed away peacefully on 19 October 2025 surrounded by his doting family. Born and raised in Failsworth and pictured here with brother Paul Kobierski at his last visit to Old Trafford from Florida, where he later moved. Forever loved, forever Red, never forgotten!

Rest in peace, Mike. Much-loved husband, Dad, and Papa. Love from June, Robert and the boy.

In loving memory of Jack Henry, who passed away in September, aged 96. A lifelong Red through and through, who followed United home and away with unwavering passion. He brought up his son, Marc, the same way – sharing every high, every heartbreak, and countless memories along the road. A true gentleman and a true Red.

Rest in peace, James Leahy-Stanton (JJ), who passed away on 10 October, unexpectedly but peacefully and surrounded by his loving family. Dearly loved son of Christina and James and loving brother of Callum, Lenix and Gerald. Very sadly missed by his heartbroken family and his beloved dog, Gucci. JJ was a big United fan and used to love watching the games with his Grandad Christy. Everyone would agree that he would’ve loved to witness Manchester United beat Liverpool at Anfield on 19 October.

In loving memory of Alan Todd, a big United fan who was a father to four children, as well as a son, uncle and cousin. He went to every home game and most away fixtures and is a devastating loss to all his family and loved ones. Anyone wishing to contribute to give him the send-off he deserves can donate at gofund.me/f9e3c8f84.

Shaun Lee sadly died on 18 October. He was a bright, bubbly young lad, who would always be smiling and giving people hugs when he saw them. He was a devoted United fan and will be missed but never forgotten.

In loving memory of Meganaden

Baby Chinappen, a lifelong Manchester United fan. He loved watching Ryan Giggs play and his greatest memory will always be the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 1999. Inspired by the club’s fighting spirit, he fought against his disease until the very end. Take him home, United Road, to the place he belongs.

Christine Bradshaw passed away on 6 October 2025, aged 73. She was a selfless person and would do anything for others. Christine retired at 70, her working life spent caring for others, with the majority of her career spent at Lady of the Vale Nursing home in Bowdon. She lived for her family, her daughter Emma, son-in-law Paul and her two granddaughters, Megan and Paige. Christine was a Red through and through, she would never let anyone put the club down and even when the results weren’t favourable, she always had faith they would turn it around. She watched every match and was proud to be a United supporter.

Emily Victoria Smith passed away on 25 September. Anyone who knew her would know she was the most beautiful soul, inside and out, and the most kind and considerate person to all she met. She greeted everyone with warmth and a smile and made everyone feel loved. She was a warrior and an inspiration, and adored United, passing on her love of the Reds to her sons. RIP.

Remembering Roy Lomas, who inspired a lifelong love of Manchester United in the family and will be dearly missed.

Michael Mooney, a proud Manchester United supporter and loyal season ticket holder for 10+ years, has sadly passed away. His love for the club was matched only by his kindness and warmth toward everyone who knew him. Week after week, he stood by his team, sharing every cheer and heartache. His passion, friendship and laughter will live long in the memories of those who loved him. Forever a Red.

UNITED VOICES

CHRIS COGHILL

The Emmerdale actor and award-winning writer on his Sir Matt connection, playing a City fan on screen, and giving Cantona a cosmic cuddle…

“Supporting United means everything to me. I was born into a family of Reds and my grandad, Ted Coghill, was a journalist for the Manchester Evening News, and he was Sir Matt Busby’s ghostwriter. So once a week, they would sit down and talk and my grandad would shape it into an article. He’s mentioned quite a bit in Keith Dewhurst’s book When You Pull on a Red Shirt. So there’s always been a big United connection. And growing up in Prestwich, north Manchester, it was always miles more red than blue. My first match was around 1983-84, against Southampton. I’d go with my dad and then with my mates – you’d just turn up and pay on the turnstiles! I remember going when we beat Barcelona 3-0 in ’84 – the atmosphere was just amazing. Robbo was my hero when I was a kid, then Norman Whiteside, Hughesy, then Eric. Some of the teams and players we’ve had over the years…

In 2013, a film I wrote, Spike Island, was nominated in the Dinard film festival in Brittany, and Toby Jones, Michael Smiley and Eric Cantona were on the jury! I landed late and was told I was sharing a car to the screening – I asked ‘who with?’ and they said ‘Eric Cantona’! I didn’t say much in the car, but later thought, ‘I’ve got to take a moment here’, and went over and said, ‘Eric, I’m a massive United fan’ and he said: ‘I’m a Spike

A chance encounter with Cantona ended up with some mutual admiration of each other’s work, with Chris even grabbing a congratulatory hug from his United idol!

Island fan!’ He said the film summed up everything about Manchester – the music, the people... then I won the best screenplay award and he presented it to me. I grabbed him and cuddled him, probably for a bit too long! Honestly, if I never did anything else professionally, I’d still be happy. A cosmic cuddle!

My hardest acting role? Playing a City fan in Burn It! Will Ash, who also starred in that, is a big Red too. When I go to the match, Will, John Simm and another actor mate, Andrew Knott, we all go together. I remember a mate at Sky Sports getting us tickets for the 2003 League Cup final against Liverpool in Cardiff. I had played a City fan in Burn It and John had played a Scouser in The Lakes and we were getting dog’s abuse from the United fans! We lost 2-0 and John’s car ended up barricaded in. But we ended up at a mate’s house in Caerphilly with no idea how we got there, so it must have been a good night afterwards!

My all-time United memory has to be 26 May 1999. I lived with loads of mates in Crumpsall, and there were so many people in my house that we filled two different rooms. We were nearly in tears thinking we’d blown it, and then it was just sheer madness. We were straight out into town, and it was mental... Reds jumping in fountains and climbing statues in Albert Square. I cannot stress how rough this street in Crumpsall was that we lived in, but when we got back at about

5am, we’d left the door open all night and nothing had been robbed! Everyone had gone bananas. I watched all of that season with my mates and my dad, and it was such a lovely thing to share. He’s 82 now, but because of my grandad’s connections, he went to a lot of games and saw Best play. Law and Charlton, too. If I had a time machine, George is the one player I’d have loved to have seen play. At the moment, I love Amad and that right-hand side with Mbeumo. It’s deadly.

“I FEEL THAT OLD UNITED SPIRIT COMING BACK. I’M STARTING TO SEE BELIEF FLOWING THROUGH THE TEAM”

We’ve made some good signings, and Casemiro is producing again and I feel that old United spirit coming back. I’m starting to see belief flowing through the team. It’s been a long time since I looked forward to watching Match of the Day but I’m starting to now! I’ve even got a screenshot of United above Liverpool [on my phone]! The green shoots of recovery are beginning to show…”

The jubilant scenes in the Nou Camp in 1999 was matched by the same euphoric energy in Crumpsall where Chris was gathered with his mates to take in the historic action

Meeting another United legend, Andy Cole, as Chris continues to enjoy his visits to Old Trafford

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

During our last outing, away to Tottenham, club photographer ASH DONELON (above) managed to capture Mbeumo’s headed opener in all its glory by generating a creative composition…

MBEUMO MONTAGE

When and where:

Tottenham Hotspur v United, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Saturday 8 November 2025.

Ash says:

“Modern cameras can capture multiple frames per second, and people want to see player photos ASAP, so it’s crucial for a club photographer to have an efficient matchday workflow to avoid becoming swamped. During a game I have to be ruthless and share only a selection of key shots with United’s media team for immediate publishing. Once the game finishes and I’ve sent all my urgent photos, I then have time to review any unpublished shots and explore creative possibilities. For this montage I chose eight shots of Bryan Mbeumo’s header and combined them digitally by selecting the ball from each individual photo and layering them into one master image to illustrate the trajectory of the strike. Although it took around an hour of fine-tuning to achieve the desired look, I was really pleased with the finished product as it shows the kinetic nature of the goal in a way a single photo never could.”

“I chose eight shots of the header and combined them digitally to illustrate the ball’s trajectory... it shows the kinetic nature of the goal in a way a single photo never could”

Reds JUNIOR

How did United become champions of Europe and the world?

The 2006/07 title triumph announced the arrival of the Reds’ third great team under Sir Alex Ferguson – and they soon set about making a case for being the strongest of all his teams.

Ahead of 2007/08, the Scot made a point of strengthening his side when they were already at the top of the tree, adding highly rated youngsters Nani and Anderson, from Sporting Lisbon and Porto respectively, along with energetic Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Argentina firebrand Carlos Tevez from West Ham United.

It didn’t take the new boys long to click. Slotting in seamlessly on such solid

foundations, the quartet made United even more intimidating to opponents.

As Hargreaves put it: “That team had absolutely everything. We knew how to win every kind of game: we could dominate the ball against the smaller teams, hit teams like Arsenal and Barcelona on the counterattack, and grind out a scrappy win against teams like Chelsea. When things were purring, we could blow opponents away.”

Though the collective was magnificent, without a single weak spot, there was an undoubted headline act in the team: Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed his finest goal scoring season as a Red, racking up 42

Sir Alex proudly shows off our 2007/08 silverware after his side end the campaign as champions of England and Europe

goals over the course of the campaign and showing his newfound ability to function in central areas as well as the wings. The Portuguese, fittingly, opened the scoring on the final day of the ’07/08 season as a 2-0 win at Wigan clinched the Premier League title retention. There was equal suitability in the second goal that afternoon as Ryan Giggs slotted home on the same day that he equalled Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time club appearances record.

The veteran Welshman took the record for himself in United’s next outing: the Champions League final. Opponents Chelsea, who had pushed

the Reds all the way in the Premier League title race, also came within a whisker of prevailing in Europe’s top club competition. Instead, after a 1-1 draw in which Ronaldo’s header was cancelled out by Frank Lampard’s equaliser, a nail-biting penalty shoot-out went United’s way. Blues skipper John Terry had the chance to win it, but instead slipped, clattered his penalty against the post and allowed Edwin van der Sar to win the cup for the Reds when the Dutchman subsequently saved Nicolas Anelka’s spot-kick.

For the third time, United were champions of Europe and, like true winners, soon had their sights set on more honours. The Club World Cup followed in December 2008 as LDU Quito were beaten in Japan by Wayne Rooney’s solitary goal,

making the Reds the first British team to rule the world not once, but twice.

Back home, the charge for a clean sweep continued. The League Cup was joined by a third successive Premier League and, although the Reds were narrowly beaten at the semi-final stage of the FA Cup by Everton, the demolition of Arsenal across both legs of the Champions League semi-final gave United a crack at retaining the biggest trophy of all. Sadly, despite a strong start, opponents Barcelona ultimately produced a 2-0 win to dethrone the Reds in Rome.

That would be Ronaldo’s farewell, followed soon afterwards by a then-world record £80 million move to Real Madrid, but United remained in the hunt for honours in the years that followed. The 2009/10 season brought another League Cup success, a title race which was only settled in Chelsea’s favour on the final day, and a Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich which was more than a little unfortunate.

A year on, boosted by the arrival of free-scoring Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, United sailed to a 19th league title and once again reached the Champions League final – the club’s third in four years – but once again were overcome by Barcelona, who were at their unplayable best in the final at Wembley Stadium.

Nevertheless, despite that disappointment, the simple facts and statistics said it all: Ferguson’s era had witnessed its third truly great United side, one which was always in the hunt for the game’s biggest prizes.

CR7 ’ s super season

In 2007/08, Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed one of the best individual scoring seasons in United’s history. His 42-goal haul was just four short of the record 46 bagged by Denis Law in 1963/64, and two behind Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 44-goal season of 2002/03 – but it has to be said that Ronny gets extra credit for doing most of his scoring as a winger!

Rooney’s winner in the 2008 Club World Cup saw the Reds complete global dominance for the second time in our history

Euphoric scenes follow our dramatic penalty shoot-out triumph over Chelsea as the Reds are crowned champions of Europe for a third time

GUESS THE RED!

Put these five players, who’ve represented both United and Everton, in order of when they made their Reds debut – from oldest to most recent…

Who are the three United players hiding behind a ball?

GUESS THE RED: 1. Bryan Mbeumo; 2. Leny Yoro; 3. Benjamin Sesko.

RED TOFFEES: 1. Phil Neville (1995); 2. Wayne Rooney (2004);

3. Ashley Young (2011); 4. Marouane Fellaini (2013); 5. Romelu Lukaku (2017)

Dougie

Effie

Lennie

Lauren Levi Levie Theo

Introduce young Reds to 30 club legends and their incredible stories, with fantastic illustrations from artist Stanley Chow.

Test your knowledge of the club with more than 1,400 questions on a range of topics and eras of the club’s history.

Iconic and rarely seen images are now seen in full colour for the first time, to show United’s history as you’ve never seen it before.

Learn about our greatest teams, iconic managers, famous goals, dramatic matches and trophy triumphs in this illustrated story of the world’s most famous football club

night of pride

A brilliant evening here at Old Trafford is where we start our round-up of United Women’s November, which wasn’t short on big battles in the WSL and UWCL...

OLD TRAFFORD VICTORY

Marc Skinner’s United side rose to the occasion of the first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League fixture to be played here in M16, beating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 just under a fortnight ago to make it three wins from three in the league phase. The Reds are loving being involved in the competition’s centrepiece stage for the first time, with goals from Melvine Malard and Fridolina Rolfo enough to triumph in front of 14,667 supporters at the Theatre of Dreams. United were one of three teams on nine points entering the fourth

of six matchdays, which included our trip to German outfit Wolfsburg – twice queens of Europe – last Wednesday. These pages went to print just before that clash at the Volkswagen Arena, but you can head to ManUtd.com for the result.

MIXED SPELL IN WSL

The Reds are flying in Europe and still riding high in the Barclays Women’s Super League, despite two defeats from three league outings in a busy month. Elisabeth Terland, Jess Park and Lisa Naalsund all got on the scoresheet in a gritty 3-2 win

Marc Skinner joins his players in celebratory applause at Old Trafford where his side overcame PSG 2-1 to confirm our third straight Champions League win

Rolfo headed home our second-half winner on a great night in M16

November began with a 3-2 win at Brighton in which Lisa Naalsund scored our third goal

away to Brighton, but United – top scorers in the WSL to that point – have since been beaten 0-1 at home to Aston Villa and 0-3 away to rivals Manchester City, our first losses of the domestic campaign. City lead the way in the table, seven points ahead of Skinner’s side in third, the final European place, after nine of 22 matches.

PERSONAL MILESTONES

Within the mix of results over the last month, there have been several personal achievements to highlight. Full-back Hannah Blundell proudly made her return to first-team action after 533 days when she came off the bench at Brighton, her first minutes since giving birth in March. At Old Trafford, an injury to goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce meant a second senior appearance and Champions League debut for 21-year-old Academy graduate Safia Middleton-Patel, who went on to make her WSL bow in the following game at City. Meanwhile, former City midfielder and summer signing Jess Park has completed a Player of the Month hat-trick since our last round-up, winning the club, PFA and WSL’s awards for her superb performances in October.

PODCAST INSIGHT

Have you listened to our new club podcast? It’s called Inside Carrington, and brings you into the training ground’s inner sanctum via exclusive conversations with key figures at United. Episode two –released just before the game against PSG – featured director of women’s football

Matt Johnson, who gave a detailed insight into the team’s Champions League aims this season and transfer policy. Johnson also discussed the ‘two sides’ to his role at the club and explained why it has been a successful start to the term for our women’s Under-21 team. The chat with co-hosts Helen Evans, Liam Bradford and Phil Jones is available to listen to now across the club’s digital channels and all major podcast platforms.

DECEMBER MATCHES

The team’s season is currently on pause for the final round of women’s international fixtures in 2025, but it is soon to resume with five games next month, before the annual winter break. Three home matches in the space of eight days marks the Reds’ return, with WSL encounters against West Ham and Spurs either side of a Champions League duel with French champions Lyon, another team who won their first three league-phase ties. After that, it’s a trip to Italian title-winners Juventus in the sixth and final matchday of the league phase, before United round off the year by entering the Subway Women’s League Cup at the quarter-final stage. Scan the QR code for the latest ticket availability across all confirmed matches.

WSL Sun 1Liverpool (H) 1pm WSL Sun 8Leicester (A) 3pm UWCL11/12 Knockout phase play-off 1st leg WSL Sun 15London City (H) 1pm UWCL18/19 Knockout phase play-off 2nd leg FA Sun 22 Fifth round

WSL Sun 15West Ham (A) 12pm

LC 14/15Final

WSL Sat 21Everton (H) 12.30pm

UWCL24/25 Quarter-final 1st leg

WSL Sun 29Manchester City (H) 1pm

UWCL1/2 Quarter-final 2nd leg

FA Sun 5 Quarter-final

UWCL Sat 25Semi-final 1st leg

WSL Sun 26Tottenham (A) 2pm

UWCL Sat 2Semi-final 2nd leg

WSL Sun 3Brighton (H) 1pm

FA Sun 10 Semi-final

WSL 16/17 Chelsea (A) TBC

UWCL22/23/24Final

FA 30/31 Final

Manchester United supporters bedded down at the Theatre of Dreams in early November, to raise vital funds for Manchester United Foundation’s community projects and programmes.

Over 120 participants spent their Friday evening taking part in the special stadium Sleep Out at Old Trafford. The fourth of its kind, the event gave guests a detailed insight into the plight of the young people the Foundation supports – with many having experienced poverty and homelessness.

The guests soaked up the stillness of the peaceful stadium, hearing from Foundation CEO John Shiels as well as a panel of Foundation advocates, featuring former participant Libby, who now works in a casual matchday role at Old Trafford.

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the Foundation,” she told the guests. “I went through a rocky path towards the end of my time in school, but my coach Niccola supported me through my exams when things were really tough.”

Also joining supporters on the night were an array of United legends; Michael Carrick, Wes Brown, Phil Jones and ex-kitman Albert Morgan all spent time speaking with supporters before joining the panel and taking part in a Q&A.

The Foundation works in partnership with the Michael Carrick Foundation to deliver Carrick’s Street Reds, which is part of the Foundation’s free community football programme and something that Michael holds close to his heart.

Michael said: “Going through this experience, knowing it’s what some people have to go through every night, is very sad to know and understand. But in these surroundings with over 100 people coming to sleep, it’s a night I’ll remember for a long time, and it’s vital to raise

Sleeping under the stars

Night of rough sleeping in M16 raises funds and awareness of our Foundation’s work…

Participants listen to the legendary panel of speakers ahead of the fourth Old Trafford Sleep Out – an important event that highlights the Foundation’s work in helping combat homelessness and poverty

these funds and awareness so the Foundation can do its best work.”

One of the participating fans, Cory Robinson, added: “It’s an amazing and quite surreal experience to have the opportunity to do this and spend the night in this iconic stadium. However, hearing about the Foundation has shown me why what they do really matters, and the impact it has on real people. It feels great to be able to support that.”

Foundation CEO John Shiels, added: “Once again, I am so proud to see our supporters – the United family – coming together, recognising the importance of our community work and giving up their time to help us continue that work.

“A huge thank you to everyone that came down, your contribution will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people.”

Alongside fans, club partners including DXC Technology, Cadbury and SportsBreaks all supported the Sleep Out, donating time, funding and items to the event.

day to remember

Fans with serious and life-limiting illnesses enjoy some quality time with the

Manchester United’s men’s first-team squad made special memories with fans living with serious and life-limiting illnesses last month, as they travelled from across the country to meet the players at Carrington.

Spirits were high as head coach Ruben Amorim led his squad in a day to remember for young fans and their families at Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day. Club captain Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Leny Yoro were among the players to sign autographs, pose for photos and answer thought-provoking questions from supporters.

The special event takes place twice a season where fans are invited to meet the Reds and watch a training session from the balcony of the Jimmy Murphy Centre. New signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens were part of the joyous moments at the training ground, experiencing their first Dream Day since joining the club.

Mbeumo, who was applauded by fans as he made his way around the room, said: “To meet the families, take photos and sign the shirts, I’m just grateful to be here and to make them smile. It’s amazing to meet everyone, especially because they cheer us on every weekend.”

For many supporters, the day provides a truly uplifting experience

players

at a difficult time in their lives.

Travelling from as far as Dover, London and the Republic of Ireland, some fans have faced unimaginable adversity, including cancer diagnoses and life-changing conditions.

Captain Bruno Fernandes said: “It’s important as a player to take part in these days and to give back to the fans. It’s always great to see the kids smiling when they meet us. We can sense the love and support they give to us on and off the pitch – being with them in these little moments is what it’s all about.”

One of the fans in attendance, 12-year-old Jayden, was thrilled at the opportunity to meet his heroes. He said: “I was quite starstruck when they all walked in, I didn’t know how to react! I love all the players, Bruno is my favourite, and he even recorded a message wishing my football team good luck!”

Jayden’s dad added: “To see him experience this after everything he’s been going through, you just can’t put it into words. It means an awful lot to him, and I can see that meeting the players has been so inspiring.”

The group gather pitchside at Old Trafford before spending the night inside the stadium

ReD KNIGHTS

Arise, Sir David Beckham! Our former midfielder was knighted earlier this month, becoming the fifth United figure to have the honour bestowed upon him. Here’s a reminder of the full list...

SIR MATT BUSBY, 1968 ⇧

The Scotsman was the first United figure to have the highest UK honour bestowed upon him, in July 1968. He received the award less than two months after reaching a pinnacle of achievement in guiding United to the European Cup with a 4-1 win v Benfica at Wembley.

SIR WALTER WINTERBOTTOM, 1978

Best known as England’s first manager, Winterbottom was also the Three Lions’ longest-serving boss – holding the role from 1946 until 1962. Before that, he played 27 times for United, from 1936-38. He’s pictured below on the day he was made a ‘Sir’ (alongside motorcycle racer Barry Sheene collecting his MBE).

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON, 1994

His career for United and England is the stuff of outlandish legend, setting plenty of records and lifting the biggest trophies. Bobby was knighted in 1994, reflecting not only his giant achievements in the game but also his unrivalled stature as a global football ambassador.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON, 1999

No United fan will ever forget the year Alex Ferguson became a knight: it was the year of the incredible Treble. After guiding the Reds to a then unprecedented feat in English football – following huge success at Old Trafford and Aberdeen – the indomitable Govan-er was rightly made a ‘Sir’.

Sir DAVID BECKHAM, 2025

Making it a United five-a-side team of Knights, Becks received his magnificent medal and his prestigious new prefix at Windsor Castle earlier this month.

After a stunning career, as well as strong commitment to charitable causes, Becks became the youngest of our quintet to arise, and the first to be knighted by King Charles III – the previous four all having been made Sirs by Queen Elizabeth II. “I couldn’t be prouder,” said Becks. “People know how patriotic I am.”

Season 2024/25

517k+

total free-of-charge attendances at sessions and events

1,324 signed and charitable items distributed

£2.3m raised by fans and fundraising

125 unique participants projects

41% female participation

Find out more mufoundation.org/ourimpact

41,289

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tonight’s game completes the latest run of fixtures in the top flight...

By the time you read this, chances are the order of teams in the league table (right) will have changed a bit, with nine of the 10 fixtures in matchweek 12 having taken place on Saturday and Sunday, after we went to print. Two things are certain, however, regardless of the other results: Arsenal will remain top, while Wolves will be bottom.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, who went into the weekend four points clear at the summit, took on north London rivals Tottenham at the Emirates yesterday – that game coming after the Sunday-lunchtime meeting between Leeds and Aston Villa at Elland Road.

As for Wolves, who used the recent international break

to appoint Rob Edwards as their new manager, the former Middlesbrough boss began life in the Molineux dugout on Saturday with the visit of Crystal Palace, and the aim of reducing the large gap between them and Nottingham Forest in 19th place. Forest are another side to have had a recent change in the dugout, of course, and Sean Dyche’s side were away to Liverpool on Saturday. The remaining Saturday games were Burnley v Chelsea, Bournemouth v West Ham, Brighton v Brentford, Fulham v Sunderland, and Newcastle v Manchester City. After tonight’s Old Trafford fixture, the Premier League action resumes in five days’ time.

Matthijs de Ligt’s injury-time header in our most recent game, away to Spurs, saw him become the Reds’ ninth scorer of the campaign (not including own-goal scorers). Will we see a 10th scorer tonight? It was a third United career goal for the Dutchman, whose best season-return came in 2018/19, when he scored seven times for Ajax.

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 SEASON

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDITOR Paul Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan

CONTRIBUTORS

Joe Ganley, Mikey Partington, Ben Ashby, Adam Marshall, Sean Mullan, Andy Murray, Matthew Brown, Ste Canavan

PHOTOGRAPHY Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Poppy Townson, Getty, Alamy, Mirrorpix THANKS TO Andrew Ward, Toby Craig, George McCaffery, Ellie Decrop, Mark Froggatt PRINTED BY Buxton Press

Having been named in Ruben Amorim’s starting XI for the visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, tonight could see Harry Maguire make his 150th top-flight start for the Reds. That Premier League milestone has been split over seven seasons, beginning with a ‘full house’ of 38/38 starts in the defender’s maiden United campaign of 2019/20.

2025/26 FIXTURES

Manchester United and Greater Manchester Police have very detailed emergency procedures and contingency plans in place to deal with any emergency scenario which might arise at the

Part of these procedures can involve evacuation plans should such an eventuality be required. We strongly advise that should any unforeseen emergency incident develop

FernandesDorgu

FernandesDorguMbeumoMount

Ugarte

Fernandes

FernandesDorguMbeumo

Fernandes

Fernandes Dorgu MbeumoCunha

FernandesDalot

FernandesDalot MbeumoCunhaSesko

Help tackle discriminatory or offensive behaviour inside Old Trafford by texting ACTION to 66777* followed by the STAND, ROW and SEAT of the offender and then the nature of the problem. Allow us to do the rest. *Texts are charged at the standard network rate.

– you only pass if

Who made their first United appearance in our Premier League Summer Series game against Everton in August?

What was the aggregate score in last season’s Premier League meetings with Everton?

Against which team did Andrei Kanchelskis score his only United hat-trick?

player made the same number of appearances for

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

Altay BAYINDIR (GK)

Diogo DALOT

Noussair MAZRAOUI

Matthijs DE LIGT

Harry MAGUIRE

Lisandro MARTINEZ

Mason MOUNT

Bruno FERNANDES

Matheus CUNHA

Joshua ZIRKZEE

Tyrell MALACIA

Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU L eny YORO

Bryan MBEUMO

Tom HEATON (GK)

Luke SHAW

Manuel UGARTE

Ayden HEAVEN

Benjamin SESKO

Senne LAMMENS (GK)

Chido OBI

FREDRICSON

Kobbie MAINOO

FLETCHER

Jordan PICKFORD (GK)

Nathan PATTERSON

Michael KEANE

James TARKOWSKI

Dwight McNEIL

NDIAYE

Thierno BARRY

Mark TRAVERS (GK)

Jake O’BRIEN

Vitalii MYKOLENKO

Jack GREALISH

Tyler DIBLING

Kiernan DEWSBURY-HALL

Seamus COLEMAN

Charly ALCARAZ

Idrissa Gana GUEYE

Tom KING (GK)

Jarrad BRANTHWAITE

Merlin ROHL

James GARNER

Harry TYRER (GK)

Adam AZNOU

Tim IROEGBUNAM