Manchester United v Fulham PL match programme, 01.02.26

UNITED Review

MICHAEL CARRICK

Iam really proud of the way that all the players and staff have conducted themselves throughout the last two weeks. Together we have achieved two excellent results that are testament to everyone’s efforts and dedication. However, I know there is more to come from this group. There is so much quality in our team; they’ve given everything to reach the high standards that we expect at Manchester United.

We have a lot to fight for this season and we need to stay focused. We must keep going, knowing that we  have to continue to show the same application that we did against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Our only focus can be today’s visit of Marco Silva’s Fulham because the biggest game is always the next one. We know we’ll have to be at our best again this afternoon. With the energy you can feel among the group and with Old Trafford rocking, we know we’re more than capable of doing that again today.

I must mention that the support we had at the Emirates Stadium was unbelievable. Sunday was one of the best away ends I’ve seen for a long time. My family were in there and came back

“WE HAVE A LOT TO FIGHT FOR AND WE NEED TO STAY FOCUSED. WE MUST CONTINUE TO SHOW THE SAME APPLICATION THAT WE DID AGAINST CITY AND ARSENAL”

with some brilliant stories. Having had the privilege of playing in front of you, I know just how unique our away following is. There really is nothing in the world quite like it.   Keep pushing the team forward. When we’re all in it together, we really can create something special.

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

The players show their appreciation for the strong away support at the Emirates, and the home crowd can help play a part in today’s outcome, much like you did in our derby triumph last time out in M16

OLD TRAFFORD: 2pm

Momentum is building under our new head coach, as United seek another win against Marco Silva’s dangerous, in-form Fulham side...

Michael Carrick’s return to the United dugout could hardly have gone better.

Consecutive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal have extended his unbeaten run as head coach – including his first spell as interim in 2021 – to five matches. And the objective this afternoon is simple: to make it six with another victory.

During that first short stint in charge, our head coach oversaw wins against Arsenal and Villarreal, along with a draw against Chelsea. He has now added two more heavyweight scalps to his collection. Those were achieved by encouraging his side to play with freedom and attacking intent – plus showing aggression, committing bodies forward, shooting from range – and all built on a solid defensive base.

That approach was showcased superbly at Emirates Stadium last weekend. Bryan Mbeumo pounced on a defensive lapse, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu thundered home a stunning volley via the underside of the crossbar, and Matheus Cunha (below) curled an unforgettable winner beyond Gunners goalkeeper David Raya. Three goals of the highest quality on an afternoon to savour against the league leaders. The challenge now is consistency and focusing on each new challenge, something Carrick was quick to stress after the final whistle in north London seven days ago. “We’re not getting carried away,” he said. “We’ve got really important things coming up and we need to keep improving.”

The first chance to do so comes today against Fulham, a side who arrive at Old Trafford in fine form having quietly climbed to seventh in the Premier League table after 23 games played – suffering just one league defeat in their last seven outings. Marco Silva’s side are organised, resilient and unlikely to make things easy, placing the onus on Carrick’s men to dominate possession and take the game to our visitors. This fixture brings a different challenge, but the atmosphere on derby day reminded everyone of the part Old Trafford can play in helping the team achieve the result we all want. Fulham will offer a threat, but with us behind the Reds, Carrick’s charges will be confident of getting three important points. C’mon United!

6

Dorgu has contributed three goals during our unbeaten run of six Premier League games

That’s the current unbeaten run we’re on in the league, starting with the Boxing Day win over Newcastle United here, courtesy of another Dorgu stunner, and including our last two wins on the bounce, against City and Arsenal.

87

Joshua Zirkzee left it late to notch our winner last time we faced Fulham at Old Trafford in the Premier League, his debut goal being the sole strike in our meeting with the London side back in August 2024.

needs one

Bryan Mbeumo extended his tally at the top of our Premier League scoring chart last Sunday, but has Bruno Fernandes and Matheus Cunha not far behind with five – Cunha also netting in the win at Arsenal.

PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD AGAINST FULHAM

UNITED WINS 26 (70%)

PLAYED

LOST 4 (11%)

DRAWS 7 (19%)

4

Our right-back today will need to have their wits about them, as Fulham left winger Kevin (right) currently boasts four successful dribbles per 90, second only to City’s Jeremy Doku in the entire league, at the time of writing.

2014

It’s almost 12 years exactly since Michael Carrick scored his only goal against Fulham for United as a player, in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford – former Reds coach Rene Meulensteen was in the dugout for the Cottagers that day.

Fulham provided the opposition for our 2024/25 league opener, with debutant Zirkzee netting the only goal of the game

Bryan

more goal to hit double figures in all competitions for United this season

In case you missed it… United Review recaps all the latest news from around

march moves

A pair of our Premier League fixtures in March have been changed, due to TV scheduling. The away game against Newcastle will now kick off at 8.15pm on Wednesday 4 March, due to TNT Sports’ live coverage, and our trip to Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium has been moved to Friday 20 March (8pm), at the behest of Sky Sports. The home game between those two trips, against Aston Villa, is still pegged for 3pm on Saturday 14 March, at the time of writing, but that’s likely to move due to Villa’s confirmed participation in the last 16 of the Europa League. Keep your eyes on ManUtd.com and the United app for the latest updates.

Old Trafford

CASEMIRO TO DEPART

Three days before last Sunday’s memorable win at Arsenal, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro announced that he will depart the club at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing his four-year spell at Old Trafford to an end. “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” said the 33-year-old. “We still have a lot to fight for together. My complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.” United fans are already sure of that, if Case’s last two performances are anything to by!

HARRY & HEAVEN’S PODCAST

The latest episode of our new podcast, Inside Carrington, is out now, and features defenders Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven. It’s a fascinating listen, during which the two centre-backs discuss the instant impact of Michael Carrick, the similarities they share as players, and how they see the rest of the season going. You can listen now on your preferred streaming platform, while the video is also available via the official Manchester United YouTube channel.

Casemiro will head off on a new adventure this summer but will leave behind a fond legacy of his achievements, including becoming our all-time top Brazilian goalscorer

LAWRENCE RETURNS

NANI IS BACK! LEGENDS GO BACK TO ’76

United Legends will travel south to take on a Southampton XI in March, to help the Hampshire club mark 50 years since their 1976 FA Cup final victory over Tommy Docherty’s United side. Dimitar Berbatov and Louis Saha have already been confirmed for the Reds, and more star names are set to be announced in the coming weeks. The game will take place at the Saints’ St Mary’s home on Saturday 28 March (3pm), and there will be a dedicated section for United fans, with tickets priced £20 for adults and £10 for under-18s. To secure your tickets, you’ll need to create an account on Southampton’s website and purchase from tickets.southamptonfc.

Former United winger Nani has come out of retirement to play in Kazakhstan. The 39-year-old announced the end of his playing career in December 2024, and has even played in Legends matches for United, but recently decided to sign a one-year deal with FC Aktobe, which also includes ‘an expanded role within the club’s development project’. Nani won four Premier League titles with the Reds between 2007 and 2015, and famously scored in the decisive penalty shoot-out against Chelsea that helped us clinch the 2008 Champions League. Good luck in Asia!

Former Academy coach Adam Lawrence has returned to the club to lead our Under-21s for the remainder of the season. The Londoner was previously in charge of the U18s, before taking up a role with Newcastle United last year. But with Travis Binnion now moving up to the first-team set-up, under Michael Carrick, Lawrence has agreed to return as our U21s lead coach until the end of 2025/26. Darren Fletcher will continue to steward the U18s, and will also lead our Professional Development Phase (U17s-U21s) for the remainder of ’25/26. Welcome back, Adam!

NEW ROLE FOR ROCHE

Collette Roche has been appointed to a bespoke new role – CEO, new stadium development – as work continues to accelerate the Old Trafford Regeneration Plan. The news closely followed the launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, which marks a major milestone in the journey towards a new world-class home for the club. Omar Berrada said: “Collette has done a fantastic job leading the club’s work to develop our ambition to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as part of the wider Old Trafford Regeneration... we are delighted that Collette will now be totally focused on working to deliver this hugely important project.”

Berbatov is one of the United icons confirmed to take part in the Legends fixture on the south coast next month

Former U18s head coach Lawrence is back to head up our U21s, who lead the Premier League 2 table heading into this weekend’s round of fixtures

Nani featured 230 times for the Reds, and before coming out of retirement, last appeared for Estrela da Amadora, based in the city of his birth in Portugal

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laSt home fixT ure...

Well, that went pretty well, didn’t it?

Some of the commentary following Michael Carrick’s appointment as head coach until the end of the season focused on the challenging start he was set to encounter in his first week: a home meeting with our crosstown rivals Manchester City.

Carras, much as we saw him in the centre of the pitch for so many years as a player, took it all in his stride.

The possession stats – 32 per cent for United compared to City’s 68 per cent –might give the impression this was a smash-and-grab victory, resembling our last win against the Blues in December 2024, when a late penalty equaliser from Bruno Fernandes was topped off by an even-later, stunning Amad winner.

A last-minute comeback win, away from home, has its own particular attraction –but Carrick’s triumph here two weekends ago was different. For those who do like to pore over the stats, our seven shots on

The rampaging Reds brushed City aside in our previous Old Trafford outing –and it could have been much more!

target to City’s one, our six big chances to their none, and our 2.27 expected goals (xG) to their 0.45 all paint a better picture of the contest as it happened.

Rather than something to hang on to, Bryan Mbeumo’s 65th-minute strike – a clinical finish into the bottom corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal after a devastating counterattack – felt like nothing more than the Reds deserved.

The tone of the match had been set minutes after referee Anthony Taylor opened proceedings, with Harry Maguire crashing a header off the crossbar from a Bruno Fernandes corner. We’d hit the woodwork once more through Amad late in the game, moments that could easily be

lost in the frenzy of our three disallowed goals – the Ivorian having what would have been the opener ruled out for offside, followed by further flagged efforts for Fernandes and Mason Mount.

Donnarumma’s post almost denied us once again when Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu got on the end of an inviting Matheus Cunha cross on 76 minutes, but thankfully the Dane’s first-time effort –having muscled past Rico Lewis to get there first – struck the inside of the post and went in to double our lead in front of a bouncing Stretford End.

It was another tangible reward for Dorgu’s blistering form since being unleashed in a more attacking role on

After going close on several occasions, the Reds finally got the breakthrough when Mbeumo fired home the opener just after the hour mark

The atmosphere inside Old Trafford would play its part in a much-deserved derby win

“Hopefully it’s just the start and something we can build on. We’re not getting carried away massively, but you’ve got to enjoy the feeling, certainly, when you get it” – CARRICK

the wing, combining considerable athleticism with seemingly endless energy to terrify defences, added to a perhaps, at times, underrated creative spark.

But it speaks volumes that amid everything thus far mentioned it was our captain who scooped our Man of the Match award, as voted for by fans on the United app and ManUtd.com. Bruno created the most chances (six), one of which was in setting up Mbeumo’s opener, but wasn’t afraid to get stuck in with the grittier side of the game, also making the most tackles (four) of any player on the pitch.

You could spend all day waxing lyrical about individual performances in that lunchtime kick-off at the Theatre of Dreams, plenty not mentioned in this report, but this certainly won’t be the last time the game is revisited.

Above all, our derby-day win was the perfect platform to launch Carrick’s interim spell in charge. We now have eight home games remaining at Old Trafford this term, including today’s match against Fulham. Bring them on!

manchester united 2 MBEUMO 65, DORGU 76 manchester CITY 0

17 JAN 2026 | 12.30PM | OLD TRAFFORD | ATT: 74,004

United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw (Heaven 90+1); Casemiro (Ugarte 81), Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes (Mount 90+1), Dorgu; Mbeumo (Cunha 71)

Unused subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Yoro, J Fletcher, Sesko

Booked: Dalot, Shaw

Dorgu doubled our lead after he got on the end of Cunha’s inviting goalmouth delivery

It was the perfect start for our new head coach, who praised his team’s derby performance

Job complete, the delighted players head back to the home dressing room to continue their celebrations

The Old Trafford scoreboard made for satisfying reading as the clock ticked down

adidas x United x Stone Roses

United’s men’s and women’s players model the new Stone Roses range –released earlier this week – blending football heritage, Manchester music culture and modern style…

Kobbie Mainoo models the bucket hat, long-sleeved jersey and scarf

The new range is inspired by legendary Manchester band The Stone Roses, and includes this jersey styled in the artwork from the cover of their song I Wanna Be Adored – which is the foundation of this latest collaboration

Casemiro models the track top in an artful shot taken during the official photoshoot that captured the range

Our leading scorer Bryan Mbeumo – wearing bucket hat and track top combo – has made a real impression since moving north

There are two choices of footwear in the new lifestyle range, including these Stone Roses branded white adidas Tobacco trainers, which display the distinctive lemon logo that is part of the band’s imagery

Melvine Malard loves her music and fashion, and was one of the stars of the shoot.

“The colour is so good –I think it gives energy,” Mel says of this shirt

United Women’s Fridolina Rolfo shows off the scarf bearing the title of the track that informs the range

Matheus Cunha wears the T-shirt, which has the I Wanna Be Adored song title on the chest

The back of the T-shirt displays the artwork from the single –a Jackson Pollock-inspired design by

There was a fitting tribute on the players’ track tops last Sunday as they came out for the game against Arsenal, as a mark of respect to Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. An avid Red, Mani sadly passed away in November

Bruno leads the way: the skipper walks the Reds out at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday prior to a pulsating victory over the Gunners

The range was first seen earlier in the day when Maya Le Tissier led out Manchester United Women at Villa Park. Marc Skinner’s side went on to beat Aston Villa 4-1

Scan here to see the full range at United Store:

Roses guitarist (and United fan) John Squire

LOVE To See IT!

Carrick’s revamped Reds look alive with possibilities following monumental wins over title contenders City and Arsenal…

COME TOGETHER

It’s fair to say that few expected United to perform quite so strongly against the two best teams in the Premier League. But the Reds have been superb so far under Michael Carrick, and there are loads of reasons why. We’ll get to some of those later, but as we return to Old Trafford for the first time since last month’s Manchester derby, let’s start with M16 itself. The relationship between players and fans is always a two-way street –both elements need to inspire the other. But when the two things are working together in perfect harmony… wow, Manchester United can feel almost unconquerable.

According to Lisandro Martinez, the instruction Carrick had given the first team before the match against Pep Guardiola’s Blues was: “Use the energy of the people.” And that’s what happened, across 90-plus minutes of bold, biting football and terrace noise terrorism. “When we are together like this, it is impossible to lose at home,” reckoned Martinez, after a 2-0 scoreline which flattered the visitors, if anything. Let’s keep that going for as long as we can…

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHT

Key to creating the hostile atmosphere that City never managed to get on top of was the aggression shown by Martinez (right) and his centre-back partner Harry Maguire. Many things can get Old Trafford passionately engaged in a game and fiercely behind the Reds, and strong tackles and players that stand up to opponents are clearly two of them.

When Maguire escorted Bernardo Silva towards the advertising hoardings, the Stretford End got right behind the Yorkshireman. And Martinez dominating the humongous Erling Haaland – who was substituted with 10 minutes left – was received even more rapturously.

Carrick congratulates Cunha after the Brazilian’s late match-winner at the Emirates made it back-to-back wins under our new head coach

KOBBIE’S COMEBACK

The peripherality of Kobbie Mainoo was one of the major topics during Ruben Amorim’s tenure as head coach, but Carrick has wasted no time in reinstalling the England international to the heart of United’s midfield. Mainoo was superb in the derby – with an imperious feint away from Antoine Semenyo his personal highlight – and continued to impress in

the 3-2 win at Arsenal last Sunday. The winning goal there, scored by Matheus Cunha, could not have happened without the Stopfordian’s nimble technical dexterity in tight spaces. Let’s hope he has a big part to play in the remainder of the season.

BIG-TIME BRYAN

All of the goals scored in the famous wins over City and Arsenal were netted by recruits signed in the calendar year of 2025. And while Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha have taken the lion’s share of recent praise (more on them in a mo), let’s take a few seconds to shout-out another recruit who has made a big impact: our top scorer in 2025/26, Bryan Mbeumo.

He scored our opening goals in both fixtures, and each finish was tucked away with cool aplomb, under significant pressure. The game against City was locked at 0-0 until the 65th minute, despite our dominance, so Mbeumo’s unerring finish past Donnarumma was a vital step in converting our strong performance into a winning one. At Arsenal, meanwhile, he got us back in the game after an opening half-hour in which we’d barely launched a meaningful attack. The Cameroonian now has nine for the season, which is four more than any other Red.

THAT MAN PAT

The winner for January’s Player of the Month award was due to be announced on ManUtd.com yesterday, after this issue of UR went to print. So we’ve no idea who has won. But if there’s any justice in the world, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu will have gone very close to winning his first individual prize since arriving from Lecce, because his performances since Christmas have been superb.

It started with that wonder-volley against Newcastle and his promotion to a more attacking role, but Dorgu reached new heights with stunning goals against City and Arsenal. His Tony Yeboah-style Exocet at the Emirates will surely be in the running for our Goal of the Season prize, but it’s Dorgu’s energy and enthusiasm that are most lovely to see. Tomorrow marks a year since his arrival from Italy, and his development during the last 12 months has been wonderful to see.

Luke Shaw

Mainoo – restored to the starting line-up for our last three games – keeps track of Arsenal dangerman Bukayo Saka as he puts in another impressive shift

Our leading goalscorer marked his return from AFCON duty with goals in both of our big wins over City and Arsenal

Dorgu soaks up the deserved adulation following his stunning howitzer against the Gunners

CUNHA’S COnfidence

It’s no exaggeration to say that since Matheus Cunha’s first match as a Manchester United player – August’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal – UR has been predicting that the Brazilian would deliver a big, memorable moment. Last weekend it came, with that stunning, whipped 25-yard strike that earned our first outright victory at the Emirates Stadium for exactly seven years. The Brazilian has that swagger that many of the best United players have had, from Best to Cantona to Ibrahimovic, and has the confidence to try things and impose himself during the big moments. He’s been building steadily during the last month and now has four goals in his last nine appearances, so that magical contribution in north London was no surprise. But it still took the breath away. Let’s just hope there are many more like it to come in the years ahead.

HOLD THIS THOUGHT

The Arsenal result propelled us to fourth place in the Premier League table – our highest position since May 2023 – ahead of this matchweek. And while we’ve fluttered around the top six or seven

for much of this season, for the first time there seems real hope among fans that we are capable of a finish that can secure Champions League football. It won’t be easy, of course – and games like today’s fixture against Fulham have proved tricky for us in recent years – but the team has rediscovered what it can do with belief and confidence. Let’s cradle that for as long as we can, and keep moving on up.

Player F ocus

CASEMIRO

What’s the story? The Brazilian is having his best season since his very first campaign at United, back in 2022/23. He recently announced he will leave the club in May, at the end of his contract – but on the evidence of recent months, his influence will be felt right up until the very end of 2025/26.

How so? Since he forced his way back into the starting XI during Ruben Amorim’s spell as head coach, Casemiro has used his experience and guile to steady United during a turbulent year. And despite the news of his impending departure, his form shows no sign of fading, which is a testament to his professionalism and competitive pride.

Next steps? With the World Cup looming, and Champions League qualification up for grabs, expect to see a strong finish to Case’s United career. And when he does leave, there will be a fond farewell from the Old Trafford faithful for this top pro.

Cunha celebrates his match-clinching finish at the Emirates as his stock continues to rise

The re-energised Reds have restored belief that European football could return to Old Trafford next season

to keep going NOW WE JUST HAVE

Five months into his United career, the young Belgian goalkeeper discusses settling into life at Old Trafford, adapting to the Premier League, and the calm approach shaping his performances…

It’s nearly five months into your Manchester United career. Do you feel settled here?

To be honest, yeah, I do. It feels longer, actually. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and I think I’ve played quite good in the last couple of months. I’m quite happy with my performance on the pitch. ah, everything’s come together quite nicely.

And how are things off the pitch?

I’ve been living at the same spot now for a couple of months. At the moment I’m here alone, but most of the time people are coming to watch the game. It’s been really nice, actually.

ou watch a lot of football at home then?

No, not really. My philosophy a little bit is that I see a lot of football in my day-to-day, in my schedule, so I don’t really watch a lot of football at home when I’m in my off-time. I try to do other stuff and other sports a little bit. I do watch other sports, but not really football.

Which other sports do you watch?

A bit of NFL, NBA, some golf as well. So, I would say those kind of things.

Do you play golf yourself?

I try to, you know. Now it’s a bit more

difficult because the [football] season is obviously quite busy. But when I get some time off, I sometimes try to do some golf here.

We recently had an NBA match in London – Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo went to it… I couldn’t go, unfortunately. I went home to Belgium, so I couldn’t go to that one. But, yeah, something like that would be really interesting to go to.

You mentioned when you signed that you keep notes in journals – writing down your feelings before and after games, to help keep your mind clear. Are you still doing that?

Yeah, I try to stay with it. When things are going well, and when they’re not going not so well, it’s always good to keep those things going. Those things are going to help me with the performances at the weekend.

Now that you’ve been here a while, what do you make of the Premier League? Is it how you imagined it would be?

I would say so, yeah. It’s very physical and everything is quite fast because the quality is better than in Belgium, where I played before. Set-pieces are a big thing, especially for goalkeepers, because they’re very physical. But I would say I’ve got used

SENNE LAMMENS S L interview

STYLE?

to it a bit. But it’s the best league for a reason so you have to get used to it and the qualities that are there.

And is the atmosphere at games different? And was the atmosphere against Manchester City recently the best you’ve experienced?

I think it has to be one of the best, if not the best, game I’ve been part of. Just every facet, like defending, attacking, the amount of chances we created, not giving away any chances. I thought it was really something. So, we hope we can do that again almost every home game, to be honest.

Is that what you thought Old Trafford would be like, when everyone comes together?

The things you heard from the past in Manchester... you hope you can experience those days and those nights. And I think that game [against City] was one of them. You try to just, like in the future, get as many of those nights as possible and then hopefully get some trophies.

You’ve also experienced Anfield and Elland Road for the first time this season. How did you find those games and atmospheres? Quite hostile! So, they were also special games for me. [At Leeds] It was too bad we couldn’t come away with the three points. But they were really nice games to play and good experience for me as well to get into those games. I think if you can get your

“the city win has to be one of the best, if not the best, game I’ve been part of. every facet, like defending, attacking, the amount of chances we created, not giving away any chances”

performance in and just stay the same way as you did, like playing at home, I think it’s a good lesson to learn as a young goalkeeper. And if you know you can do it, then you can do it almost everywhere. So, yeah, it’s nice to know as well.

Michael Carrick has come in with his coaches. How are you finding things now? It’s early days still… Really good. Especially with the win against City. You can feel like the work you do in the week delivers you the performance in the weekend. Now we just have to continue to build on that. I think if we can get going like we did [against City] in the next couple of games we can do a good thing in the league as well this season.

Lammens makes a crucial save in another impressive victory under new head coach Carrick – and the Belgian hopes he and his team-mates can maintain that winning form

SL

Not many points separate a lot of teams in the league table at the moment…

Over the last couple of weeks our feeling was that we weren’t really there, we didn’t really get the results, the three points, with all of the draws in there. But you can still see we’re right near the top and where we want to be. It also gives you big encouragement that it’s wide open and you can go for it. Now we just have to keep going.

In the Premier League, there are quite a few Dutch and Belgian keepers now. Like Robin Roefs at Sunderland, Matz Sels at Nottingham Forest, Bart Verbruggen at Brighton, and there’s Marco Bizot at Villa as well. The Low Countries are producing so many new goalkeepers…

If you also see the national teams, I think in general the goalkeeper quality of those countries is quite high. I think it’s no surprise for me that a lot of goalkeepers from Belgium and Netherlands play in the Premier League now. It’s nice to see as well that from a young age they try to work with the goalkeepers, and that it pans out as well with people coming through.

Belgium has got a rich history of producing top goalkeepers…

I think we always have quite a few of the best goalkeepers in the world in Belgium. Thibaut

“I think being calm and steady and collected is one of the things most managers and clubs look at in a goalkeeper”

Courtois, who I train with in the Belgium team, is a big example of how big Belgian goalkeeping is in the world. I hope I can also get my career going and also maybe get to a point like that.

Fans have commented on the calmness in your game. It’s a key feature of yours, isn’t it?

Yeah, it probably is actually. I think it’s Belgian people, sometimes Dutch people as well – although sometimes Dutch people can be quite open. That’s quite different to me, for example. I think one of my biggest qualities as well is I try to bring calm and peace to the defence. You could say that it’s maybe also a Belgium thing, yeah.

Maybe that’s the way goalkeeping is going. You have the ball at your feet quite a lot, so you really have to be calm….

I think being calm and steady and collected is one of the things most managers and clubs look at in a goalkeeper, because it’s one of the most difficult positions. So, you want to get trust in your goalkeeper. And I think, I hope, I can do that as well in the future. And I think I’ve done a pretty good job at it these past couple of days and games.

You made your international debut for Belgium a few months ago. What was that like as an experience for you?

It was a special thing. I feel like this year has been a big year for me as club goalkeeper, like with my move to Man United, but also with the Belgium team as well. It was a real honour, big honour, to make my debut. I hope in the future I can get more.

Obviously, you’d love to be involved in the World Cup in the summer. Is that something that’s in the back of your mind?

I think, to be honest, you have to just keep performing with your team and then those things come. If I just keep doing my thing week in, week out with Manchester United then I think I always have a chance to be in the Belgium squad.●

Our Belgian stopper has enjoyed his start to life at United and is focused on doing his best every time he takes to the pitch

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FULHAM

Flying high as a rich vein of form propels them closer to a dream return to Europe, the Cottagers arrive in M16 eager to keep those hopes on track…

Without a league win in their three 2026, three back-

KEY DETAILS

Nickname: The Cottagers Founded: 1879 (as St Andrews Cricket & Football Club) Ground: Craven Cottage (capacity 24,500) Last season: Premier League, 11th; FA Cup, quarter-finals; League Cup, R3 Top achievements: Second Division champions 1948/49, 2000/01, 2021/22; FA Cup runners-up 1975; Europa League runners-up: 2010 (right)

TALKING POINTS

Fulham are flying. Seventh in the table, having taken 17 points from the last 24 available, the Cottagers have overcome a slow start to put themselves in contention for a first crack at Europe since 2011/12. Marco Silva’s side were 17th after nine games but since the start of November, only Premier League top three Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City have picked up more points than the west Londoners’ 26 thanks to a mixture of the Portuguese coach’s tactical ingenuity and his players’ never-say-die spirit. Last weekend’s come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Brighton provided further proof of the latter. With his side 1-0 down with 18 minutes to go, substitute Samuel Chukwueze levelled on his return from AFCON duty with Nigeria with a calm side-footed finish before Harry Wilson’s injury-time free-kick – the in-form Welshman’s 17th goal involvement in 17 games for club and country since the start of November – sent Craven Cottage into ecstasy. “What a win,” Marco Silva said. “A draw was probably the fair result but the reality is we were rewarded for our belief to get the three points.”

European dreams

In charge since the summer of 2021, Silva has transformed a club that yo-yoed between the Championship and Premier League in the four seasons prior to his arrival into stable top-flight regulars with continental aspirations. In the west London derby against Chelsea two-and-a-half weeks ago, the proactive Portuguese manager swapped wide forward Kevin for centre-back Jorge Cuenca to take advantage of Marc Cucurella’s first-half red card – the ensuing pressure told with another Wilson winner nine minutes from time.

Even the increasingly rare games that Fulham fail to win seem to deliver season-defining moments. Against Liverpool last month, Harrison Reed’s first goal for 995 days – a 25-yard, 97th-minute piledriver that came moments after Cody Gakpo had put their opponents in front – delivered a 2-2 draw that felt like a win.

“We are giving year after year, good feelings for the fans,” said Silva, whose contract runs out at the end of the season, “and that’s the most important thing.”

“What a win. A draw was probably the fair result but the reality is we were rewarded for our belief”

– Silva following Fulham’s 2-1 victory over Brighton

Chukwueze celebrates his second-half equaliser against Brighton last weekend before the Cottagers sealed all three points with a late Wilson winner

Reed’s late leveller against Liverpool last month exemplified Fulham’s ability to dig out results

tactics board

Silva’s tactical adaptability is central to Fulham’s resurgence, with 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3 and even 4-4-2 formations deployed in 2026 alone to limit opposition output and take advantage of Wilson’s annus mirabilis. Though a repeat of the two-striker system is unlikely today – a disappointing 1-0 loss at Leeds last month featured the Welshman up alongside Raul Jimenez – Wilson’s intelligence at finding space, alongside his unerring finishing from 12 to 20 yards, makes him such a threat cutting inside from the right wing, or as a genuine no.10. Fulham rely on him, too – only West Ham and Wolves have created fewer big chances in the top flight this term.

Having Alex Iwobi back from AFCON should help in that regard, with the former Arsenal midfielder used with Sander Berge last weekend against

Brighton as a pair of box-to-box midfielders in front of the back four.

Further forward, another ex-Gunner, Emile Smith Rowe, interchanged with Brazilian summer signing Kevin as either central playmaker or narrow left-winger. Chukwueze, teenage Academy starlet Josh King and Ryan Sessegnon, who has deputised well for the injured Robinson but can also play high up the pitch, all offer attacking alternatives. Full-backs Timothy Castagne and fit-again Antonee Robinson have licence to overlap.

In defence, Jorge Cuenca has impressed in Calvin Bassey’s AFCON absence, but the latter is pushing for a recall which could lead to a back three with centre-back mainstay Joachim Andersen at its heart. Backing all that up is Bernd Leno, who remains one of the division’s finest pure shot-stoppers.

recent STARTING XI

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

the manager

MARCO SILVA

Today will be the 10th time the 48-year-old Portuguese has led a Fulham side against the Reds (second only to Bedford Jezzard (11), who led the London side from 1958-64). Now in his fifth season at Fulham, the ambitious former Everton, Hull and Watford boss – a right-back as a player for a variety of Portuguese clubs –is on course for his best Premier League finish.

FORWARDS

In-demand schemer

HARRY WILSON

The talismanic 28-year-old has a personal-best eight Premier League goals and four assists this season, prompting Fulham boss Marco Silva to say: “He’s in the best moment of his career.” Wilson also won December’s Premier League Goal of the Month for a sumptuous one-two and flicked finish against Crystal Palace, before scoring January winners against Chelsea and Brighton, making for quite the showreel. Out of contract in the summer, the Wrexham-born Welsh international has outperformed his xG by more than any other top-flight player so far this season.

Mexican link man

RAUL JIMENEZ

The experienced 34-year-old may have only five league goals this term but he has a happy knack of bagging when the Cottagers need him most. Jimenez scored back-to-back winners against Nottingham Forest and West Ham either side of Christmas, while his superb header set up January’s 2-1 defeat of Chelsea, yet it is the 6ft 2in centre-forward’s all-round game that stands out. The former Wolves man – capped 121 times by Mexico – is expert at dropping deep to link play for attacking midfielders to surge beyond into space.

Dominant defender

JOACHIM ANDERSEN

No Fulham outfielder has appeared in more top-flight minutes this season than the towering Dane, whose aerially dominant 6ft 4in frame combines with sure technique to start attacks from deep and ping long passes over opposition defences, such as last weekend’s rapier-like effort to set up Samuel Chukwueze’s equaliser against Brighton. A rapidly maturing leader, the Cottagers’ vice-captain is still only 29 and has helped ease little-used centre-back Jorge Cuenca into the first-team picture in the AFCON-enforced absence of erstwhile partner Calvin Bassey.

4The current season is Fulham’s fourth consecutive campaign in the Premier League since their 2021/22 Championship success, and the club previously labelled a ‘yo-yo’ side has since looked very settled in the top flight, finishing 10th, 13th and 11th. 8

The start of their most recent promotion – in which they’d go on to top the Championship with 90 points – was when Silva first took charge, and four and a half years on, it’s now the longest spell of his managerial career.

The highest number of goals in this fixture, on two occasions: a 5-3 United win at Highbury in the 1958 FA Cup semi-final, less than two months after the Munich Air Disaster, and a 4-4 league draw in 1960 at Craven Cottage.

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

The second-tier Reds had never faced Southern League stalwarts Fulham until the FA Cup intermediate round in January 1905, and two replays were needed to determine a winner. Charles Mackie and Thomas Arkesden were on target for us in a 2-2 draw at our former Bank Street home, which preceded a goalless stalemate at Craven Cottage and Fulham’s 1-0 upset at a neutral Villa Park.

Some 101 years on, the sides met on the opening day of the 2006/07 Premier League season with all eyes on apparently warring team-mates, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

A month-and-a-half earlier at the 2006 World Cup, the England forward had been sent off for an accidental stamp on Ricardo Carvalho during the Three Lions’ exit to Portugal, with pantomime villain Ronaldo alerting the referee to his international team-mate’s plight and winking to the bench. “There’s

every chance Wayne Rooney could go back to the Manchester United training ground and stick one on Ronaldo,” BBC pundit Alan Shearer had huffed after the Portuguese struck the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Newspaper The Sun soon released a Ronaldo dartboard so England fans “could get revenge on football’s biggest winker”. The bullseye was CR7’s right peeper. Despite all the outside noise, Ronaldo and Rooney had already made peace – first in the tunnel in Gelsenkirchen and then in numerous

Two replays were needed to determine a winner when the second-tier Reds first faced Fulham in 1905

phone calls over the summer to ensure there were no hard feelings.

Rooney and Ronaldo dovetailed brilliantly against the Cottagers, the former crossing for the latter to score a fine back-post half-volley that put the Reds 4-0 up inside 20 minutes. Rooney bagged himself a second of the game after the interval in a marauding 5-1 win.

“You could tell he [Ronaldo] and Wayne are the best of pals,” smiled Sir Alex Ferguson at full-time. “People always look for scapegoats but we have a great spirit here.” Both players went on to score 23 goals in a title-winning campaign.

Our most recent Fulham fixture –meeting no.95 – was another August encounter, earlier this term. Despite a missed Bruno Fernandes penalty, the Reds led through a Rodrigo Muniz own goal before Emile Smith Rowe equalised for the Cottagers 17 minutes from time.

Ronaldo moves on from the World Cup to cut through Fulham’s defence as he helps the Reds to a 5-1 season-opening win in 2006

manchester born & bbred

Official Betting Partner

NEW STYLE, MAT

has a

eel, and a very specific theme – and is on sale at Old Trafford today…

400th edition last October, it was a landmark moment. which had been running continuously

Back in the winter of 1992 when the magazine was first published, under the , football looked very different to the way it looks today, and the same can be said for the media landscape. In the ensuing years, as United trailblazing successes were chronicled in the magazine’s pages, a revolution also

television channel MUTV quickly followed,

contrast to the era in which the magazine

channel of communication between club and supporters – fans by now had many means of engagement with the club and to which the printed page, compared to , hit

VINYL COUNTDOWN

number 400, it felt the right time for the publication to complete that natural shift in paradigm. It went out in a blaze of glory with a retrospective collector’s edition –and a promise to return anew in 2026.

Last week that pledge was fulfilled with the release of the relaunched, restyled – and renamed – club magazine. United hit the shelves on Wednesday with an innovative new physical appearance, new upweighted size of 132 pages – and a new content proposition. Whereas in its previous monthly form the magazine touched all bases and maintained a reporting role, from issue one of the relaunched quarterly publication forward, there is to be a central theme to each edition that underpins and informs the content throughout.

For the launch issue, that theme is ‘United and music’. It’s an idea that was inspired by the new adidas x United x Stone Roses clothing range – a stunning collection bringing together football, fashion and music as an iconic trinity.

The photoshoot for that range gives the magazine its striking front cover (opposite) – Bryan Mbeumo clutching a guitar in unmistakable Stone Roses livery – and the inside story of that shoot provides the issue with its first big feature. From that platform, and to the overarching music theme, the pages pour forth.

There is the story of Madchester, the heady era spanning the late 1980s and early 1990s during which The Stone Roses, Manchester and United became icons not just of the north but of the

globe. There’s also an exploration of what came before that epoch, from the bequiffed rock’n’roll-era Busby Babes through the Swinging Sixties symbolised by ‘El Beatle’ George Best, and onward. There are four fully exclusive player interviews as well – Q&As that you

won’t find anywhere else before being published in the magazine – with Diogo Dalot, Melvine Malard, Mason Mount and Ayden Heaven taking the questions. Terrace songs and club releases feature (including the inside story of our number one hit Come On You Reds that heralded our first Double in 1994), while David Beckham and Andy Cole are among the Reds legends who appear (do you remember Coley’s record, Outstanding?). There’s lots more to interest fans – and music-lovers – inside the carefully curated issue. It finishes, indeed, with a brand new interview with Peter Hook, legendary bass guitarist for Joy Division and New Order – and, of course, a diehard Red. Supporters who regularly read Inside United will definitely find something to enjoy – and will find familiar authenticity – in the relaunched version of the club magazine. And new readers are very welcome to give the fresh United edition a go. We have done our level best to ensure it is a rich and high-quality publication –and still made just for United supporters, from inside the club.

United magazine is on sale at the booths around Old Trafford and in the Megastore today. It can be also be found in shops and newsagents, and can be bought or subscribed to online by scanning the QR code here:

United legends, Fulham chapters

Such is the tribalism of football, it’s becoming increasingly rare to see retired players appreciated by more than one former club. Invariably, there is a single crest they wore on their jersey with which they become most closely associated – often to the exclusion of all others. And this is why the widespread affection shown towards goalkeeping great Edwin van der Sar is so genuinely heartwarming.

The esteem in which the goalkeeper is held by his first club, Ajax – where he later returned after hanging up his gloves – is undeniable. The Dutchman remains fondly remembered at Fulham after an impressive four-season stay at Craven Cottage, and you’ll hardly need telling that his place in the pantheon of United greats is as assured as his goalkeeping was across six stellar seasons with us.

It proved a real struggle to find a fitting replacement after the exit of Peter Schmeichel in the summer of 1999, with numerous candidates initially impressing but ultimately falling short. That malaise was eventually ended when Sir Alex Ferguson finally landed Fulham’s impressive man between the sticks.

Edwin had arrived at the Cottagers via a remarkable transfer coup for the newly promoted side, signing from Juventus in the summer of 2001. Across the next four seasons, he proved himself one of the top-flight’s most impressive goalkeepers, making 154 appearances for the London club, and keeping 52 clean sheets. During this spell in the capital he faced United eight times in all competitions – wearing this shirt, pictured right, in his only win against us as a Fulham player: a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford in October 2003. His overall record for Fulham against

United’s museum contains reminders of Reds who also impressed at Craven Cottage – with two players in particular holding a special place in our history…

the Reds? Four defeats, three draws and that one win.

Sir Alex made no secret of his admiration for Edwin, a player he had tried to sign in 1999, before finally getting his man in the summer of 2006. By the time he retired from the game in May 2011, van der Sar had amassed 266 Reds appearances, kept 135 clean sheets, and won 11 pieces of silverware in six seasons. When debating the greatest goalkeeper in United’s history, his name – and that of Schmeichel – is always part of the conversation.

The other artefact from the club archives pictured here stands small, has no facial features, but is instantly recognisable as another Reds legend. It’s a lead metal figure of George Best – in a classic, ready-to-play stance – part of the Keymen football series of hand-painted diecast models. Best is regarded as a genius who turned matches into performances, with Old Trafford his personal stage. He wasn’t just about goals and trophies; he embodied freedom, flair and fearless creativity. This metal figure freezes that magic in time; a tribute to a player who often felt larger than life.

opponents. Late in his career, he briefly turned out for Fulham, drawing crowds simply by pulling on the shirt across 47

Just like van der Sar, Best’s story also involved a spell with today’s

club museum and one of several artefacts that link us with today’s opponents

The Fulham goalkeeper jersey worn by Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford in October 2003 – two years prior to him joining United. That fixture – one of eight he faced against the Reds while with the Cottagers – provided his solitary win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s men, having kept fellow countryman Ruud van Nistelrooy (below) and his United team-mates largely at bay in a 3-1 triumph

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

Mbeumo BRYAN

UNITEDReview

Amad

UNITED Review

ALL-ROUND EVOLUTION

A transformative year has reshaped Amad into a smarter, more complete forward –and his rise is only just beginning…

I’m so happy,” beamed Amad in January of last year, match ball under his arm, after single-handedly averting an Old Trafford upset at the hands of table-propping Southampton. The Ivorian trickster had pounced clinically three times from the 82nd minute onwards, sealing a 3-1 win over the Saints to cap an unforgettable personal week, fresh from penning a new long-term contract extension. And his expression was mirrored all around, whichever way he turned.

Up in the Old Trafford gantry, TNT Sports’ Ally McCoist grinned: “Look at the smile on that little man’s face. Brilliant, absolutely fantastic,” while his co-commentator Darren Fletcher marvelled: “What a lovely, humble, intelligent, smashing kid. Look what it means to everybody. You can see how popular he is amongst his teammates – every one of them.”

For the yellow-clad Southampton players slinking from the field,

Amad’s popularity was less pronounced. Half-hearted congratulations and farewells preceded mournful shoe-gazing and head-shaking as they made for the away dressing room. For all his good vibes, the former Atalanta speedster had laid bare his cut-throat capabilities, overrunning the visitors within a month of a dramatic last-gasp winner at Manchester City and a point-saving intervention at Anfield.

Making strides

A year on, the depth of his development is plain for all to see. The sprint start to Michael Carrick’s Old Trafford tenure has already yielded stints in the spotlight for many – back-to-back goalscorers Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu; Bruno Fernandes thriving in an advanced playmaking role; Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire as defensive bedrock; Matheus Cunha’s phenomenal contributions from the bench; Kobbie Mainoo’s return to prominence. And yet,

while most eyes may be elsewhere, Amad has been a key component of two morale-boosting victories over Manchester City and Arsenal which had propelled the Reds into the Premier League’s top four ahead of this weekend.

Speaking after United’s Manchester derby win in his opening game, Carrick knew where praise needed to be directed, stressing: “The two wide lads, Amad and Dorgu, were fantastic both ways,” while his former team-mate, Wayne Rooney, echoed in his Match of the Day post-mortem: “I thought Amad and Dorgu on the wings were excellent with the work rate they put in to help the full-backs out; they got into a compact shape and hit Man City on the break.”

That manifested most obviously in the Reds’ opening goal, where Amad’s contribution – despite no involvement with the ball – was priceless. The jet-heeled no.16 was off at full pelt from virtually the moment Maguire headed clear to Mbeumo, and while

the Cameroonian flicked the ball to Fernandes before taking the return pass and arrowing home his finish, the Ivorian’s sprint from penalty area to penalty area distracted City’s backpedalling defenders and created the space for Mbeumo to drill home. By that stage, Amad had already had a goal chalked off for a marginal offside after rounding goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. He subsequently released substitute Cunha twice with astute through balls, firstly as the Brazilian crossed for Dorgu to secure the points, then as Mason Mount’s apparent late third was again denied by a fractional offside call. For good measure, the Ivorian also surged forward on a late counter-raid before bludgeoning a right-footed rasper against the upright, despite running on fumes. Out of possession, his diligence in constantly screening the cautioned Diogo Dalot was priceless, reducing the perennial threat of City winger Jeremy Doku and keeping the Belgian firmly on the fringes

of the game. Though lacking the tangible reward of a timeless goal such as his 2024 effort to settle an FA Cup classic against Liverpool or that adroitly-taken winner at the Etihad Stadium, Amad’s contribution was absolutely key to an unforgettable afternoon at Old Trafford.

International stage

Moreover, it came in his first domestic outing since December’s rollercoaster encounter with Bournemouth, in which his close-range header sparked a 4-4 thriller and validated Cherries boss Andoni Iraola’s pre-match warning: “Amad is now even more important, an even bigger threat.” In the intervening weeks, Amad had announced himself as one of the stars of his first Africa Cup of Nations, winning three Player of

the Match awards in five appearances for Ivory Coast and netting against Mozambique, Cameroon and Burkina Faso. While a quarter-final exit to Egypt curtailed his involvement earlier than he might have liked, the United winger nevertheless found his reputation further enhanced after his on the

“There is something about AFCON that exposes character as much as quality. The games are intense, the margins small, and the scrutiny enormous back home. Amad has thrived in that environment,” Sporting Life ’s Ryan Baldi. “He has not simply popped up with goals; he has driven Ivory Coast’s attack, demanding the ball,

Amad sees his goal against City ruled out for offside, but even that failed to diminish the speedy Ivorian’s impressive contribution

taking responsibility in tight spaces and producing decisive moments when games threatened to slip away.

“What stands out most is the clarity of his role. For Ivory Coast, Amad has been used where he is best: starting wide on the right, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, and operating close enough to goal to make things happen. There is no confusion about his brief. He is there to create, to score, to be the spark.

“AFCON has provided a controlled experiment: put Amad in his best position, give him responsibility and see what happens. What happened was three goals, an assist and a reminder of why United invested in him in the first place. The race for Champions League qualification will not be decided by theory. It will be decided by moments, by players who can turn tight games. United do not need Amad to be perfect; they need him to be decisive. His AFCON heroics suggest he is ready for that burden.”

Rounded contributor

Though Amad is now operating in his more conventional role as a right-sided attacker, there is no question that the education and positional rotation he has undergone since breaking into United’s first team is now paying dividends. Signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and loaned to Rangers and Sunderland, the Ivorian had to remain patient to both overcome injuries and prove himself to Erik ten Hag. When the Dutchman was replaced by Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese quickly saw potential for a juggling of attacking and defensive duties, stationing Amad at right-wing-back and praising the attitude and application with which he met the substantial challenge of completely reinventing his game, on the job, in the world’s most physical and competitive league.

While occasionally fielded as a rightsided no.10 under Amorim, one of the subplots of this season has been the link-up between Amad and Mbeumo. For the most part, that has taken the form of Amad at right-wing-back and Mbeumo as right-sided 10, yielding assists from the former for the latter at both Liverpool and Tottenham. Under Carrick, both have shunted roles, with the Cameroonian operating centrally and the Ivorian restored to the right wing in a supporting

First off the mark in last December’s eight-goal thriller with Bournemouth, our no.16 continues to show why opponents consider him a key threat

“United fans always give me energy, always support me in everything. I want to give my best every time I’m on the pitch”

trio behind Mbeumo. The chemistry between the pair is clear to see.

“I think we have a good relationship, especially because he speaks French!” laughed Amad, speaking after his scintillating volley at Nottingham Forest in November – winner of the club’s official Goal of the Month award – saved the Reds a point at the City Ground. “We are trying to have that relationship, not only on the pitch but even outside the pitch, to have that connection,” he continued. “Bryan’s a good guy, he’s a humble guy. He works very hard in training.”

That work ethic is a shared quality between the duo. Sweat-soaked shifts come as standard. As Amad underlined last year after penning his contract extension to 2030, his motivation and

desire to achieve and succeed here at Old Trafford knows no bounds. “It means a lot for me because I love this club,” he grinned. “Every time I pull on the jersey, I’m so proud. Every time I’m on the pitch, I want to fight for this club and I’m so happy to be here for a long time. I want to be here for a long, long, long time. Not just five more years, but maybe for all my life.”

“United fans always give me energy, always support me in everything. I want to give my best every time I’m on the pitch. The journey was not easy at the beginning but I always believed in myself and today I am enjoying every moment. I want to keep going like this because my dream is to achieve a lot of things with the club.”

Next steps

This season, that primary aim is a return to European football. Following a return to a 4-2-3-1 setup under Carrick and his temporary predecessor Darren Fletcher, United’s approach has platformed the squad’s attacking talents in a way that perhaps provokes greater comfort. Amad’s game, however, is now underpinned by over a year of mindfulness in his defensive duties, giving him a broader view of the game and rendering him utterly key to the Reds’ ambitions in each game.

“That guy frightens me to death,” Arsenal legend Ian Wright mused ahead of the Reds’ trip to the Emirates Stadium last weekend. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta clearly concurred, detailing left-back Piero Hincapie – and his second-half replacement Ben White – with sticking

as tightly as possible to the 23-year-old, with left-sided forward Leandro Trossard and midfielder Declan Rice both swiftly in attendance whenever the ball found its way towards United’s no.16. While that swarming reduced the Ivorian’s ability to contribute in dangerous zones, limiting him to just one touch in the Arsenal penalty area, his recognition of the situation parlayed into appreciation of the space created elsewhere, and his return of just two misplaced passes all afternoon represented another key shift in United’s improved fortunes.

After huge, high-profile victories in successive weekends against the Premier League table’s top two teams, United return to Old Trafford this afternoon with a mood transformed and an expectation heightened. A different challenge awaits in the form of Marco Silva’s Cottagers – a dangerous visiting

side full of cunning and running, without the repute of perennial title challengers City and Arsenal. To some, it represents the truest test yet of the Reds’ early-2026 turnaround in fortunes, an examination of how Carrick’s side will handle the expectation to boss possession and break down the visitors.

Coming hot on the heels of two major fixtures, there are echoes of last January, when a creditable comeback draw at Anfield preceded a thrilling, 10-man FA Cup upset against Arsenal. Then, as now, the Reds returned to Old Trafford from the Emirates Stadium to an expectant home crowd. Though Southampton battled gamely that night, they were ultimately undone by Amad’s indiscriminate brilliance. Fulham be warned: while the spotlight may shine elsewhere, United’s smiling assassin is always lurking with ever-growing intent. ●

Today’s visit of Fulham presents another chance for Amad and co to keep the positive momentum going

From Discord to the Theatre of Dreams!

Our Devils Collectors fan group has been on quite the journey since forming two years ago

One of Manchester United’s most intriguing supporters’ clubs was founded in 2024, when fans who owned one or more of our digital collectibles banded together online to form the Devils Collectors group.

The branch’s members met via Discord, a free communication platform which contains many different communities or ‘servers’, including one dedicated to Manchester United. The Devils Collectors carved out their own private channel on this server, and the ‘Devils’ collective was born.

But in 2026, the amazing thing about this supporters’ club is that it has expanded so smoothly from online to in-person, even though the club’s partnership with Tezos – the blockchain network behind our digital collectibles – ended last year. Indeed, the ‘Devils’ community is thriving, and has helped Reds from multiple continents to get to know each other and share the joy of following United.

“People from all over the world, from Europe, Asia and the UK have come together,” explains member Ryan Grice.

“We had our first meet-up [pictured] before becoming an official part of the Manchester United supporters’ club network... and we’re still going strong after the Tezos partnership ended. Long may it continue.

“We’re now one year in from becoming official, and we have been growing from strength to strength. If you see our group around at Old

Trafford, please say ‘hi’ – we don’t bite! We also reside online in the official United Discord and are all happy to help if anyone without a supporters’ group is thinking about joining one.”

It’s great to see supporters finding new ways to come together and forging lasting bonds while doing so – that’s what the magic of Manchester United is all about. Well in, Devils Collectors!

The Devils Collectors supporters’ club mark their official one-year anniversary pitchside at Old Trafford with United legend Denis Irwin, and their membership has continued to grow since their first-ever get-together (below, right), with representation across the globe, including in Chicago (below, left) where some members watched the Reds in pre-season action last summer

UNITED VOICES

JACK BATES

The Smashing Pumpkins and Peter Hook & the Light bass maestro tells us about his family’s love of the Reds, plus his United-themed gear...

“I guess you inherit your support from your parents. My dad, Peter Hook, is a United fan and it goes back to the ’60s for him, so United was passed down to me at an early age. The whole family are Reds – supporting anyone else would have been frowned upon!

We used to go to matches a lot more than we do now, because we’re playing live so much, but Dad really enjoys going for the vibe. Even when the football is rubbish! It’s funny, because the three games I’ve been to this season – Everton, West Ham and Wolves – have probably been the worst! But you look at the last couple of weeks with beating City and Arsenal… what a change.

I liked Ruben and wanted him to do well, so that was sad. But Carrick coming in and going back to basics has been amazing… the last two games have made you feel proud to watch United again. So thank you, Michael!

In Peter Hook & the Light – apart from my dad, of course – our drummer, Paul Kehoe, is a big United fan. But our guitarist, Pottsy, is City and we have a Liverpool-supporting manager. So our group chats are either popping off or deadly silent!

In the Smashing Pumpkins, everyone else is American, so there isn’t such a deep connection with football, but I do have this signature United Yamaha BB bass which I use at our gigs. Two of the bassists I look up to are Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath and Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, and both of them are massive football fans. Geezer has a Birmingham signature bass and Steve has West

Jack (left) and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan (right) are joined by Peter Hook – Jack’s dad and the main influence on his lifetime of supporting United – at a recent gig

Ham. So I remember jokingly saying to Scott Marceau at Yamaha: ‘I need a Man United one!’ Then one day he just showed up with one for me!

When you’re playing a big gig like with the Pumpkins, people will come up and ask what you want on your plectrums [guitar picks], too. So for me it was a no-brainer to have United on one side and the Manchester worker bee on the other. I’ll always make sure I throw out a bit extra if we’re playing in Liverpool or Leeds...

Eric Avery out of Jane’s Addiction is probably my all-time favourite bass hero, but after every United game I get a text from him. He’s totally invested in the team, which I only found out after meeting him. We don’t even talk about bass; it’s just United! When we toured with Jane’s Addiction in 2022, if I was watching a United game in catering, he’d sit and watch with us and talk about United, and it progressed from there and he became a fan of the team. My entire world revolves around football and music, really, and it always feels amazing when they cross over like that. But if I could get a time machine, I’d love to go back to the Treble season and be the age I am now –instead of being nine! I’d be able to go to more games and enjoy it more

and be in the pub! I remember watching it at my mum’s house in Moston and I vividly recall the final whistle: all the kids in the neighbourhood simultaneously running out into the street as we won the Champions League in Barcelona.

But being a Manchester United fan means everything to me; it’s my entire identity and character. It’s everything. And I love the idea of people

“I LOVE THE IDEA OF PEOPLE SEEING MY UNITED BASS AND PLECTRUMS IN THE MIDDLE OF A PUMPKINS GIG”

seeing my United bass and plectrums in the middle of a Pumpkins gig and thinking: ‘What’s the deal with that?’ It gets people talking. I’m really happy to take it around the world and, even in the dark times, I’ll still be playing that United bass.”

The famous Treble season and the lifting of the Champions League trophy in the Nou Camp is part of United’s famous history Jack would love to revisit

A Reds-themed Yamaha BB bass – the instrument of Jack’s combined affection for United and music

Jack’s customised plectrums proudly feature the United crest and the Manchester worker bee

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

United’s Holocaust link

Here we remember the incredible life of United supporter Mayer Bomsztyk ...

Earlier this week, the UK marked Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD), more than 80 years on from one of humanity’s darkest episodes.

Six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, plus millions more from other minority groups, and the after-effects still reverberate.

It’s something Jackie Field, a Red from north Manchester, knows all too well. Her father, Mayer Bomsztyk, grew up in Poland and was separated from his family, aged 11. He never saw his mother and brother again. Mayer ended up in the infamous Buchenwald concentration camp, before being liberated and brought to England in 1945.

“As children, we would talk about his family, then as we got older, he would

talk about the horror in the concentration camps and how he was affected,” Jackie told UR. “There were odd stories, like he would never eat a potato with its skin on... the reason was he worked in the kitchen at Buchenwald, and he stole a potato because they were starving, and was beaten up by one of the guards. That never went away.”

Mayer’s mother was gassed at Auschwitz, while his brother has never been accounted for. But in Manchester, he was able to build a new life.

“When they first came over after the war and started to try and live lives, they wanted to live like everybody else,” explains Jackie. “Football was part of my dad feeling normal again, and he was always going to support Manchester

United. All of them did. Every week, he and his mates would meet at Manchester Central and go to the match together.”

Mayer passed in 2009, but for Jackie and her family, the responsibility of remembrance continues.

“For us, as Jews, it never goes away,” she says. “Not just because it’s my family, or because a third of world Jewry were murdered and lives were changed forever. But because, if you ever spoke to a Holocaust survivor, their message would always be: no hate.

“They saw what hate does to people and would always say: look positively, be kind. So, although it seems a Jewish thing, it’s a thing for humanity. And that’s really the message that needs to get out.”

To read more about Mayer Bomsztyk’s story, visit ManUtd.com and search for ‘Mayer Bomsztyk’.

Jackie (centre) – with her mother, Lily (left) and father Mayer (right) –has shared the story of how her Holocaust-surviving father (inset, as a boy) made a life for himself in Manchester following his liberation from the Nazi’s tyrannical regime

Jackie says her father found comfort in watching United play following his move to Manchester

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

Dad, happy 60th birthday. We finally got here! Here’s to many more years of watching United together. From Jack.

Happy 18th birthday, Rylan Halliday!

Wishing Robi a wonderful 40th birthday and an unforgettable first visit to Old Trafford!

Abbie McCarthy and Katie Moynihan are true United fans and cousins from Ireland, both thrilled to be here today.

Happy 60th birthday, Garry Taylor! Love from Tracy, Daniel and Calum.

Happy 70th birthday, Paul Healy. Enjoy your special day. With love from all your family.

Happy fifth birthday to Oisin Redmond for today. We hope it’s a memorable first Old Trafford experience!

Happy 80th birthday to Roger Heath for 25 January. He’s a lifelong United fan and has been a season ticket holder for more than 40 years, and is here today with his daughter, Joanne.

Massive happy 16th birthday to Tyler Farnden, we love you ‘all the illions’! –Mum, Dad, Nin, Tilly and all the family.

Happy 14th birthday for today, Nathan Gibbie. Have a good one!

We hope Zakariya Hashmi has a brilliant time at the game today and a very happy 16th birthday.

Happy seventh birthday to Frank Donnelly, from Northern Ireland, and we hope you have a great time at your first game.

Have a very happy birthday, Henry!

Shout-out to Henry, who’s super excited to be here at his first game today.

Happy 50th birthday to my husband, Nicholas. Lots of love from Farzina.

A big hello to seven-year-old Tommy McCoy ahead of his very first game at Old Trafford.

Happy seventh birthday to Rory Ward, who plays for his local youth team in Northern Ireland and has travelled to Old Trafford for his first game.

Happy ninth birthday to Dylan Rooney

Welcome also to Megan Rooney, five, Dylan’s sister, here for her first Old Trafford game.

Wishing Geoff Shaffer a very happy 77th birthday. With much love from all the family.

Congratulations to Jim Mellor, Stand Manager in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, who recently celebrated an incredible 50 years of service with the Reds.

Happy birthday, John! Hope you have a lovely day and enjoy watching United. Lots of love, Courtney and Craig.

Have the best time at your first Reds game, Morgan & Ewan Dodd Evans!

Brian Topping, a lifelong Red and a season ticket holder for 30+ years, turned 70 on 15 January. Hope you had a brilliant day celebrating, Brian.

Wishing a very happy 13th birthday to Ryan O’Connell. With love from Mum, Dad and Yasmine.

Happy sixth birthday to Adam O’Gorman. His favourite player is Bruno Fernandes and today is his first United game.

George Robinson is in the Stretford End today with his granddad, Andy. George has just turned 10 years old and plays for his local team.

To Ashton Lloyd: continue being the amazing, clever, funny brother, son and grandson you are. Happy birthday, mate. Love from Addison, Nanny Barb, Grandad Sid, Mom and Dad. Enjoy the game.

18th birthday,

Matthew and Odhran, from Northern Ireland, are attending Old Trafford for the fifth season in a row. Two cousins, here to cheer on their team. C’mon, United!

Happy 37th birthday to Danielle for 4 February. She’s been coming to Old Trafford since she was a little girl and her favourite player is Bruno Fernandes.

Sam, we hope you have a great time at your first match at Old Trafford today with your dad, Derek. Love Ian and Ruth.

Happy birthday to you, Jack Lauder, and have a wonderful day celebrating.

Wishing a happy ninth birthday to Leo Abbott. Lots of love from Daddy, India, Annie and Erin.

Happy 50th birthday to my brother, Carl Jones, who celebrates today and is pictured with me, Emma. Thirty-three years as a season ticket holder! Have a great day and enjoy the game. Come on, United.

Happy 17th birthday to Leighton for 20 January, pictured here a few years ago!

Shout-out to Corey Smith, five, who is travelling to today’s game with the MUSC Keighley branch for his first game, as they celebrate their 40th anniversary this season. Enjoy, Corey!

Happy birthday to Henry Jones, who turns seven on 2 February.

Welcome, Rob, Annie, Niki, Alex and Wendy.

Happy ninth birthday, Teddy Ford. Love Daddy, Kirsten and Jessica.

Happy 18th birthday, Luca. Love from Mum, Dad, Riley, Eden and all at Manchester United.

Welcome first cousins James Farrell and Cathal Chiappa, from Cork in Ireland, who have travelled here with their dads, Terence and Carlo.

‘Happy 30th birthday, Graham! I hope you have an amazing weekend celebrating. Here’s to United winning and your thirties being full of good times, great memories and big victories. Love you loads, Megan.’

Happy 10th birthday to George Jackson for 3 February.

We hope Aiyla Nadeem had a very happy 11th birthday and enjoyed her recent trip to Old Trafford.

an

Paula and Dawn, from Tipperary, are celebrating their birthdays soon. Have a great time!

We would like to wish a happy New Year and an enjoyable season to Stephen Keane, one of our many super fans all the way from Ireland, who never misses a home game.

We love this United snowman made by seven-year-old Jasper Owen! Jasper’s favourite players are Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes and he dreams of playing for the Reds one day.

Happy 40th birthday to Matt Ireson, who is here today on his big day. A lifelong United fan who, as ever, is hoping for three points to help make his birthday even more special. Enjoy your day, and the game, Matt. Love from all the family.

Fianna Duffy, aged 10, is here for her first time at Old Trafford, as a special present from Santa.

He’s

avid United fan and his favourite player is Kobbie Mainoo.

Happy

Dylan! Lots of love, Mum, Dad and Liam.

Hello to Tom Kerr from Northern Ireland. He’s 10 years old, here today cheering on the Reds, and he loves Bryan Mbeumo.

Happy 14th birthday to Paddy Coyle. Lots of love from Mum, Dad and Sam.

Shout-out to Oisín and Cillian Boyle, from Ireland, returning to M16 for their first game of 2026!

Wishing a happy 15th birthday to Jessica Fennessy. As a dedicated member of the Co Longford MUSC, we know nobody will be cheering louder for the Reds this afternoon.

James McCarron, a season ticket holder in the Stretford End, became a teenager this weekend. He’s a big fan of Senne Lammens.

Happy 17th birthday, Lewis. Hope you have the best day. Lots of love, Mum, Danny, Bobby, Dad and Leah.

Alex Kavanagh is here from Ireland for his second visit to Old Trafford and is so excited to be cheering on his favourite team again.

Happy early birthday, Sam. Have a wonderful day with Dad and Uncle Chris. We love you lots!

Happy 50th birthday for 28 January to Lindsey Westwood Lindsey is a lifelong United fan and has travelled home and abroad with the Reds. Wishing you many happy returns from all the NWAFs, Mark, James, Sean and everyone here at Manchester United.

Arthur Jackson was born on 12 November 2025 and is already being raised as a proud Red.

Young Oscar’s first game at the Theatre of Dreams, courtesy of his uncle Luke, and A&T Surfacing, loving life in his full Cunha kit!

Happy 10th birthday to Roman

Happy birthday, John Paul Mee All he wants for his birthday is three points for United. Love from Ciara, Tom, Poppy and Ben’s dad.

‘Happy 13th birthday, Mason Houlston. I could not be more proud of you. Love, Mum. Come on, you Reds!’

Happy birthday to James Walker, who turned 65 years young on 31 January and will be supporting the Reds from the Stretford End, as he has done for more than 30 years. With love from his wife, Tracey, and his children and grandchildren.

Happy 18th birthday to Yorkshirebased Red Aidan Rogers, a passionate United fan. Hoping for a win today on his big birthday!

Happy 10th birthday, George! Love from Daddy, Sarah, Oliver and Bruno.

Welcome back Keelan Kerr and Dylan Sweeney

,

Khy is visiting Old Trafford for the first time today. Welcome to the Theatre of Dreams!

Wishing a very happy 80th birthday to Steve, from all the family!

Happy 60th birthday, Pete, and have a great day. Come on, United!

Roulston

here today from Donegal, Ireland.

the Red. Love you. Mum, Dad and Riley.

‘U-N-I-T-E-D, happy birthday Aiden K, with a kiss from your mum and another from me, let’s go home with all three points!’ Love from the Karsan Klan.

Brodie, hope you have an amazing 14th birthday. Love from Dad.

Hello and congratulations to Callum and Anna, season ticket holders who are expecting their first child in July.

Happy 11th birthday, Ted. With Love from Dad, Mum and Finn.

13th

Happy birthday to our very nice friend and big United fan, Alan Booten. Lots of love from all your friends and family.

‘Happy

IN MEMORIAM

In loving memory of Satinder Sandhu. Satty was a cherished member of the Manchester United family and a supporter whose love for the club ran deep. From his earliest memories, football and especially this club, played a huge part in his life. Matchdays were sacred, marked in anticipation, routine and pride in the colours. Whether celebrating memorable victories or standing firm through tougher seasons, Satty remained loyal, passionate and optimistic. He embodied what it meant to be a true supporter. Above all, Satty will be remembered for his warmth, generosity and the joy he brought to those around him. None more than his two boys, Arjun and Dhian, who have an equal love for the club, passed on by their dad.

Danny O’Mahony was a member of the Manchester United supporters’ club in Limerick for many years and was an avid Red. He passed away suddenly on 3 January 2026. Danny was heavily involved in promoting women’s football with his club, Murroe AFC, in Co Limerick, Ireland. He is deeply missed by his loving wife, Ann, daughters Zoe and Abi, and his parents, Ann and dad Donal.

Mark Carter was a lifelong and loyal fan of Manchester United, and a regular at Old Trafford for a number of years. His love for the Reds started from a very young age as his step-grandfather, Herbert Heywood, played for United in the 1930s. Mark supported United through the good and bad times, both the men’s and the women’s teams, and went to his first United game in 1968 with his father. Sadly, Mark was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2023 and could no longer attend. However, he still never missed a game, watching them each matchday religiously on the TV. He turned 70 last April and his brotherin-law created him a United frame as a gift. This included the ticket, programme and photos from Mark’s first game in 1968. It was his favourite present and still takes pride of place in his ‘man den’. Mark had a United-themed funeral and, on the day, United won 4-1 away to Wolves.

‘In loving memory of Gary Leadbeater, a lifelong United fan. Old Trafford was always home for Gary and a place where we hold so many memories together. A loving dad, grandad, partner, and a cherished friend. Forever missed, always remembered, and forever loved.’

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Jenkins on 28 December 2025. Paul was a lifelong Red and loved watching his beloved United, and his favourite player was Paul Scholes. He worked for Telephone Rentals as an engineer in the 1980s and ’90s and used to maintain the switchboard and sound system at Old Trafford. Having the Theatre of Dreams on his work patch was something he always treasured. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, three children and two grandchildren. Rest in peace, Paul, and keep the red flag flying high!

Manchester United are saddened to learn about the recent passing of Tony Lawlor at the age of 87. Tony, pictured here with two of his great-grandsons, Harry and Archie, was a lifelong supporter of the club and travelled many times by ferry and train from Dublin with his grandson, Garrett, to support the Reds. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

Old Trafford welcomes Georgia Connell, from Ireland, to her first Premier League game today. Both her and her brother, Beau (pictured), love Manchester United. GGMU!

Happy

birthday, Harry. We are so proud of the man you are turning into. We love you. Mum, Dad, Maya and Coco. Come on you Reds!

22nd birthday to Harvey Leah. We are so very proud of you! All our love, Mum, Dad and Alfie.’

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Last weekend’s visit to north London provided another opportunity for Carrick’s revamped Reds to showcase their talent, and they duly delivered –as did club photographer ASH DONELON (above) with this composite of the match-winning strike

CUNHA’S NINE-CLICK CRACKER!

When and where:

Sunday 25 January 2026, Emirates Stadium.

Ash says:

“Sunday’s match at Arsenal was one of the best away days I’ve ever experienced. Seeing United get a comeback win against the league leaders was fantastic, and from a photography perspective everything went as well as I could’ve possibly wished for. Once the pre-match warm-ups had finished I placed a remote camera behind the goal at the Clock End, as I knew it was likely United would be attacking towards this direction in the second half. When Matheus Cunha struck the ball from long-range to score the winner I had the camera in my hand trained on him [inset], and by using a wireless radio trigger I was able to capture the same moment on my fixed camera behind the net, resulting in two different angles of the decisive strike. When the match was over and I’d shared all my usual match pictures, I then digitally combined nine photographs from my goalmouth camera into a single image showing the flight of the ball as it arced towards the back of the net. It was a truly special strike worthy of winning any match, and I hope my photographs do it justice.”

GUESS THE player

BIRTHDAY boys!

A selection of Reds – past and present – who were born in February. Do you know all 11 names?

Darren Fletcher Cristiano Ronaldo

1 7 13

Paddy Crerand

Edinson Cavani

Gordon Strachan

Phil Jones

6 12 18 24

Gary Neville

Denis Law Casemiro

2.

3.

4.

5.

Kobbie Mainoo;

Harry Maguire;

Lisandro Martinez.

LONE

Derby County; 2. Everton; 3. Ipswich Town; 4. Oldham Athletic; 5. Portsmouth;

Queens Park Rangers; 7. Reading; 8. Tottenham Hotspur.

(United beat Crystal Palace);

(2001);

False (France); 5. True (Bayern Munich).

1. United beat Fulham in the 2016 FA Cup final.

Fulham’s first Premier League game was in 2011.

Michael Carrick joined United (above) as a player from Spurs.

Bryan Mbeumo started his senior career in Italy.

Matthijs de Ligt (right) and Noussair Mazraoui joined United from the same club.

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

REDS DIG DEEP IN YOUTH CUP

Darren Fletcher’s teenagers defeat Derby under the floodlights at Old Trafford to progress to the fifth round

United’s Under-18s proceeded to the next round of the prestigious FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford last month, but it wasn’t a simple assignment.

Darren Fletcher’s side met Derby County in the fourth-round tie, but despite strong attacking play from striker Chido Obi and wide players Gabriel and Bendito Mantato, the game remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra-time was required.

The Rams remained defensively resolute – due in part to a solid showing from goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk – right into the 100th minute of the Friday-night meeting, shortly after which Derby defender Luca Crolla turned the ball into his own net from a James Overy cross.

It provoked a momentary lapse from the previously resolute visitors, who two minutes later failed to clear a long ball from our no.1, Cameron Byrne-Hughes, nodding it into the path of an alert Obi, who had run beyond his markers, gambling on just such a mishap.

The young Dane carried the ball towards the Rams’ goal before neatly lifting it over the goalkeeper to give United’s youngsters a two-goal cushion.

It seemed the tie had been decided at this point, but Derby refused to go down without a fight, and caused momentary panic when they pulled one back through Max Nessling.

They ramped up the pressure further as the referee’s full-time whistle neared,

with Overy pulling off a spectacular back-post block to maintain our one-goal advantage, which held until the end despite some gilt-edged late chances for Derby.

There was a star-studded cast in the stands watching the youngsters’ triumph, including new first-team head coach Michael Carrick, plus Jonny Evans and Wayne Rooney, who got to see his son, Kai, make his Old Trafford debut as a 99th-minute substitute.

The FA Youth Cup has an illustrious history in M16, with United having lifted the trophy 11 times, more than any other club. Our last triumph came in 2022, with a 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the final at Old Trafford in front of a bumper 67,492 crowd, thanks to goals from Rhys Bennett and Alejandro Garnacho (2).

The win over the Rams has set up an away trip to Oxford United in the fifth round, keeping alive our dreams of adding a 12th title to the trophy cabinet.

The young Reds celebrate our extra-time breakthrough against Derby before holding out for a fourth-round FA Youth Cup win

Darren Fletcher’s Reds line up ahead of our last U18 Premier League Cup outing against Birmingham in December – a 6-0 win that confirmed our place in this month’s quarter-finals and a visit to West Brom

U18s ROUND-UP

FLETCHER RETURNS

Our Youth Cup win over Derby County at Old Trafford coincided with lead coach Darren Fletcher’s return to the dugout with our Under-18s side.

Fletch (below) stepped up as interim head coach with the first team following the departure of Ruben Amorim, taking charge of a Premier League game against Burnley and our FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Michael Carrick was then appointed as United’s first-team head coach until the end of the season, with our announcement confirming that Fletcher was set to return to his role as U18s boss.

The Scotsman, an Academy graduate himself, first took on that job last summer, starting with the group’s pre-season camp at the adidas headquarters in Germany.

His side are battling near the top of the U18 Premier League table (Group North), which is

currently led by our crosstown rivals, Manchester City, who we face on Valentine’s Day later this month.

Having since faced Burnley’s Academy side in the league, our U18s’ next outing will see the side travel to Rockliffe Park to face Middlesbrough.

UP NEXT IN THE FA YOUTH CUP

Ahead of our recent appointment with Derby in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup, the draw for the next stage had already been confirmed, with either Oxford United or Colchester United in line to take on Fletcher’s Reds.

The day before our victory against the Rams, Oxford hosted Colchester and achieved a 2-1 win over the visitors, booking their place in the fifth round.

The draw determined that we will be the away side for that tie, with Oxford’s victory over the U’s taking place at their Championship-level ground, the Kassam Stadium.

A total of 16 teams remain in the competition as things stand, with a particularly eye-catching

fifth-round tie seeing a re-run of the 2020 final, with Chelsea pitted against Manchester City, the latter having also reached the final last season. Elsewhere, current holders Aston Villa host Wrexham and 2005 winners Ipswich Town travel to face Everton.

FIGHTING ON THREE FRONTS...

Fletcher’s side don’t just have the U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup to consider; there’s also U18 Premier League Cup business to attend to.

Our last outing in the competition saw us face Birmingham City at Carrington in December, where we strode to a 6-0 victory with six different goalscorers: each of Jacob Watson, Gabriel, Rafe McCormack, Jay McEvoy, James Bailey and Rooney got their name on the scoresheet.

That resounding result, following earlier wins against Brighton & Hove Albion and Middlesbrough, saw us top Group G with maximum points. It banked our young Reds a quarter-final clash against West Bromwich Albion, to be held at the West Bromwich Academy on Tuesday 10 February in a 1pm kick-off.

Peterborough United, who our U18s beat at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup earlier this season, host Crystal Palace, while current holders West Ham United welcome Aston Villa and Bristol City face Tottenham Hotspur. United last lifted this silverware in 2024, with a 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City at the Progress With Unity Stadium courtesy of an Ethan Wheatley double, so will hope to make it two triumphs in three this term.

The Reds celebrate our U18 Premier League Cup triumph back in 2024

SAM MATHER DEPARTS

The Under-21s represents the highest age category in our Academy system, so a large part of the focus is preparing our young Reds for the transition into senior football, whether that be here or further afield.

One of the players who took that step on a permanent basis last month is young winger Sam Mather, who has joined Super Lig outfit Kayserispor.

The Turkish side are fighting for survival in the top tier, and have turned to the English youth system in the hope of injecting fresh energy into the side, with Mather joined by Manchester City youngster Jadel Katongo in his winter move to the club.

The 21-year-old spent a huge portion of his youth career with the Reds, most notably playing his part in our famous FA Youth Cup win in 2022, and memorably netting four goals in front of an Old Trafford crowd in our 2024 win over Norwich City in Premier League 2.

Mather departs with the best wishes of everyone at United, and we look forward to seeing his career progress.

LOAN NEWS

For others at that stage of their development, a loan is often seen as the best fit, in order to test the talented young starlets against experienced senior professionals.

January saw striker Ethan Wheatley return to the club from his temporary switch to Northampton Town, a spell which saw him register an impressive three goals and three assists in 22 League One outings for the Cobblers.

Full-back Habeeb Ogunneye has also had an impressive stint away during the first half of the season, making a total of 21 appearances for League Two club Newport County, before being recalled by the Reds.

We also welcome back goalkeeper Elyh Harrison (below) from his spell with Shrewsbury Town. The 19-year-old gloveman managed nine starts with the fourth-tier side – an impressive feat given the difficulties in breaking in at senior level

U21s round-up

in that position – and banked a clean sheet in a League Two outing against Accrington Stanley.

Joe Hugill (Barnet), Sonny Aljofree (Notts County) and Louis Jackson (Solihull Moors) were also readmitted to our Under-21s from their loan spells in January.

At the time of writing, Radek Vitek (Bristol City), Dan Gore (Rotherham United), Ethan Ennis (Fleetwood Town), Ethan Williams (Falkirk) and Jack Moorhouse (Leyton Orient) remain with their loan clubs.

CARRICK TAKES IN SPORTING WIN

For others, however, remaining in our Under-21s to compete in the likes of Premier League 2, the English National League Cup and the Premier League International Cup is the best course of action.

It was the latter of those three competitions in question when Portuguese side Sporting came to town, with the Reds delivering a 3-2 victory thanks to a hat-trick from James Scanlon at the Progress With Unity Stadium in Leigh.

Some would argue it was perfect timing for Scanlon, with just as much intrigue off the pitch as on it, as new United head coach Michael Carrick was pictured taking in the match from the stands.

Carrick was joined by his coaching team, Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion, in a showing of how much importance the boss is placing on youth in his assignment with the first team until the end of the season.

Along with them was our director of football, Jason Wilcox, and Under-18 manager Darren Fletcher, who took the two first-team games preceding Carrick’s arrival in January.

It was a visible sign that the work our young Reds are doing in the Academy matters to the first team, and that Carrick and his staff are watching with a keen eye, should they need to call on any additional talent during our remaining games of this term.

Our U21s head out for the Premier League International Cup meeting with Sporting, with the Reds emerging 3-2 winners in front of first-team head-coach Carrick (below)

This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

Pupils from 10 of Manchester United Foundation’s partner high schools gained knowledge from the best as they completed a leadership qualification at Carrington alongside members of the men’s first-team squad.

Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu joined the group of 20 young people to offer their own insight and advice on leadership, as well as joining in with games led by the participants, who were encouraged to put their skills into practice.

All of the young people in attendance received a Sports Young Leader award as well as having the pleasure of spending time with the Reds. The players answered questions, signed autographs and took photographs with the excited group of youngsters.

“It felt like a dream and I was really happy to see the players!” said Lara, a student who attends Great Academy Ashton. “Harry Maguire gave us some good information about how to be a leader and to always keep going. It was inspirational to hear from him.”

Meanwhile, George, from Manchester Enterprise Academy, took particular inspiration from another of the Reds’ defenders: “Martinez is one of my favourite players, I really like his resilience. It’s so good meeting people you’ve seen playing football on TV. It was so good learning about what motivates them to be leaders as well and how they can help us on our leadership journey.”

Diogo Dalot said: “It’s always a special moment to share with the kids. The initiatives from the Foundation are always so positive, and today to start building these leadership skills is really important, not just for football but for their lives.”

Partner high school coordinator Jonathan Buckley concluded: “The pupils

LEADING THE WAY

Reds support Foundation participants gaining a leadership qualification at Carrington…

here have been selected as excellent role models from their schools who are really passionate about sports leadership. It’s an incredible opportunity to come to a worldclass training facility and meet the players. These opportunities can be transformative for the young people – they will go away with memories to last a lifetime.”

All the young people in attendance are pupils at schools supported by Premier

League and PFA funding. The partner high schools programme is made possible by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund. Administered through the Premier League Foundation, the funding helps football clubs to tackle inequality and respond to local challenges, supporting people and their communities to be more inclusive.

A group of United’s first-team stars spend time with young learners from Foundation partner schools, passing on some expert advice as the students complete their Sports Young Leader qualification

it’s BUCKET HAT SEASON!

A group of participants from two of the Foundation’s partner high schools have created some amazing Manchester United themed bucket hats by recycling materials from old items of club training kit. Working with the faculty of science and engineering at the University of Manchester, the young people, from Co-op Academy North Manchester and Broadoak School, spent the day at the city-centre campus learning about the importance of responsible recycling.

Student life skills manager Niccola Massey said: “The young people have loved it, they were

so engaged and eager to learn. It’s a different learning environment and for them to see that sportswear can be reused and repurposed into other items is fantastic.”

This initiative forms part of Eco Reds, the Foundation’s environmental project. Eco Reds is a Players’ Project Pilot, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association. The Players’ Project Pilot aims to build stronger connections between players, communities and football clubs by putting players at the heart of local projects that help to address important societal issues.

LET’S PLAY PADEL!

We will host a charity padel tournament on Thursday 16 April, for an unforgettable afternoon of competition, connection and fun – all while raising funds for the Foundation. Alongside special guests, you can expect a World Cup-style tournament where teams compete for a gold or silver trophy. The experience also includes

live entertainment, giveaways and prizes, networking opportunities and more. Teams of between two and three players can enter for a fee of £750. For more information, please email fundraising@ mufoundation.org, or scan the QR code to register.

Foundation partner school pupils show off their United-themed bucket hats made from recycling old training kits as part of the Eco Reds environmental project

HOME HITMEN

We go into today’s match having so far scored a round 100 goals in competitive home games against Fulham. As we get started on a second century, here’s the roll of honour so far: 57 different home scorers against the Cottagers…

100 goals

PLAYERS WHO HAVE SCORED ONCE AGAINST FULHAM (42)...

Thomas Arkesden

John Aston Jnr

Harry Baird

Jack Ball

David Beckham

Johnny Berry

George Best

Ernie Bond

James Brown

Michael Carrick

Edinson Cavani

Henry Cockburn

Andy Cole

Pat Crerand

Gerry Daly

Rafael Da Silva

Diego Forlan

Ryan Giggs

Jimmy Greenhoff

William Henderson

Shinji Kagawa

Nobby Lawton

Arthur Lochhead

Romelu Lukaku

Charles Mackie

Harry Maguire

Juan Mata

George Mutch

Joseph Myerscough

Stan Pearson

Albert Quixall

Marcus Rashford

William Ridding

Harry Rowley

Marcel Sabitzer

Jadon Sancho

Albert Scanlon

Paul Scholes

Nobby Stiles

Antonio Valencia

Ashley Young

Joshua Zirkzee

DIMITAR BERBATOV 3 JACK ROWLEY 3 JOHN CONNELLY 2 BILL FOULKES 2 STANLEY GALLIMORE 2 (OWN GOALS 2) JAVIER HERNANDEZ 2

LOUIS SAHA 2

ROBIN VAN PERSIE 2

DENNIS VIOLLET 2

DAVID HERD

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY

WAYNE ROONEY

CRISTIANO RONALDO

SIR BOBBY CHARLTON

BRUNO FERNANDES

(98 goals scored at Old Trafford, two scored at Bank Street)

PREMIER LEAGUE

Let’s take a look at the other games in the top-flight schedule...

Following the five games yesterday – Brighton v Everton, Leeds v Arsenal, Wolves v Bournemouth, Chelsea v West Ham, and Liverpool v Newcastle – today’s action gets going at 2pm, with our game here being one of three kick-offs at that time.

Away from Old Trafford, Aston Villa host Brentford – can Unai Emery’s Villans find a 15th league win of the season to keep them in the title chase? As for the Bees, it’s usually win or bust, with Keith Andrews’ side having the fewest draws of any team in the division.

Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace is another eye-catching fixture on today’s 2pm schedule. The Eagles have lost their way in recent weeks, and know a defeat today would see their victors go

level on points with them. Today’s later match (4.30pm) is one that has so often entertained in recent years: Tottenham v Manchester City. Spurs’ home form has been woeful this season – at least in the league, where they’ve won two of 11 games – but three points against Pep Guardiola’s Blues would really lift the mood (even if it’ll do Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal a big favour).

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Sunderland take on Burnley at the Stadium of Light at 8pm. Scott Parker’s Clarets could really use all three points, but it won’t be easy against the Black Cats, who have been one of the division’s surprise packages so far this season. That’ll conclude matchweek 24, with round 25 starting on Friday, as Leeds host Forest

Bryan Mbeumo leads the way for goals for the Reds this season, taking his tally to nine thanks to scoring in both of our recent wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. What this table of stats (right) does not show, however, is the number of assists for our players this term. If it did then, you guessed it, Bruno Fernandes would be top of the list with 11 assists in all competitions.

APPEARANCES

& GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

SEASON

CONTRIBUTORS

Casemiro announced he will be leaving the Reds at the end of his contract this summer, but before then he’ll be looking to bring up a couple of appearance milestones. Our no.18 needs just three games to hit 150 for the Reds, and two to bring up 100 league outings. His 21 goals mean he’s already the Brazilian with most strikes for the Reds.

2025/26 FIXTURES

DECEMBER Thu 4 PL West Ham United H 8pm 1-173,9383-4-2-1LammensMazraouiHeaven

8pm4-130,3383-4-2-1LammensMazraoui

H 8pm4-473,9513-4-2-1LammensYoro

Sun 21 PL Aston Villa A 4.30pm 1-243,1573-4-2-1LammensYoro

Fri 26 PL Newcastle United H 8pm1-073,9964-2-3-1LammensDalot

HeavenShaw Amad 1Fernandes 1

HeavenShaw Dalot Ugarte

Shaw Casemiro

Tue 30 PL Wolverhampton Wanderers H 8.15pm1-173,941 3-4-2-1 Lammens Heaven MartinezShaw Dalot Casemiro JANUARY

Sun 4 PL Leeds United A 12.30pm1-136,9093-4-2-1LammensYoro HeavenMartinezDalot Casemiro Wed 7 PLBurnley A 8.15pm2-221,0474-2-3-1LammensDalot

MartinezShaw Ugarte Sun 11 FA Brighton & Hove Albion (R3) H 4.30pm 1-2 73,888 4-2-3-1LammensDalot

FernandesDorgu

FernandesDorguMbeumoMount

Ugarte Dorgu

Fernandes

FernandesDorguMbeumo

Fernandes Dorgu MbeumoCunha

FernandesDalot

FernandesDalot MbeumoCunhaSesko

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo 1 Cunha

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo ZirkzeeMount Dalot

FernandesDalot Mbeumo Mount 1Zirkzee 1

Fernandes Dalot 1 MbeumoCunha Zirkzee Yoro Dorgu

Fernandes 2 Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount 1 CunhaMartinez Yoro

Casemiro 1 Dalot Mbeumo Mount Cunha 1 Mainoo

Fernandes DorguMount Cunha 1 Sesko Martinez Zirkzee Fletcher, J Lacey

Ugarte Dorgu 1 Mount Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Zirkzee Yoro

Ugarte Dorgu Zirkzee 1 Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Yoro

UgarteShaw Dorgu Cunha 1 Sesko Zirkzee

Casemiro Cunha Fernandes Dorgu Sesko 2 Mount Yoro

Mainoo Mount FernandesCunha Sesko 1 Zirkzee Lacey

MainooAmad Fernandes Dorgu 1Mbeumo 1 Cunha Ugarte

MainooAmad Fernandes Dorgu 1 Mbeumo 1 Cunha 1 Sesko

stadium zone-by-zone basis. It may be that certain zones are affected by an incident but not others. In such an event our main attention will be focused on the zone concerned. If you hear an announcement in an area other than your own, you should ignore it and respond only to messages directed towards your section or by stewards. All spectators are asked to respond calmly and as quickly as possible to emergency directions.

MATCHDAY TEXT SERVICE

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. United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – Premier League broadcast picks confirmed up to the end of August. United score listed first. All fixtures subject to change – Premier League broadcast picks confirmed up to 22 March 2026.

It’s all or nothing for victory – only full marks gets you a pass!

Which of these players has scored an opening-day Premier League goal for both United and Fulham?

LOUIS SAHA OR

Robin van Persie scored his first Reds goal against the Cottagers on the same day as which other new arrival in 2012?

United faced FCSB just under a year ago today but in which country are that side based?

Which of United’s February 2026 opponents listed below did we face in the same month last season?

George Best played for Fulham between two spells with which US side?

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES LOS ANGELES AZTECS OR

Who was the last player to wear United’s no.13 shirt before Patrick Dorgu?

LEE GRANT DEAN HENDERSON OR

Which Brazilian has made the most appearances for United?

ANDERSON FRED OR

Which player made their competitive Reds debut in the same game as Kobbie Mainoo? ANTHONY ELANGA FACUNDO PELLISTRI OR

Which 2001 summer signing made their United bow in Fulham’s first Premier League game, at Old Trafford in August that year?

EASY: 1. Louis Saha; 2. Shinji Kagawa;

5. Everton; HARD: 6. Los Angeles Aztecs; 7. Lee Grant; 8. Fred; 9. Facundo Pellistri; 10. Juan Sebastian Veron

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

Tyler FREDRICSON

Diego LEON

Kobbie MAINOO

Jack FLETCHER

Tyler FLETCHER

Shea LACEY Bendito MANTATO

Godwill KUKONKI

Bernd LENO (GK)

Kenny TETE

Calvin BASSEY

Joachim ANDERSEN

Harrison REED

Raul JIMENEZ

Harry WILSON

Rodrigo MUNIZ

Tom CAIRNEY

Adama TRAORE

Jorge CUENCA

Sander BERGE

Alex IWOBI

Jonah KUSI-ASARE

Samuel CHUKWUEZE

Sasa LUKIC

Timothy CASTAGNE

KEVIN

Benjamin LECOMTE (GK)

Josh KING

Ryan SESSEGNON

Issa DIOP

Emile SMITH ROWE

Antonee ROBINSON

Sam AMISSAH

Seth RIDGEON

Alfie McNALLY (GK)