Manchester United v Leeds United PL match programme, 13.04.26

UNITED Review

MICHAEL CARRICK

We know there is still a lot left to play for but we can be proud of the position we have put ourselves in to be able to finish the season strongly and get this club closer to where it should be. I know this group of players have got the character and capabilities to rise to the challenges ahead. It was great to spend some time with everyone together during our training camp in Ireland last week. We all enjoyed the opportunity to put in some focused work on the training pitch and further galvanise the players together. It was clear to see how strong the bonds are within our group.

I must say the support we had out there was incredible. It is always a privilege to travel anywhere with Manchester United but this was really special for everyone to feel the warmth and passion for our club from our Irish supporters.

After a longer period without a game, we’re all raring to get back to action tonight as we welcome Daniel Farke and Leeds United to Old Trafford. The rivalry between these clubs is well known and,

“I KNOW THIS GROUP OF PLAYERS HAVE GOT THE CHARACTER AND CAPABILITIES TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGES AHEAD”

even though I only played in this fixture once, I know it guarantees a proper atmosphere.

A spring evening, at a packed Old Trafford, with the crowd right behind the team – this is the kind of game anyone would love to play in.

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

OLD TRAFFORD: 8pm

We’ve all been waiting a long time for this one, with anticipation levels high as Michael Carrick’s Reds finally return, to face Daniel Farke’s Whites...

After 23 full days without a game of football, the Reds are back, and what a fixture we return to – a visit from our fierce rivals across the Pennines, Leeds United.

The Reds signed off before the recent international break with a hard-fought away draw at Bournemouth, which enabled us to extend our lead over fellow Champions League chasers Liverpool and Chelsea, meaning we’re well placed for the final weeks of the season – especially with the news last week that fifth place will be enough to gain a spot in Europe’s leading club competition next season.

Securing a return to Europe’s top table is the key item on our agenda for the run-in, of course, but the arrival of Leeds should help both players and fans to focus on the task at hand. This is always a must-win fixture, no matter

what the circumstances, and that should be our only thought this evening.

We’ll have to do it without Harry Maguire – a Yorkshireman who has thrived against Leeds before – due to the red card he received against Bournemouth, but Lisandro Martinez returned to training during our recent camp in Dublin (right), and Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have both shown they can handle the big occasion this term.

But these fixtures are invariably all about the collective, and the unity between players and fans. Perhaps that’s why Leeds are yet to win a Premier League match at Old Trafford. It’s almost certainly a reason why Michael Carrick has won all six of his home matches in charge (across two spells): because

we’ve come together to inspire each other. Leeds will fight, as they always do when they come to Old Trafford (or when we visit Elland Road, for that matter). The Whites are just above the drop zone, too, which should add even more intensity to tonight’s fixture. So there’s no room for complacency, as we enter this final stretch of the season with a return to Europe, and the Champions League, within our reach. But no-one inside Old Trafford will, or should, be thinking about that when the first whistle blows.

One of our biggest rivals are in town, the floodlights are on, and the business end of ’25/26 is upon us. Let’s bring all the noise we’ve got, and help Carrick’s lads to show the speed, style and skill we know we’re capable of. Come on, Reds!

The clocks have gone forward since the Reds were last at home, meaning we’ll all see a bit of daylight ahead of kick-off!

We’ve

That’s how many times we’ve hosted Leeds at Old Trafford since their first visit here in January 1923 –a Second Division fixture played out in front of 25,000 that ended 0-0.

That’s how many years it’s been since Leeds last defeated the Reds, with our record standing at five wins and three draws since an FA Cup loss in 2010.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the visitor to watch out for tonight, Leeds’ top scorer

OUR PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD V LEEDS:

Casemiro was just three years old the last time Leeds beat United by more than one goal.

United are unbeaten in our last 27 games against promoted sides (22 wins and five draws), with our last two such games being the 2-2 at Burnley, and 1-1 at Leeds.

certainly had the better of games against Leeds in M16 over the past 16 years

The last instalment of the rivalry here was a 2-2 draw in February 2023

The Reds’ draw at Burnley in January extended our unbeaten run against newly promoted sides

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

ATLETI IN AUGUST

The Reds will play Atletico Madrid in the Snapdragon Cup in Stockholm this summer, it was confirmed last week. The fixture will be played on Saturday 1 August, as part of a series of pre-season matches in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Dublin, as the squad prepares for 2026/27. We’ll face Wrexham in Helsinki on 18 July, Rosenborg in Trondheim on 24 July, PSG in Gothenburg on 8 Aug, and tonight’s opponents Leeds in Dublin on 12 Aug. Scan the ‘tickets’ QR code on p10 for details on attending these games.

The Strawberry Arena – where we won the 2017 Europa League – will host our meeting with Atletico

Maguire’s deal

Harry Maguire has agreed a new deal which will extend his stay at United until June 2027, with the option for a further year. The defender has made 266 appearances since joining in summer 2019, and has been a stalwart presence throughout, particularly during the revival led by Michael Carrick in recent months. Maguire said: “Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes myself and my family proud every single day. You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us.”

BRUNO

REIGNS

Our beloved skipper was recently crowned Premier League Player of the Month for March 2026 – the sixth time he’s claimed the prize since joining United in 2020. Bruno scored or assisted in each of our four games across March, racking up two goals of his own and creating four more for others. Only Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane and Mohamed Salah (all seven) boast more successes than Fernandes and, among Reds, only Cristiano Ronaldo can match our captain’s haul. Well done, Bruno!

Maguire puts pen to paper on his new United contract, extending his stay at Old Trafford until June 2027

Our skipper proudly displays his latest award after adding it to March’s club POTM trophy

NEW INFLUENCERS!

We’ve recently released two new episodes of our top-drawer Influencers series, where first-teamers sit down to chat about the footballers that have inspired them in their own careers. Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko are the latest guests to join us, with the Cameroonian speaking about Zinedine Zidane and Samuel Eto’o, and the Slovenian going deep on his admiration for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. They’re really illuminating watches, so head to our official YouTube channel – scan the code below – or visit the club website or app, to get to know two stars of this season a little better.

Inside Carrington’s Regeneration report

Twelve months ago, the club announced its intention to build a new stadium, and Collette Roche (United’s CEO of new stadium development) recently joined our Inside Carrington podcast to provide the latest news. Roche told host Helen Evans: “We’ve made a lot of progress over the last 12 months but to be fair a lot of it has been behind the scenes so people might not have seen that... with a stadium build as complex as the one we are going to enter into, it does take one or two years to get ready for construction, to get the land assembled, to get the funds in place and to get the planning permission, so that’s the part we are doing right now. We have not named a date for opening but we are on track.” Search for the Inside Carrington podcast to hear every word Collette had to say about the new stadium.

play our first 3pm

SUNDERLAND CONFIRMED

The Reds’ first 3pm kick-off of 2026 has been announced, with our away trip to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light on Saturday 9 May due to start at the traditional time. It will be United’s first visit to Wearside since 2017. Our match with Nottingham Forest, due to take place on the following weekend, is still awaiting its confirmed date and kick-off time, but the final-day test for the Reds, away to Brighton & Hove Albion, will start at 4pm, as do all of the fixtures during the season’s final matchday.

United will

kick-off of the year when we visit the Stadium of Light for the first time since a 3-0 win in April 2017 (pictured)

Roche provides a stadium update in episode 20 of the podcast, in which Dimitar Berbatov also features

RIP, EAMONN

FRIDAY-NIGHT LIGHTS

We were saddened to learn of the death of season ticket holder Eamonn Boylan, who passed away aged 66. A prominent public servant and former chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Eamonn made a big contribution to the club through his role on the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, where he helped put together a feasibility study on how a new stadium might aid social and economic renewal in this area. Our thoughts are with Eamonn’s friends and family.

Friends reunited

A group of longstanding Reds took advantage of the recent break between first-team games by making what is now an annual trip to watch non-league Bishop Auckland. The visit is a gesture to thank the ‘Two Blues’ for their help after the Munich Air Disaster, when three players, Warren Bradley, Bob Hardisty and Derek Lewin, moved to United to help our club. Dave Pye, who organised the trip along with David Painter of Mostonian Coaches, said: “Every Red on the trip felt privileged we could again say thank you in our own little way.” Well done, all –and our best wishes to Bishop Auckland for the rest of the season.

It’s a big week for our Under-18s, who’ll meet Crystal Palace here at Old Trafford on Friday night (17 April) in the FA Youth Cup semi-final. We’re bidding to reach our 15th final in this famous competition, while lifting the trophy would extend our record haul from 11 to 12. Tickets are still available for Friday night’s match (7pm), priced £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s, so please head to tickets.manutd.com (or scan the code below, right) if you fancy coming along to support the lads. Should we progress, we’ll meet the winner of the other semi-final, between Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers, which took place last Friday, after UR went to print.

The semi-final is a great opportunity to bring the family to Old Trafford –where they might spot a star of the future!

U21S BOW OUT

Adam Lawrence’s Under-21s exited the Premier League International Cup last week, after an enthralling quarter-final against Real Madrid Castilla. The young Reds took an early lead through Jack Moorhouse, before Shea Lacey doubled our advantage from the penalty spot, but Real hit back just before half-time, and then found an equaliser in the second period. In extra-time, the Spaniards struck twice more to complete a 4-2 win, but our lads can be proud of the entertainment and spirit they offered before a decent crowd at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Goalscorers Moorhouse and Lacey provided a fast start for the young Reds at Old Trafford

Seven Games to Go The Race for Europe

The final international break before the World Cup is done, and the road laid out before us is now clear. After tonight’s dust-up with Leeds is accounted for, six games will remain; six games to determine the shape of next season for Manchester United.

Call it whatever you want: squeaky-bum time, as Sir Alex Ferguson once put it; the run-in; the home straight. All that matters for our beloved Reds is that we finish this season as well as possible, with our clear target for the campaign safely achieved. European football.

As this latest Premier League matchweek kicked off, with West Ham hosting Wolves on Friday night, United were in a healthy position to achieve a top-four finish, with a six-point buffer to Liverpool, in fifth, and a seven-point advantage over Chelsea in sixth.

Of course, as this issue of UR went to print, we did not know the outcome of any of our rivals’ fixtures over the last few days. We don’t know how tonight’s game at Old Trafford will go either. But what we do know, for certain, is that our strident form under Michael Carrick (seven wins, two draws and just one defeat) has transformed the scope of our ambitions.

The clear target at the outset of ’25/26 was European football. But our strong run under our head coach means we can now set our sights, a little more loftily, on Champions League qualification. Obviously, the long-term aim is to challenge for the Premier League title, but a return to Europe’s top club competition should be considered a key stepping stone en route to that wider goal.

How do we finish the job this term? Let’s take a look at our six games to come after tonight’s visit of Leeds...

United are in prime position as the Premier League campaign enters its final phase, but when and where will the battle for the Champions League spots be won and lost?

The Reds will come together this evening to begin our final Premier League push, a crucial run-in that will help set the scene for 2026/27

ONE Chelsea (A), Saturday 18 April, 8pm

After tonight’s quasi-derby against West Yorkshire’s finest, we face arguably the toughest test on our run-in. Hold on, you might say: at the time of writing, Chelsea have won just one of their last six league games under Liam Rosenior, who assumed the reins at Stamford Bridge less than two weeks before Carrick returned to Old Trafford. But this has consistently been United’s most challenging Premier League away trip in the 21st century: we’ve won just three of our last 25 league games at Stamford Bridge, with the most recent success being a 2-0 win in February 2020 (Bruno Fernandes’s second game as a Red!). But achieve a positive result here and Carrick’s men will take a huge step to finishing ahead of one of our principal rivals for a Champions League spot.

One to watch: Cole Palmer. One of the best players in the top flight since his switch from Manchester City in 2023, the boyhood Red scored a hat-trick in this fixture two years ago.

The key weekend?

Beware the dark horses?

Understandably, United fans have been focused on the fortunes of the teams closest to us in the table during recent weeks: Villa, Liverpool and Chelsea. But the chasing pack are also maintaining a good pace. Brentford, Everton, Fulham and Brighton are well within reach of the European spots at the time of writing. And Sunderland, Newcastle and Bournemouth cannot be discounted either should any of them put a winning run together. So many twists and positional shifts could occur in these final six games…

Last September’s

Our game at Stamford Bridge isn’t the only important fixture taking place at the top of the Premier League on this weekend. Liverpool face their first Merseyside derby at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium on the Sunday, before Manchester City welcome Arsenal. So this could be a critical few days in the race for both the title and Champions qualification.League

TWO

Brentford (H) Monday 27 April, 8pm

When the Bees’ long-term manager Thomas Frank swapped west London for north London at the start of 2025/26, many sceptics predicted a downturn for Brentford. But under the impressive Keith Andrews, their trajectory has continued to climb upwards. One of the high points of their season so far was a home win over Ruben Amorim’s United back in September, so their potency – particularly at set-pieces – doesn’t need spelling out to Reds. Thankfully our record against the Bees at Old Trafford is healthier: their last win here came in 1937, and all four of their Premier League trips to M16 have ended in defeat. But with the Londoners hunting a first venture into European football, United will need to be ready for a fierce, physical game against highly motivated opponents.

One to watch: Igor Thiago. Only Erling Haaland (22) had notched more Premier League goals than the Bees’ Brazilian striker (19) prior to this matchweek.

stinging 3-1 defeat to the Bees is a reminder of their threat, but favour can be found in our strong home form against them

The Reds can expect the usual tough assignment in SW6 next weekend, especially with the west Londoners harbouring top-four hopes of their own

THREE

Liverpool (H)

Sunday 3 May, 3.30pm

Whatever the weather, whatever the circumstances surrounding either team, this one needs no introduction, does it? But dare we say it, there’s a little bit of extra spice on this edition of England’s most storied football fixture, because both clubs are scrapping so fiercely to achieve one of those coveted Champions League spots. If Carrick’s Reds can keep Arne Slot’s flagging champions in the rearview mirror until the end of the season, it will be just the third time since 2018 that United have finished above Liverpool in the table. We beat Slot’s men at Anfield back in October – arguably the high point of Ruben Amorim’s tenure – but it’s been 10 years since we did the double over our arch enemies. As with the Chelsea game, a positive result here almost counts double, as it denies our rivals a chance to make a big jump up the table at our expense.

One to watch: Mo Salah. The Egyptian has scored more goals against United (13) than any other Premier League player, and this is set to be his final visit to Old Trafford with Liverpool.

FOUR

Sunderland

(A)

Saturday 9 May, 3pm

Our first trip to Wearside since 2017 comes with an appropriately retro kick-off time: Saturday 3pm. Incredibly, it will be the first time we’ve kicked off in English football’s traditional slot in 2026, due to broadcast selections that have been heavily influenced by our lack of European football this season. But, moving on to the task at hand here, the Black Cats have been one of the surprises of the season, particularly at home. At the time of writing, only three visiting teams have won a Premier League game at the Stadium of Light in 2025/26, and Regis Le Bris’s side are in the mix for a European place. We won the reverse fixture 2-0 – a game in which Senne Lammens made his debut and Benjamin Sesko scored his first Old Trafford goal – but expect Sunderland to be much more awkward customers when we travel to the North East. This game follows Liverpool’s trip to Chelsea in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off, so this could be another pivotal day.

One to watch: Brian Brobbey. Strong, intelligent and tireless, the Dutchman’s hold-up play was key to Sunderland’s recent victory in the Tyne-Wear derby, in which he scored a last-minute winner.

The Black Cats have been admirable adversaries for most visiting teams this season, but we’ll take belief from our win against Le Bris’s side when we faced them at Old Trafford

SIX

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

Sunday 24 May, 4pm

This will be the fifth time in eight seasons we’ve played this particular fixture in the final month of the league campaign. But while a trip to the south coast in May sounds lovely on the surface, we’ve lost three of our four preceding trips to the Amex Stadium at this time of year. So this is a real potential banana skin, against a team that are also striving for European football next season. They also knocked us out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford back in January. As for our most likely top-five rivals, Chelsea travel to Sunderland, Aston Villa are away to Manchester City, and Liverpool host Brentford. Let’s hope we’re finishing with a smile, and Carrick’s United can seal that much-anticipated return to European football for 2026/27.

FIVE

Nottingham Forest (H)

Sunday 17 May, TBC

United’s final stretch includes just one fixture against relegation-threatened opponents: the visit of Nottingham Forest on the season’s penultimate weekend. It’s been a turbulent campaign for the two-time European Cup winners, with current head honcho Vitor Pereira their fourth manager across 2025/26. Ahead of this latest matchweek, they were steeling themselves for a four-way scrap with Leeds, Tottenham and West Ham to avoid the drop, but who knows how things will lie when Forest travel to M16? They could be safe, doomed or potentially a draw or victory away from salvation, which gives this match a really unpredictable feel. Let’s hope United have wrapped up a top four/five spot by this point, so that unpredictability is largely redundant. Elsewhere this weekend, it’s also worth keeping an eye on Villa Park, where Unai Emery’s Villains host Liverpool, in another big battle towards the top.

One to watch: Morgan Gibbs-White. Elliot Anderson has been more talked-about due to his recent stellar showings for club and country, but Gibbs-White is focal to almost all of the Midlanders’ attacking output.

find the target, as he did (twice) when the teams last met?

One to watch: Pascal Gross. The German’s return to Brighton (after a season-and-a-half with Borussia Dortmund) was warmly received by Seagulls fans. But Reds could be forgiven a frown: the midfielder has scored seven times against us in the Premier League.

fifth is enough...

Amid all this speculation about the run-in, it’s worth clarifying whether a top-four or top-five finish will be required to gain Champions League football. Well, just as this issue of UR was going to print, it was confirmed that the Premier League will have at least five teams in the Champions League next season after securing a European Performance Spot. The extra place was secured as Arsenal beat Sporting 1-0 last Tuesday night. There’s even a scenario whereby sixth – and even seventh! – could reach the Champions League, but hopefully the Reds can finish in the top five and keep our fate in our own hands.

Our 2025/26 campaign concludes on the south coast, and a venue we’ve found tricky to conquer in recent seasons – can Mbeumo

With Forest potentially still in a relegation fight by the time this fixture swings around, three points could be essential to both sides’ fortunes

THIS GAME means MORE THAN JUST THREE POINTS

Bruno Fernandes discusses the unique edge of our encounters with Leeds, his standout memories from the rivalry, and the part fans can play tonight as United return to Old Trafford after a long hiatus...

Leeds are one of our big rivals, but how do games against them compare to facing the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool?

We know the rivalry behind it, we know it’s a very hostile game for all of us. It’s the kind of game you want to be involved in. You feel so much the atmosphere in the stadium, how buzzing the fans are to have these kinds of games. My first time having that was when we came back from Covid, the first time with all the fans back in the stadium [United 5-1 Leeds in August 2021]. I felt that probably, atmosphere-wise, that was one of the best games we’ve had here, for me, in these six years. I’m expecting the same [tonight].

You scored a hat-trick that day – is that still one of the highlights of your United career?

It’s a big highlight for that, [being] the first game of the season with everyone back in the stadium –and the atmosphere

was unbelievable. It was crazy, so ending up with a hat-trick and a big win was fantastic, obviously, for us and for our fans.

For Leeds fans, it’s probably the game they want to win more than any other. Does that come across when you’re on the pitch? No, because we want to win as much as when we play any other game. We know what that will mean for our fans to win that kind of game, that it will make their week much better. Probably some of them know Leeds fans and they want to have some of that banter during the week. The last game [the 1-1 draw in January], no one got the best [result] so I hope this time, at home, we can get the result and win the game, for ourselves in the first place – because we want to finish as high as possible – but also for our fans to have something to celebrate in that week.

Did you know a lot about the rivalry with Leeds when you were in Portugal? We know you’re big into your football and you know a lot!

I knew a little bit, because of some transfers that we had from Leeds to United, from some players. But I didn’t know it was as strong as it actually is. I felt it more when we had the first opportunity to

BRUNO FERNANDES B F interview

Bplay against them and understand it a bit, in my first full season at the club when they came back to the Premier League. That was something special for our club, and for our fans. I think you soon realise that game means much more than just the actual three points.

It’s another Monday night game – we seem to have had a lot of those this season. Do such games under the lights have a different meaning and atmosphere for you?

I prefer to play the afternoon ones, to be honest. I think you expect too long to go to the game and obviously you want to play these kinds of games as soon as possible, and have the feeling of waking up and going to the stadium, playing the game and having the rest of the day for you to enjoy and give the fans the opportunity to go to the pub and everything. But we know that, under the lights at Old Trafford, night games are always very special. The atmosphere is very high and hopefully we can make that day very special for ourselves.

We’ve won every home game under Michael Carrick so far, five out of five, starting with that Man City game back in January. How important

“it adds up that if I create more, I will get more assists because they’re scoring goals. At the end of the day, the assist only comes if the finish is good”

have the fans been throughout that, in terms of the atmosphere they’ve created and getting behind the team?

I think the fans have always been great, not just now, but since I came here. I’ve said many times, we’ve had difficult spells at the club where you could understand if the fans would not be there as much as they’ve been for us. They never did that. They’ve always been behind us, they’ve always supported us and they’ve always created massive atmospheres for us in every game. Some games mean more than other games, and we talk about the City game, and when you play the derby you know how important it is for the club. From there you start winning games and everything becomes a little bit more positive, more bright. You see more light at the end of the tunnel and you still can see you have something nice to achieve from the season, or at least from every game you have something you can achieve towards that.

One big feature of the home games has been the flags and banners that fans hold up in the Stretford End – around 50 new ones were added before the Villa game. How impressed have you been by them and do you look out for your own one in the crowd as well?

I’ve seen – obviously we know it before the game, we can see that. I think it brings a very nice atmospheric vibe to the stands. Every player that looks up to that sees that it’s not changed the way they support us, but it gives you a lot of nice feelings, seeing that side of the stadium is full of flags and stuff, for some players. I haven’t seen if there are any for me or not, I don’t try to see if there’s something for me.

We think there are some for you...! I’m not sure! [Laughs]. It is fun, I just enjoy to see

After a long pause to Premier League action, the skipper is looking forward to leading the Reds out under the lights at Old Trafford again tonight

these kind of things. I’ve been a fan myself. I’ve been in that type of occasion and I really like it. I think it gives a lot of energy and I think for us to see that, and for certain players to have their own flag, if they acknowledge that then I think it gives them an extra motivation for the game.

You’ve been in fine form this season, and have even overtaken David Beckham’s Premier League assists record for United…

Seeing your name up there with him is great, it’s fantastic. It’s a massive feeling, a very good feeling, but it doesn’t change much in terms of what I want. The assists came as they did, and I think the way I created the chances has always been the same –not just this year but now everyone is more positive, everyone is getting more goals also from the team. So it adds up that if I create more, I will get more assists because they’re scoring the goals. At the end of the day, the assist only comes if the finish is good. Sometimes you could do a five-yard pass, just very easy, and someone can put it in the top corner. Sometimes you need to do a better pass for someone just to have a tap-in.

You’re closing in on the overall Premier League record of 20, shared by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry [Bruno is on 16]. We know you’re focused on the team, but it must be great to be up there with some of those names?

I’m very grateful to see my name up there with

certain names and obviously you spoke about David Beckham. For me, it’s a huge privilege to be even involved in something with his name. I had the opportunity to speak with him. He texted me privately on Instagram and obviously I felt very grateful for that, because he’s someone that probably everyone around my age has seen and looked up to and tried to replicate everything he was doing on the pitch. Obviously the other two names you said have been considered by people as the greatest of the Premier League. Thierry Henry is probably the player that comes up there with Cristiano Ronaldo most of the time, and Kevin, everyone knows what he’s achieved – how much he gave to the Premier League and how good he was. I’m very grateful to be up there with these kinds of players.

Talking of great names, five of your assists have been for Casemiro. We know he’s leaving at the end of the season, so just a word on his importance and how good he’s been this season… I think he’s always been good. As a player, you can have better moments and worse, and sometimes you’re not as good as you want to be, but I think he’s always been vital, and important for what the team has done. I feel that the experience he has brought to the team and everything he’s been through these last couple of years, I think he was always there for the performances he did. Obviously, when the team is not performing well, it’s

BRUNO FERNANDES

Bruno’s admiration for Casemiro is shared by our fans, who continue to be mightily impressed by the Brazilian’s contribution during his farewell campaign for the Reds

difficult to find positives in every player, but I think every one of us, even in the most difficult moments, has done the best we could and Casemiro’s career speaks for itself. He’s not done much that we can add to and his time at the club has been good. Unfortunately, he couldn’t achieve as much as he wanted probably, [the same] as everyone else in the team, but I think what he’s done for the club, the fans appreciate that and he’s ending his time at the club on a high and there’s nothing better than that.

Fans say, that like you, he really gets what it means to play for United and he embraces how big the club is, even though he’s been at Real Madrid. Will you miss playing alongside him? He’s the type of player who knows what it means and what it takes to play for a big club. He’s done that for the last 10, 12, 13 years in Real Madrid and here. You always want to play with the best players, and Casemiro is one of the best. The importance he has for the team, and this year even more with all the goals he’s scoring and all he’s giving to us.

By the time we play Leeds it will have been 24 days without a game for United, due to international matches and not being in the

“Casemiro’s career speaks for itself. what he’s done for the club, fans appreciate that and he’s ending his time at the club on a high”

FA Cup. How much are you looking forward to lacing up your boots and getting going again? It’s good to have this game at that time – not just for us but also for the fans. Waiting for this, for so long, we’re going to be hungry to play. We’re going to be waiting, just as much as the fans at the game, to have the opportunity of getting a very good result against our rivals. Obviously, it’s never good to wait so long to play football, because that means you’re not in every competition that you want to be, but at the same time it’ll give us time to prepare the game as we need. We need to do it in the best way possible to get the three points. ●

Bruno has brilliant memories (and the matchball) from our 5-1 win against Leeds in August 2021, and he hopes the home fans have plenty more to celebrate this evening

LEEDS UNITED

Daniel Farke’s Whites have a Wembley semi-final to look forward to, but Premier League survival remains the priority in a big few weeks ahead...

KEY DETAILS

Nickname: The Whites Founded: 1919 Last season: Championship, 1st Ground: Elland Road (right, capacity 37,645) Top achievements: English league champions 1968/69, 1973/74, 1991/92; FA Cup winners 1972; League Cup winners 1968; Inter-Cities Fairs Cup winners 1967/68, 1970/71

TALKING POINTS

Leeds are best placed of the four teams battling to avoid the final relegation spot. With Wolves and Burnley seemingly cut adrift at the bottom, the most likely scenario is one from the Whites, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham dropping into the Championship.

Heading into this latest run of fixtures, Leeds were four points clear of the Hammers, who they beat in dramatic fashion in last weekend’s FA Cup quarter-final. Daniel Farke’s side have become among the top-flight’s toughest sides to beat with just four defeats in 18 league games since the start of December. Only Manchester City, the Reds and Bournemouth have lost fewer fixtures in that four-month spell, but 10 draws show where Leeds must improve to ensure survival. Just one away win all season – in September at Wolves – is another area for improvement.

“It’s not like, with unbelievable creativity or individual quality, we can cut an opponent to pieces,” Farke said after a 0-0 draw with Brentford in their most recent league clash. “We have to bring our mentality, our fitness level, our tactical flexibility, to ask questions.”

Increasing output

To start turning one point into three, goals will be vital – Leeds have gone four league games without scoring, and their last strike from open play was gifted to Noah Okafor by Chelsea in February’s 2-2 draw six games ago.

More recently, a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace featured an impressive rearguard action and trademark strength of character after wing-back Gabriel Gudmundsson’s controversial red card, but the Brentford stalemate provided particularly thin gruel from an attacking perspective.

Eleven-goal top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose physicality matches his team-mates principal strength, is at his best attacking Anton Stach’s set-piece delivery, although Stach is an injury concern for tonight. The in-form German is level with our own Bruno Fernandes on a league-high 27 chances created from set-pieces, the method by which Leeds have scored 13 of their 37 goals this term. In a season dominated by set-piece prowess, no Premier League team owes a biggest share of their scoring output to dead balls.

Goals have been hard to come by in the league for Leeds in recent games, but their defensive organisation has also made them tough to break down

“I am just proud today of my boys, how we dealt with so many setbacks. We stuck together and we are able to reward

our fantastic fanbase with the first semi-final

in so many decades”

– Farke after Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-finals last weekend, a shoot-out win following a 2-2 draw

Stach is an injury doubt after leaving the action early in the FA Cup win against West Ham

tactics board

Farke’s mid-season formation switch from the 4-3-3 that secured the 100-point 2024/25 Championship title, to a more reactive system built on a sturdy back three, has given Leeds a shot at survival that seemed unlikely after they had picked up just 11 points from their opening 13 games.

A defender’s defender signed from Udinese last summer, teak-tough Jaka Bijol has established himself at the heart of Daniel Farke’s three centrebacks, with mobile duo Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk either side to snuff out opposition attacks in inside channels.

Since making the tactical switch against Manchester City at the end of November, Farke has rotated between a 5-4-1 and a 3-4-2-1 to get the ball out wide and put crosses into the box for Calvert-Lewin to attack, but the recent goalless league draws with Crystal

Palace and Brentford have featured a narrower system. Lukas Nmecha has played up alongside the former Everton forward as a front two, with Brenden Aaronson deployed as a high-energy no.10 just behind, to swarm central areas and get the ball from back to front as quickly as possible.

First choice wing-backs James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson, who should return tonight from suspension, provide width but a lack of service for Calvert-Lewin has been increasingly noticeable, especially while the Swedish left-footer served his ban in the draw against Brentford.

In central midfield, the tactically aware Ethan Ampadu and physically domineering Anton Stach dovetail well, while Ilia Gruev’s invention offers a point of difference as he pushes for a start.

LAST PL STARTING XI

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

the manager

DANIEL FARKE

The 49-year-old ex-Norwich boss – previously a striker in the lower German divisions as a player – won the Championship for the third time in his career last term, but it is staying in the Premier League that the German tactician desires most. Pragmatic he may be, but Farke’s ability to tailor formations and individual plans to the opposition will be crucial to the Whites’ survival.

FORWARDS

Physical forward

DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN

The 29-year-old centre-forward’s first England call-up for five years was well earned after a blistering spell of eight goals in nine games for Leeds, each one scored within the width of the posts and with one touch, from the end of November. Though goals have been harder to come by in 2026, the former Everton hitman’s aerial dominance and willingness to run channels help get Leeds up the pitch, while Sheffield-born Calvert-Lewin’s ability to attack crosses makes him an all-round physical test for opposition defences.

captain in the middle

ETHAN AMPADU

The 25-year-old skipper looks settled at Leeds, having recently surpassed 100 league appearances for the club since his arrival in July 2023. Son of fellow midfielder Kwame Ampadu (who lined up for Exeter against United in the 2005 FA Cup), it was with the Devon club where Ampadu Jnr would become an Academy star, making his senior debut while still aged 15. Signed by Chelsea in July 2017, loan spells to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia would follow prior to his permanent move to Yorkshire. He’s also worn the armband for Wales, including in their recent World Cup play-off.

welsh rock at the back

JOE RODON

Rodon has been Farke’s centre-back mainstay for the past three seasons and the former Tottenham defender has made more starts than any Leeds player this season upon his Premier League return. The 28-year-old Swansea Academy graduate boasts excellent anticipation and sure technique, whether feeding compatriot Ampadu in midfield or going more direct to Calvert-Lewin, and has developed into one of the club’s most natural leaders. He was subbed off with an ankle knock at West Ham, but the injury is believed to be less serious than Anton Stach’s one, sustained in the same FA Cup contest.

Leeds’ victory in their most recent fixture – a dramatic penalty shoot-out win at West Ham eight days ago after the Hammers had netted twice in added time to level the scores –saw the Whites reach a first FA Cup semi-final since 1987.

That win at West Ham will see Leeds face Chelsea at Wembley on 18 April. Leeds’ most recent win at the national stadium was 34 years ago, as future Red Eric Cantona struck a hat-trick in their 4-3 win against Liverpool in the 1992 Charity Shield.

Last season saw Leeds secure a century of league points for the first time in club history, beating the 93 points they accrued in the 2019/20 campaign – the previous time in which Leeds won the second-tier title.

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

Manchester and Leeds have fought for cross-Pennine pre-eminence for more than half a millennium. In the mid-1400s, the rival Houses of Lancaster and York engaged in literal wars for the English crown while four centuries later the Industrial Revolution featured the two cities’ cotton and textile trades competing for ascendency.

Football has fostered only slightly less enmity and bloodshed between roses red and white. Leeds City, the current club’s forebears, first took on the Reds in a Division Two fixture in January 1906, replayed from the previous December when dense fog had forced an abandonment partway through.

The 6,000 fans at our former Bank Street home saw the Yorkshire side win 3-0 thanks to goals from Bob Watson, Tommy Wilson and Harry Singleton.

With Leeds having just reached the FA Cup semi-finals, for our middle match let’s

focus on meeting no.63: a last-four clash between the teams in April 1977. The FA Cup semi between Tommy Docherty’s Reds and Jimmy Armfield’s Whites was a feisty affair, with both sides going in hard at Hillsborough for a place in the final. It was the Reds who won the early battles, and were rewarded with two goals from Steve Coppell (6 mins) and Jimmy Greenhoff (14 mins), but how Leeds fought back, and after Allan Clarke fired home a 71st-minute penalty, the last 20 minutes made for tense viewing. Midfielders Sammy McIlroy and Lou

“I feel like hitting myself over the head,” admitted Jimmy Armfield, before going on to congratulate Tommy Docherty’s Reds

Macari were two of our star performers as Docherty’s side held on, and as Macari said post-match: “We knew we had to fight Leeds, because if you don’t they can dictate the game. We’ve learned that from our league games and we realised it was going to be especially hard in a semi-final.” Leeds boss Armfield, meanwhile, could be seen at full-time walking around the Hillsborough pitch with a bottle of sherry in his hand that someone had given him. “I feel like hitting myself over the head with it,” he admitted, before going on to congratulate Docherty’s Reds on their success, and wish us luck in the final – which we’d win against Liverpool, denying them the Treble. Our most recent meeting came as recently as January as Matheus Cunha cancelled out Brenden Aaronson’s opener in a 1-1 draw that would prove to be Ruben Amorim’s last match as United boss.

leeds’ all-time RECORD V UNITED

PLAYED

Coppell strikes first blood against the Whites in the 1977 semi-final at Hillsborough

McQueen crosses the divide

Who are we looking at? On the left is Manchester United chairman Louis Edwards, in the middle the club’s new signing Gordon McQueen, and on the right Reds manager Dave Sexton.

Where and when was this taken? At Old Trafford on Thursday 9 February 1978, as the Scottish international defender put pen to paper on a transfer from Leeds to United for a then British-record fee of £495,000. It was at this unveiling that he delivered what has since become one of the most famous quotes about the Reds: “Ask all the players in the country which club they would like to play for and 99 per cent would say ‘Manchester United’. The other one per cent are liars.”

What’s the significance of the photo? It’s fair to say that McQueen’s switch to this side of the Pennines did not go down well with fans of the Yorkshire club. The imposing centre-half had been a big crowd favourite at Elland Road, so his defection to a fierce rival had been a bitter pill to swallow. Especially as it came just weeks after their popular striker Joe Jordan had made the same move to M16.

How did this affect the rivalry, and what happened the next time the teams met? Enmity between the two Uniteds – among fans more than players – had existed for well over a decade, but there’s no doubting that taking two of their best players midway through a season further inflamed tensions. Indeed, it was an outcome the selling club had anticipated, inserting a clause into the McQueen deal that prevented him from facing them in a league game at Old Trafford a few weeks later. Leeds claimed a shock 1-0 victory that day, but things were somewhat different when Gordon finally went up against his old team. He scored a 12th-minute opener in a 3-2 away win at the start of the following season, 1978/79 – a game settled by a Lou Macari strike eight minutes from time. McQueen, who sadly died in 2023, made 229 Reds appearances, scoring 26 goals.

A SHUFFLE tHROUGH THE ARCHIVES...

There have been long spells in our rivalry with Leeds when the two sides have barely crossed paths. During the 1980s, for instance, the teams met five times by April 1982, then not again for eight years. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but when the fixture was restored for the 1990/91 season, the rivalry proved just as fierce as before.

The sides met four times during that ‘reunion’ campaign, and a further four in 1991/92, battling for silverware across the domestic competitions. In the first of those seasons, after two league draws we were paired with Leeds in a two-legged League Cup semi-final, where Lee Sharpe would make a telling contribution.

United claimed a 2-1 advantage in the home first leg – Sharpey opening the scoring, with Brian McClair adding the second. But it was the impact of the

Objects from Manchester United’s museum recall Lee Sharpe settling a League Cup semi-final classic, plus the winger’s part in a famous victory at the national stadium

winger – remembered by many for his ‘Sharpey shuffle’ goal celebration – in the return fixture that delivered a famous victory over the Whites, and stands as one of his finest moments in Red.

The programme from that match, played on 24 February 1991, is pictured (right) – it’s one of many from within Old Trafford’s museum archive.

With such a slender first-leg lead, it was inevitable that Elland Road would be bang up for a clash against the team they seem to loathe more than any other. For 90 minutes, Les Sealey and the United defence repelled a relentless aerial assault from the hosts and the visiting Reds were rewarded with seconds of injury-time remaining. McClair released Sharpe, who beat the offside trap, rounded goalkeeper John Lukic and coolly stroked the ball home from a narrow angle. He celebrated with a joyous jig in front of the 1,200 Reds in a safety-reduced allocation.

Sharpe, who would later play 37 games and score six goals for tonight’s visitors (right), was part of United’s starting XI for the 1991 League Cup final at Wembley two months later. A surprise 1-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday wasn’t in the script, but Lee and his team-mates would still end the season with glory, winning the

League Cup redemption a year after our Wembley loss to Wednesday. Facing competition for the left-wing slot from the emerging Ryan Giggs, Lee was a substitute in the 1992 final against Nottingham Forest – wearing this tracksuit (pictured right) until his 75th-minute introduction, replacing Andrei Kanchelskis on the right wing. McClair’s strike secured a 1-0 United victory, and another medal for Lee. By the time Sharpe left for Elland Road in the summer of 1996, moving for a joint-record transfer fee to the Yorkshire club, he’d added three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and two more Charity Shields. In total, he made was to come in a period of dominance at Old Trafford.

Sharpe skips past Mel Sterland during the 1991 League Cup second-leg clash at Elland Road

This classic United tracksuit was worn by Sharpe during the 1992 League Cup final against Nottingham Forest. Sharpey started the match as a substitute, watching from the bench before coming on in the 75th minute. We won 1-0, earning Lee a Wembley winner’s medal

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

GettiNg ready For the Run-in

Michael Carrick’s squad flew into Dublin for an intensive training camp last week, allowing them to bond as a group, meet loads of passionate Irish Reds, announce a summer friendly, and put in lots of hard work...

Martinez,

and

received a warm welcome at their intensive training base

and they happily posed for photos ahead of one of the sessions on the four-day trip

Matheus Cunha has enjoyed an impressive first season for United, and here he puts in some solid gym work to ensure he’s ready for the next training session, and the final weeks of the league campaign

Head coach Michael Carrick delights young fans by signing autographs and posing for selfies. He said: “Seeing the reception we got when we got to the hotel and just coming off the training pitch, it shows what this club means to people.”

Lisandro

Casemiro

the Reds

–

The squad were based just outside the Republic of Ireland’s capital, at Carton House, with fans delighted to see their heroes up close. While there, it was announced that Harry Maguire has signed a new one-year contract for 2026/27

and

were just some of those putting in the hard yards ahead of a tough last two months of the Premier League campaign

Maguire may be suspended for this evening’s game but he’ll be ready and sharp for our remaining six Premier League matches, as we look to secure a top-five finish

It’s not just tonight that the Reds will face Leeds; the sides will meet again in Dublin on 12 August as part of our pre-season preparations. Here, promoting that game, Amad and Bryan Mbeumo take questions from media

Casemiro, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko, Ayden Heaven

Noussair Mazraoui

UNITEDReview

Dorgu PATRICK

UNITEDReview

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PRECISION PACE & POWER,

Michael Carrick had been in temporary charge of Manchester United for 11 days when he sat down with the nation’s press to preview his second game in the role, a high-profile trip to title challengers Arsenal.

Though his sample size was small, having taken a handful of full training sessions and completed just one fixture – the stunningly one-sided Manchester derby – Carrick had already seen enough of his forward line to be beaming in anticipation of the months ahead.

“It is a variety in terms of strengths,” he smiled, when asked to assess his attacking riches. “Ben [Sesko] is very good playing on the last line and the runs in behind. We have seen that in recent weeks he has done really well to get his goals, so he is in a good place.

“Josh [Zirkzee] can do a bit of both. He plays in drifts, plays in the hole and he leads – and he is very good at bringing other people into play.

“Matheus [Cunha] came on through the middle [against Manchester City] and made a huge difference for us in terms of carrying the game into the later stages and creating the second goal.

While Bruno Fernandes has rightly earned plentiful plaudits for his incredible form, the forward line ahead of him is one of the Premier League’s most varied and versatile. United Review assesses our frontline options as the run-in gathers pace…

“So we have got good options through there. It is just different styles. Certain games will suit different styles. It is great to have that flexibility.”

That wasn’t even to mention the roles occupied by Patrick Dorgu and Bryan Mbeumo – both goalscorers in the derby –plus cohorts Amad and Mason Mount, both of whom had goals disallowed. As Carrick and crew prepare to resume the Premier League run-in this evening, here’s the lowdown on our attacking resources...

BRYAN MBEUMO

PRIMARY POSITION: STRIKER ALTERNATIVE ROLES: RIGHT WINGER, NO.10, LEFT WINGER 2025/26 APPEARANCES: 27 GOALS/ASSISTS: 10/3

Main strengths: A high-octane, cerebral presence up front at any stage in the game, it’s during counter- attacks that Mbeumo’s quick-thinking truly sets him apart. Be it connecting or finishing high-pace moves, the fleet-footed 26-year-old invariably makes the right choice at the right time. Just ask City or Everton. Most likely to score: Really anywhere, at any time, splitting his 10 goals equally between first and second halves. The Cameroonian speedster has occupied four roles across the attack this term and has scored from all of them, netting with his favoured left foot, ‘weaker’ right foot and also bagging a clinical header at Tottenham. Missed during his five-game absence during the Africa Cup of Nations – a run during which United won only once – Mbeumo has otherwise been a fixture in the starting line-ups of Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, making a solitary (scoring) substitute cameo at Grimsby back in August. Sounding off: “He’s very intelligent, he’s very clever. He can use his strength, he shoots so well... this is the kind of number nine we need to have. Of course, he’s someone that helped us so much and it’s a pleasure to play with him. He’s more than the position that he plays. Being around him in the pitch, we know he can create something special.” – Matheus Cunha Best moment this season: first-minute opener at the Kop is a true rarity, it’s hard to see past Mbeumo’s deadlock breaker in the Manchester derby. A delightfully adroit flick redirected the ball to Bruno Fernandes, allowing United’s no.19 to focus on sprinting into the plentiful space before him. Having timed and angled his run perfectly, Mbeumo didn’t need to break stride when his captain slipped the ball his way, cracking a sublime finish across Gianluigi Donnarumma into the far corner –and into derby folklore.

MATHEUS CUNHA

PRIMARY POSITION: LEFT WINGER

ALTERNATIVE ROLES: STRIKER, NO.10, RIGHT WINGER 2025/26 APPEARANCES: 30

GOALS/ASSISTS: 7/2

Main strengths: Even before he’d kicked a ball for the club, the collective eye test concurred: Matheus Cunha looked born to be a United player. The talent, the swagger, the edge… while early comparisons to club legend Eric Cantona raised both eyebrows and expectations, the Brazilian’s character has been difference-making for the Reds this term. His load-bearing capacity in tight, pressurised scenarios has already seen United over the line in huge away wins at Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton. A master of the dark arts and street smarts, Cunha has brought a priceless edge to the collective – not to mention an incredible level of defensive diligence. Most likely to score: When stationed in central areas, for the majority of the campaign so far. Five of his seven United goals have been scored while operating as either a line-leading focal point or a withdrawn false nine, with his cracker against Fulham rifled home from the right flank and his key strike at home to Aston Villa procured after drifting in from his station on the left. Sounding off: “The defensive work he puts in, the effort, the workrate... he’s a great character, Matheus, I’ve got to know him. He’s had a big impact for us and he’s in a good place as well.” – Michael Carrick Best moment this season: In the season’s shakedown, Matheus’s lead-restoring finish against Villa could be one of the most important strikes of the campaign but, for pure, uncut genius, his winner at the Emirates is tough to top. Picking up the ball from Kobbie Mainoo, just left of centre and seemingly out of shooting range, the Brazilian drifted infield, used compatriot Gabriel as a shield and curled an incredibly powerful sidefooted effort into the far bottom corner to send the away end into delirium. Surf’s up!

BENJAMIN SESKO

PRIMARY POSITION: STRIKER ALTERNATIVE ROLES: SECOND STRIKER 2025/26 APPEARANCES: 28 GOALS/ASSISTS: 10/1

Main strengths: While the Reds’ forward line tends toward fluidity in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, with a front four frequently revolving roles, the Slovenian provides certainty and directness, not to mention sensational athleticism. Towering well over six feet tall, Sesko can perform the classic no.9 role to a tee, either holding up possession or linking play, but the true beauty of his game lies in his array of finishing. Of his 10 goals so far this term, only two have been headers, while the remaining eight (seven left-footers, one with the right) have been converted in a variety of ways, from the predatory tap-in against Sunderland to his stunning volley at West Ham. Betraying his striker’s instinct, seven of his 10 goals have been one-touch finishes. In times of need. In 2026 alone, Benjamin’s seven Premier League goals to date have boosted United’s points tally by eight, rendering him a priceless part of the Reds’ resurgence under Michael Carrick. Moreover, the Slovenian’s influence is unwavering whether he starts or enters from the bench, having netted against Fulham, Everton, West Ham and Aston Villa as a second-half substitute.

“Strikers will be judged on their goals, but internally sometimes there are things that they bring to the table that you go,

‘You know what, that is huge’. I can see it with Sesko. Manchester United haven’t had a striker who can just hold it up or flick it on for ages. It’s just a simple little thing, but it’s effective.” – Rio Ferdinand In terms of maintaining the point-hoovering momentum of Carrick’s tenure, Sesko’s winner against Fulham was priceless, securing a third straight victory and negating the loss of a two-goal lead which could have deflated the Reds’ early-2026 optimism. Throw in the circumstances: injury time, Stretford End, top corner, and it’s a moment which the Slovenian might come to regard as his true arrival at Old Trafford.

AMAD

PRIMARY POSITION: RIGHT WINGER

ALTERNATIVE ROLES: NO.10

2025/26 APPEARANCES: 26 GOALS/ASSISTS: 2/2

Main strengths: Having spent much of Ruben Amorim’s 14-month tenure operating as a right wing-back, Amad’s defensive contribution has naturally improved during that timeframe. Though now restored to his core purpose of terrorising opposing full-backs with his speed in possession and close control, the Ivorian has retained those lessons from a deeper role and provides fine defensive screening ahead of his right-back, not to mention his pressing further up the right flank. There couldn’t be a much bigger

PATRICK DORGU

PRIMARY POSITION: LEFT WINGER

ALTERNATIVE ROLES: RIGHT WINGER, LEFT-BACK

2025/26 APPEARANCES: 24 GOALS/ASSISTS: 3/3

Main strengths: A potent blend of athleticism, pace and power, the 21-year-old Dane has grown dramatically in stature during his first full term at Old Trafford. Stationed largely as left wing-back under Ruben Amorim, Dorgu’s limitless energy was repurposed as an attacking weapon under both Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick, with stunning results until a hamstring injury in late January sidelined him for the last eight games. Most likely to score: In huge games, in spectacular fashion. Five of Dorgu’s goal involvements have come in the Premier League against English teams competing in this season’s Champions League or Europa League, with him assisting against Chelsea and Aston Villa, while scoring against Newcastle, Manchester City and Arsenal. His efforts against the Magpies and Gunners were unstoppable left-foot efforts converted with sensational power and technique. Sounding off: “With the way modern football is played, I think Patrick is more dangerous as a left winger. That goal he scored against Arsenal was unbelievable. He is definitely more attacking than defensive. I see his long-term future as a left winger.” – Patrice Evra Best moment this season: As Patrice mentioned, that effort at the Emirates Stadium was tough to fathom. A quick give-and-go with Bruno Fernandes, then a blistering finish which almost uprooted David Raya’s goalframe.

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE

PRIMARY POSITION: STRIKER

ALTERNATIVE ROLES: NO.10

2025/26 APPEARANCES: 20

GOALS/ASSISTS: 2/1

Main strengths: The Dutchman’s hulking physique belies his silky soft touch and subtle contributions in attack. While his goal return since joining from Bologna is yet to catch fire, Zirkzee’s ability to link play, whether as a striker or, under Amorim, as a withdrawn no.10, has been a key weapon in reserve. Just ask tonight’s visitors, who can attest to his instant impact at Elland Road earlier this year when he released Matheus Cunha to equalise. Most likely to score: Based on this season’s sample, with his left foot. Both Zirkzee’s efforts, against Crystal Palace and Wolves, have come with his ‘weaker’ side. Sounding off: “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and you have to perform. If you don’t score for a long time, it can get to you, but I’m surrounded by great players, great people, and we help each other every day. It’s a good environment.” – Joshua Zirkzee Best moment this season: The away end at Selhurst Park were singing the Dutchman’s name long and loud

MASON MOUNT

PRIMARY POSITION: NO.10

ALTERNATIVE ROLES: LEFT WING, CENTRAL MIDFIELD 2025/26 APPEARANCES: 20 GOALS/ASSISTS: 3/1

Regardless of formation and approach, Mount’s tactical nous renders him the glue in United’s attack when available. His movement and link play add a different dimension to the Reds’ forward play; attributes deprived from much of Carrick’s tenure so far due to the 27-year-old’s injury. Mason’s return as a late substitute against Bournemouth last time out provided a timely boost to the squad, however, with the run-in requiring all hands to the pump.

In the springtime, based on Mason’s historical contributions in his first two campaigns with the Reds. Think back to last May’s Europa League double against Athletic Club and don’t be surprised if he pops up with another valuable contribution this time around.

Sounding off: “Mason is a great player. His quality was never in doubt with his team-mates. Sometimes he struggled a bit for goals and assists and also with injuries, but when he gets his fitness, he is important.” – Bruno Fernandes Best moment this season: A niftily worked free-kick with skipper Fernandes was emphatically dispatched by Mount to confirm a comeback win at Selhurst Park in November, putting him centre stage and reminding Reds everywhere of his continued importance to the cause.

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REMEMBERING DAN WILLIAMS

In late January, we received the tragic news that Welsh United fan Dan Williams had passed away, aged just 32, after a long struggle with cancer.

The club had been in touch with Dan prior to his death, and sent a signed shirt to help the fundraising effort to pay for his treatment, but the Swansea Red died on 30 January, leaving friends and family heartbroken, including his fiancée, Chelsea Howells, who is expecting a baby girl in July.

“He was a big fan from his early days,” says Chelsea. “Swansea is a long way away, but he still went up for the games with his stepdad, and he even took me to the games too. He was a childhood fan – it was all about United, not Swansea City!”

Trips to Old Trafford understandably became more of a challenge for Dan following his cancer diagnosis, but United remained a big part of his life – even the family dog is named Rooney!

“He listened to all the podcasts and watched all the games on the TV, and would go up to the stadium to watch them as and when he could,” said Chelsea. “He followed them all the time and was looking forward to taking his little brother, George, up to Old Trafford in the future.”

On the day of Dan’s funeral, mourners were encouraged to wear United shirts or something red, and all of Dan’s friends decided to get shirts with his name and

year of birth on the back (right), even though several of them are fans of clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool. That brought some light to a really challenging day for Dan’s loved ones, as the signed shirt that Dan received from the club had during his illness. “It raised hundreds of pounds for his fund and he was so grateful that his boyhood club donated something so meaningful,” Chelsea tells UR. We extend our deepest condolences to all of Dan’s family and friends, especially Chelsea and his brother, George, at this difficult time.

Friends wear United shirts in tribute to a Red from Swansea who sadly passed away in January

“Swansea is a long way away, but he still went up for games with his stepdad. He was a childhood fan –it was all about United, not Swansea City!”

Dan and his brother George with a signed United shirt

Dan’s mates honour him in the best way possible

‘Barmy’ CharLie –

We pay tribute to the late Charlie Barlow (right), who features

Every lived life leaves a mark on this world, but few United fans have left a more visible legacy than Charlie Barlow, who passed away in November of last year, at the age of 69.

Known affectionately as ‘Barmy Charlie’, Barlow was the number one creator of football flags in the United Kingdom – hundreds of which were made for his fellow United fans. Look around Old Trafford tonight, and you’ll see scores of his designs, as you will at many other football grounds elsewhere.

But Charlie’s popularity among Reds wasn’t just due to the unquestionable quality of his flags. It also derived from his warm, kind and charmingly eccentric persona which, once encountered, was not easily forgotten.

“He was always a character, and I think that’s why he was so loved by all and why he got the name ‘Barmy’!” agrees Charlie’s son, Liam, who has taken up the running of Barmy Flags following his dad’s death.

“He was very outgoing, with a real sense of humour. Where did the name come from? One story I heard was that he was trying to think of a name for the company and someone just said: ‘Well, you are barmy, so why not ‘Barmy

Flags’?’ But I don’t actually know for sure what the reason was!”

Barlow – who features in today’s front-cover handshake illustration, in tribute to his contribution to our fan culture – fell into flag-making by chance. And by his passion for his beloved Reds.

“He nicked his mum’s sewing machine to make a flag for himself, then somebody asked him where he got it from,” explains Liam. “He said ‘I did it’ and it just went from there. It was a Man United flag and very small, only

about a metre long. But he loved United unconditionally, win or lose, and he loved going outside the ground every game, speaking to all the fans.

“No matter how cold it was, he was there. And he never stopped singing United songs when he was at work; he’d hum them without even realising. George Best was his hero – I think he had a crush on George, to be honest!”

As the years went by, the business grew and grew, with Barmy Flags becoming the go-to company for football flags. Check out its Facebook page, and you’ll get a feel for the vast range of clubs and fan groups Charlie and co have catered for: Doncaster, Millwall, Spurs, Chelsea, Celtic, Rangers... there are even designs produced for Oasis and Stone

Charlie’s son Liam, pictured with his partner Kate

A current favourite, which you might have seen...

Charlie’s eye-catching coat also appears in UR’s latest handshake illustration (far right)

A great Red

on the cover of tonight’s United Review...

“He loved United unconditionally, win or lose, and he never stopped singing United songs when he was at work”

Roses fans. Many flags were personally delivered by Charlie too – even if customers lived in Brighton or Berwick!

Cast your mind back to Bilbao last May (if you can stomach it) and think of the thousands of Reds that gathered in Plaza Nueva pre-match... almost every flag hoisted onto the adjacent buildings was produced by Charlie and Liam.

“It’s emotional seeing them all,” admits Liam. “I’m just very proud. I saw the last England game [against Japan]

and his flags were all around Wembley. And especially at Old Trafford, they’re all around. I particularly like seeing the ‘One Love’ one, because I did that personally.”

It’s been a sad time for Liam and Charlie’s family and many friends since November, as everyone comes to terms with his passing, and his absence on Sir Matt Busby Way each matchday. But Barmy Flags continues to thrive under Liam’s watch, and the outpouring of admiration for Charlie has helped the

SEASON 2025/26

Barlow family in their grief. “I still read all the posts that came after his passing now,” says Liam. “They came from fans and different clubs all around the world. We are going to carry on – I’m unemployable when it comes to anything else! Dad just wanted to make everybody happy with the flags. He was always stressing to make deadlines and get the flags out on time, especially for a cup final. It was always go, go, go. But I think he’d just want to be remembered as someone who was good at what he did.”

That latter wish is a cast-iron certainty. But beyond all that excellent work, ‘Barmy Charlie’ will go down as one of the great Old Trafford matchday characters and, even more importantly, a fine human being. Rest in peace.

United fans gather in Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, surrounded by the many flags produced by Charlie and Liam

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

Congratulations, Dr Sravya Kamarajugadda, MD – a lifelong Red from the US, dreaming to become United’s surgeon one day.

Happy 18th birthday, Fletcher Waughman.

Happy birthday, Jaxon.

A very warm welcome to Oliver Renwick, aged six, who is here with Gran and Grandad for his first match at Old Trafford.

Welcome to George, Alfie and Ben, from all of us at United.

Happy birthday to Ray and Charles! Have a great day making memories.

Happy 50th birthday, ‘Gemmalemmacurd’. Love always, Dan.

Shout-out to eight-year-old Tyler Scanlon, and a very happy birthday to you!

We’d like to wish a very happy 15th birthday to Isabella Jackson for 11 April. She’s here watching to celebrate.

Hoping you have a very happy birthday, Liam Murray, and a great time at the game tonight.

Happy birthday to both Tadhg McMahon and Liam Balfe, who are turning seven and 17 respectively and here from Ireland for their first game.

Happy 13th birthday, Cole and happy birthday Neil – enjoy the match and come on, United!

Happy 60th birthday to Chippy West. We hope you enjoy the game. Love Marina, Derv, Eva, Liamo and Sonny.

A big welcome to Liam, 12, who’s here for his first game this evening.

‘Happy 21st, Archie. We’re so lucky you’re on our team! Just like United: strong, passionate, and full of spirit. We’re so proud of the amazing man you’ve become. Have an amazing day!’

‘Luke and Duncan Fletcher, amazing supporters in many ways. Dream big. Love you, Hannah (Mummy).’

Happy 12th birthday to Theo Watkins for 9 April, with love from all your family and friends.

Fifteen years after coming to see United at Old Trafford on their honeymoon, Liston and Caroline are back with their sons, Cadon and Laton, all the way from South Africa – the perfect way to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Congratulations, and we hope you all enjoy the game.

Happy ninth birthday to George Walker, seen here at his first away game, at Anfield, earlier this season.

Getting to see his favourite player, Harry Maguire, score was amazing!

A belated happy 13th birthday for 26 January to Noah Feenan, who will be attending tonight’s game with 57 other members of Downpatrick MUSC. He’s pictured with his cousin, Miley Rose Holland, who is also here.

George Demidh, 11, is very excited to be here for his first-ever United match, all the way from Australia. His dad is from Manchester and has raised him as a Red in Perth – brought up right!

Happy 26th birthday to Emily Morris for 11 April. Hope you have a brilliant night – let’s hope that United can give you a win! Love, Dan, Mum, Fin and Eric.

‘Happy 21st birthday, Jack. You’re a legend in your own Theatre of Dreams! Love Mum, Dad, Isabelle, Herby, Anto and Rory.’

Happy 61st birthday to Hjalmar, the best dad and most fanatical United fan. To many more trips to Old Trafford. Love, Daniel.

‘Happy 30th birthday, Hubby/ Daddy. Hope this day is as special as you are. Love, Adele and Lochlan.’

Happy 10th birthday, Jack! Love Mummy, Daddy, Grace and Kate.

Happy 11th birthday to Zac Stump from Scotland. Love from Mum, Dad, Olivia and Frank.

It’s Jamie and Josh’s first live United match – they’re travelling from Czechia with their Dad and Grandad. A dream come true at Old Trafford. Come on, United!

Happy 10th birthday, Carter. Enjoy your day. Lots of love, Mummy, Daddy and big brother Cody.

Happy birthday to the Stretford End goalscorer, Alexa! Lots of love, Mom, Dad and Andre.

A big welcome to the Petersen family, all the way from Denmark. It’s a first visit for Philip, nine, and Mum, while Nicklas, 12, and Dad have been several times before. Hope it’s a great trip!

A very happy 70th birthday to Paul O’Brien, a lifelong Red and a regular in South Stand. Paul has cheered on the mighty Reds since the age of six. Enjoy the match and have a fantastic day. Love Anne, Fidelma and Pierce.

Happy birthday, Eoin O’Donnell, from Mum, Dad, Tara, Clodagh and Rory.

Happy 10th birthday to Bruce for 19 March. He loves coming to the Stretford End for the atmosphere (and the pies!) and is really enjoying how the Reds are playing currently, especially Bryan Mbeumo.

Teddy Wells will be 13 on 16 April and is a season ticket holder who goes to every home game and loves an away day. His favourite player is Kobbie Mainoo. Happy birthday from your Dad and the rest of your United family.

We hope Charlie Spencer had a great time celebrating his eighth birthday at the Aston Villa game on 15 March. His favourite player is Bruno Fernandes and he lives and breathes United.

Happy birthday to Ollie, who is at the game tonight celebrating his 15th birthday. Love from all the family.

Happy 16th birthday, Adam Copping. Have an awesome time at Old Trafford. Come on, United! Love you loads, from Mum, Dad and Joel.

Hello to Izzy, aged 10, who is here at Old Trafford today for the very first time.

Happy belated 10th birthday, Kaven. Lots of love from Mum and Dad, for 26 February.

‘Happy third birthday to our little Red! Glory, glory Man United! Love always, Dada, Mummy and Aahan.’

We would like to wish a very happy 60th birthday to Howard Powsey, a lifelong Stretford Ender from Southport, from his family and all the lads on the Southport Special Branch bus.

A very happy 12th birthday to Luca Stapleton Rooney for 10 April. He’s from Ireland and plays centre-half for his local team, and his favourite player is Bruno Fernandes.

Have a happy 10th birthday on 14 April, Xander Perez-Burton, and a great time at the game tonight.

Welcome to Lokjai from HK.

Oisin Quinn is with the Omagh MUSC for his seventh game at Old Trafford.

Happy 13th birthday, Frankie! A huge welcome from Limassol to Old Trafford. This lifelong dream, gifted by Cy MUSC following the Cyprus fires, sees Frankie supporting the Reds against Leeds.

Season ticket holder Brandon is hoping the Reds can win on his 15th birthday! Lots of love, Mum, Dad, Isabella and Austin.

Rosa and Lewis Harrison have just turned 10, and celebrated with their first full season as season ticket holders. They buy a badge to add to their collection to celebrate every match they have been to. Rosa’s favourite player is Matheus Cunha, and Lewis is a solid no.5 like his hero, Rio Ferdinand.

Three generations of Reds in the Stretford End: Dave Porter Snr, Dave Porter and Owen Come on, United!

Happy birthday to Simon Roberts, here tonight from Northern Ireland with his son, Leo, who’s at his first game. From Dinger.

Happy 13th birthday, Caitlin Rose! Love Daddy, Mummy, Dylan and Reghan. West Belfast Supporters Club.

Wishing a happy birthday to Alikem Dey for 15 March.

Happy 18th birthday for 16 May to Luke Minh Ruddock!

Happy 40th birthday to Vanessa Slade.

Happy 40th birthday, Jason Price! A lifelong United fan celebrating the big 4-0 at Old Trafford.

Tobias Lima Auestad, from Norway, turns 15 on 11 April, and is here for his first live United game. A very happy birthday to you!

Baby Robin was born on 6 March, pictured here with Dad, Ben, celebrating the win over Aston Villa.

Welcome to the world and the United family!

Happy 40th, Gary. From Mam, Terry, godmother Bernadette, and all your family and friends. Have a great day.

‘We’ve got fond memories of the 5-1 victory over Leeds at Lufian’s first ever United game in 2021, and have saved up to bring Mum this time. Come on, Bruno – let’s get another hat-trick! Family Pattinson.’

messages

Edvard (almost six) and Lauritz (eight) are travelling from Norway for their fifth match and grandfather Jonny’s first at Old Trafford. Enjoy the night! Love from Mom, Dad and Vera.

Louis Walshe, from Ireland, is attending his first United game with his dad, Jack.

Happy birthday, Mick. Best wishes, from your family – and we all hope you enjoy the big game this evening.

Wishing a very happy sixth birthday to Arthur Weilding for 20 March – he was over the moon with his shirt!

Happy 37th birthday to Scott Daly for 25 March. He used to attend games with his dad, Chris, who sadly passed away in 2021.

Happy 11th birthday, Dylan. We hope you have an amazing day. Keep the Red flag flying high! Lots of love, Mum, Dad and Lillie.

Morgan, your first United game with Dad – unforgettable! Enjoy Old Trafford. Love you always. Come on, United!

Happy birthday to Ben Kirkham, who turns 50 on 22 April. He’s a keen follower of the Reds. While he works away a lot, he always makes sure he finds time to watch his beloved United, and is looking forward to tonight’s game.

Happy 16th birthday, Jude Deeney – a Red for life! Lots of love from Mum, Dad, Zach and Toby.

‘Wishing Curtis Reynolds a massive happy 14th birthday. He’s travelled from Northern Ireland for birthday celebrations on matchday. Hope you have a great time, kid!’

Happy 80th birthday for 19 March to lifelong Red Anthony Armstrong, patriarch of a Red family with his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons.

United member Gerard ‘Gee’ McGuinness, from Belfast, will be celebrating his birthday with a visit to Old Trafford.

Happy birthday, Jayni! Hoping for a United win to make your day extra special. Wishing you love, joy, and celebrations today. You deserve it all. Love, Gerryn Hussain.

Tommy Heron – one of the oldest United players alive – recently celebrated his 90th birthday, with the club helping him to mark the occasion! Tommy made his debut against Preston North End in April 1958, alongside Busby Babes Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes, before moving to York City in 1961. United remains his favourite topic of conversation, and he was a special guest for our pre-season fixture against Fiorentina last August. Everyone at United hopes you had a great birthday, Tommy.

Congratulations to Helen and Fionn, celebrating their recent wedding, and Danielle, celebrating her birthday, on their annual visit to Old Trafford.

Happy 10th birthday to Lucy Green, who is here at her favourite place watching the mighty Reds! Lots of love from Mummy, Daddy and Oliver.

‘Sydney to Manchester for your 40th, to live out a dream of going to Old Trafford. Memory of a lifetime. GGMU.’

Happy 16th birthday to season ticket holder Georgie Boyle. Love from Mum, Dad, Bella and Aimee.

Happy birthday, Rhys! Have a great one and hopefully United can create a great memory for you. Enjoy every minute. Love, Gerryn Hussain (again!).

Hope you had a very happy 14th birthday on 9 April, Isla!

birthday to Eddie

19

Happy 10th

Hope you enjoy

Happy

Dix. He’s turning eight on

April and his favourite player is Matheus Cunha.

birthday, Harry

the game. Love, Mum, Dad and Finn.

IN MEMORIAM

Joshua Potter sadly passed away on 5 August 2025. He’s now reunited with his wife, Linda, and sadly missed by his children, Martin and Janette. May his soul rest in peace.

‘Jamie/Dad/ Grandad: your first United match. You are with us today and always. We miss you deeply and feel you in every moment and memory.’

In memory of PG, or Perry, as he was known. He was born in 1946 and started following United instantly in rural Ireland, mainly by radio. He soon started learning and remembering facts on the club. Perry began working in the family’s bar in Co Tyrone, and was soon seen as the wise one on football and cricket facts. People came from far and near to avail themselves of his knowledge on Munich or George, Denis and Bobby. Thanks, Perry.

In memory of Maureen Lee (01.05.194309.02.2026), forever a Red. She approached the club in 1960 with her school friend, Barbara, asking to set up a club for young supporters and women, and this was how she’d meet her husband. Maureen was a babysitter for some of the Babes, and would go bowling with George Best and his friends. She knew Denis Law well and was a long-term acquaintance of Sir Bobby Charlton, who opened her school, Lambs House, the

first dedicated residential school for children with autism. Maureen was a long-time season ticket holder and executive member until ill health. She requested to be buried in her United shirt and her faithful scarf, and her committal song will be ‘Glory, Glory Man United’. RIP.

Gina Ackland, 93, was a United legend. From Minehead, she travelled countless miles season after season, inspiring her family with her unwavering loyalty and love for the Reds. She loved singing songs on and off the terraces. Gina’s lifelong support and devotion made her a beloved figure to all who knew her. She was one in a million and she will be deeply missed, but her spirit and support will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Malachy Dozie ‘Doboy’ Mbah (20.04.1994–14.02.2026) was warm, gentle, intelligent and driven. To his family and friends, Malachy was a supportive, loyal and loving presence. He loved watching games at Old Trafford and it was his tradition to watch the first match of every season. His favourite player was Bruno Fernandes, and he proudly wore his no.8. His love for United gave him so much joy, and a sense of belonging. He is deeply loved and will be remembered for the love he gave so freely.

Claire Bresnahan sadly passed away on 12 March. She was the most amazing and loveliest young lady you could ever know, and loved

watching United at Old Trafford with her husband, Sean, who will miss her loads, along with all at Omagh MUSC, where she was treasurer. Everyone is saddened and shocked by the news. Rest in peace. Claire.

In memory of David Alan Scotford (24.04.194018.11.2022), who went by Alan. He and three friends had season tickets in the 1960s before emigrating to the USA. He continued to be a staunch supporter, making many visits to the UK to watch United, and also watching them in the US. His highlight was 1998/99, when he had tickets for the final league match, FA Cup final, and Champions League final, after which he sat in tears. His office was full of United memorabilia (pictured) and at his funeral, everyone wore United attire, much of it from Alan’s own collection. RIP.

Daniel Mohan was a loyal United fan and never missed a game on TV. He was 97 years old when he passed away, having played professionally in his younger days for Distillery, based in Northern Ireland. For his 90th birthday he was blessed with many United items and Dad was laid to rest with his Reds scarf and T-shirt.

In loving memory of Malcolm Flew (21.02.194921.02.2026), who travelled the world following United. From Old Trafford to stadiums far beyond home, football was his life. Forever a Red and forever in our thoughts.

Frank Dominey (11.05.1947–05.03.2026) was a devoted family man, respected paramedic, and lifelong

Red. His love for the club began in childhood, listening to games on the radio. Later, he proudly watched the Babes play in person, an unforgettable moment he cherished. Frank served for 35 years as an ambulance paramedic, known for his compassion and humour. Even on duty, he often wore a United shirt beneath his uniform. Frank will be remembered for his dedication to helping others, his loyalty to family, and his lifelong passion for the club he loved.

‘Our father, Farook Mohamed, was a lifelong Red. From his childhood in Mauritius to moving to Manchester at 19, his love for the club shaped his journey. He served the NHS for decades and proudly supported United in many ways, including volunteering with the medical team. He treasured a ‘get well’ message from Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as unforgettable trips to Rome and Barcelona with fellow supporters. Dad attended MUDSA dinners with pride, always surrounded by family. He passed away aged 78 on 11 March 2026. He lived a full life and will be deeply missed. From his children, Emma, Isaac and Ashling.’

‘Mark Morris (19.11.198418.03.2026) was a devoted family man and talented chef from Strabane. A loyal supporter for over 35 years, he carried his passion for the club in everything he did. Known as a gentle giant, Mark was easy-going, kind-hearted, and deeply loved by those around him. His presence will be sorely missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. We remember Mark and keep his family in our thoughts at this very sad time. Rest in peace, and glory, glory Man United.’

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Club photographer ASH DONELON (above) captured this image during United’s Dublin training camp, which saw fans meet Matheus Cunha and the squad for autographs and selfies...

THE LOVE OF THE IRISH

When and where: Tuesday 7 April, Republic of Ireland

Ash says: “During the recent break between fixtures, the team made the trip across the Irish Sea for a training camp near Dublin where they were greeted by screaming fans wherever they went. At the end of Tuesday’s training session, the players and coaches all made time to sign autographs and take selfies with the hundreds of supporters who lined the path between the training pitch and the team hotel, which is when I took this photo. The noise from the fans was incredible and it was heartwarming to see the delight on their faces as they got to meet their heroes. No matter what country Manchester United visit, the legion of devoted fans make it feel like home.”

NAME GAME

Which of these clubs, who share part of their name, have we played more often in a Premier League fixture?

ATHLETIC Charlton or Oldham?

SPOT THE BALL

Can you find the right ball in this pic from our last home outing: A, B or C?

We’ve combined two current Reds to make the following United surnames –can you name the players?!

GOLDEN GOALScorers

Put these Reds in order of when they won (or shared) the Premier League Golden Boot – from oldest to most recent...

DIMITAR BERBATOV

CRISTIANO RONALDO DWIGHT YORKE

ROBIN VAN PERSIE

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY

Newcastle United (62-60); 2. Manchester City (58-20); 3. Charlton Athletic (16-4); 4. Ipswich Town (12-2); 5. Bolton Wanderers (26-24). WHAT COMES NEXT? 1. De Ligt (shirt numbers); 2. Liverpool (our next three games after tonight); 3. Fernandes (leading scorers this season). SPOT THE BALL C. MATES MIX UP! 1. Mount & Martinez; 2. Maguire & Dorgu; 3. Shaw & Dalot; 4. Fernandes & Mainoo; 5. Ugarte & Zirkzee. GOLDEN GOALS 1. Yorke (1998/99); 2. van Nistelrooy (2002/03); 3. Ronaldo (2007/08); 4. Berbatov (2010/11); 5. van Persie (2012/13).

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

SPRINT FINISH

A return to the Champions League will be the goal for United when the WSL’s run-in begins...

EUROPEAN AIMS

More on United’s pursuit of a place in next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League shortly, but we’ll start with this term’s competition and the Reds’ historic campaign in it, which recently concluded at the quarter-final stage. Marc Skinner’s side were beaten 5-3 on aggregate in the last-eight tie against German champions Bayern Munich, after 3-2 and 2-1 losses in the grand arenas of Old Trafford and Allianz Arena respectively. Despite those results, both legs were well-contested affairs and Skinner’s charges can look back proudly on a first season in the tournament’s main draw. United navigated past three different opponents in the qualifying rounds to reach the

league phase, before a sixth-place finish in the 18-team table ensured qualification for the knockout round play-offs, where Atletico Madrid were overcome to set up the meetings with Bayern. All focus now, once the players return from an ongoing international break, will be to secure a return to the elite European stage by finishing in the Barclays Women’s Super League’s top three.

MANCHESTERPLATZ TRIP

On the morning after the second leg in Munich, players and staff visited Manchesterplatz, to pay their respects to the 23 people who lost their lives following the Munich Air Disaster. Those in attendance from the club heard about

the crash and listened to poignant folk song, The Flowers of Manchester, alongside representatives from Bayern Munich and both teams’ supporters. United’s director of women’s football, Matt Johnson, said: “The Munich Air Disaster is an important moment in history for Manchester United and it was important that we took the time while in Munich to pay our respects to the 23 people who died in February 1958. It was a very powerful feeling to come to the site, and we thank the

The Reds line up at Allianz Arena, on a night when our UWCL campaign would finally come to an end, despite a spirited display

United players and staff at Manchesterplatz honour victims of the Munich Air Disaster

members of Bayern Munich who joined us, alongside our supporters and [Bayern fan group] Red Docs Munich.”

DOMESTIC RESULTS

Since departing Munich, the squad has dispersed for a round of international fixtures, bringing an end to a busy block of games since the previous national-team window in March. The Reds represented the club with pride in our first Women’s League Cup final upon our return, but it was Chelsea who got the better of United in the Ashton Gate final, winning 2-0. A 0-0 draw at West Ham swiftly followed in the WSL, before our latest-ever winning goal in the league – a 94th-minute header from Melvine Malard – ensured we got the better of Everton at the end of a dramatic contest in Leigh. An Old Trafford defeat to table-toppers Manchester City – either side of the clashes with Bayern –prevented an unbeaten month in the WSL, but United remain in the hunt for a top-three place.

LEAGUE RUN-IN

With three big games to go, United are fourth in the WSL, outside of the three Champions League spots on goal difference. Thirdplace Arsenal have two matches in hand, but Chelsea are only two points ahead in second and, importantly, the Blues are our opponents on the final day. Before then, the Reds will face the two sides directly behind us in the standings –

Spurs away and Brighton at home, in two outings we’ll look to win to put ourselves in the strongest possible position entering that final-day Stamford Bridge showdown.

RETURNING REDS

Skinner’s squad could yet be bolstered for the season’s final phase, with the boss suggesting after the last match that he could have as many as three recent absentees back for the Spurs game in just under a fortnight’s time. That would be a huge boost, with talismanic England international Ella Toone (below) and the team’s top scorer this term Elisabeth Terland among those missing recently.

“We have three games that we must win, and I’m told by the medical team I’ll have at least three for the Spurs game when we get back,” Skinner said. “That is going to be key to us being able to compete.”

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESSES

Since our last round-up, United midfielder Hinata Miyazawa helped Japan beat hosts and fellow tournament-favourites Australia

1-0 in the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, just under two weeks after Reds’ goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce celebrated winning the SheBelieves Cup with the United States. The USA beat Argentina, Canada and Colombia to win the round-robin competition with a perfect record on home soil. Congratulations to Hinata and Phallon, once again.

2025/26 fixtures

The Reds battle bravely against Chelsea in our first League Cup final

Michael Carrick visited a Manchester United Foundation community football project to present a deserving staff member with a Premier League award last month.

‘Carrick’s Street Reds’ is one of more than 20 community football sessions delivered across Greater Manchester by Manchester United Foundation, providing free football and alternative activities for 8-18-year-olds as part of the Street Reds programme (powered by Premier League Kicks). This session takes place at Old Trafford Sports Barn, barely a mile away from the home of Manchester United, and is funded by the Michael Carrick Foundation, with the Reds’ head coach a regular visitor to the site.

Michael paid a surprise visit to the site as part of the Premier League’s ‘More Than A Game’ initiative. Each club has named their own Community Captain, recognising an individual who has been positively impacted by the programme and continues to inspire others.

Michael presented the award to Mark Brent, a long-serving coach at Carrick’s Street Reds who began attending the session as a participant when he was only eight years old, recognising his incredible commitment to providing football opportunities for young people and being a role model.

Michael Carrick said: “It’s brilliant for Mark. He’s been coming here for so long, so for him to get the award and for me to have the chance to present it to him, it was a really nice moment. You can tell it means a lot to him and he fully deserves it.”

Mark, who received a Premier League Community Captain armband, pennant and trophy as part of his award, was overjoyed, saying: “It means the world to win the Community Captain award. Being here since I was eight and all the hard work I’ve put in, volunteering, coaching... I think it shows that it’s recognised.”

MORE THAN

United boss makes the short trip from Old Trafford to surprise a long-serving coach – plus many youngsters to boot!

One of the youngsters attending the session, Kai, added: “Mark is an amazing coach. When I first arrived here, he’s the one who helped me settle in. He’s always nice and he just gets on with all the sessions. He’s someone you can trust to deliver and he’s a great guy.”

‘More Than A Game’ showcases the Premier League’s commitment to supporting community activity while investing in the non-league system, grassroots facilities, and women’s football.

More more, visit mufoundation.org

United head coach Michael Carrick visited Carrick’s Street Reds to present a Premier League award to dedicated coach Mark Brent (above). Michael surprised the youngsters at Old Trafford Sports Barn, where he joined the session and spent time meeting participants. The visit, part of the ‘More Than A Game’ initiative, included Michael taking a selfie with many fans (right)

A GAME Wes powers in

for the Reds...

UNITED IN KINDNESS

Throughout March, Manchester United Foundation delivered a month of kindness across its partner schools and projects, encouraging young people to be kind to themselves, their peers and the environment. The movement has inspired countless acts of kindness and youth-led initiatives, which have seen identified youngsters rewarded by the Foundation for their selflessness towards others. This includes Street Reds participant Saji, who had the opportunity to meet members of the men’s team at Carrington for the kindness he shows in his sessions, and Steve, a kindness champion at our sessions in Northern Ireland, who received a message from Senne Lammens and a signed pair of his gloves. Of more than 1,000 participants surveyed following their engagement with the Foundation this season, results showed:

95% SAID THEY ALWAYS TRY TO BE KIND AND THINK ABOUT HOW OTHERS ARE FEELING.

92% SAID THEY SHARE WITH OTHERS WHEN THEY WANT OR NEED SOMETHING.

95% SAID THEY HELP PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE SAD, HURT OR UPSET.

91% SAID THEY ROUTINELY OFFER TO HELP OTHERS AT SCHOOL, AT HOME OR IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

Wes Brown linked up with Manchester United Foundation’s powerchair team last month in an extra-special session in Urmston. This weekly activity, which runs in partnership with Altrincham Town FC, provides football opportunities for wheelchair users. Alongside the training, the team also competes in regional and national leagues, representing Manchester United. Wes truly embraced the session by getting in a chair and joining in, which he had visited a number of years previously, reuniting with some of the longerserving players and taking part in a questionand-answer session. One of the players who remembers both of Wes’s visits, Sam, said: “I met Wes last time he came down. Last time he was here, he had a go in my chair and scored – this time he was definitely a bit rusty! But you can see his competitive instinct. It was great to meet him again and I really enjoyed it!”

The fast-paced sport is designed for players with a high-level of impairment to play football

Wes meets the Reds’ powerchair players, and he soon got involved!

Bryan and Joshua are pictured with Street Reds participant Saji

Legendary away day!

A squad of past United heroes headed to St Mary’s for a richly entertaining fixture...

Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia were part of a Manchester United Legends side that travelled to the south coast to face Southampton last month.

In a special fixture arranged by the Saints, commemorating the 50th anniversary of their FA Cup win in 1976 – when Southampton beat Tommy Docherty’s Reds 1-0 in the final – the United Legends came out on top in a highly enjoyable contest at St Mary’s Stadium, with a 5-3 victory.

The Manchester United squad was led by manager Andy Ritchie, as well as his assistant Stuart ‘Pancho’ Pearson,

who joined the Legends set-up for the first time. Stuart played in successive FA Cup finals for United in 1976 and 1977 (the latter being a better day for Docherty’s men as we lifted the trophy!)

In the 2026 contest with the Saints, a brace apiece from Phil Bardsley and Fraizer Campbell, plus a strike from Danny Webber, helped United to triumph in an end-to-end encounter, played in front of more than 13,000 fans, including a big away following of 4,000 Reds.

Manchester United Foundation played a key role in organising the fixture, and would like to thank those who attended to cheer the legends on.

All set for action in the south-coast sunshine

Raimond van der Gouw, aged 63, impressed between the sticks

Campbell and Berbatov celebrate a United goal on a victorious day

Ronny Johnsen wore the armband for the visitors

ANATOMY OF A ROSES RIVALRY

It’s a relationship that encompasses more than 120 years, 116 games and a series of contentious flashpoints around frosty transfer deals and feisty bust-ups. But who usually emerges on top? Who are the heroes of this fixture? We take a look...

Top scorers

United: Bobby Charlton (9)

Leeds: Mick Jones (7)

Biggest win

United: 6-0 (Old Trafford, 9 September 1959, First Division)

Leeds: 5-0 (Elland Road, 20 December 1930, First Division)

Biggest crowd

74,526 (Old Trafford, 3 January 2010, FA Cup third round)

Most famous games

UNITED 0 LEEDS 0 (FA Cup semi-final, 1965)

The game that really amplified this rivalry, and spawned famous photos of Denis Law scrapping with Jack Charlton, Bobby’s brother

UNITED 2 LEEDS 1 (FA Cup semi-final, 1977)

Coppell and Jimmy Greenhoff strike early in front of a baying crowd at Hillsborough, to send United to Wembley

UNITED 5 LEEDS 1 (Premier League, 2021)

A capacity crowd returns to Old Trafford for the first time after Covid, and is rewarded with a sublime Bruno hat-trick

Most United appearances against Leeds

Bobby Charlton (29)

Hat-tricks

United: Stan Pearson (1951), Dennis Viollet (1959), Andy Ritchie (1979), Bruno Fernandes (2021)

Leeds: Bobby Turnbull (1930), Mick Jones (1972)

Did you know?

We’ve never had a player sent off against Leeds, in any competitive fixture. Yet we’ve received a combined 29 red cards in games against our other two major rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City!

Longest

winning run

United: 6 (1947-57)

Leeds: 2 (1928-29; 1930; 1970; 1971-72)

Longest unbeaten run

United: 14 (1981-94)

Leeds: 13 (1967-72)

Own goals scored

United (2): David Sadler, Raphael Varane

Leeds (5): Wilber Cush, Trevor Cherry, Nigel Martyn, Matthew Jones, Lucas Radebe

BOBBY CHARLTON MICK JONES

DENNIS VIOLLET

DENIS LAW & JACK CHARLTON

BRUNO FERNANDES

IS STYLE?

PREMIER LEAGUE

As one matchweek ends in M16, we look ahead to the next one...

If you’re reading this in the stands at Old Trafford, you’ll most likely know the headline news from across the nine other Premier League fixtures played this weekend – spread out across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A win for Arsenal at home to Bournemouth on Saturday would have pushed Mikel Arteta’s Gunners ever closer to the title – especially if Man City dropped points away to Chelsea yesterday. Sunday’s schedule also included the small matter of Sunderland v Tottenham – more dropped points for Spurs, allied with a West Ham win against Wolves in the weekend-opener on Friday night, would have seen the two struggling London clubs trade positions in the table (right).

Looking ahead to this coming weekend, there are four Saturday fixtures to be played prior to United’s trip to Chelsea at 8pm: Brentford v Fulham at 12.30pm; Leeds v Wolves, and Newcastle v Bournemouth (both 3pm), with Tottenham v Brighton at 5.30pm.

Moving on to Sunday, Aston Villa’s push for a Champions League spot continues with a home game v Sunderland (2pm). At the same time, Everton and Liverpool will also be pushing for European places when they meet in Hill Dickenson Stadium’s first ever Merseyside derby. Nottingham Forest v Burnley (2pm) will bring the focus back on the fight for survival, before the 4.30pm game that will go a long way to deciding the champions: Man City v Arsenal

Every Red would rather start a game than come off the bench, but having players able to make an impact as a substitute is a great asset for a manager to have. Just ask Michael Carrick, for whom subs have weighed in with five goals in his 10 games as boss: Benjamin Sesko (4) and Matheus Cunha (1). Our all-time ‘super sub’ is, of course, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with 29 goals from the bench.

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 SEASON

There’s a clear leader when it comes to career goals scored against Leeds by those in United’s current squad, with Bruno Fernandes hitting six goals in six games (read more on p20). But for appearances against the Whites it’s Luke Shaw who leads the way with seven outings – his impressive record reading, four wins and three draws.

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDITOR Paul Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan

CONTRIBUTORS

Joe Ganley, Ben Ashby, Mikey Partington, Isaac Stacey Stronge, Sean Mullan, Andy Murray, Matthew Brown

PHOTOGRAPHY Ash Donelon, Zohaib Alam, Poppy Townson, Getty, Alamy, Mirrorpix, Stuart Martin

THANKS TO Toby Craig, George McCaffery, Ellie Decrop, Mark Froggatt PRINTED BY Buxton Press

2025/26 FIXTURES

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

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

please remain in your position and listen carefully to any public address announcements or directions from the attendant stewards. Loudspeakers are located in the stands, concourse areas, hospitality areas, toilets and outside the stadium. Depending on the nature of the incident, whole stands, part stands or even the entire stadium may be evacuated. There is also an option to evacuate spectators on to the pitch. Our public address system operates on a

Fernandes Dorgu Mbeumo

Fernandes Dorgu Mbeumo

Ugarte Dorgu Amad Cunha Sesko

Fernandes 1 Dalot Mbeumo 1

Fernandes Dorgu Mbeumo

Fernandes 1 Dorgu Mbeumo Amad Sesko

Fernandes Dorgu Mbeumo Cunha Sesko 1

Fernandes

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo 1

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo 2 Cunha 1 Sesko

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo Cunha Sesko Dorgu Mazraoui

Fernandes Dorgu Amad Mbeumo 1 Cunha Sesko

Fernandes Dorgu Amad Mbeumo Zirkzee Mount Dalot Mainoo

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo Mount 1 Zirkzee 1 Mazraoui

Fernandes Dalot 1 Mbeumo Cunha Zirkzee Yoro Dorgu Ugarte Mount Martinez

Fernandes 2 Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount 1 Cunha Martinez Yoro Mainoo Dorgu Zirkzee

United score listed first

United score listed first

All fixtures subject to change – Premier League broadcast picks confirmed up to 11 May 2026.

All fixtures subject to change – Premier League broadcast picks confirmed up to the end of August.

Salisbury Casemiro 1 Dalot Mbeumo Mount Cunha 1 Mainoo Martinez Sesko Dorgu Zirkzee Simon Hooper

Fernandes Dorgu Mount Cunha 1 Sesko Martinez Zirkzee Fletcher, J Lacey – Michael Oliver

Ugarte Dorgu 1 Mount Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Zirkzee Yoro Fredricson Malacia Anthony Taylor

Ugarte Dorgu Zirkzee 1 Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Yoro

Ugarte Shaw Dorgu Cunha 1 Sesko Zirkzee

Casemiro Cunha Fernandes Dorgu Sesko 2 Mount Yoro

Zirkzee Lacey Stuart Attwell

Mainoo Mount Fernandes Cunha Sesko 1 Zirkzee Lacey Maguire Casemiro – Simon Hooper

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Dorgu 1 Mbeumo 1 Cunha Ugarte Mount Heaven – Anthony Taylor

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Dorgu 1 Mbeumo 1 Cunha 1 Sesko

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Cunha 1 Mbeumo Sesko 1 Ugarte

Mainoo Amad Fernandes 1 Mbeumo 1 Cunha Sesko Mazraoui

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Mbeumo Cunha Yoro Sesko 1

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Cunha Mbeumo Sesko 1

Mainoo Mbeumo Fernandes 1 Cunha Sesko 1 Mazraoui

Mainoo Mbeumo Fernandes Cunha Sesko Dalot Ugarte

Mainoo Amad Fernandes Cunha 1 Mbeumo Sesko 1 Ugarte

Mainoo Amad Fernandes 1 Cunha Mbeumo 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.

Hooper

Prior to 2020, when was the Reds’ last Premier League meeting with Leeds?

Five are simple, five are a bit harder – to win the quiz, only top marks is enough!

How many goals did Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes each score in the 6-2 win against Leeds in 2021?

3. Which of these players made more appearances for us after joining from Leeds?

Former Red and current Leeds winger Daniel James plays internationally for which country?

5. On which festive date did today’s sides go head-to-head in 1995?

For which club did Denis Irwin play between spells with Leeds and United?

Fernandes and which other player scored home and away for United v Leeds in that ’21/22 campaign?

Sticking with Irwin, he made his 527th and final appearance for the Reds (captaining the team that day) in May of which year? 2002 2003 OR ANTHONY ELANGA FRED OR

The Reds and Leeds met in a pre-season friendly back in 2019, in which Australian city?

Michael Carrick played one competitive game for us against Leeds, but in which competition (a 3-0 win in 2010/11)?

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

Leny YORO

AMAD

CASEMIRO

Bryan MBEUMO

Tom HEATON (GK)

SHAW

Manuel UGARTE

Ayden HEAVEN

Benjamin SESKO

Senne LAMMENS (GK)

Chido OBI

Tyler FREDRICSON

Diego LEON

Kobbie MAINOO

Jack FLETCHER

Tyler FLETCHER

Jack MOORHOUSE

Shea LACEY

Bendito MANTATO

Godwill KUKONKI

Lucas PERRI (GK)

Jayden BOGLE

Gabriel GUDMUNDSSON

Ethan AMPADU

Pascal STRUIJK

Joe RODON

Daniel JAMES

Sean LONGSTAFF

Dominic CALVERT-LEWIN

Joel PIROE

Brenden AARONSON

Lukas NMECHA

Jaka BIJOL

Illan MESLIER (GK)

Anton STACH

Noah OKAFOR

Alex CAIRNS (GK)

Ao TANAKA

Sebastiaan BORNAUW

James JUSTIN

Sam BYRAM

Karl DARLOW (GK)

Wilfried GNONTO

Facundo BUONANOTTE