Manchester United v Liverpool PL match programme, 03.05.26

MICHAEL CARRICK

Ithought the first 20 minutes here on Monday night against Brentford were as good as we’ve started a game this year. We played some lovely football at times, and we were extremely difficult to handle. We knew Brentford would ask questions of us because they’re a real threat to any team, but we showed more resilience and got the job done again.

It was great to see Kobbie Mainoo sign his new contract this week. I’ve known Kobbie for a really long time, and he’s a perfect example to our young Academy players in the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch. Kobbie has got so many qualities as a player. He has fantastic ability on the ball and all of the composure and determination you need to perform at our club. As we welcome Arne Slot and Liverpool to Old Trafford, we know that a positive result today will be another step forward for the group.

“THE WORLD WATCHES THESE FIXTURES AND THE TEAM IS READY TO GIVE EVERYTHING TO GET THE RESULT YOUR SUPPORT DESERVES”

We don’t need to tell anyone involved how much this fixture means – the rivalry speaks for itself. The world watches these fixtures and the team is ready to give everything to get the result that your support deserves.

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

Carrick’s Reds come together for today’s penultimate and pre-eminent home fixture, looking to put more distance between us and our long-standing rivals, who will be mindful of the three-game Old

OLD TRAFFORD: 3.30pm

The league table is tight and tensions are high, as English football’s premier rivalry takes centre stage once more…

Manchester United’s penultimate home game of 2025/26 is nothing less than a humdinger.

It’s always special when Liverpool rock up at Old Trafford for one of world football’s most storied fixtures but, today, the stakes are that little bit higher, given the teams’ closeness in the Premier League table.

Victory for United would take us six points clear of Arne Slot’s men with just three games remaining, and improve our chances of finishing above Liverpool for the first time since 2023.

Both clubs are also hoping to secure Champions League football for next term. As this issue of United Review went to print, United needed a further two points to be sure of a

place in European football’s leading club competition for 2026/27. But if results elsewhere go our way, qualification could be assured before today’s match kicks off.

Whatever the context surrounding us by the time the action starts, let’s be frank: it’s United v Liverpool. As Sir Alex Ferguson once quipped: “It doesn’t matter if we’re playing tiddlywinks... when we get together, you expect sparks to fly.”

The minute you arrive at Old Trafford today, you’ll sense that. The air will be laced with a different type of anticipation, a heightened category of excitement. Even if you don’t think this is the biggest game in English football, it is undoubtedly both sides’ biggest remaining fixture. And that could really matter, come

late May. It’s been proven many times throughout history that a strong result either way in these games can alter the short-term futures of one or both clubs.

Interestingly, each team has enjoyed better results away from home in recent meetings, with Liverpool losing just two of their last six visits to Old Trafford and United unbeaten at Anfield across our last three trips there. Will that pattern shift today? Well, as the FA Cup quarter-final here two years ago proved, there’s just no way of predicting what might happen. But what we can control is the noise from the stands. And if today reaches anything like the heights produced in January’s game against Manchester City, for example –Michael Carrick’s first match in charge – United will have every chance this afternoon. Let’s make it happen, Reds.

Trafford scoring streak of our Brazilian no.18 Casemiro (below)

The number of times we’ve now played against Liverpool at Anfield, following October’s 2-1 win. Today’s meeting at Old Trafford will be the 94th game between the two sides at the Theatre of Dreams.

If United can achieve victory today, we’ll complete our first league double over Liverpool for 10 years.

UNITED v LIVERPOOL IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE:

UNITED 30 WINS

Only Arsenal and Manchester City have won more points at home than the Reds’ 36 so far this season –last term, we had only the 14thbest home record in the division.

DRAWS 17

PLAYED

Since Michael Carrick’s arrival in January, no other Premier League side has racked up as many points as the rejuvenated Reds.

LIVERPOOL 20 WINS

After his nod into the Brentford net on Monday night, Casemiro has matched Dwight Yorke’s record for most headed goals in a Premier League season for United. Yorke’s eight headers came in 1999/2000 –can Case surpass Dwight’s tally in our remaining four games?

The landmark 100th Anfield fixture between the Reds of Manchester and Merseyside was settled by goals from Mbeumo and Maguire

Eight of Yorke’s 20 PL goals in 1999/2000 came from his head

There has been a noticeable turnaround in our Premier League home form this season

Our last league double over the Merseysiders was confirmed by Wayne Rooney’s winner at Anfield

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

FOREST UPDATE

The Premier League has confirmed that our final home game of the season, against Nottingham Forest, is scheduled to take place at 12.30pm on Sunday 17 May. No league games can take place on the Saturday of that weekend, which is reserved for the FA Cup final, so we’re set to face Vitor Pereira’s side a day later. However, please note that this fixture could still move again, should Forest beat Aston Villa to reach the Europa League final. If that occurs, Friday 15 May (8pm) has been proposed for the game at Old Trafford.

MAINOO SIGNS DEAL

On Thursday, the club announced that Kobbie Mainoo has agreed a new deal, which will keep him at United until 2031. The Academy graduate has been a fixture in the side during recent months, and an important factor in our strong form since the arrival of head coach Michael Carrick. He has made 98 appearances and scored seven goals since his debut for the first team in 2023, and memorably netted our winner in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City. Everyone at the club is delighted that the 21-year-old will be staying with us. Congratulations, Kobbie!

EX-RED YOUNG TO RETIRE

Former club captain Ashley Young, 40, has announced he will retire from the game at the end of this season. The winger joined the Reds in 2011 and won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during an eightand-a-half-year stay, making 261 appearances and scoring 19 times. He left to join Inter Milan in 2020 and is currently with Ipswich Town, where our former first-team coach Kieran McKenna is manager.

Kobbie’s contract extension allows the Reds to make long-term plans for the 21-year-old and continue to draw on his game-changing experience

Young arrived at United from Villa, rejoining them after his spell in Italy before going on to play for Everton and Ipswich

REST IN PEACE, pHIL

All at the club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Phil Downs MBE last month. A founder of the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association, Phil was a lifelong Red who made a transformational impact on the match-going experience for disabled supporters. He also co-founded the National Association of Disabled Supporters (now Level Playing Field), worked on the Fans’ Forum, and was United’s disability liaison officer until 2016. Club CEO Omar Berrada said:

“Phil helped transform football for disabled supporters and set standards that continue to shape accessibility and inclusion in the game today. His legacy will always be part of this club.”

SUNFLOWER lanyards

This week saw the launch of the official Manchester United sunflower lanyard, for fans with non-visible disabilities.  The lanyard will help others to identify those who may need some more support on a matchday, particularly those who might struggle in large crowds and noisy environments. The introduction of the scheme is part of the club’s commitment to more inclusive matchday experiences, following its recent participation in Level Playing Field’s ‘Unite For Access’ campaign. By wearing the lanyard, fans with hidden disabilities will be visible

to stewards, supporters, and other staff, making it easier to receive help when needed. To apply for a lanyard, visit the Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association website. MUDSA is free to join and open to all disabled Reds around the world. Find out more on Facebook, Instagram, X, or by emailing enquiries@mudsa.org.uk.

CHECK OUT THE NEW united MAG!

The second edition of United magazine is out now. The first issue of the relaunched publication took the theme of ‘music’, with the subject of issue two being ‘matchday’ – 132 pages of insight into all that goes into the day of the game. Kobbie Mainoo is one of many exclusive interviews inside, and you can pick up a copy at the programme booths today, or have one delivered via the United Store (scan right, and head to ‘books’).

GALTON

TO LEAVE

United Women legend Leah Galton has announced she will leave the club this summer. The winger is one of the remaining ‘originals’ from our first professional squad in 2018, alongside Ella Toone and Millie Turner, and she’s played in 171 matches, scoring 44 goals. A back problem has prevented Leah from playing regularly this season, but Galton hopes to feature in the campaign’s final weeks. “It’s been a journey and I’m just happy to have done it here,” the 31-year-old told MUTV.

Phil’s tireless work in helping enhance the matchday experience for disabled supporters saw him receive the love and recognition from the club and his fellow fans

Hidden disabilities will be made more visible by the introduction of the new United sunflower lanyard

previOus fixT ure...

Another Casemiro goal, another Bruno assist, and another three points for Carrick’s Champions League chasers

Collecting three points is all that matters at this stage of the season, but there was much to admire in United’s 2-1 win over a combative yet creative Brentford side at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The Bees have shown themselves to be hard to beat in recent weeks, arriving here after a run of five straight draws, but a strong first-half display from the Reds secured a ninth win in 13 Premier League games since Michael Carrick took charge in January.

That United were able to record a third successive 2-1 home victory in this fixture was largely down to the fast start made by

Carrick’s men. The tone was set early by the irrepressible Kobbie Mainoo, whose mazy run had Old Trafford purring. First, he left Mikkel Damsgaard in his wake, then he shifted past Nathan Collins and Yehor Yarmoliuk, before teeing up Amad in space to his left. Agonisingly, a vital block from Sepp van den Berg denied the Ivorian a goal and Mainoo what would have been one of the assists of the season.

Ayden Heaven retained his place in the starting XI after his strong showing against Chelsea a week earlier, alongside the returning Harry Maguire. The latter

Casemiro nods home at the far post –his eighth headed goal this season – as the Reds make an early breakthrough

brought added calm to the backline, but it was at the other end of the pitch that he made his most telling contribution as United deservedly went ahead.

On 11 minutes, from a corner, Maguire found space to send a looping header towards the far post in the hope of someone applying a finishing touch. Almost inevitably, it was our other aerial dominator Casemiro who was there to plant his own header beyond Caoimhin Kelleher for his ninth goal of the season. Having brought up a career-best tally for a season – eight of them headers – our no.18 kissed the badge in celebration before turning his focus to seeing out the win.

If Casemiro scoring was little surprise, then the creator of our decisive second goal was no shock either. Bruno Fernandes is now just one away from equalling the record number of assists in a Premier League season, with Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne (both of whom set a bar of 20) firmly in his sights. This one, like a lot of the first half attacking play, was vintage United.

Our captain launched a counter after a sliding Amad challenge sent a stray ball careering forward, teasing Brentford’s two retreating centre-backs before drawing them in and passing to Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian, still with work to do, side-stepped Collins before thumping home his 10th goal of the season.

United’s 2-0 half-time lead looked commanding enough but didn’t tell the

Manchester United 2 CASEMIRO 11, SESKO 43

BRENTFORD 1 JENSON 87

27 APRIL 2026 | 8PM | OLD TRAFFORD | ATT: 73,773

United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Heaven, Shaw (Yoro 73); Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo (Mount 74), Fernandes,

Unused subs: Bayindir, Dorgu, Malacia, Ugarte, Lacey

Booked: Shaw, Zirkzee

“Our season doesn’t come to a close when that [Champions League qualification] happens. It’s one thing certainly, we need to try to achieve it, but there’s still more work to be done” – CARRICK

full story. Brentford had made a real game of it, creating clear chances of their own – notably through Igor Thiago, who was denied by Heaven and the excellent Senne Lammens.

That threat continued in the second half, but the sting was taken out of the game by Carrick’s clever half-time tactical switch: Amad being replaced by Noussair Mazraoui to create a defensive back five.

That change, and a tireless midfield stint by player-of-the-match Casemiro, suffocated the Bees’ growing confidence and reduced them to speculative efforts. With three minutes to go of normal time though, one of those long-range shots, an exceptional strike from Mathias Jensen, found the back of the net.

That triggered a few late nerves, but thankfully it proved too little, too late. A potentially vital three points were secured to leave the Reds needing just two points from our final four games to clinch UEFA Champions League football next season.

Amad (Mazraoui 46); Sesko (Zirkzee 88)

United established a first-half lead, then claimed the win with another strong defensive showing

Another assist from Fernandes puts the skipper just one set-up short of equalling the Premier League season record

I’m at the BIGGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD

Young defender Ayden Heaven discusses embracing the pressure of playing at Old Trafford, seizing opportunities that come his way, and learning from leaders like Bruno…

Let’s start with the recent win at Chelsea. How pleased were you with the result and performance? Yeah, really pleased, to get the clean sheet as well. That’s what we needed, that’s always a ’re just pushing, you know, to get in the Champions League spots for next year. So, yeah, it was good.

Do you think it’s testament to your own preparation that you were able to come into the side and perform at such a high level in that game? y – because I haven’t played for a long time – just to make sure when I’m called upon, I’m ready. I feel like I did that. I was against a good striker [Liam Delap] and I just had to make sure I was on top of him as early as possible.

ou think that kind of opponent, a more physical type of player, suits your kind of game?

o be physical as well, you know, I don’t mind it. I don’t mind a physical striker. It suits me, in a way.

And you played with Nous [Mazraoui] in that game. How does it feel playing with different centre-backs and forming partnerships? It can be hard at times, but Nous is really good and experienced, so he helped me a lot. He’s played there before, at the top level, so I was really confident playing with him. He spoke a lot, I spoke to him, and we just helped each other.

Did you discuss who takes the lead in certain situations? How does that dynamic work when you’ve not played together so much?

It’s just natural, really. I didn’t let me not playing for a long time get in the way of how I communicate, you know? I try to communicate as much as possible, and that’s what I did in the game, and Nous as well. So yeah, credit to him.

And we saw the celebrations at the end of the game between you, Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes. What did they say to you afterwards? They were just happy for me. I thanked them as well, because everyone believed in me and they helped me before the game, and just let me know that I’ve got the ability to play at this level.

AYDEN HEAVEN A H interview

AHIs that recognition from senior players important?

Yeah, of course. It gives me confidence that I’m meant to be here and I’m able to play with these guys.

Just on Bruno, what do you make of the season he’s having? And what’s he like as a captain?

You expect a lot from Bruno, especially [after] what he’s done this year. He’s been fantastic. And he’s a great captain, always trying to help people. As you can see, in the games, he’s always speaking. Anyone would be happy to have him as their captain.

Harry Maguire recently signed a new contract with the club. How happy are you with that news?

Yeah, happy, because I like playing with Harry. Just having that reassurance next to me. He speaks a lot. He’s always someone I can learn from. So, yeah, him staying next year, it’s good for me and my development.

What lessons have you managed to pick up while you’ve been working with him?

Just how much he talks. He tries to help people around him. I think that’s a key part that we have to have as a defender – speaking. Just try to be of help to others.

And Casemiro, he’s been fantastic this season. Will you be sad to see him go?

Of course. He’s a pleasure to play with, so aggressive, so he’s good to have in front of you. He always wants to get on the ball. Him leaving is going to be a loss. He’s one of

“There’s always Big competition. You have to wait for your chance. And I feel like when that chance comes, I just have to take it”

the best tacklers I’ve seen. Even though he’s a midfielder, I try to take inspiration from the way he defends.

Michael Carrick’s said that you’re ahead of your development in terms of game time. Is it a case of making the best of the opportunities you’re getting? Yeah, of course. Obviously, you have to wait. I’m at the biggest club in the world. There’s always competition. And I feel like when that chance comes, I just have to take it.

There’s actually only been three centre-backs younger than you that have played in the top flight this year. Do you think that experience is important in these younger years of your career? It’s the highest level of football. I’m watching the best players do it, I’ve seen that every matchday, so I take it into my game and it helps me improve.

AYDEN HEAVEN

Honoured to have Bruno as club captain, Heaven adds to the chorus of praise the Portuguese has been receiving for his outstanding season

And next we’ve got Liverpool at home. What does that fixture mean to you?

It’s a big one for everybody. For the fans, they want to see us win. We’re going to go out there to win. So yeah, it means a lot.

You’ve not played against them in the Premier League before, so will it be an occasion you’ll relish? With the rivalry, you just try to get on top of them as early as possible, but the main thing is winning the game.

It’s likely to be a noisy afternoon at Old Trafford. Do you think the atmosphere can add a bit of something extra for the players?

It does – it gives us more energy. Our fans are behind us, which kind of puts the other team on edge and gives us the advantage.

And in the games you’ve had so far this season, have you got used to stepping out at Old Trafford?

It’s surreal. It’s like a fortress when you come out. But you always try to channel that into motivation when you’re playing. The fans do get behind you.

Does it help to have a head coach in Carrick who’s been in these situations with United before? He knows how to win these sorts of games and obviously he’s done it before [as a player]. When he’s talking to us before the games he uses his experience to help us to get through the game.

Jonny Evans is another experienced head in the coaching staff. You spent a short amount of time with him as a player last season and now he’s a coach this season. How has that transition been? It’s good. I’ve known Jonny for a long time. Obviously we play the same position. It’s just like him and Harry, you know, they’ve supported me and they helped me when I was playing.

And if we can clinch qualification for the Champions League this season, how would you sum up that achievement? It’d be great. We belong there.

We saw you link up with England’s first team for training in the last international break. How did you find that?

It was a good experience. Some of the best players in the world are there. I learnt a lot from the likes of John Stones, Harry [Maguire] as well. There were a lot of top centre-backs there.

Did you get a chance to speak to Thomas Tuchel? Yeah, he gave me a bit of advice in training. He was helping me, if I did something wrong or something good, he was always looking to help.

Ayden

“I’ve got my chance now and it’s just up to me – it’s down to me to keep my place. That will be my main goal”

AHDid you do any defensive work against the likes of Harry Kane or other senior members in the squad?

Yeah, there were quite a few. Jude Bellingham, who’s a great player, Phil Foden [as well].

You also scored your first international goal for the Under-20s against Italy. What did that mean to you?

There’s no better feeling than scoring for your country. My first goal as well. I just want to carry that on now.

And looking back over the season so far, what’s been your personal favourite moment so far?

I didn’t play, but Harry’s winner against Liverpool. I’d probably say that.

Do you have any goals for the remaining few games of the season?

Just to try to stay in the team. I’ve got my chance now and it’s just up to me – it’s down to me to keep my place. That will be my main goal. ●

says the players can draw on the experience of their head coach, who knows how to win big games like the one today

LIVERPOOL

The Merseyside Reds have endured a tough title defence – but with a top-five spot still to secure, Slot’s men will be fully fired up for this fixture…

KEY DETAILS

Nickname: The Reds Founded: 3 June 1892  Ground: Anfield (capacity 61,276, right)

Last season: Premier League, 1st Top achievements: English league champions 1900/01, 1905/06, 1921/22, 1922/23, 1946/47, 1963/64, 1965/66, 1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79, 1979/80, 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1987/88, 1989/90, 2019/20, 2024/25; FA Cup winners 1965, 1974, 1986, 1989, 1992, 2001, 2006, 2022; League Cup winners: 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995, 2001, 2003, 2012, 2022, 2024; European Cup/Champions League winners: 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005, 2019; UEFA Cup winners: 1973, 1976, 2001

talking points

In ending their 2025/26 Crystal Palace curse last week, Liverpool did more than just avenge defeats to the Eagles in the Community Shield, League Cup and the Premier League this season.

Liverpool’s 3-1 win, their third victory in a row, moved them above Aston Villa into fourth place on goal difference and preserved their eight-point advantage over Brighton, who sit sixth and outside the Champions League spots.

Today’s fixture begins a run of three games against direct rivals for those coveted top-five places and will be a litmus test for the Merseysiders’ recent improvements in an inconsistent title defence. A self-fulfilling prophecy of nervousness at conceding late goals has proven most costly – Arne Slot’s side have conceded eight injury-time goals this term to wipe 11 points from a tally which would otherwise put them just one behind Man City in second.

“Our objective now is to build on the performances and results we’ve had, so that we can finish the season on a high,” said Slot. “It would allow us to take something tangible and important from this season, as well as some momentum into the next one.”

Summer rebuild

Mo Salah’s hamstring injury against Palace may prove the Egyptian’s final act in a stellar 257-goal Anfield career. And after a summer of 2025 that featured nine first-team arrivals, eight leaving and the tragic death of Diogo Jota, 33-year-old Salah’s impending exit from the Merseyside club may prompt further squad changes.

Despite those late defensive jitters, and 16 goals conceded from set pieces to trail only West Ham and Bournemouth, it’s a lack of clinical finishing that has most cost Slot and co this term. Relying on captain Virgil van Dijk to score their own injury-time winners, such as in the Merseyside derby against Everton a fortnight ago, isn’t sustainable.

Among the top-flight’s best at creating chances, Liverpool have struggled to put them away as Salah’s output has diminished, while club-record signing Alexander Isak’s first season hasn’t gone to plan.

Had they taken the chances their xG suggests they should have, the Reds would again be third behind City.

“Finishing the season on a high would allow us to take something tangible from this season, as well as some momentum into the next one”

– Head

coach Arne Slot

Robertson celebrates scoring Liverpool’s second as Slot’s men finally record their first win in four attempts over Palace this season

An injury picked up against Palace last weekend means Salah could have played his final match for the Merseysiders

tactics board

Slot has varied his tactics and set-up in an underwhelming second season, but Liverpool’s hat-trick of recent Premier League wins have all come since the head coach reverted to a 4-2-3-1 system. Now recovered from a back injury, Florian Wirtz has impressed as a no.10 who attacks spaces the Reds have been too slow to exploit in transition. The German, who excels on the half-turn and boasts a superb passing range, has notably responded to having Dominik Szoboszlai as a deep-lying conduit providing a steady stream of possession into his feet.

Against Everton and Crystal Palace, academy graduate Curtis Jones excelled as an inverted right-back and is a medium-term solution to a problem position in which Conor Bradley and Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement Jeremie Frimpong have

struggled with injury. “I wouldn’t say a copy of Trent,” said Slot post-Palace, “but Curtis gave us that quality on the ball – calm, finding the right passes, starting to dribble.”

Salah’s hamstring problem means a solution will be needed on the right of an attacking midfield three, with Frimpong or Rio Ngumoha, the 17-year-old enjoying a breakthrough campaign, the most likely to replace the Egyptian. Though Alisson will return if he recovers from injury as expected, third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman impressed between the sticks against Palace and made a vital save in the build-up to Andy Robertson’s opening goal. That strike featured a fluid counterattack, with Isak offering improving movement and understanding with his team-mates at centre-forward.

LAST STARTING XI

v Crystal Palace (home), 25.04.26, Premier League

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

the manager

ARNE SLOT

The 47-year-old’s second Anfield season may not have lived up to his title-winning first, but Slot’s machine has started to show glimpses of re-finding top gear in recent victories over Fulham, Everton and Palace. The Dutchman favours a more possession-oriented system than Jurgen Klopp but retains his big-smiling predecessor’s front-foot, high-pressing mantra.

FORWARDS

Magical Magyar

DOMINIK SZOBOSZLAI

Whether deployed as a No.10, defensive midfield creator or auxiliary right-back, the versatile Szoboszlai is the outstanding candidate for Liverpool’s Player of the Season award. A combined 21 goals and assists in all competitions is impressive – his best figures since joining from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 – but it’s the 25-year-old’s increasingly influential on-field leadership that has been most conspicuous in an inconsistent Liverpool campaign. The Hungarian is deadly from free-kicks, having scored with four direct free-kicks in 2025/26.

Birthday boy

FLORIAN WIRTZ

Wirtz’s fine rising volley in last weekend’s 3-1 win against Crystal Palace was a seventh goal, to go with 10 assists, in all competitions in the German playmaker’s debut season with the Anfield club – solid numbers, even if a first strike since January evidences the former Bayer Leverkusen schemer’s up-and-down campaign. Yet only our own Bruno Fernandes has created more Premier League chances this term than Wirtz, who turns 23 today and is increasingly displaying his trademark impish invention and subtle promptings.

Record buy

ALEXANDER ISAK

Last weekend, Wirtz’s successor as club-record signing notched his first Anfield Premier League goal for Liverpool to continue his convalescence during an injury-disrupted first campaign on Merseyside. The 26-year-old Swede missed much of pre-season, then suffered a broken leg while scoring at Tottenham in December, but the former Real Sociedad and Newcastle forward will now have an extended run in Slot’s starting XI to establish some connections – with Wirtz in particular – after Hugo Ekitike’s own season-ending knee injury, sustained last month.

1-13

Liverpool’s highest and lowest league positions so far this season. A five-game winning start saw them sitting top of the pile in mid-September, before an unexpected slump of six losses in seven saw them plummet to 13th two months later.

100

The second game of that winning run to start the campaign saw Rio Ngumoha score Liverpool’s 100th-minute winner away to Newcastle –Ngumoha becoming the club’s youngest ever goalscorer at 16 years and 361 days.

+1

The goal difference (in United’s favour) across 217 previous meetings between today’s teams. The Reds of Manchester have scored 293 times, with the Reds of Merseyside on 292.

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

The first of our 217 previous meetings with Liverpool came a matter of months after the completion of the Manchester Ship Canal, arguably the cradle of a rivalry born between the two Industrial Revolution powerhouse cities.

As our forebears Newton Heath, who had just finished bottom of the top flight, we faced unbeaten Second Division champions Liverpool in an April 1894 ‘Test Match’ to determine which side would play in the following season’s First Division.

Played at Blackburn Rovers’ Ewood Park in front of a few thousand fans, the play-off was effectively settled inside half-an-hour, as Patrick Gordon and Harry Bradshaw headed the Merseysiders into a 2-0 lead they never surrendered to secure their top-flight spot.

Some 131 years later, in the teams’ latest meeting, another header sealed a win, this time for the Reds of Manchester. Last October, Harry Maguire latched on

to Bruno Fernandes’ looped cross six minutes from time to seal a 2-1 victory that was our first at Anfield since a late Wayne Rooney strike in January 2016.

In between, it was Gary Pallister who used his head during a title-deciding 3-1 victory at Anfield in April 1997. With United and Liverpool first and second respectively going into an unusual Saturday morning kick-off, the towering centre-back’s first-half double from David Beckham’s delicious dead balls not only

“You can’t do right for doing wrong. I scored two goals at Anfield to help us win the league, and still got a rollicking!”

– Pallister in April 1997

Pallister receives the adulation of his team-mates – and later the ire of his manager! – after his two first-half goals at Anfield in April 1997 all but sealed the Reds a fourth title in five years

provided the bedrock for the win but also featured the earliest goal, by time of day, scored in the Premier League: Pally’s 13th-minute opener went in at 11.28am.

Despite Pallister’s rare brace, he still got a Sir Alex Ferguson earful at full-time. With Borussia Dortmund the Reds’ next opponents the following Wednesday in the Champions League semi-final second leg, Fergie told the press the set-pieces had been “off the cuff”. In a separate post-game interview, Pallister had told the truth – United had been working on dead-ball decoy runners all week – revealing the boss’s secret.

“I’ve come back in the dressing room and the manager’s battered me across the back of the head, going apoplectic with rage,” Pallister later joked. “You can’t do right for doing wrong. I scored two goals at Anfield to help us win the league, and still got a rollicking!”

Today, for the 218th time, United and Liverpool do battle in a long-running rivalry which has taken on huge significance to both clubs, for a wide range of reasons…

“We are talking about the two most successful clubs in England historically, and a rivalry that goes back to how industry changed when they opened the Manchester Ship Canal,” stressed Sir Alex Ferguson, speaking ahead of his side’s impending trip to Anfield in October 2011. “That affected the history of both cities and it [the rivalry] has been there since I came to Manchester. Both clubs need each other and the history should be appreciated by both sets of fans.”

Addressing the nation’s press at Carrington that Friday afternoon, the veteran Scot was appealing for supporters of both clubs to turn their back on the culture of tragedy-chanting which had pervaded games between the two sides, calling for sanity to prevail in both factions. Ferguson had seen almost everything over the years – flashpoints, controversial incidents, divides of geography, industry and tribalism – but there’s much more to this relationship than enmity.

THE BEGINNINGS

As Sir Alex rightly said, the rivalry’s roots were established in the 1890s. While Manchester and Liverpool were separated by 35 miles, the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal proved a huge schism between the two cities. Liverpool had previously enjoyed an economic monopoly as the North’s leading port, but the construction of the Ship Canal punctured that dominance,

gradually redirecting lucrative trade –primarily cotton and grain – towards the new inland port.

Yet, while that economic rupture gave rise to regional tension, any football rivalry was incidental – even if the sides’ first-ever meeting came just three months after the Ship Canal’s completion. Secondtier Liverpool triumphed that day in a relegation play-off at Ewood Park, taking Newton Heath’s place in the top flight and

The Merseysiders were the dominant league force during the ’80s, but the arrival of Alex Ferguson as United boss in 1986 started a seismic shift as he helped tip the trophy scales in favour of Old Trafford

A group of travelling Reds make the short trip to Liverpool, gathering in the city centre to soak up the matchday buzz in the 1960s as Matt Busby and Bill Shankly’s sides go head-to-head

setting the tone for early control of the fixture. Of the sides’ 50 meetings pre-World War II, Liverpool triumphed in 22 of them, with the Heathens / Manchester United winning 16.

Amidst that half-century of games was 1915’s notorious 2-0 home win for United. It was a result which lightened the hosts’ threat of relegation, but ended with seven players suspended for match-fixing – three from United, four from Liverpool. It was an inter-squad conspiracy unthinkable in the rivalry’s later years, when the two clubs’ players would barely converse when called up for England camps.

It wasn’t until the arrival of Liverpool veteran Matt Busby at Old Trafford, taking his first-ever role in management, that the two clubs were in direct and sustained competition for honours, with the Merseysiders pipping the Reds to the 1946/47 title. They repeated that feat in 1963/64 and were succeeded by Busby’s side in 1964/65, yet there was still little bad blood between the two factions.

“If Liverpool were playing in the European Cup then we [United] players would go and watch the game,” Sir Bobby Charlton confirmed back in 2012. “It was the same on the other side when we played.” Such was the mutual respect between the clubs that when Liverpool stayed in Lymm ahead of Old Trafford fixtures, manager Bill Shankly would wander to Charlton’s house on the morning of the game. Anfield legend Ian Callaghan recalled: “You’d walk past Bob’s house and see him and Shanks in the window, just chatting! There was just a fantastic camaraderie.”

“Liverpool were so successful that it did breed an envy, and then United have been fantastic and it’s gone into a bitter rivalry” – Ian Callaghan

GETTING AN EDGE

That amity began to curdle in the ensuing decades, however, as atmospheres on the terraces turned febrile. Hooliganism became a recurring theme of the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with Liverpool’s emergence as the country’s dominant force. “There was an envy when Liverpool were winning the title on a regular basis,”

Charlton conceded. Meanwhile, United, having struggled to navigate the choppy post-Busby waters, had to make do with occasional opportunities to cling to the bragging rights, upsetting the Merseysiders in the 1977 FA Cup final and semi-final two years later. When they met at that stage again in 1985, the Reds once more prevailed over a humdinger of a two-part tie, coming from behind to triumph at Maine Road through spectacular efforts from Bryan Robson and Mark Hughes.

The tone was repetitive: United could prevail on one-off occasions, but it was Liverpool who could muster a season’s momentum to keep piling up the league titles. Their count was at 16 by the time Alex Ferguson arrived from Aberdeen, and 18 when the Scot brought the inaugural Premier League title to Old Trafford. When he retired in 2013, he had amassed a jaw-dropping 13 league crowns in total, establishing a collective haul of 20 for United, to Liverpool’s 18.

As Callaghan admitted: “Liverpool were so successful that it did breed an envy, and then United have been fantastic and it’s gone into a bitter rivalry.”

Skippers Lou Macari and Emlyn Hughes exchange pre-match pleasantries before the league action gets under way at Anfield in 1978

Tommy Doc’s Reds lap up the 1977 FA Cup fanfare as they bask in trophy glory at Wembley after overcoming Liverpool 2-1

SWEET SCHADENFREUDE

Throughout those decades fell fixtures which served only to stoke the conflict. Liverpool revelled in depriving United of the final First Division title in April 1992, winning 2-0 at Anfield to seal the Reds’ late-season collapse and hand the trophy to Howard Wilkinson’s Leeds. A shade over seven years on, a two-goal Premier League comeback from the hosts threatened to dent United’s 1999 Treble ambitions, a late-season wounding riddled with added salt by ex-Red Paul Ince scoring the last-minute leveller.

That term’s three-pronged success was rendered all the sweeter for Ferguson’s men after coming at the expense of Gerard Houllier’s Merseysiders, who were dumped out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford despite leading into the 88th minute. Likewise, a last-gasp Eric Cantona-inspired Wembley win to clinch the 1995/96 Double took

on an added layer of folklore for coming against Roy Evans’ cream-bedecked Liverpool, while as recently as 2024, an inconsistent, absentee-hit United were able to summon two memorable performances in Jurgen Klopp’s final trips to Old Trafford, ensuring the German would depart without an FA Cup or league title to show for his last Anfield term.

As Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher so memorably put it: “I want Man United to lose every single time they play. In the league, in the cups. I get wound up when United win and I’m pleased when they lose. I’d be lying if I said different. I’m sure United fans feel exactly the same about Liverpool and I wouldn’t change that.”

RIVALRIES WITHIN THE RIVALRY

Carragher was raised through the Liverpool ranks on the importance of this rivalry, most notably manifesting it in deep gashes on both Wayne Rooney and Nani during the same game at Anfield in early 2011, maintaining a physicality within the fixture which had long been established.

But it is in midfield where the contest has traditionally captured the imagination, with running battles between Bryan Robson and Graeme Souness, Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard – and, perhaps most famously from a United perspective, Norman Whiteside against just about anyone during the unforgettable 3-3 draw at Anfield in 1988.

A rivalry of rhetoric as United fans respond to their counterparts following our title win in 2009

The teak-tough Ulsterman, introduced as a second-half substitute, inspired a comeback from 1-3 down for Ferguson’s 10 men, leaving his mark on countless opponents and, as Whiteside himself put it: “I did exactly what the supporters dreamed themselves of doing in my position: I kicked lumps out of Liverpool. I became their representative on the pitch, and they’ve never forgotten it.”

“Liverpool-United games are always about who wants to win it the most,” echoed ex-Reds midfielder Nicky Butt. “You might get a bit of genius or skill to win you the game, but at the start of it, it’s whoever wants to win it the most. Whoever wants to win the challenges, and the headers, who wants to outrun and outfight their opponent. It’s healthy, when it comes to matchdays, to have that ‘hatred’, if you like, on both sides. It’s been drummed into both sides since we were schoolboys, playing with town teams. It’s something to thrive on; if you can’t thrive on the rivalry and games like this then you shouldn’t be at clubs like Manchester United or Liverpool.”

CROSSING THE DIVIDE

So deeply engrained is the rivalry, so quickly apparent its divisive nature, that hardly any players go on to represent both sides. Michael Owen remains the most recent but found his path from Anfield to Old Trafford taking the scenic

Nicky Butt celebrates his early goal in the October 1995 visit of Liverpool – a match famed for the return of long-suspended Eric Cantona, adding more feverish focus to one of football’s fiercely contested fixtures

Jamie Carragher has made clear his feelings on United, both on and off the pitch

A 3-0 home win at the Merseysiders’ expense in March 2008 kept our title charge on course

route, via Madrid and Tyneside. Before him, Ince spent two years post-United at Internazionale in Italy and the last direct transfer between the two clubs remains Phil Chisnall, who left Old Trafford to move to Merseyside back in 1964.

Former Reds defender Gabriel Heinze attempted to end that barren run back in 2007, but found himself on the wrong end of a legal verdict as United had clearly stated that any move to Anfield would not be countenanced.

Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan later revealed that an agency tried to persuade him to sign Heinze for the Eagles, then immediately sell him to Anfield. “My stance was no way were we getting involved,” he later recounted, “and I told [CEO Phil] Alexander to contact David Gill, Manchester United’s chief executive, and tell him of these attempted shenanigans, which he duly did.”

FOOTBALL-FOCUSED

The bad blood between the two fanbases reached its 21st-century peak during the second half of Ferguson’s reign, with Liverpool becoming accustomed to challenging for major honours once more. Both clubs have continually implored their supporters to buy into the healthier aspect of the rivalry without lowering themselves to unseemly behaviour, such as the ugly aforementioned ‘tragedy’ chanting. And over the years, the clubs have shown the mutual respect they want to engender between supporters.

Before the 1983 Charity Shield game at Wembley, Sir Matt Busby and Bob Paisley made a lap of the pitch together, hand

in hand, to show the bond between the two clubs. In 2017, Knights Ferguson and Charlton attended Anfield for the official renaming of the Centenary Stand as the Kenny Dalglish Stand. “Fergie’s actions speak louder than 1,000 words, him and Sir Bobby coming over,” said the Liverpool legend. “They did exactly the same after Hillsborough. They were over here early doors. There is rivalry on and off the pitch

but when it comes to something like that, there is not even a doubt about it –they will be over here supporting us and hopefully we would do the same for them.

Charlton, for his part, stressed:

“Supporters are lucky that both clubs have had good managers, coaches and players, so that it has been a pleasure to go and watch both teams. There is a respect there, and we must never forget that.”

For all the rich, complex reasons why this is English football’s most storied rivalry, it should be events on the pitch which most define it, and recent history alone has thrown up enough all-timers to foster hopes of another classic for the canon today. Be it Amad’s ground-shaking FA Cup settler in 2024, the wildly oscillating 2-2 draw at Anfield last season or Harry Maguire’s late winner earlier this term, this is a fixture which always promises and usually delivers.

With Champions League qualification on the agenda for both sides come season’s end, this afternoon’s high-stakes showdown represents an opportunity for both factions to pick up points which, for a variety of reasons, always mean a little more. ●

“Both clubs have had good managers, coaches and players… it’s been a pleasure to watch both teams. There is a respect, we must never forget that” – Bobby Charlton

Mark Hughes and Steve McMahon demonstrate the full-blooded, full-throttle nature of this enthralling fixture during their September 1990 showdown

Maguire heads home the decider in last October’s successful visit to Anfield

BRINGING BACk A CLASSIC

The latest adidas x Manchester United collaboration puts an iconic early-’90s away shirt centre-stage, with an associated range of gear – as modelled here by stars of our men’s and women’s teams…

United wore this as their away shirt from August 1990 until May 1992 – a kit that felt like a nod to the music scene in Manchester but that would also go down as an all-time classic design

The away kit also had this distinctive matching track top, which is also part of the latest ‘Bring Back’ range – worn here by Bryan Mbeumo

Brian McClair was Man of the Match and scorer of the winner when United beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the League Cup final while wearing the blue ‘snowflake’-patterned kit in April 1992

Millie Turner shows off another item in the range – this new T-shirt design, featuring ‘92’ on the front and a red devil (in blue!) on the reverse

Another piece fans can buy is this training top, modelled by Amad. The sweatshirt has the club’s then-sponsor, the adidas originals logo and no.92 on the front, plus the old club crest on the sleeve

A number of the men’s and women’s teams pulled on the retro jersey to promote the range, including Leny

his

The United players took to the Wembley turf in the tracksuit top for the 1991/92 League Cup final – as seen here being worn ahead of kick-off by Peter Schmeichel, Mark Hughes and, stood behind Sparky, Gary Pallister. Our 1-0 victory over Brian’s Clough’s Forest was the first of our six League Cup triumphs

Yoro and

compatriot Melvine Mallard (right)

Benjamin Sesko was among the models from Carrick’s first-team squad to try on the retro shirt for size. Alex Ferguson’s emerging side wore this shirt a total of 20 times in all competitions, including in a stunning Lee Sharpe-inspired 6-2 win at Arsenal in November 1990

Matheus Cunha wears the new T-shirt, which is one of the items from the range that is proving very popular with supporters

Two of our defenders model two of the eye-catching items, with Yoro showing off the red devil on the back of the T-shirt

• Scan here to view the full range at United Store:

These shorts, which were paired with the iconic jersey in the early 1990s, have been redesigned with pockets and are perfect for the summer months ahead

special focus on the global game

New exhibition launches to reflect a World Cup summer and the Reds’ many links to international football…

The Manchester United Museum will be taking on an international flavour over the next few months. Throughout May, June and July a host of new exhibits will be on display – all with a Reds connection, of course – to coincide with this summer’s World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. On display across various areas of the museum will be new items from the Old Trafford archives. Themes for the international exhibition include a look back at our stadium’s role in the 1966 World Cup, items linked to England’s success at that tournament, women’s international kits from the club’s Lionesses, iconic England kits worn by Reds men’s stars, plus an array of other kits from our current players reflecting

there will also be a trail to follow to collect prizes.

Two of the items going on display can be seen here. The Brazil shirt (right) is probably one of the most recognisable in world football – even if this one is blue! – with our forward Matheus Cunha wearing this in a friendly against France in Massachusetts, USA, this March. Loaned to us by the man himself, that outing was cap number 20 of the 21 he’s collected. Cunha missed our win against Brentford earlier this week but will be hoping for a strong end to the season and to play his part for his country this summer as they aim for a sixth World Cup triumph.

The other shirt is also instantly recognisable – or certainly will be to Reds old enough to remember the 1998 World Cup. This England jersey (left) was worn by David Beckham during the ’98 tournament, which ended at the quarter-final stage with penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina. Becks was infamously sent off for kicking out in retaliation at Diego Simeone in that game, and after the Three Lions’ exit he briefly became a national hate figure. Not in

part of the new museum exhibit as we count down to this summer’s World Cup

these parts, however, where a collective arm around the shoulder from the United family helped pick him up and kick him on to greatness. By the end of the season he was a Treble winner with the Reds and finished second in the 1999 Ballon d’Or voting behind Barcelona’s Rivaldo.

To see these items – and perhaps get your summer fix of the Theatre of Dreams – why not pay a visit to the United museum once club affairs have been put aside for the season.

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The AULD ALLIANCE

Alex Ferguson and Kenny Dalglish’s rivalry spanned decades, but the pair’s long bond also embodies the deep respect between United and Liverpool

Chocolate buttons are not the first thing that spring to mind, when you ask your brain to conjure something connected to the relationship between Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalglish. But there chocolate buttons were, right in the middle of the pair, at Anfield last October. Images of Sir Alex offering his former foe a half-time snack would go viral in the aftermath of United’s 2-1 win, with reactions ranging from ‘this is wholesome content’ to the inevitable ‘game’s gone’. Well, we here at UR would contest that life’s gone if you can’t enjoy a wee bit of something sweet at the football. Especially if you’re sat next to a fellow football legend who you’ve been acquainted with since the 1960s. Ferguson and Dalglish (plus Ian Rush) were at it again at Aintree last month, where they were snapped sharing a table on the day of the Grand National, horse racing’s answer to the FA Cup final. And there they were once more at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, to watch the recent friendly between Ivory Coast and their beloved Scotland. Seeing the duo share some chocolate, or some wine, might induce a bit of cognitive dissonance for United and

Liverpool fans of a certain mindset, but it shouldn’t. Because while the names Ferguson and Dalglish might initially draw you back to the ferocity of the 1980s and 1990s, when Sir Alex hauled United forward on a one-man mission to knock Kenny’s beloved Liverpool off their ‘perch’, the relationship between these two icons of British football has many more dimensions.

Separated in age by just under a decade, they first crossed paths in Glasgow, shortly after Alex had joined Rangers for a then club record fee of

While the names Ferguson and Dalglish might draw you back to the ferocity of the 1980s and 1990s, the relationship between these two icons has many more dimensions

£60,000. A few months earlier, the young Kenny, a boyhood Rangers fan whose bedroom overlooked the Gers’ training ground, had been signed by… Celtic.

Those two events would lead to the pair’s first meetings, and Dalglish later recalled Ferguson giving him and some of his Celtic colleagues the odd lift into Glasgow from Ibrox. “We were friendly with some of the younger Rangers players,” he told Ian Herbert of The Independent back in 2011. “In fact it was Alex Miller, who used to be here [as a coach] at Liverpool. We used to walk across quite often and wait for him before we went out, and Fergie would be about. He used to occasionally give us a lift into town. I knew Fergie had gone for a big transfer fee, because he had a big car!”

Later there followed a somewhat more vague meeting on the field, in a reserves game, with Dalglish stationed at centre-back for Celtic (“for educational purposes”) and an out-of-favour Ferguson up front for Rangers. Hilariously, the outcome of the game is still the subject of jovial disagreement all these years later.

“He man-marked me,” Ferguson recalled in 1996. “I said to him: ‘You’ll need a doctor for this.’ He just looked at me. He got stuck in but I scored.” Dalglish’s own memory of the occasion? “I thought we won 2-0... we definitely beat them.”

Perhaps it’s fitting that this first competitive battle is contested, because neither man would give an inch in the years that followed, through many ups

The image of Sir Alex offering Sir Kenny some Cadbury Buttons at Anfield was widely commented upon

Days sharing the touchline as rival managers have given way to a friendship frequently witnessed since retirement

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and downs. But beneath the fierce pride and desperation to win, there has always existed a strong streak of respect.

They faced off a few more times when Sir Alex moved on to Falkirk and Ayr United, but his playing retirement in 1974 and Dalglish’s move to Liverpool in 1977 meant they did not meet again until 1980. By that time, Ferguson had inspired Aberdeen’s astonishing rise to the 1979/80 Scottish title and, following that, entry to the European Cup. There, in the second round, they met two-time winners Liverpool.

Sir Alex would later remember the tie as “nothing less than a nightmare”. His Aberdeen team succumbed to a comprehensive 5-0 aggregate defeat, which concluded with a particularly inglorious 4-0 shellacking at Anfield. Dalglish was involved in all four goals, assisting the second (scored by Phil Neal) with an outrageous backheel and heading home the third.

Liverpool midfielder Terry McDermott remembered bumping into Ferguson years on, in 2017, and being told: “I’ll never forgive you for that goal at Aberdeen!” McDermott had scored the only goal in the first leg up in Scotland, and later told The Mirror that he suspected Ferguson’s desperation to dethrone Liverpool might have first been conceived around those two Aberdeen defeats.

But it was as managers that Ferguson and Dalglish produced their most famous battles. One early flashpoint came in 1988, when 10-man United came from

3-1 down at Anfield to earn a point against a Liverpool side which was by then under Dalglish’s stewardship. Afterwards Ferguson complained to the press that managers “leave here choking on their own vomit”, in reference to debatable refereeing decisions during the match. Dalglish, who was asked for a response while holding his six-week-old daughter, Lauren, joked: “You’d get more sense out of the baby.”

But a year later, the underlying respect between the two men – and the two clubs – was illustrated in the wake of the horrific Hillsborough Disaster. Ferguson personally offered his help, while representatives from United’s network of supporters’ clubs quietly made their own trip to Anfield to show solidarity. Dalglish invited the fans into one of Anfield’s lounges to personally thank them for the touching gesture.

Four months later, the Liverpool legend wrote a letter to Ferguson: ‘Dear Alex, just a note to thank you most sincerely, albeit belatedly, for your kindness at the time of the Disaster. We needed all the help we could get at that time and we greatly

appreciated the kindness of you and the lads in attending [Hillsborough victim]

Colin Ashcroft’s funeral. We know that seeing you all there was a great comfort to his family. Thanks again Alex to you and the lads. Good luck. Yours sincerely, Kenny Dalglish.’

The huge toll from Hillsborough eventually led to Dalglish stepping down as Liverpool manager in 1991, before he joined Blackburn after an eight-month break. Boosted by the ambitious investment of club owner Jack Walker, Blackburn were soon directly duking it out with United for the Premier League title – though Dalglish was left exasperated by Roy Keane’s decision to renege on a gentleman’s agreement to go to Ewood Park in the summer of 1993, in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

Rovers finished fourth and second (behind champions United) in the first two seasons of the rebranded Premier League but in 1994/95, the two clubs’ both went into the final day of the season with firm hopes of lifting the title.

Tension had been high throughout the campaign, with United embroiled in

The respect between the two men – and the two clubs – was illustrated in the wake of the Hillsborough Disaster. Ferguson personally offered his help, while United’s supporters made their own trip to Anfield to show solidarity

Although their rivalry on the pitch started when representing their rival Glasgow clubs, the love for these two proud Scotsman has conquered many a divide

Dalglish posts about his Aintree meet-up with his fellow racegoer

“There is rivalry without grudges or a loss of respect for each other. Life is too short for that kind of nonsense”

– Sir Alex Ferguson

an almighty fiasco around Eric Cantona’s infamous ‘kung-fu’ kick in early 1995, which led to a nine-month ban for the Frenchman. Blackburn’s win over Queens Park Rangers in early April took them eight points clear, with Ferguson admitting that “unless Blackburn finish like Devon Loch in the Grand National we haven’t much of a hope”.

Dalglish’s team did stumble, but not quite as injuriously as that old racehorse did back in 1956. Rovers won just two of their final six games, and United would have taken a third successive title but for an agonising 1-1 draw at West Ham on the final day. “Kenny’s done a fantastic job,” Ferguson conceded, graciously.

“It takes a good team to take the championship away from us.”

Surprisingly, Dalglish was made director of football at Rovers that summer and passed on the managerial reins to his assistant, Ray Harford. He would leave the Lancashire club barely a year later – the same year he released his autobiography. The foreword? Penned by one Alexander Chapman Ferguson.

But the peak years of the pair’s rivalry were over. The two would meet just eight more times before Sir Alex’s retirement in 2013 – five matches coming during Dalglish’s second spell in charge of Liverpool between

2011-12. There were two victories apiece for each man, plus one draw, and a hugely controversial incident between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez, which led to the Uruguayan receiving an eight-game ban for racist abuse.

It was yet another tense moment in the history between England’s two leading clubs, but Ferguson and Dalglish behaved much as they always had: with firm commitment to their respective clubs, but solid respect for one another.

“When I came back [to manage Liverpool] and we had that first game at Old Trafford [an FA Cup tie in January 2011], he shouted to me as I was walking on to the pitch,” remembered Dalglish.

“‘Are you coming in for a drink after?’ I said: ‘What do you mean? I’ve always been in for a drink.’ He says: ‘Aye, but it’s changed a wee bit now.’

‘Not for me it hasn’t,’ I said.”

And that bond has continued in the years since, perhaps even strengthening a touch. In 2017, Ferguson was present at Anfield to witness the Centenary Stand being renamed in Dalglish’s honour. In 2020, he texted Kenny to congratulate him on Liverpool’s 19th title win, which was achieved under the management of Jurgen Klopp.

“We are not bosom pals, but we do speak to each other,” Sir Alex once said.

“There is rivalry without grudges or a loss of respect for each other. Life is too short for that kind of nonsense.”

Both clubs know that truism only too well, given the devastation wrought by Munich and then Hillsborough. In the days after 6 February 1958, Liverpool were quick to offer assistance. In 1989, Ferguson was one of the first people on the phone to Dalglish, to ask what could be done.

The long connective thread between these two clubs endures, deep underneath all the noise and occasional ugliness. At times, it can seem to have worn a little thin. But in the hour of either club’s deepest need, it is invariably reliable in its strength. And in 2026, the visible cordiality between Ferguson and Dalglish is perhaps the greatest symbol of its health. ●

Sir Alex and SIR Kenny Head to Head

Ferguson: 11 wins

Dalglish: 6 wins

Draws: 10

(Figures relate to Dalglish’s managerial career, and include his spells with Blackburn and Newcastle)

The same stadium commemoration for Sir Alex is a reflection of the deep pride felt by both clubs and their fans for all they achieved

Sir Alex was at Anfield to celebrate the Centenary Stand being renamed in Dalglish’s honour

The jovial relationship the pair currently enjoy is far removed from their footballing days

A Star from the Stands

Salford teenager John Denton is making big waves in the music world – and Old Trafford is already listening...

Music and Manchester (and United) have gone hand in hand for decades, and a young Red by the name of John Denton is hoping to extend the tradition for a new generation.

Still aged only 15, the budding singer-songwriter has already been mentored by guitar legend Johnny Marr, plus he’s chatted with Bruce Springsteen. And on 8 May, John will release his debut EP, Someone Else’s Game, via a record deal with Modern Sky.

John is a regular matchgoer with his season-ticket holding dad, Phil, and is

proud to call United his local team – the family home in Salford is just a short walk away. He’s even performed inside Old Trafford, for a Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation (MMMF) event.

“It was an absolute honour to be bringing my guitar into Old Trafford,” John tells UR, and a chance encounter with stadium announcer Alan Keegan that same day led to his song Someone Else’s Game being played on six different United matchdays.

“I can’t even describe it,” Denton says, when asked about hearing his tune ring around the Theatre of Dreams. “It was just like absolute euphoria. The amount of messing about we did in that recording studio... so much wasn’t

working, it was so funny, but all my messing about has done that!

“It’s obviously amazing, but it’s kind of weird to hear your own creation through the speakers at Old Trafford in front of 75,000 people. It’s crazy! I think it’s something every musician would love to experience, and I’m very grateful.”

Stardom surely awaits – once the youngster’s GCSEs are out of the way, that is. The launch party for John’s EP has been delayed until 26 June, because the release day falls right in the middle of his exams. Good luck with those too, John!

Tickets for his 26 June gig, at The Yard MCR in Cheetham Hill, are available to buy via this code – get down and show your support for a fellow Red!

Performing in his United kit, John says hearing his song played at Old Trafford was “absolute euphoria”

The teenager is being guided in his music career by legendary guitarist Johnny Marr

A Boss encounter as John meets music icon Bruce Springsteen

UNITED VOICES

ARKAYLA

Three

Reds from the rising Manchester band talk the wonder of Rooney, hearing their songs at Old Trafford, and celebrating winners against Liverpool in Tesco trolleys....

How did you come to support United?

Finley Rubens (guitar): You’re just born into it, aren’t you? I was born in Salford but I live in Whitefield, and I can’t remember a time when I didn’t support United. My mum actually got married in the Treble-winning kit – well, she put it on straight after. I need to find that picture! So I was destined to be a United fan from the day I was born. It was never a question.

Cal Blakebrough (vocals): I wasn’t really born into it that way. My parents aren’t from Manchester, they moved here when I was very young, so I’m a first-generation Manc. They are not really into football but my dad decided to take me to a game, and at the time United were top of the world. I went with my dad and my brother in 2010 and have never looked back. I’ve always been a United fan since then.

Dylan Murphy (drums): My dad was a United fan, so I got it from him. I grew up in Newton Heath where United originate from. We are close to City’s ground but United will always have a place in Newton Heath.

Who was your first United hero?

Dylan: Wayne Rooney. The first game I went to at Old Trafford was against Bolton in 2007 and we won 4-1 –Rooney scored two and Park scored two. I remember watching Rooney and being in awe of him.

unanimous verdict

Cal: The first player I fell in love with was Robin van Persie (below) – that was the first year we had a season ticket at Old Trafford and that was the year we last won the league (2012/13). I’ll never forget that final game against Villa, when Van Persie scored that hat-trick. That volley [his second goal] may be the best goal I’ve ever seen live.

Finley: It’s got to be Wazza. It’s quite simple. When I first started going to games, that’s who I was obsessed with. It was his attitude, the football, everything – he was incredible. But a big shout out to Dimitar Berbatov. When he scored five against Blackburn I was there and I was a little kid, and I was like, ‘This can’t be real?’

A

from the United-supporting members of indie rock band Arkayla is that the Reds are moving in the right direction under Carrick

“When I was stood at Old Trafford and our song was playing, I lost my head a bit and was like, ‘This is crazy!’ It felt amazing” – Finley

How did it make you feel when your song Calling Time was played at Old Trafford?

Finley: It was amazing. I’m quite level-headed about the good stuff that happens around the band, but when I was stood at Old Trafford and our song was playing, I lost my head a bit and was like, ‘This is crazy!’ It felt amazing. Cal: That was pretty early on, so that was proper exciting.

When was your first game?

Dylan: As I said, it was Bolton in 2007. My uncle lived on the Quays right next to Old Trafford, so I went with my little brother and him. We were sat in the Stretford End, so it was a great place to go and be watching your first game. Cal: It was against Fulham in 2009 and we won 3-0. Berbatov, Scholes and, I think, Rooney scored. We were sat literally as close to the pitch as you can get, in the North Stand.

Finley: I’ve not got a clue. It was in 2008 and I remember that Ronaldo was playing, but I was only six years old!

It’s almost the end of the season – what have you made of it?

Finley: It’s been very interesting. Me, personally, I’m backing Michael Carrick all the way. The season was horrible until he came in and we started playing proper football. Despite the recent Leeds wobble, I’m still optimistic, but it’s definitely been a rollercoaster of a season.

Cal: Well, it’s been better than last season. I didn’t really expect much from this season, so if you’d told me at the start we’d be in third place with a handful of games to go I would have said: ‘Absolutely – that’s amazing!’ The squad looks better and since Carrick’s come in we’re definitely playing better football – it’s much better to watch. Dylan: I agree with both of the lads, but you can see we are playing with more confidence now. I think Carrick is still working out how to get the best from them, but you’ve got to trust him, haven’t you?

Rooney races through the Bolton defence to score the first of his two goals in our 4-1 win in March 2007 –with first-time visitor Dylan watching on in awe from the Stretford End

Salford-born guitarist Finley displays his United allegiance backstage

Formed in 2020 and bursting onto the music scene in the ensuing years, the group of four have built up a strong following and are regarded as one of the UK’s rising guitar bands

Who are your favourite current players in the team?

Cal: I love Bruno, but he’s been our best player of the last 10 years, so that goes without saying. I also love Mbeumo. I love watching him play; he brings that energy and is good with the ball. And I love Harry Maguire. His redemption arc has been one of the best I’ve ever seen from any player.

Finley: It’s got to be Kobbie Mainoo. And I love Maguire, too. Oh, and Cunha. I just love his attitude and the dancing! Dylan: Kobbie, too, and when Amad is on his game he is an unbelievable player. I am really excited about Shea Lacey, though – I think he is going to become a big-game player.

What’s your favourite all-time United goal?

Dylan: Mine was at a game I went to with Cal – the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon last year. Cal wanted to leave the game before the end because we needed two goals in five minutes. But I was like, ‘No, Cal, we’re staying!’ Then Mainoo cut in and scored, then Maguire scored again and I couldn’t believe it… Cal: The best game I’ve ever been to live by quite a distance was the Liverpool FA Cup game at Old Trafford in April 2024, when we beat them 4-3. When that last goal from Amad went in I’ve never, ever heard a noise like it. So that Amad goal is my favourite.

Finley: In terms of quality of goal, it’s either the Van Persie volley against Villa or Rooney’s overhead kick v City. But as

“The best game I’ve been to was the Liverpool FA Cup game at Old Trafford in 2024 when we beat them 4-3. When that last goal from Amad went in I’ve never heard a noise like it” – Cal

far as the vibes go, I’d have to agree with Cal – that Amad goal and that game was probably the best I’ve ever seen. I went with my cousin and after the game –we’d had a few drinks – I ended up in the Tesco car park, and I had him in a trolley and was just spinning him around. That’s the way to celebrate!

Finally, what does supporting United mean to you?

Dylan: It’s everything! Being from Manchester, the only way to be a proper Manc is by supporting United, isn’t it?

It’s an identity. It’s something I am proud of and my family are proud of.

Finley: I’ll put it this way. I’ve wanted to be in a band since I was six years old – it’s been my dream my whole life. But if I was good enough, and it was offered, I’d take a contract at United in one second. And I’d absolutely die for the shirt!

Cal: I just love the journey of it – being on a massive life-long journey with this team. The last 10 years have not been great, but you just know that one day we will come back and be the best team in England and in Europe again. When that day comes, all the pain and all the hardship we’ve experienced will make it feel all so much sweeter.

Arkayla’s latest single Run Kid is out now. Scan here to find out more…

Drummer Dylan lists the goal and drama-fuelled Europa League quarter-final visit of Lyon last year as one of his United highlights and, like his band-mates, is optimistic about what the future holds for the Reds

Amad’s FA Cup winner against Liverpool in April 2024 brings back fond memories –including a celebratory spin in a Tesco trolley – for some band members!

STYLE?

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

Happy 60th birthday, Mark Sharkey! Love always, Emma.

Welcome to Old Trafford, Charlie Rainey and Charlie Whyte – here’s hoping for a win against Liverpool!

Happy 40th birthday, David Umana.

A belated happy 40th birthday for 29 November to Gary Maxwell –a devoted husband, loving father, proud son of West Belfast and a true lifelong fan. Love from your family.

Wishing a happy 18th birthday to Stuart Stephen Duthie for 1 May.

Sam, Denver and Shaun: I hope you guys are having the best time and realising all your dreams at Old Trafford. Enjoy every moment.

Happy birthday, Laurence Cooper.

Happy birthday to Alex Matthew Wallace, who turns 24 today. He’s a season ticket holder in the disabled section of the Stretford End and has been a member ever since he was three months old.

Wishing a happy 16th birthday to Paulus Pohjola, a dedicated Red from Finland. He and dad Mika are both members of MUSC Finland.

Happy birthday to Korinna Eaton for 4 May. She’s making her first visit to Old Trafford and is very excited to be spending the weekend in Manchester.

Many happy returns for 6 May to Dom Balian. He’s here with his father, who was first at Old Trafford with Dom’s late uncle for the Liverpool fixture when they first moved to the UK in the 1970s.

‘From our dream wedding day to the Theatre of Dreams – surprise, Jose! Your wish to visit Old Trafford has come true. Here’s to love, football and memories we’ll never forget. Love you always, Karla.’

Happy 40th birthday to Victoria for 8 May. All our love, Gareth, Scarlett and Hunter.

Wishing Aaron Murphy an extra special 40th birthday celebrating how he knows best... watching United! Have an amazing weekend. Love always, Becky, Finley and the rest of the gang.

On 30 April, Bror Lofthus Hast entered retirement, and as a lifelong Manchester United fan, there was only one way to celebrate – a journey from Denmark to Old Trafford. Enjoy the match and the beginning of a well-deserved retirement. Best wishes from your sons and grandchild.

Happy 16th, Ayan. Love from Dad, Mum and Aesha.

Happy 30th birthday, Sam – our lifelong Red! Hope your birthday is the best, supporting the best team.

Welcome to Jamie Doyle, from Ireland, and happy 13th birthday for 5 May.

Welcome back to Old Trafford to Leah Kenny, who has travelled from Ireland with her dad, Ed. Leah is a huge fan of Amad.

Happy 40th birthday, Tatenda You are loved forever! Enjoy your day at the Theatre of Dreams. Love from Berni, Leo and Mila.

‘Lieber Beat – wir wünschen Dir alles Liebe zu Deinem 50. Geburtstag und hoffen, dass Du heute hier mit uns in Old Trafford ein unvergessliches Erlebnis hast! Wir lieben Dich! Aleksander und Alessandra.’

11th

On 7-8 May, 82-year-old lifelong Red Tony Fahey will attempt a world-record endurance challenge at Sale Water Park to raise vital funds for Make-A-Wish UK. Anyone wishing to donate can find details via @tonyfaheyofficial on Instagram.

Happy 11th birthday, Dhruven! From Australia to Old Trafford, your Red spirit shines bright. Keep dreaming big, champion. With endless love, Mum, Dad and Kira.

Happy 80th birthday for 16 May to Ray Eavis, a lifelong United fan. He’s stuck with them through thick and thin over the years. Also happy belated 40th wishes to Perry, brought up cheering on the Reds and wouldn’t have it any other way. Lots of love to you both, from all the family.

Happy

birthday to a huge United fan, Rían, from Ireland.

Happy birthday, Mai – wishing you an amazing day and an unforgettable match at Old Trafford! With all our love, Mostafa, Kinda, and Kayan.

Ernie and his son, Jeff, from Luxembourg, are at today’s match. For Jeff, it’s now 30 years of attending games at Old Trafford, while Ernie has been travelling for 46 years to the Theatre of Dreams.

Happy early 18th birthday, MohamedRaees! Enjoy your first match at Old Trafford. Love from Dad, Mum and Rumaysa.

Luke and Duncan Fletcher, amazing supporters in many ways. Dream big. Love you, Hannah (Mummy). Happy birthday, Purav!

To ‘Wilf-RED’, aged nine: we are so proud of you! The way you tackle life and big centre-forwards with a smile on your face is amazing. Keep being you!

A season to remember – thank you for the memories!

Welcome to Leah Elliott from Northern Ireland, visiting Old Trafford for the first time to celebrate her 10th birthday.

A very happy 65th birthday to Kev Dixon, pictured here with his mum, from all his friends in the Salford Suite and on row one and two, including Steve, his lifelong friend who has sat with him for more than 20 years.

Norbert Cybulski, from Poland, is 11 years old and is at Old Trafford for his 11th match this afternoon. His all-time favourite Red is Cristiano Ronaldo. Go, United!

Happy eighth birthday, Chester Williams. We hope you have a fun day. Lots of love, Mammy, Daddy and Teddy.

Huge congratulations to Lisa and Graham Lee from Co. Longford MUSC, who are celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary today!

Happy 11th birthday to Jude Butler, who is celebrating at today’s match.

A massive 50th birthday shout-out to Sinead Keenan. Sinead is celebrating her big day here with family and friends from the Co. Longford MUSC. Enjoy the game!

Happy birthday, Samir Nasseur! Have an amazing day and enjoy the match. YANITED! Lots of love, Louise.

Happy birthday to Archie Belcher, who turned 12 yesterday. A loyal Red who comes to most home games, he’s celebrating his birthday here today. Hope you have the best day. We love you so much. Love Mum, Dad and Till.

‘Jonas and Mei Ying are getting married on 30 May! Happy 38th birthday to my husband. I can’t wait to go to Old Trafford to watch a match together. I love you.’

Have a very happy 21st birthday, Rhys Roberts.

Happy seventh birthday, Connor Harris. Hoping to celebrate it with a win today!

Happy 16th birthday, Matt Mullan, from Daddy. MUFC always.

Happy 21st birthday to Syd on his first visit to Old Trafford! Love from Mum.

Have a very happy 50th birthday on 4 May, Gordon Fitzsimmons, and a brilliant trip to Old Trafford.

This will be Andrew Duncan Fersch’s last as a season ticket holder after 60 years. We’d like to thank him for his decades of support. To Andrew – block N2411, row 23, seat 23 – you’ll always be part of the United family!

Happy 16th birthday, Rohan Sanghera. Still growing, just like the United’s trophy cabinet! Love from the Sangheras, Nagras and Bhamras.

A very happy 10th birthday to Rory Willerton, we hope you have a great time celebrating. Love from Mum, Dad and Harry.

Wishing Peter Willerton a very happy birthday, love from Claire, Harry and Rory.

Happy 40th birthday, Chris Worrall. From Sarah and Oscar.

Happy eighth birthday for today to Landon Massey.

Happy eighth birthday, Borys! Enjoy your first Premier League match at Old Trafford. Love, Dad.

Shout-out to Gruff Tovey – have a very happy eighth birthday.

Happy birthday to you, Hans-Christian Keane Wenneke.

Many happy returns, Sebastian Taylor-Sage, and have a brilliant birthday.

Happy 8th Birthday Evie-Grace Have the most amazing day. All our love Mummy, Daddy and Georgia.

Happy birthday to the greatest Manchester United fan, Rohit Ghale! Love, Neediya.

Hi to Ross Redmond, from Ireland, over for today’s match with his dad, Ger.

Thirty years ago, Rebecca Warner – then aged nine – was a mascot accompanying Eric Cantona onto the pitch before a 2-0 win over Spurs. She had been fundraising tirelessly for Francis House Children’s Hospice. Today, her son, Freddie Jacobson, aged 10, is a mascot! His favourite player is Bruno Fernandes.

Happy sixth birthday to Eric Benson. He’s a massive United fan and his favourite player is skipper Bruno Fernandes. Lots of love, Mum, Dad and sister Hetti.

Harley Harris has a rare condition and urgently needs life-saving surgery in New York, costing £2.5 million. Please help save him by donating if you can at gofund. me/4b2a2f8a9

Back at Old Trafford for the game against Liverpool. We’re ready! Morten, Memphis and Big D, from Denmark.

Happy 40th birthday to Alice White from Northern Ireland. She’s celebrating by cheering on United at today’s game.

Nyah and Brandon have travelled from Plymouth for their first-ever United v Liverpool game.

Happy 40th birthday, John. A lifelong United supporter who loves sharing matchdays with his son, Joseph. Enjoy your day, love from all your family.

Welcoming fiveyear-old Hayaan Peramallee to Old Trafford for his first game, all the way from Mauritius!

Wishing Cian a happy 30th birthday.

Here are Tien-Yun, Grandad Richard (Pappy) and Uncle Michael at the Leeds game. They were recently back at Old Trafford to see United v Brentford.

Matthew Byrne is back at Old Trafford and hoping to see Casemiro score again.

Happy 12th birthday for 10 May to Rafferty Burton, who’s here today and whose favourite players are fellow goalkeepers Peter Schmeichel and Senne Lammens.

Ana Luša, Alex and our Slovenian, Benjamin Sesko.

Paul Hatton is a lifelong United fan and true Red. We’re all thinking of you and your family, Paul.

Shae, 11, and Niyah, seven, pictured with mum Paige and dad Connor, are both massive United fans.

Rowan Fawn is here for his first Old Trafford game to celebrate turning 18. He’s currently doing his coaching qualifications to fulfil his dream of becoming a Premier League coach. Happy birthday, and keep up the hard work!

Happy 10th birthday to our beautiful son, Ole! We hope you have the best day, love Mum and Mike.

Happy birthday, Rhys. Hope you have a fantastic day. Let’s hope it’s topped off with the result! All our love from Mum, Dad, Callum and Pippa.

Welcoming back Mostafa ElShandawily, one of the biggest Reds from Egypt, travelling all the way from the land of the Pharaohs to be at Old Trafford for the biggest game in England – great to have him back at the Theatre of Dreams for this special occasion.

Hello to Brandon Squires, here as a celebration of your 27th birthday at the Theatre of Dreams! Love Nys and family.

Lifelong United fan George has travelled all the way from Canada with his kids to watch Liverpool get battered. Happy 70th birthday, from Pia, Matthew, Andrew, and Laura!

birthday and happy anniversary

Wishing a very happy birthday to a dedicated Red, Peter Passmore! Have a brilliant day.

Driven by passion, built with pride. Speed on the road, passion in the heart. Manchester United isn’t just a club to me, it’s a part of every journey I take. A small tribute to the club that’s given me a lifetime of emotions. From Shardul Apte, MUSC Pune member.

Happy birthday to Siddhi, with love from husband Prathamesh Abnave.

Happy

of supporting United, Melanie Tsz Wai. Enjoy your visit to Old Trafford.

A warm welcome to Old Trafford to two huge Reds, Lana and Ella Cherry, for the visit of Liverpool. Come on, United!

Happy 70th birthday to a true Red through and through. Here’s to plenty of amazing memories at Old Trafford and many more to come. Have a fantastic day, Nige! Love, your family.

‘To our amazing son, Finley: happy 16th birthday, mate. Hope you have the best time. We love you EVERYTHING. Mum, Dad and Indie-Mae.’

Rachel and Shane Fitzpatrick and their sons, Shane and Logan, are lifelong United fans here for today’s game from Ireland.

Here are brothers Reece, 33, and Harvey, 11. Both were sharing a joint birthday present, bought for them by their auntie and uncle, when they came to see United for the very first time, against Brentford. This had been a dream for both boys and they can finally say they’ve seen their team play, and they’ve done it together – with many more games to follow. We hope you both enjoyed the match and had a great day.

Happy 50th birthday to Steve Rogers, with love from all the family.

IN MEMORIAM

In memory of Jim Walsh, who passed away on 19 December in Cork, Ireland. He was a huge United fan and enjoyed many trips to the Theatre of Dreams. He is sadly missed by his wife, Liz, and children, John, Aishling and Jennifer, as well as his friend, Paul.

In memory of Cynthia Bird, a true Red who saw Manchester as her second home. A beloved wife, mother and nana, she will be dearly missed by all. Rest in peace with the spirit in the sky, luv.

Stanley AgyenimBoateng was a devoted father and passionate Manchester United supporter whose quiet strength touched all who knew him. He faced motor neurone disease with courage and dignity, never losing his warmth or kindness. Despite never seeing the team play in person, his love for the Reds never faded. He followed every match from home with unwavering loyalty, proudly collecting magazines and staying closely connected to the club he cherished. To Stanley, the club was a source of joy and pride. He will be remembered for his resilience, his love for family, and his lifelong dedication to United. He will be deeply missed.

In memory of John Mason. He was a massive United fan and fiercely dedicated, and his funeral flowers will be red and white in a tribute to his love of the club. He was loved so much by wife Eunice and the rest of his family and friends. Rest in peace, John.

‘In memory of Mike Barrett from Galway, one of my best United buddies, on his first anniversary. Mike brought me to Old Trafford for my first match in the very early 1980s with his brother, Tommy, and Jimmy Heir (RIP, both). We struck a friendship that lasted right up until he passed away last May. He was a lifelong United fan, and is sadly missed by his partner, Helen, son Lee and a very wide circle of friends. Rest in peace, Mike. From your friend, Patrick Clancy.’

Rest in peace, Ray McKay (19512026), a lifelong and devoted fan who supported the Reds through many years.

In memory of Tony Slade (1939-2026). Tony was a lifelong fan, following the Reds at home and throughout Europe. He got to live the dream of talking about United by being an Old Trafford tour guide for 23 years. His favourite games included the 1968 European Cup final, the 3-0 win over Barcelona in 1984, and the 1999 Champions League final, where he can be seen in the crowd just before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winner. He’ll be much missed.

Ian Rowles sadly passed away on 25 March, aged 82, after fighting dementia. He will be very much missed by his wife, Dottie, children Louise, Chris and Mark, and his grandchildren, William and Jessica.

Remembering Henry Bate (Harry Bomber-Bate, 28.06.193116.04.2025). Harry was a lifelong fan who began following United as a youngster. He loved his football and when he couldn’t watch it, he was playing, even when deployed abroad in the Army, Royal Engineers. Harry reminisced of the ‘Busby Babes’ coming to his hometown of Hartlepool in 1957 and had a long list of players he admired, from the great Sir Bobby Charlton to George Best, to David Beckham and Bruno Fernandes. Letters and birthday cards were sent to Harry signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, being among his most prized possessions. Rest in Peace, in your Theatre of Dreams, Harry, the forever fan.

In memory of Kenwyn Roy Francis, born July 1962, in Cornwall. A true Red from a very young age, Kenwyn carried his love for the club throughout his life, travelling from Cornwall to Old Trafford last year to see the Reds in action. A devoted family man, beloved husband, father, and an incredible grandad to his grandson, Theon. Forever missed and deeply loved. May you always have the best seat in the Theatre of Dreams.

In memory of lifelong United fan David O’Connor, who recently passed away on 24 March after a short illness at the age of 48. He had a ticket purchased for the Leeds fixture but unfortunately he never got to make it, but we have the happy memories of many a trip to Old Trafford down the years. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in peace, DOC. Ar dheis Dé go raibh d’anam a chara.

Fine Art at the Theatre of Dreams

United fan Ben Rock tells us about taking to M16’s streets to capture the beauty of matchdays…

Old Trafford is famous for the diversity of sights and sounds it offers up whenever United play, but fans may have noticed something a little bit different around M16 over the last couple of years. Namely, a bona fide artist, working hard at his easel, illustrating the flourishing matchday around him.

That artist is Ben Rock, who first came to prominence in March 2024, when ITV’s cameras captured him painting Old Trafford and United fans from near Hotel Football, prior to our incredible 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final. Ever since, Rock has become a regular fixture at our home ground.

“I’m a Man United fan and I wanted to do something on matchdays,” he tells UR “I’ve seen other artists do similar around the world, and I just wanted to see if I could stand outside Old Trafford and do something, and the police and also United have respected it so well. The officers on the horses all know me and they just dodge and go around me!”

Though born in Plymouth, Ben grew up United-mad and now lives just off Deansgate. Which is handy, as he often starts his matchday painting while it’s still dark!

“For the first one, the Liverpool game, I started at 3am and had finished by about 3pm,” he laughs. “I pretty much had a visual

idea of what I was going to paint, so I started sketching, which took about an hour, and then I just went for it. As soon as the sun came up, the fans staying at Hotel Football started coming out, and that was really nice, because I’ve always tried to connect with fans. And then ITV approached and said they wanted to feature me – the whole day was just insane.”

After 12 hours’ painting, an exhausted Ben then headed onto the Stretford End, for one of the most incredible matches in our stadium’s 116-year history.

“I was literally covered in paint and there was this big United flag coming over us and I was just trying not to touch it!” he remembers. Everyone around me was like: ‘What have you been doing? Why are you covered in paint?’ Then obviously the game itself was just crazy.”

From there, Rock’s journey progressed to a live painting outside Wembley Stadium for the 2024 FA Cup final, and

United fan Ben shows off some of the paintings from his matchday adventures

Meeting another famed United artist – the legendary Eric Cantona, who is a big fan of Ben’s work

It’s not just in Manchester where Ben’s work can be found, as over in Buenos Aires his Oasis mural received much fanfare during the band’s reunion tour of Argentina

then the creation of a dedicated mural on Sir Matt Busby Way. Eric Cantona is a fan, and has been to his studio, and Ben’s also been to Buenos Aires to produce an Oasis mural. And if all this artistic output wasn’t enough, he also has a burgeoning career as a chef, and has cooked for Gary Neville, Lisandro Martinez and Sir Alex Ferguson, among others.

“I cooked for Alex Ferguson a couple of weeks before that Liverpool game, actually,” he explains. “He came up to me and asked what fish I’d recommend that day, and I suggested the Dover sole. He came up to me afterwards to thank me, shook my hand and we got a photo. Martinez came in for his dad’s birthday –the Argentinians love a steak! I’d love to be a private chef for one of the United players. I’ve just got to keep manifesting and maybe it’ll come true.”

Ben’s recently been working on a painting of famous United pub The Bishop Blaize and will be continuing with his attempts to capture the magic of matchday for the foreseeable. So if you see him on your walk to Old Trafford, why not stop for

a chat? His paintings are also available to buy, if any catch your eye.

“Growing up in Plymouth, it was always a dream just to watch United,” he reveals.

“To be painting on matchdays, surrounded by that energy, is something I don’t take for granted –it’s incredible”

“To now be painting on matchdays, surrounded by that energy, is something I don’t take for granted – it’s incredible.

“At the heart of everything I do is connection. Since the very beginning, my focus has been on bringing fans into the work – featuring them in the paintings and involving them in future projects.

For me, the soul of any great club is its supporters, and I’m passionate about celebrating them and making them a living part of the art.”

You can find Ben on Instagram at the following accounts: @mufc.sketch (United art), @sketchmcr (general art), @muralartmusic (murals) and @benrockchef (chef)

The aspiring chef can also list cooking for Sir Alex Ferguson among his accomplishments

The iconic Stretford End is colourfully captured by the matchday regular

Commemorating our 2024 FA Cup win at Wembley, Ben’s artistic take on that incredible day in the capital was recreated as a dedicated mural on Sir Matt Busby Way

Ben’s most recent artwork in progress, showing fans and a famous Reds pub

DHL EXPRESS & MAN UTD DELIVERED A 4G PITCH TO A REMOTE COMMUNITY OF RED DEVIL FANS IN THE HILLS OF THAILAND

SCAN BELOW TO WATCH HOW IT ALL CAME TOGETHER

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Club photographer ASH DONELON (above) used a remote camera to capture this immersive image of our stadium on Monday night – with the celebrating home support central to his snap...

RIGHT IN WITH THE FANS

When and where: Monday 27 April 2026, Old Trafford.

Ash says: “During home games my usual position is right next to the pitch in front of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. Although this gives me an incredible view of the action, there’s also something magical about being in among the fans. To show a different perspective of the Brentford match, I placed a remote camera up above the players’ tunnel in the south-west corner of Old Trafford. I used a fisheye lens with a 180-degree viewing angle to capture an immersive image of the entire stadium bowl. This photo shows the crowd reacting to Sesko’s goal which put us 2-0 ahead. I love the fans in the foreground with their arms aloft as you can see just how much this team means to them.”

JUNIOR

RED RIVALRIES

Match the sides who play in red to rival teams who play in blue!

(ANSWERS OVER THE PAGE)

PREMIER LEAGUE PRESENCE

Put these teams in order of how many Premier League seasons they’ve played (including 2025/26), starting with the most (34 out of 34!)

BRENTFORD

WHO SCORED?

Can you remember which United players netted these memorable goals against Liverpool?

Liverpool 1-2 United, October 2025

A late header to win it! De Ligt or Maguire?

United 2-2 Liverpool, April 2024

A stunning strike from almost halfway! Fernandes or Mainoo?

United 4-3 Liverpool, March 2024 Racing through to win an FA Cup classic! Amad or McTominay?

WAY-OUT WORDS WORDS

Which four of these are genuine football terms… and which four terms have we made up?!

CABARIO RABONA TIKI-TAKA

FOLD-THROUGH HAT-TRICK SIDEBALL OVER AND UNDER SET-PIECE

CAPTION CONTEST CAPTION CONTEST

Taking a guess at what the lads might have been saying when we won at Anfield…

RED RIVALRIES: 1. AC Milan: Inter; 2. Arsenal: Chelsea; 3. Benfica: Porto; 4. Liverpool: Everton; 5. United: Man City.

PREMIER LEAGUE

PRESENCE 1. United (34); 2. West Ham (30); 3. Manchester City (29); 4. Leeds (17); 5. Brentford (5).

WHO SCORED? 1. Harry Maguire; 2. Bruno Fernandes; 3. Amad;

WAY-OUT WORDS: Real: Hat-trick, Rabona, Set-piece, Tiki-taka.

Freddie

Daire

Right...

Hands up if you’re setting up the winner!

We love beating Liverpool thiiiiis much!

I’m a bird! CAW, CAW!

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

Manchester United men’s first-team squad helped make heartwarming memories for fans with serious and life-limiting illnesses at Carrington Training Complex last week.

As part of Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day, deserving fans travelled from across the country and overseas to spend invaluable moments with the Reds, head coach Michael Carrick and his coaching staff.

Players posed for photos, signed autographs and spoke at length with the guests, who also enjoyed an exclusive glimpse of the team in action as they watched a training session from the balcony of the Jimmy Murphy Centre.

Of the special event, which takes place twice a season, Bruno Fernandes said: “It’s very good for us to see the fans, not just for them but also for us. It’s special for both us and them to have this kind of day.

“It’s a joy to be a part of these days. It’s something that we can do to give back and help people have smiles on their faces during tough periods in their lives. It’s great to have this kind of opportunity to make people smile. It has been a very good day.”

Carrick, who supported many Dream Days throughout his playing career at Old Trafford, added: “It’s fantastic for us to be able to come and see everyone, and it’s a good chance for them to watch training and see the players. They’ve managed to watch training and it’s important for us to look after everyone. Putting smiles on faces is what we should be doing.

“There’s a big responsibility for all of us at Manchester United. We’ve seen the work that the Foundation does and we’re glad to play a part in helping others; it’s important we do that as a football club.”

The invited fans were delighted to meet their heroes and spend time in their company in an intimate setting.

Sebastian, 18, said: “It’s been an absolute dream coming here. The entire

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF...

Reds help bring smiles to faces of some special guests at Carrington

Members of our men’s first team greet the latest Dream Day guests at Carrington where signed gifts were handed out, smiles raised and memories created, all while taking an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the players in training

time I’ve been here, I’ve been in awe of what’s going on. During my treatment, the United games got me through my ups and downs. My love for United is on a personal level now – watching the team on TV compared to giving the players a handshake in real life, it feels even better now.”

Angie, mum of twins Hassan and Hussein, who were conjoined at birth, said: “To date, Hassan and Hussein have had 75 surgeries, they’ve been through so, so much – they are an inspiration. When you have a day like this to look forward to, you can’t put it into words and it’s memories for a lifetime for the people here. It’s a dream come true and we’re so grateful.”

AROOB’s EXPERIENCE

One of the fans at Dream Day, Aroob, wrote about her take on a memorable day…

‘Today I was not seen for my illness, or for what I struggle with – I was seen for who I am.

I have a rare genetic condition that affects only a small number of children like me, and most days are shaped by pain, hospitals, and quiet strength.

I have grown up loving Manchester United. It has always meant more to me than football – it has given me joy in the hardest moments of my life. To meet the players I have watched and admired for so long felt unreal.

What touched me most was how kind and real everyone was with me. They didn’t make me feel different – they made me feel included.

A hug from Bruno, a moment with Harry, and time spent with people I look up to made me feel something I will never forget – that I belong in spaces like this too.

Today didn’t just give me a memory. It gave me a reason to keep going, and to keep giving back.’

Special surprise with Sir Alex!

Two scholarship students from the Foundation’s Sport and Youth Leadership degree – delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University – had the pleasure of meeting Sir Alex Ferguson last month.

Aaliyah and Stephane – first-year students on the degree, who were awarded scholarships named after Sir Alex and Sir Bobby Charlton – were surprised with the chance to meet the Reds’ legendary former boss ahead of last month’s game against Leeds United.

Sir Alex asked Aaliyah and Stephane about their studies in a private room at Old Trafford, delighting the Foundation pair.

Stephane said: “It was amazing to meet and just to have a chat with him. He was asking about how we were doing on the course. It’s a privilege and something I won’t ever forget.”

Aaliyah added: “It was a great experience to meet Sir Alex, such a huge name in football. It was nice to have a chat with him; he’s such a down to earth person.”

Aaliyah and Stephane were honoured to meet Sir Alex and chat about their studies

Dream Day guest Aroob is greeted by Benjamin Sesko on a day she says she will never forget

Explore more legends

Andthe IS... WINNER

Supporters have been voting for our Player of the Year since 1971/72, with the award taking various forms. Here’s a look at our illustrious roll of honour

Manchester United Supporters’ Club Player of the Year

1971/72: Willie Morgan

Winner of the first club-recognised vote was winger Morgan, who then retained the new award a year later.

1972/73: Willie Morgan

1973/74: Jim Holton

1974/75: Lou Macari

1975/76: Lou Macari

1976/77: Brian Greenhoff

1977/78: Steve Coppell

1978/79: Jimmy Greenhoff

1979/80: Joe Jordan

1980/81: Joe Jordan

1981/82: Ray Wilkins

1982/83: Bryan Robson

1983/84: Ray Wilkins

1984/85: Mark Hughes

SHARP / Manchester United Player of the Year

1985/86: Paul McGrath

The Irishman was the back-to-back winner in the first two years of the award changing guise in the mid-1980s.

1986/87: Paul McGrath

1987/88: Brian McClair

1988/89: Bryan Robson

1989/90: Gary Pallister

1990/91: Mark Hughes

1991/92: Brian McClair

1992/93: Paul Ince

1993/94: Eric Cantona

Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year

1994/95: Andrei Kanchelskis

Renamed in honour of our legendary former boss in 1995, with Kanchelskis the first winner (ahead of leaving to join Everton!).

1995/96: Eric Cantona

1996/97: David Beckham

1997/98: Ryan Giggs

1998/99: Roy Keane

1999/00: Roy Keane

2000/01: Teddy Sheringham

2001/02: Ruud van Nistelrooy

2002/03: Ruud van Nistelrooy

2003/04: Cristiano Ronaldo

This was the first of the four times CR7 was named our top peformer, a joint record he holds with David De Gea and Bruno Fernandes.

2004/05: Gabriel Heinze

2005/06: Wayne Rooney

2006/07: Cristiano Ronaldo

2007/08: Cristiano Ronaldo

2008/09: Nemanja Vidic

2009/10: Wayne Rooney

2010/11: Javier Hernandez

2011/12: Antonio Valencia

2012/13: Robin van Persie

2013/14: David De Gea

The Spaniard became our first goalkeeper to win the award, and the first to win three in a row (four in total).

2014/15: David De Gea

2015/16: David De Gea

2016/17: Ander Herrera

2017/18: David De Gea

2018/19: Luke Shaw

2019/20: Bruno Fernandes

Our skipper’s first SMB award came after joining midway through the season, and he’s since won three more times.

2020/21: Bruno Fernandes

2021/22: Cristiano Ronaldo

2022/23: Marcus Rashford

2023/24: Bruno Fernandes

2024/25: Bruno Fernandes

This season has once again been incredible for our current captain, Bruno Fernandes, who surely has a shot at this term’s prize. Can he pull clear of De Gea and Ronaldo to make it five? That’s up to you, the fans. Our poll officially opens on Wednesday 6 May – stay tuned across our platforms to find out how to cast your vote.

PREMIER LEAGUE

A look at the other league action, including a key fixture tonight…

Elsewhere in the top flight, at 7pm tonight there’s a Villa Park clash with so much on the line, as Aston Villa – closing in on a Champions League finish – face Tottenham –a team scrapping for points in an attempt to avoid a first relegation since 1977. For Villa, the game falls in between their two Europa League semi-final meetings with Nottingham Forest, so Unai Emery could have some big decisions to make with his team selection. Talking of Forest, they’ll face a similar quandary tomorrow, when they travel to Chelsea (3pm). While Vitor Pereira’s Forest aren’t yet safe from the drop, they are five points clear of Spurs in 18th, and Pereira might have one eye on Thursday’s crunch Europa League second leg with

Villa. As for Chelsea, their top-five hopes now seem over, but they will still be targeting European qualification, via either the league, or by winning the FA Cup.

Chelsea’s opponents in that Wembley final, Manchester City, are involved in tomorrow’s other game: an 8pm trip to Everton

Following three straight wins in the league, City will be desperate to maintain that run if they are to catch Arsenal at the top.

The Gunners were in action yesterday, at home to Fulham On Friday night, Leeds hosted Burnley, while Saturday also saw Brentford v West Ham, Newcastle v Brighton, and Wolves v Sunderland. Today’s earlier game (2pm) was Bournemouth v Crystal Palace

Our 2-1 victory against Brentford earlier this week saw Benjamin Sesko become our leading scorer this season with 11 goals, moving him one strike ahead of Bryan Mbeumo. Our other scorer in that game, Casemiro, took his total for the season to nine goals (his best in any campaign for United or Real Madrid), with his overall tally for the Reds now standing at 26.

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 SEASON

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDITOR Paul Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan

CONTRIBUTORS Joe Ganley, Isaac Stacey Stronge, Ben Ashby, Sean Mullan, Andy Murray, Matthew Brown, Ste Canavan

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

There’s a milestone 100th appearance looming for Kobbie Mainoo in the coming weeks, with the midfielder sat on 98 United matches prior to this game. He made his debut for the Reds against Charlton Athletic in January 2023, has scored seven goals, and if he features today, Liverpool will become his most played opponent (seven matches).

2025/26 FIXTURES

8 PL Tottenham Hotspur A 12.30pm 2-261,2103-4-2-1Lammens

12pm2-125,1893-4-2-1LammensYoro

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

Amad Casemiro Mon 8 PL Wolverhampton Wanderers A 8pm4-130,3383-4-2-1LammensMazraoui

Shaw Amad Casemiro Mon 15 PLBournemouth H 8pm4-473,9513-4-2-1LammensYoro

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

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

HeavenShaw Amad 1Fernandes 1

HeavenShaw Dalot Ugarte

HeavenMartinez Shaw Casemiro

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

Sun 4 PL Leeds United A 12.30pm1-136,9093-4-2-1LammensYoro

Wed 7 PLBurnley A 8.15pm2-221,0474-2-3-1LammensDalot

HeavenMartinezDalot Casemiro

Heaven MartinezShaw Ugarte

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

Sat 17 PL Manchester City H 12.30pm2-074,0044-2-3-1LammensDalot MaguireMartinezShaw Casemiro

Sun 25 PLArsenal A 4.30pm3-260,296 4-2-3-1 LammensDalot MaguireMartinezShaw Casemiro FEBRUARY

Sun 1 PLFulham H 2pm3-2 73,932 4-2-3-1LammensDalot Maguire MartinezShaw Casemiro 1 Sat 7 PL Tottenham Hotspur H 12.30pm 2-073,985 4-2-3-1LammensDalot MaguireMartinezShaw Casemiro Tue 10 PL West Ham United A 8.15pm 1-162,473 4-2-3-1LammensDalot

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 stadium. 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

FernandesDorgu MbeumoMount CunhaAmad

FernandesDorguMbeumoMount CunhaDalot

Ugarte Dorgu Amad CunhaSesko

Fernandes 1 Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount Cunha

FernandesDorguMbeumo

Fernandes 1 DorguMbeumo Amad Sesko

Fernandes Dorgu MbeumoCunha Sesko 1

FernandesDalot Mbeumo Mount 1 Sesko 1 Dorgu

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount CunhaUgarte

FernandesDalot Mbeumo 2Cunha 1 Sesko

FernandesDalot MbeumoCunhaSesko Dorgu Mazraoui

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo 1 Cunha Sesko Ugarte Yoro

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo ZirkzeeMount Dalot Mainoo

FernandesDalot Mbeumo Mount 1Zirkzee 1 Mazraoui Martinez Mainoo Dorgu – Robert Jones

Fernandes Dalot 1 MbeumoCunha Zirkzee Yoro Dorgu Ugarte Mount Martinez Andrew Kitchen

Fernandes 2 Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount 1 CunhaMartinez Yoro Mainoo Dorgu Zirkzee Michael Salisbury Casemiro 1 Dalot Mbeumo Mount Cunha 1 Mainoo Martinez Sesko Dorgu Zirkzee Simon Hooper

Fernandes DorguMount 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 Mantato – – Thomas Bramall

UgarteShaw Dorgu Cunha 1 Sesko Zirkzee

– Jarred Gillet

Casemiro Cunha Fernandes Dorgu Sesko 2 Mount Yoro Mainoo Zirkzee Lacey Stuart Attwell

Mainoo Mount FernandesCunha Sesko 1 Zirkzee Lacey Maguire Casemiro – Simon Hooper

MainooAmad Fernandes Dorgu 1Mbeumo 1 Cunha Ugarte Mount Heaven – Anthony Taylor

MainooAmad Fernandes Dorgu 1 Mbeumo 1 Cunha 1 Sesko Mazraoui – – Craig Pawson

MainooAmad Fernandes Cunha 1 Mbeumo Sesko 1 Ugarte Mazraoui Yoro – John Brooks

Mainoo Amad Fernandes 1Mbeumo 1 Cunha Sesko Mazraoui Ugarte Zirkzee Fletcher, T Michael Oliver

MainooAmad FernandesMbeumoCunha Yoro Sesko 1 Zirkzee – – Simon Hooper

MainooAmad Fernandes Cunha Mbeumo Sesko 1 Mazraoui Heaven

MainooMbeumo Fernandes 1 Cunha Sesko 1 Mazraoui Amad

Darren England

Zirkzee – Chris Kavanagh

Mainoo Mbeumo Fernandes Cunha Sesko Dalot Ugarte Amad Zirkzee Malacia Peter Bankes

MainooAmad Fernandes Cunha 1 Mbeumo Sesko 1 Ugarte – – – Anthony Taylor

MainooAmad Fernandes 1 Cunha Mbeumo Sesko Heaven Ugarte Mount – Stuart Attwell

Ugarte Amad Fernandes Cunha Sesko Mbeumo Dalot

Mainoo Mbeumo Fernandes Cunha 1 Sesko Amad

MainooMbeumo FernandesAmad Sesko 1 Mazraoui

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.

First five easier questions, then five harder ones – but only 10/10 gets you a pass!

Prior to Harry Maguire earlier this season, who was the last United player to score a winner at Anfield? ANTHONY MARTIAL WAYNE ROONEY OR

The final game of the campaign, away to Brighton, is a repeat of the closing league fixture of which season?

2021/22 2023/24 OR

Which Red has netted two stoppage-time goals in 2026?

BRUNO FERNANDES BENJAMIN SESKO OR

In which season did United win a 19th top-flight title to then overtake Liverpool’s previous record of 18?

2008/09 2010/11 OR

5. Michael Carrick’s first game for United against Liverpool was a 2-0 win in 2006, when which player netted on their 500th club appearance? JOHN O’SHEA PAUL SCHOLES OR

Bryan Mbeumo scored United’s quickest Premier League goal away to Liverpool in October, beating Carlos Tevez’s previous record strike from which year?

2008 2010 OR

Excluding own goals, how many different players have scored a competitive goal for the Reds this season?

What was the nationality of the two United and Liverpool players who each scored in both of the first two Premier League meetings between the sides?

In how many of the 33 Premier League seasons so far have United finished ahead of Liverpool?

Where did United finish in the Premier League in the most recent season that preceded a summer World Cup?

2010/11; 5. Paul Scholes; HARD: 6. 2008; 7. 12;

Welsh (Mark Hughes and Ian Rush); 9. 25; 10. Second.

MANCHESTER

Altay BAYINDIR (GK)

Diogo DALOT

Noussair MAZRAOUI

Matthijs DE LIGT

Harry MAGUIRE

Lisandro MARTINEZ

Mason MOUNT

Bruno FERNANDES

Matheus CUNHA

Joshua ZIRKZEE

Tyrell MALACIA

ALISSON (GK)

Joe GOMEZ

Wataru ENDO

Virgil VAN DIJK

Ibrahima KONATE

Milos KERKEZ

Florian WIRTZ

Dominik SZOBOSZLAI

Alexander ISAK

Alexis MAC ALLISTER

Mohamed SALAH

Conor BRADLEY

YORO

Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU L

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

LACEY

MANTATO

Godwill KUKONKI

Jim THWAITES

Federico CHIESA

Giovanni LEONI

Curtis JONES

Cody GAKPO

Hugo EKITIKE

Giorgi MAMARDASHVILI (GK)

Andy ROBERTSON

Freddie WOODMAN (GK)

Jeremie FRIMPONG

Ryan GRAVENBERCH

Armin PECSI (GK)

Trey NYONI

Stefan BAJCETIC

Rhys WILLIAMS

Calvin RAMSAY

James McCONNELL

Amara NALLO

Kieran MORRISON

Rio NGUMOHA

WRIGHT

DAVIES (GK)