Manchester United v West Ham United PL match programme, 04.12.25

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

UNITED Review

RUBEN AMORIM

Good evening and welcome back to Old Trafford. Tonight, we are at the start of a busy month with a lot of games and opportunities to continue our progress.

As we welcome Nuno Espirito Santo and West Ham, it is important that we focus only on the performance tonight and do not look too far ahead.

The game against Crystal Palace was an important win. I was pleased with the way that the team connected and the intensity they showed in the second half. We must continue to play with this rhythm and control going forward.

Your support in the stadium was once again incredible, especially after a long journey so early in the morning. Your energy from the stands is really important –

“THE GAME AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE WAS AN IMPORTANT WIN. WE MUST CONTINUE TO PLAY WITH THIS RHYTHM AND CONTROL GOING FORWARD”

the team feels it and it makes a real difference on the pitch. We know we will have that same passion at Old Trafford again this evening.

manchester united football club ltd

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

OLD TRAFFORD: 8pm

Fresh from our impressive fightback at Crystal Palace, we’re all set for a clash with another London club…

Sunday’s stirring second-half comeback at Crystal Palace means United head into tonight’s match against West Ham United in buoyant mood.

Crystal Palace had not suffered a Premier League home defeat since February, so it was a significant win. But the players that take to the pitch for United tonight – and the 70,000 Reds in the crowd – have long known that we have the talent to beat anyone. Now we must prove that we can deliver Sunday’s second-half intensity again and again and again, starting with this evening’s test against the Hammers.

West Ham had a less profitable weekend, thanks to a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, but the east Londoners will take heart from their recent record against the Reds. The Irons have won

four of the last five against United, including a rare Old Trafford victory on their last visit to M16 in May.

Anyone of a Manchester United persuasion will feel a burning need to start righting that imbalance this evening, and the triumph at Palace means there’s a chance to build real momentum too. With the table so tight, any run of victories – like the one we produced in October, when we beat Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton –could quickly hoist us up the table.

And if we’re to ensure a successful season, we really do have to make the most of home matches against struggling opponents. West Ham might have changed manager in September –Graham Potter to Nuno Espirito Santo – but that hasn’t quite yet delivered a significant and sustained change of

fortunes, with the Hammers tasting defeat in eight of their 13 Premier League matches so far. That said, November was their brightest month yet, with a run of two victories and a draw coming before that defeat to Liverpool. So Irons fans might well point to green shoots of recovery there, even if the London side did sit a lowly 17th going into this round of fixtures.

But whatever West Ham bring with them from London tonight, it’s up to us – both on the pitch and in the stands – to match, to meet and to beat them. If Sunday was about a response to that disappointing Everton defeat, tonight we need to show that we don’t require any more inspiration than the United cause. Let’s get right behind the boys and build some momentum, heading into the busy festive schedule…

Our come-from-behind win at Selhurst Park last weekend has boosted confidence ahead of the league visit of the Hammers this evening

There have been six hat-tricks scored by United players in clashes with the Hammers down the years. The most famous is probably that scored by George Best in September 1971, a ‘perfect’ treble (left foot, right foot, header) that included a couple of fine goals – seek the footage out online. Other United hat-tricks against West Ham have come from Wayne Rooney (2011), Paul Scholes (2000), Norman Whiteside (1985), Albert Scanlon (1958) and Joe Spence (1930).

67.9%

West Ham may have won on their last visit to Old Trafford, but the bigger picture weighs heavily in favour of the Reds – especially on our own turf. Of 156 competitive meetings before tonight with the Hammers, United have won 74 to West Ham’s 50. At Old Trafford, we have won 55 out of 81 matches – a very healthy win percentage just shy of 70%.

Prior to this round of midweek matches, United had had more shots on goal that any other Premier League side. That total of 197 includes another Reds’ stat in which we led the way: no team had hit the woodwork more often this season than Amorim’s men (eight times). By comparison, West Ham had 127 shots and hit the woodwork once. Goals from those chances? United 21, Hammers 15.

This evening’s game will be the 15th contest between United and a side managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Portuguese has proven a tricky customer for the Reds since his first visit to Old Trafford in 2018. United have five victories over Nuno’s teams (Wolves, Spurs and Nottingham Forest), but Espirito Santo has five wins of his own, plus four draws.

The Reds have been raining in the shots so far

West Ham will tonight become the fourth team we’ve faced with Espirito Santo as opposition boss

Best’s iconic treble against West Ham in 1971 is one of half a dozen hat-tricks we’ve recorded against the Irons

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

all set for FA Cup draw

The draw for the third round of the FA Cup will take place in the coming days, as the competition’s second-round fixtures get under way. As UR went to print, the exact date and time of the draw had not yet been determined, but it is expected that the process will be completed during Sunday afternoon’s games or before the Monday-night match between Brackley Town and Burton Albion (7.30pm). Keep an eye out on ManUtd.com and our official app for that piece of breaking news. Our third-round match will take place on or around the weekend of Saturday 10 January 2026.

fernandes tops league’s assists table

Goalscorers Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount took the headlines after Sunday’s important 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace but, typically, Bruno Fernandes was a big catalyst in our success down at Selhurst Park. The creative maestro supplied two assists, taking him to five for the season in England’s top flight, which made him the division’s top playmaker ahead of the midweek fixtures. More impressively, those two recent set-ups took the Portuguese to 56 Premier League assists overall, which puts him one beyond United legend Paul Scholes (55). It means Bruno is now the fourth-most productive player for United in Premier League history, with only Ryan Giggs (162), Wayne Rooney (93) and David Beckham (80) ahead of our magical no.8.

DEAD-BALL DEMONS

Bruno was the source of both of our goals at Selhurst Park but, intriguingly, both efforts came directly from set-pieces. United have looked threatening from dead-ball situations for much of the campaign – Casemiro alone could have scored twice from set-piece deliveries before Zirkzee and Mount (right) found the net. At the time of writing, United are the Premier League’s joint-most effective team from such situations, with our 10 set-piece goals equalling the tally of league leaders Arsenal by the end of last weekend’s fixtures. Chelsea are next with eight while Crystal Palace are one further back. These figures, which were unearthed by TNT Sports, exclude penalty kicks.

Bruno’s two precision free-kicks at Palace last weekend saw the skipper surpass Scholes (inset) in the Premier League assists chart

PARK RETAINS CROWN

Jess Park has been named United Women’s Player of the Month for the second month in succession, following a blistering start to life at Leigh Sports Village. Striker Melvine Malard ran Park close in our fan vote, with Fridolina Rolfo and Jayde Riviere finishing in third and fourth place respectively. Park’s elusive, graceful style has been a big hit with Reds fans since her summer move from Manchester City, and she continued her fine form during November, with standout showings against Brighton & Hove Albion and Paris Saint-Germain. She was the fulcrum of the brilliant team move that led to Rolfo’s winner against the French giants, which was a salient reminder that the assist and final finish aren’t always the only critical contributions to a goal.

JON HUMBLE AUCTION

U18s THUMP LIVERPOOL

Our U18s enjoyed a rousing 7-0 win over Liverpool last weekend, thanks to goals from Bendito Mantato, Gabriel (three), Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites and Sam Lusale (pictured). The match took place at the Merseysiders’ AXA Training Centre, and victory means Darren Fletcher’s side now lie third in the U18 Premier League table (northern group). We’re next in action on Saturday, against second-placed Newcastle at Carrington. You can watch the match live on MUTV from 12.25pm (kick-off 12.30pm).

Members of United’s men’s and women’s squads have joined forces in the wake of the tragic passing of our former kit man Jon Humble. The 44-year-old died in October after a short illness, and a coterie of Reds, both past and present, have since offered up items for an auction that is aiming to raise money for his family. Lots include signed England shirts from Ella Toone, Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park, plus items from Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount. Former players Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Ona Batlle and Alejandro Garnacho have also contributed, plus loanee Marcus Rashford. Fans are encouraged to support the auction (scan QR code) where possible, in support of Jon’s beloved wife, Claire, and their three young children.

Park’s flying start to life with the Reds has seen her scoop a second monthly club award since her September arrival

Tributes were paid to former kitman Jon Humble ahead of our Women’s and U21 team fixtures, with the club since joining forces to help raise funds for his family

previOus fixT ure...

United get back to winning ways with a comeback victory in the capital on Sunday

United come into tonight’s fixture on the back of Sunday’s satisfying come-from-behind victory over one of West Ham’s London neighbours.

The weekend’s win at Crystal Palace – who hadn’t lost in the top flight for almost 10 months at their Selhurst Park home – felt like a big result for Ruben Amorim’s Reds, who were searching for an immediate response after losing to 10-man Everton here at Old Trafford six days earlier.

It didn’t look like it would be our day in the south-London sunshine initially, though. Palace had the lead at the break,

through Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 36th-minute penalty, and weren’t troubled as much as we would have liked at the other end.

Mateta kept his cool to convert from the spot at the second attempt, after his first go at the kick – won when he was brought down in the 18-yard box – was also scored but deemed illegal by the Video Assistant Referee, who ordered a retake having seen that the striker had unintentionally touched the ball twice, rolling the right-footed effort onto his standing left. It was nearly a let-off for Amorim’s men, who were rewarded for a more intense

Zirkzee levels things up with a well-executed tight-angle finish from Fernandes’s neat free-kick

“I think we had more intensity in the second half. We played better in the second half, and the opponent was more tired too”

– RUBEN AMORIM

second-half showing that capitalised on the tiring legs of the hosts, who had played in Europe less than 72 hours earlier.

United were one step ahead after the break, and both of our goals would come after clever free-kicks from captain Bruno Fernandes.

The first was a dinked ball towards the near post, where Joshua Zirkzee latched onto it in space and brilliantly arced his strike around former Reds goalkeeper Dean Henderson to level things up from a tight angle. The second, soon after, was a quick prod out to Mason Mount, who took full advantage of a separating wall to scythe his shot through the broken barrier and into the net.

CRYSTAL PALACE 1 MATETA 36 (PEN)

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 ZIRKZEE 54, MOUNT 63

30 NOV 2025 | 12PM | SELHURST PARK

United XI: Lammens; Yoro (Mazraoui 54), De Ligt, Shaw (Martinez 82); Amad (Dorgu 90+1), Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo (Mainoo 90+1), Mount; Zirkzee

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

Booked: Mbeumo, Shaw

From 0-1 down, United were suddenly 2-1 up, and never looked back. As the team successfully managed the remainder of the game on the pitch, our travelling supporters – who had made the trip south for the midday kick-off – were enjoying what they were seeing from the stands. They had an extra reason to cheer late on too, at the sight of Lisandro Martinez being introduced as a substitute, marking his long-awaited return from the knee injury that had kept him out since February. Martinez joined the back three for the closing stages in place of Luke Shaw, who was celebrating a milestone day of his own, making his 300th appearance for the club.

The skipper worked hard during a game in which his two free-kicks helped turn the result in our favour

Martinez received a warm reception from the travelling Reds after making his return to action during the closing stages

Mount celebrates what would prove to be the winner just after the hour mark

UR interview :

We want to get the best OUT OF EACH OTHER

Ahead of a busy month for the Reds, Mason Mount discusses his positional versatility, linking up with the new arrivals, and his determination to help United progress in the run-up to Christmas...

How would you describe your role in the team? Some people might say it’s a no.10, others that it’s more like a no.8, but does it depend on the context of the game and how it’s going?

Yeah, I think, for me, I’ve always looked at myself as a midfielder, ever since I was young. So I always kind of have that midfielder mindset and that outlook on the game. If I am playing higher up on the pitch and in a no.10 role, I will always have the midfielder mindset, even though I may go a little bit higher up on the pitch. I always love getting forward into the box and trying to get on the end of crosses or create any opportunities but, whenever we do lose the ball and there is a counter-attack for the opposition team, I’m trying to get back in and help the midfield – to be that kind of third midfielder, to help the lads.

s interesting that you see yourself as a midfielder, first and foremost. Do you feel comfortable playing in different positions?

I always grew up playing in a no.8 role. I’ve obviously had experience in playing in the no.10 in a similar formation to that we’re playing now. I’ve played in many positions in my career, and you always kind of take that

experience moving forward and implement the little things into your game. If I played higher up on the pitch, maybe in a winger role, say, you have to have a little bit of a different mindset. You really need to be aggressive and attacking, going forward. But, as I said before, with me seeing myself as a midfielder, I always look at the other side of the game as well. And if that’s second balls, from a long goal-kick, I would always try to be getting the second ball and win that battle against my man. That’s always how I look at the game but, if I’m in that no.10 position, my responsibility really is also getting into the box, creating and trying to score goals. And linking up with the other two up front.

How is that link-up going? We added three new boys to the forward positions for this season… Really good. I think at the beginning of the season it takes a bit of time, but we’ve been working really hard on the training pitch. We’ve scored quite a few goals now [this season] from open play and set-pieces, so that’s really important for us to be able to have the threat in all different positions and different circumstances. I think you need that now in the Premier League, especially, to be able to have threats from dead-ball positions. It’s so important.

MASON MOUNT M M interview

M M MASON MOUNT

We’re working really hard in training every week and I think you can see it beginning to pay off on the pitch. But we are not where want to be yet. We want to keep pushing. So yeah, we just need to keep working hard.

It’s a little while ago now but your goal against Sunderland came after a real team effort. Even though you scored it, the whole team were involved, making 19 passes… Yeah, you don’t normally see that loads, when you have that amount of passes before a goal. But yeah, it was a good move. Although during the game you don’t realise that you’ve had the ball for that long or that there has been that many passes. I only saw that after the game, but it was good to finish it off and I was very pleased with the goal.

There was then the moment where you came off and got a standing ovation from the home crowd. That must have meant a lot…

It means a lot any time I have the opportunity to go on the pitch and play. I’ll give it my all, if I’m starting the game or coming off the bench. Any time you get a chance to put that shirt on, you want to perform and you want to do your best for the lads around you and, obviously, for the fans. So for them to recognise that performance – yeah, it was a special moment for me and hopefully there are many more to come.

Do you sense the fans back you in that respect? They seem to admire what you do for the team and what you bring to the side when you play… Hopefully. But that’s for them to decide! I just always focus on what I can do on the pitch and what I can do for the lads around me, with bringing that energy and that real push in the game. To want to score and to want to get an assist, and really push the lads forward from higher up on the pitch. So yeah, that is what I am focused on and that was a great moment for me, and one that hopefully can happen many more times.

Noussair [Mazraoui] told us recently how much he loves one-on-one duels. Do you look at it like him, that you’ve got to beat your opponent in head-to-head battles?

Yeah, 100 per cent. Me and Nous, actually, we are always kind of going up against each other in training – so we both love it. We’re trying to get the best out of each other and that’s the most important thing. If you look at the squad now there is competition for places and that’s exactly what we need because the standard is always pushing higher.

Would you agree that football has become more analytical now, even from when you were growing up and watched it?

Yeah, definitely. I think, even since I made my debut in the Premier League, it’s changed. There’s so much

Mason’s goal against Sunderland in October came after a 19-pass team move

M M

detail that goes into games now. So much detail off the pitch about analysing the opposition, if that’s corners and trying to exploit little weaknesses in the opposition, or in formations and setting up against a team. There are little fine details that have big impacts in the games and you can see now the amount of set-pieces that are scored, it’s way higher than the rest of the years of the Premier League. It just shows you this, you have to be prepared for everything now and you have one set-piece goal that you concede could lose you the game. So you have to be ready.

Fans and pundits have often commented on how tactically astute you are. Is it something you’ve always been quite attentive to?

I like to watch positions, not just the ball. I like to watch how players move in their position and what positions they take up on the pitch. I did that since I was a kid. I think I understand the game a lot and when you’re on the pitch it can be difficult at times because it’s 100 miles an hour. There is a lot going on. Subs come on into the game or you have a formation change a little bit, so the team that you’re playing against sets up differently than what you are prepared for. These are all things that happen in the game and you’ve got to adapt to that. But I always see myself as one that really studies the game and understands, if the opposition changes, how we change and adapt as a team, and it’s trying to get that communication across to the rest of the lads. So these are all little things in the game that happen and I love that side of the game as well. Anything can happen and you have to be prepared.

“Spending time together at the training ground matters... that’s where you really bond as a group ”

The games are coming a bit more thick and fast now, with more midweek fixtures. Is that something you relish as players?

Yeah, of course. It’s something that you miss at the beginning of the season. We haven’t had as many games [this season] so when you’re playing and going from weekend to weekend, you have a long break in between. That’s when you start itching to go, you’re itching to play. You want to play games, but it’s given us that valuable preparation time to get ready going into the games.

Ruben has said that it’s really hard picking the team with only one game a week, but that is going to change with more matches coming up?

Yeah, I think he says it all the time. Everyone is going to have an opportunity so it’s about continuing to be ready. Stay ready and, when you have that opportunity, to really step up. And if you’re not in the starting XI it’s about helping the lads that are starting, and all showing that real togetherness as a group, which we definitely do have and we’ll keep working on.

Having fewer matches has meant having more time on the training pitch and with team-mates at the training ground. Has that been good for bonding? Spending a lot of time together at the training ground matters, for sure, because the more time you spend together, the more time you learn about each other and really bond as a group.

Finally, are you excited by what lies ahead?

With so many games at this time of year it’s an opportunity to push on…

It’s really tight, I think, especially in the top half of the table. There are not many points separating everyone. So if we can make a push we can really be up there. ●

Our no.7 has always considered himself a keen student of the game

This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

WEST HAM UNITED

After a shaky start to their 2025/26 campaign, the Hammers arrive at Old Trafford intent on getting back to winning ways and climbing the league table...

KEY DETAILS

Nicknames: The Irons, The Hammers

Founded: 29 June 1895 (as Thames Ironworks), 5 July 1900 (as West Ham United) Ground: London Stadium (capacity 62,500, right) Last season: Premier League, 14th

Top achievements: FA Cup winners: 1964, 1975, 1980; UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup winners: 1965; UEFA Europa Conference League winners: 2023

TALKING POINTS

Seldom could a win prove more pertinent than West Ham’s 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest in late August. Two games later Nuno Espirito Santo, the architect of Forest’s surge from relegation fodder to Europe, was in charge of the team that had cost him his job, swapping the East Midlands for East London. Though the Hammers’ worst start to a season for 52 years initially continued while the Portuguese’s methods took root –they won just four points from their opening nine ’25/26 games – there are now green shoots of growth.

The improving Hammers have taken seven points from their last four outings, thanks to home wins against Newcastle and Burnley – their first back-to-back victories since February –and a draw at Bournemouth in which they had led 2-0 but ceded the second-half initiative too soon.

Those come-from-behind victories against the Magpies and Clarets are proof of the unity and resolve Espirito Santo is instilling in his squad – only Brighton, Sunderland and Aston Villa have picked up more points from losing positions this season. “We’ve

proven we want to change things,” the Portuguese manager said recently. “We want strong characters on the pitch and the boys are giving us small steps in the right direction.”

Pulling clear

Though that 3-0 win against Nuno’s own Forest side remains their only clean sheet of the season, the Irons have stabilised defensively. In the 2-1 loss to Leeds in October, they conceded from a corner for a division-high ninth time, but thanks to the increasingly instrumental centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo’s leadership they haven’t shipped from a set-piece since.

The energy, communication and intensity that are their manager’s non-negotiables are now more obvious, and if they can be more proactive earlier in games – no side has opened the scoring on fewer occasions this season than West Ham’s three – better results will follow.

“The boys gave it a fight,” said Espirito Santo after the weekend defeat by Liverpool at London Stadium. “The spirit and the desire was there.”

“We want strong characters on the pitch and the boys are giving us small steps in the right direction”

– NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO

Delight for the Hammers on their last away day, at Bournemouth – but the Cherries would hit back to claim a draw

Todibo, signed from Nice, is increasingly becoming a key figure in the heart of defence

tactics board

After Graham Potter’s considered approach struggled to deliver results, West Ham have quickly adopted Nuno’s percentage-playing counterattacking instincts – only Bournemouth, Brentford and Manchester City have scored more goals in transition this term. Typically, this means a 4-2-3-1 set-up, with ex-Red Aaron Wan-Bissaka and El Hadji Malick Diouf as overlapping full-backs and Lucas Paqueta as a no.10 behind first-choice centre-forward Callum Wilson. While Wilson is eight goals short of joining the Premier League 100-club, Brazilian schemer Paqueta’s red card last weekend against Liverpool could spell a rethink. Dubbed “irreplaceable” by his manager, Paqueta was also suspended for the trip to Bournemouth 12 days ago as Nuno deployed a 3-4-3 with

Brighton loanee Igor brought into a back three, Wan-Bissaka and Diouf pushed higher as wing-backs and Mateus Fernandes joining Academy graduate Freddie Potts in the midfield engine room. Nuno could do so again tonight. Fernandes, a summer signing from Southampton, is often the link between defence and attack; he is capable of pressing, winning tackles and making line-breaking passes.

The 21-year-old’s multi-dimensional play can also be incorporated off the left wing, where he started against Liverpool with destroyer Soungoutou Magassa brought to fight fires centrally, but the identity of the forward playing high and wide on the opposite flank is no secret. Skipper Jarrod Bowen remains among the top-flight’s deadliest at cutting inside and shooting with his left foot.

recent STARTING XI

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

head coach

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO

Now on his fourth Premier League club, the 51-year-old former goalkeeper is beginning to oversee improvement in East London after a transformative 21 months at Forest that delivered Europa League football. The softly spoken Portuguese is well known for fostering tight-knit squads that defend stoutly and counterattack fervently.

FORWARDS

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On England’s radar

CALLUM WILSON

Three years ago, a late surge of form saw Wilson force himself into England’s 2022 World Cup squad, and the forward is putting together another series of performances that could yet persuade Thomas Tuchel to select the 33-year-old as Harry Kane’s understudy next summer. The free summer arrival from Newcastle has three goals in his last three games, his brace against former club Bournemouth displaying remarkable similarities both in execution – Velcro chest control followed by a deadly volley – and a poacher’s instinct as keen as ever.

Family production line

FREDDIE POTTS

Potts’ first Premier League start only came a month ago in the 3-1 defeat of Newcastle but the Academy graduate’s understated excellence at the base of the West Ham midfield ever since would indicate he’s born to do it. The 22-year-old son of 506-game Hammers legend Steve, who remains on the coaching staff with the east London club, Potts’ awareness of danger, passing range and ability to both communicate with and direct his team-mates into position, are all impressive strengths for a player of his age.

promising summer signing

EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF

“A lot to improve, but a lot of talent, physicality – something really special,” West Ham boss Nuno said recently of 20-year-old summer signing Diouf. “It’s like a diamond you have to polish.” The Senegal left-back, who registered 10 goal involvements from 24 league appearances at wing-back as Slavia Prague swept to the Czech title last term, already has three Irons assists to his name in 2025/26, plus countless more lung-bursting overlapping surges followed by pin-point crosses on the run.

799

Last Sunday’s home game against Liverpool saw many tributes to the great Billy Bonds, who died that morning, aged 79. Bonds spent 27 years as player and manager with the Hammers, and played a remarkable 799 games for the Irons – a club record that is 129 appearances ahead of Frank Lampard Snr in second place.

16th

West Ham’s highest position so far this season, after their matchday three win against Forest – a result which took them off the bottom following two defeats to begin ’24/25.

9th

The Hammers sit ninth in our all-time list for most-played opponents, with 156 games. Arsenal lead the way on 244, ahead of Liverpool with 217.

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

West Ham caused a memorable upset in the first of the teams’ 156 previous meetings in February 1911, an FA Cup third-round tie at the Irons’ former Boleyn Ground home. Six points clear at the top of the First Division, en route to our second top-flight title, Ernest Mangnall’s Reds were overwhelming favourites against the Southern League upstarts but didn’t account for the presence of lethal Irons striker Danny Shea, a future England international who opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Though Sandy Turnbull soon equalised for the Reds, Thomas Caldwell’s winner two minutes from time sent 26,000-plus East Enders into raptures. For our ‘in between’ game, let’s look at when another table-topping United vintage faced West Ham some 89 years later, in April 2000. The high-flying Irons, with future Red Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard in their starting XI, took an

11th-minute lead at Old Trafford, thanks to Paulo Wanchope. The Costa Rican forward, who had scored a superb solo goal on his Premier League debut for Derby at the Theatre of Dreams two-and-a-half years earlier, only served to poke the bear in M16.

Paul Scholes equalised 13 minutes later, swiftly followed by Denis Irwin who converted from his own saved penalty. David Beckham set up both Andy Cole and Scholes, who would also complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot, before Becks curled a trademark free-kick in

“One of our centre-halves hadn’t played for 10 weeks –but, having said all that, they would have beaten us on any day” – HARRY REDKNAPP

off the bar for a 6-1 lead. Ole Gunnar Solksjaer bagged a customary goal from the bench to round off what remains our biggest win over West Ham.

“That was a performance that you can’t help but be delighted with,” said Sir Alex Ferguson at full-time after the 7-1 win. It put United 10 points clear of Leeds at the Premier League summit, with a sixth title in eight seasons all but assured.

As for Hammers boss Harry Redknapp, he lamented: “I had to play with a flat back four and one of those centre-halves, Stevie Potts, had not played for 10 weeks – but, having said all that, they would have beaten us on any day.”

Our most recent meeting was the Reds’ penultimate home game of ’24/25. Goals in each half from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen were enough to give the Irons a 50th win over us – 24 victories behind the Reds in the all-time stakes.

manchester born & bbred

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Kenny’s cup night to savour

Who are we looking at? Our former player Kenny Morgans, a winger (and Busby Babe) who hailed from Swansea, who would make 23 senior appearances for United between 1957 and 1961.

Where and when was this taken? Here at Old Trafford on 7 May 1957, following the second leg of our FA Youth Cup final against West Ham. Morgans – captain of the United youth team (these days referred to as the Under-18s) – is pictured showing off the trophy to the 23,349 crowd. The triumph continued United’s dominance in the competition, being our fifth win in the Youth Cup’s fifth year.

How did the game, and the season, go for United? The young Reds won this second leg 5-0 against the Hammers, having already won the first leg at the Boleyn Ground 3-2. To reach the final they’d beaten Burnley, Huddersfield Town, Sunderland, Everton, Blackburn Rovers and Southampton. For Matt Busby’s senior team the season was also one of silverware – although the campaign was not without a whiff of disappointment, too. Having comfortably retained the First Division title, the Babes had narrowly missed out on doing the ‘Double’, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa in the FA Cup final at Wembley the weekend before this youth cup tie.

What’s the significance of the photo? Our current Under-18s begin their own Youth Cup adventure here at Old Trafford next Tuesday (9 December, 7pm) when they take on Peterborough United in round three. That night our youngsters will be hoping to extend our proud tradition in this competition, which we last won in 2022 for our record 11th triumph. Good luck, lads!

Chronicling our history

New kids’ book brings alive

United’s extraordinary rise, revealing why the club inspires millions around the world...

While countless books have explored Manchester United’s fascinating history, very few have done so in a way created specifically for our younger supporters. Last month, a new official club title was released, aiming to change that.

United Chronicles, a 142-page children’s book, is available now and tells the club’s incredible story in a fun, accessible way designed for young Reds aged 8-13 years. It kicks off our story in 1878, of course, when workers in the Newton Heath sheds of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway followed the new national trend of forming a sports club to play cricket and football.

The tale of how that modest club – the catchily named Newton Heath (L&YR) Football Club – would one day grow into one of the biggest and most recognisable names in global sport, is told over 30 fast-paced chapters. ‘Chronicles’ charts this remarkable journey with each chapter bringing our most important moments to life: from those early muddy East Manchester pitches to the bright lights of today’s packed Old Trafford.

The idea for the book came from United Review editor Paul Davies, who revealed in our last programme, for the visit of Everton, how the project began. “Back in 2023, my kids, who were seven and nine at the time, asked me if I could get them a book about the ‘story of United’,” he said. “I looked online but couldn’t find anything suitable for their age, which alerted us to there being a hole in the book market that needed filling!”

Each chapter of the new tome explores a key era, taking in our first successes in the early 20th century right

up to the present day and the rise of our Women’s team. Tales of glory (glory) are throughout, but our story also contains some of our darker yet formative moments. The rise of the legendary Busby Babes is a thrilling chapter, but one that will forever end in sadness due to the tragic Munich Air Disaster of 6 February 1958. The book explains what made that youthful 1950s side so special, why they captured the hearts of football fans everywhere, and how the club rebuilt itself to lift the European Cup just 10 years later – showing a resilience that has become a hallmark of the club.

A year ago, the club published another kids’ book – United Heroes – telling the career stories of 30 of the greatest players and managers from our men’s and women’s teams. This latest addition to the official book collection takes a

This latest addition to the official book collection takes a wider look at the teams, moments and characters who have helped develop our club DNA

wider look at the teams, moments and characters who have helped develop our club DNA. The two books are seen very much as a pair, covering our history for youngsters in a way not previously done by Manchester United.

Other chapters highlight unforgettable seasons, including the iconic 1998/99 Treble, our first ‘Double’ in 1994, the ‘Double Double’ of ’96, while celebrating great managers like

Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson, and the teams that shaped generations of Reds.

United Chronicles brings the club’s past to life with energy and excitement. Scan here to order your copy

This week sees the launch of a clothing range and mini-documentary film inspired by the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award...

REFLECTIONS OF A RED HER

Eagle-eyed fans might notice something different as Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad begins its warm-up ahead of this evening’s match against West Ham.

Why? Because the Reds will be clad in two smart new pieces from adidas’s ‘Game Day’ range for spring/summer 2026, rather than our typical pre-match gear for this season. Pieces inspired by two of the great totems of Manchester United history: Old Trafford itself, and the man whose statue reaches out behind the Stretford End, Jimmy Murphy.

The training top United’s players will wear tonight shows Old Trafford’s reflection, as imagined beaming off the Sir Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award trophy. It is the same reflection that’s often visible when one of our young Reds is presented with the award at pitchside. The idea is threefold:

to convey United’s relationship to the past, history’s place in our present, and the role Murphy’s inspirational values will continue to play in the future.

Those values are also the subject of a new club-produced mini documentary, Reflections, in which Wes Brown – who was twice named Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year – embarks on a journey to discover the spirit behind the award. Along the way, Brown speaks to inaugural winner Norman Whiteside, plus current first-teamer Kobbie Mainoo, who claimed the prize back in 2023.

The Young Player of the Year accolade was first introduced by supporters in the 1982/83 season, and after a short period when it was known as the Denzil Haroun award, it was changed to the ‘Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year’ award for 1990, shortly after the Welshman’s passing in November 1989. It served as a touching tribute to the great man’s humble but huge influence on our club’s dramatic history.

Murphy was, of course, Sir Matt Busby’s right-hand man throughout his long tenure as United boss, and particularly instrumental in our pioneering youth system. He personally developed many of our most famous Academy products – Duncan Edwards and Ballon d’Or winners Bobby Charlton and George Best among them. Jimmy would describe such young talents as his ‘golden apples’.

Crucially, Murphy was also the man that kept United afloat in the dark months after the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, as Busby fought for his life in a German hospital bed. Most remarkably, he helped

Brown was a double winner of the award, including in our Treble campaign

Whiteside is one of the contributors to the new Reflections film

Murphy (right), pictured alongside legendary coach Bert Whalley, in October 1955

Keep your eyes peeled for this smart new top as the Reds walk out ahead of tonight’s game

a patchwork team reach the FA Cup final just months after the devastation in Bavaria, setting the tone for the improbable comeback which would unfold over the following decade, culminating in the 1968 European Cup triumph.

In his quiet dignity, Murphy’s steely resolve, he embodies Manchester United’s resilience and determination as well as anyone ever has. His legacy has coursed through the club ever since.

“Jimmy Murphy’s name always cropped up,” says Whiteside, who met Jimmy on numerous occasions during the 1980s, and was the aforementioned first winner of the prize that now bears his name. “He always had time for people, he’d ask if you were enjoying it, and he had time for youth players,” adds Norman (pictured right, with Wes, in the mini-documentary). “I think he’d be proud that the Academy is still going strong all these years [later]. If he was looking down on us, he’d be very proud.”

Mainoo acknowledges he is too young to have enjoyed the privilege of meeting Murphy, but in Reflections, the young midfielder tells Wes he has always sensed Murphy’s energy at the club. Fittingly, he

says that receiving the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year accolade on the Old Trafford pitch only inspired him to work harder – something which would have pleased Jimmy no end!

“That award is so big in the club, and I always looked up to so many players who’d won it, so it was an honour,” says the 20-year-old. “Going through the Jimmy Murphy Centre [at Carrington] and always seeing the faces of people who’d won it before me, it would always have been a dream [to win it]. To have your face on the wall there was such a big thing. But it just made me feel like I had to keep pushing on harder after I won it.

“Coaches would always pass down Jimmy’s values, and they are deep within the genes of the club. Maybe we didn’t know exactly what he was like, but we always got the values that he possessed and everything he gave to the club, through our coaches. Manchester United is built on the values that those before us set, like Jimmy and Sir Matt Busby. To have those values is part of being a Manchester United player.”

The Academy’s head of player development and coaching, Travis

“Coaches would always pass down Jimmy’s values, and they are deep within the genes of the club” – MAINOO

Binnion, also features in Reflections, explaining that Murphy’s principles remain a guiding light for those striving to shepherd the next generation of Academy graduates through to the first team.

“Society moves on, the game moves on, but people talk about old-school values like humility, hard work, never giving up, resilience... they are things every successful person needs to have in any field of life,” he says. “If you want to play for this football club or have a long career, you are going to have to demonstrate those values on a regular basis.

“Jimmy was a great advocate of those things, and we need to make sure we keep that, and put the boys in situations where they’ve got to find the answers and be resilient and back themselves and their team and never give up. That’s what we’re trying to do on a daily basis, and what this club demands.”

We hope you enjoy watching Reflections, while the new adidas Game Day range – as worn by the players this evening – is available to buy now via the official Manchester United Store.

Head to ManUtd.com, the club app or our YouTube channel to watch ‘Reflections’, while you can scan this QR code to see the new adidas Game Day range

The eye-catching design of the Game Day range is a nod to the spirit of United’s famed Academy

United legends, shared roots

Manchester United’s museum has an archive chock-full of reminders of former players, including two famous Reds who began their careers with tonight’s opponents…

There’s a mighty impressive list of players who have represented both the Uniteds of Manchester and West Ham – not to mention a lively debate about whether they’re truly Red or claret and blue! Noel Cantwell is on the list, as are Paul Ince, Les Sealey and Carlos Tevez.

The two most prominent names with shared histories between us and tonight’s opponents are Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand. Although there’s no debate about which camp these two belong in: both were vital figures in Sir Alex Ferguson’s third great side and are regarded as bona fide Red legends.

Each emerged from West Ham’s academy, though neither arrived at Old Trafford directly from the Boleyn Ground. Rio famously moved across the Pennines from Leeds in 2002, and from January 2006 formed a celebrated partnership with Nemanja Vidic. Across his 12 seasons as a Red he played 455 games, scored eight goals and lifted 14 trophies. He was awarded a testimonial in 2013 against Sevilla at Old Trafford – ahead of which he presented the club with the silver plate pictured (above, right).

Carrick arrived in M16 four years later from Tottenham Hotspur. His understated, intelligent and relentlessly consistent game meshed perfectly with Paul Scholes’ creativity, and he quickly became the metronome of United’s midfield. Like Rio he spent 12 years as a Red, collecting 18 winners’ medals and making 464

appearances, scoring 24 goals. He wore the shirt pictured (above) in our 2016 FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace. Ferdinand and Carrick embodied the values this club has always cherished: class, composure, leadership and an unquenchable thirst for winning. One commanded the back line; the other orchestrated all in front of it. Both became trusted lieutenants for Sir Alex – and both remain hugely popular United legends.

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

Michael Carrick’s shirt from our 2016 FA Cup final victory, and (left) the silver plate presented to United by Rio Ferdinand at his testimonial game against Sevilla

UNITEDReview

UNITEDReview

BRYAN

CASEMIRO

PILLAR OF STRENGTH

As United’s evolution continues with twists and turns aplenty, Dutch centre-back Matthijs de Ligt has increasingly brought ballast and balance to the heart of Ruben Amorim’s defence…

The way he’s defending, the way he’s transmitting strength to the team, intensity to the team, pressing in the opposition’s box... that’s something that I’m really pleased with,” said Ruben Amorim last month, alighting on the topic of Matthijs De Ligt during a wide-ranging retrospective on his first year at the Old Trafford helm.

“I know that sometimes I just push my players,” added the Portuguese, “but I think he can be so much better.”

The notion of the 26-year-old Dutch international finding room for improvement in his performances is a mouthwatering one, such has been his consistency throughout 2025 and particularly in the opening months of the current campaign. The first half of De Ligt’s debut term in English football hardly began in ideal circumstances, making his bow just three days after signing and then playing catch-up in new surroundings, in a league widely accepted to be the most challenging in world football. Throw in the departure of Erik ten Hag in late October, a shift to a new defensive setup from November onwards and a late-season one-two of foot and knee injuries which restricted him to two outings across April and May, and it’s little wonder that De Ligt ended his first season in Manchester with high hopes for a steadier second term.

For those who know his character, it will come as no surprise that he’s delivered one so far, catching the eye in the heart

of what is nominally a three-man central defence. “Matthijs has done really well,” says legendary Reds defender Wes Brown. “He’s been very consistent. You can see he’s got a good focus on him this year. First of all, I’m liking that position he’s in, in the middle [of United’s centre-backs]. Obviously, he can play on the right as well but I just feel, whatever the manager has said, or the other coaches, he’s really just thinking about football.

“His defending as a whole, whether it’s in the air or tackling, has been at the forefront of the defence, taking that step forward, and he’s been a big part of it. You can’t fault him because he had a difficult one last year where people were questioning whether he was good enough or not because he wasn’t consistent. When we first bought him, we could see he was good, but there was a mistake here and a mistake there. Don’t get me wrong, there have been mistakes in the whole team, but this season I can see the focus on him. He’s smiling, he’s happy, so for whatever reason, he is really enjoying it. I think that’s a big part of it.”

A settled second season has allowed De Ligt to showcase his all-round talent more consistency

“Matthijs has done really well, he’s been very consistent. You can see he’s got a good focus on him this year”

– Wes Brown

That assessment tallies with how the Dutchman presents on the pitch. Though naturally frustrated during the November run during which the Reds missed a series of opportunities to motor up the Premier League table, De Ligt remained a consistent performer, whether powering home a magnificent late header to salvage a point at Spurs or pushing forward to try to lend extra attacking support in the shock home defeat to Everton.

Showing resolve

Looking back on his whirlwind 15 months as a Red, the giant centre-back admitted that he feels increasingly settled and confident, stressing: “I’m 26 now, and I think I’m entering the best years of my career, both physically and mentally. I’ve changed my mindset. Initially, I didn’t want to make mistakes, now I want to do as many good things as possible.

“There are a few explanations for that. I’ve had quite a few injuries in recent years, which took a toll on my confidence in my body. This year, I was able to participate in the entire pre-season. I know the club and the league better, and you feel more confident and can be more dominant. I’m actually doing more strength training again now. Just like I used to. I’ve been through a lot and now know what’s good for me. I won’t be deviating from that anytime soon.”

That growth mindset has underpinned a rise in presence on and off the field. While not explicitly named pre-season in Ruben Amorim’s six-man leadership group – comprising Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui – De Ligt has grown in stature after his

first year at the club and is an increasing figure of authority. For United’s head coach, things are playing out just as planned, with huge responsibility awaiting De Ligt and his fellow defenders sooner rather than later.

“I am just trying to put different styles in the leadership group,” explained Amorim. “But in the end, everyone has to be a leader and to help each other. I think he [De Ligt] is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well. I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing. But when we reach a very good point, our three centre-backs will control the tempo and the quality of the game.”

Amorim isn’t the only coach with one eye on De Ligt’s future. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, in planning his nation’s upcoming tilt at the 2026 World Cup, omitted the former Ajax youngster from his squads in June and October, while restricting him to one minute of action against Lithuania during September’s break. The former Barcelona defender admitted: “That sometimes gives me pain in my head, from the central defenders that I sometimes have to drop. That’s the least fun part of my job. I have a lot of contact with Matthijs, he is also a boy who asks for feedback, what he has to do to be there.”

It didn’t take long for De Ligt to take that feedback on board and turn his fortunes around, earning a recall in November and playing 90 minutes in a 4-0 win over Lithuania.

“If you’re not in the squad, it affects you,” conceded Matthijs, in retrospect.

“He is doing really well, really aggressive, is defending well. I think he has more quality with the ball than he is showing” – Amorim

“But the national coach decides. For me, it was important to stay true to myself and keep going. I think being selected again is a victory.” Koeman, for his part, was clear in his message, shrugging: “He didn’t look confident in his play, and I told him so. He’s calmer now, and I felt I should include him again.”

Being noticed

De Ligt had been on United’s radar long before he arrived at Old Trafford. When first linked with a move in spring 2019, just before his move to Turin, former Reds defender Jaap Stam was asked about the prospect of Matthijs in Manchester. Having coached the youngster during their time together at Ajax, the Treble-winning defender saw a good fit, saying: “He’s a youngster but in how he plays, he’s an adult, because he’s got composure on the ball, he’s aggressive tactically, he sees and reads the game well. He’s got that driving force for himself in what you need to achieve and where you want to go to. I think that’s one of the most important things for a

player to have: to have goals for yourself. You want to make steps, improve yourself, go to the highest level. I think he will suit very well over here.”

Though ultimately five years premature, the Treble-winner’s words have proven prophetic. Having arrived via Serie A and the Bundesliga, De Ligt’s first term in England may not have immediately hit the heights, but his influence on the Reds’ collective fortunes was clear by season’s end; United’s win ratio with him starting was 42% (15 from 36 games) compared to 29% (seven of 24) in his absence.

This term, boosted by full fitness, he has been an immovable feature of Amorim’s defence, ostensibly starting as the central totem but occasionally detailed with forward carries after swinging to the right side of the backline, where his efficient ball usage has allowed him to contribute in all facets of the Reds’ approach. The Dutchman has played every minute of United’s Premier League season so far, missing only the first half of August’s shock Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby Town, and English football’s

The Dutchman has embedded himself in the heart of our three-man defence this season as his stature and influence on the team grows

De Ligt’s renewed confidence has helped re-establish his place in the national squad

collective shift to more direct play has been met by a positive response in De Ligt’s individual stats, with a notable hike in his tackles, ball recoveries and aerial duels, while his long-ball accuracy has leapt from 34% last term to over 51% this.

For Mazraoui, who joined United on the same day as De Ligt in a double transfer from Bayern, the upsurge in his friend’s form has been thrilling, if not surprising.

“I’m really, really proud of the performances he is putting up now,” the versatile Moroccan said. “I think he should stay like this and even improve more because I know he can be even better than this. He is still quite young. I said lately for fun, also a little bit serious, that he is reaching his form of a Golden Boy again! I think he is getting into his prime at this point.

“As a defender, he’s also really aggressive. He likes to be in the duels and win his duels. On the ball, he’s also really good. You see the Ajax school, of course, in his style of play. He makes good decisions, with the ball and also without

the ball, and he’s really, really vocal, which is so important for his position. So it’s always easier when you have somebody behind you, telling you a little bit left, just a little bit right, to block a certain passing line. Yeah, I love the guy!”

Brown, a winner of 11 major honours during his time at Old Trafford, believes De Ligt’s appeal hinges on simplicity, and the Dutchman’s ability to remain constant and calm at the heart of the Reds’ backline while Amorim continues to build for the future.

“He’s just got better and better,” says the former England international. “Everyone has always known his talent, but it’s about the consistency. When he finishes his career, that’s where the praise will come – with consistency. We know he can do it; at the moment, he’s doing it every week.”

Increasingly accustomed to the capricious demands of life at an evolving United, Matthijs De Ligt is now steadfast in the heart of defence, bringing ballast to the rebuild. ●

“I’m really proud of the performances he is putting up now. I think he is getting into his prime at this point” – Mazraoui

The upshift in De Ligt’s performances this season has been widely observed, and the belief he has even more to

offer is a tantalising prospect for every Red

Proven pedigree

Most fans’ first glimpse of Matthijs came in record-breaking fashion, and he has continued to blaze an eye-catching trail ever since...

A month and nine days after turning 17, Matthijs became Ajax’s youngest full debutant and marked the occasion with a goal against Willem II.

He soon became the youngest player to start a UEFA final, completing 90 minutes for Ajax against United in the 2017 Europa League final in Stockholm.

In 2018, he became Ajax’s youngest ever captain and, later that year, became the first – and still sole – defender to win the prestigious Golden Boy award.

Following a domestic Double with Ajax, Matthijs joined Juventus in 2019 and ended his first season in Italy as a Serie A winner.

A Coppa Italia finalist in each of his three seasons in Turin, De Ligt lifted the trophy in 2021 before moving to Bayern Munich the following summer.

De Ligt’s debut term in Germany ended with the 2022/23 Bundesliga title, making him a champion in three different European leagues at just 23 years of age.

Season 2024/25

517k+

total free-of-charge attendances at sessions and events

1,324 signed and charitable items distributed

£2.3m raised by fans and fundraising

125 unique participants projects

41% female participation

Find out more mufoundation.org/ourimpact

41,289

STYLE?

HAPPY 100TH, HARRY!

A lifelong Salford Red will bring up his amazing century next Tuesday...

Devoted United fan Harry Kelsall will celebrate his 100th birthday next Tuesday, and all at the club would like to send him our best wishes ahead of the special milestone.

Born in nearby Salford on 9 December 1925, Harry has carried a pride in both his hometown and his beloved United throughout his long life. And friends and family say that his passion for the Reds remains as strong as ever as he prepares to hit three figures.

“Football has remained his passion across the decades, and while the game has changed dramatically, his enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed one bit,” says his granddaughter, Emily. “In fact, in more recent years he’s become an avid follower of women’s football, rarely missing a match on TV.

“Even now, he keeps up with all the news, gossip and match chatter in the local and national press – making sure we are just as up to date with all things United as he is. From the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92 and beyond, my grandad has seen it all... He often recalls the brilliance of Duncan Edwards, speaking with both admiration and sadness that the world was robbed of seeing his full potential following the Munich Air Disaster. And he still wears his United colours with pride.”

We wish Harry all the best for his special day, and hope the Reds can deliver a decent birthday present for him against Wolves next Monday, on the eve of his big landmark!

Harry Kelsall’s passion for United remains as strong as ever as he approaches his 100th birthday. Born in Salford on 9 December 1925, Harry has supported the Reds his whole life, and counts the legendary Duncan Edwards amongst his favourite players he has watched and admired. Harry still wears his United colours with pride, according to granddaughter Emily

With the help of United stalwart Pete Boyle, we pay tribute to the late Stone Roses bassist and lifelong Red…

Glance at just one or two sentences from the avalanche of tributes paid to Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, and you’ll instantly get an emotional feel for the oceanic quantities of love the man inspired.

The reasons for that affection are both straightforward and nuanced, much like Mani himself. He was, of course, a musician first and foremost. And what a musician. None of Manchester’s seminal groups better captured the rebellious spirit and swagger of our people than the Stone Roses, and Mani’s strong, supple basslines were as foundational to the group’s blissful, groove-laden majesty as John Squire’s liquid-gold guitar lines and the dexterous drumming of Reni.

But Mani was equally loved for his personality, as thousands of match-going Reds will attest. The humble northMancunian was a fixture at games before he became famous and after, and his fun, friendly demeanour never wavered.

“Mani was such an affable person. For a rock star, he was so down-to-earth,” explains Pete Boyle. “If he met you once, he’d be your mate and he’d talk to you. If anyone asked him for a picture at a match, he’d put the arm round them. He was a proper down-to-earth working-class man who’d done well and never let it get to him.”

For Boyle, the Roses arrived at the perfect time, symbolising the fresh positivity of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s.

“I remember watching them on Top Of The Pops in 1989, the first time they’d got in the top 10. You thought: ‘These guys are us.’ They were seen as our band, our lads. You’d see them around Manchester. As soon as anyone makes it in music

MANI OF THE PEOPLE

“I looked up to him so much. He would tell stories of a life well lived, of going to raves, gigs and recordings. Never with braggadocio – always with humility” - TIM BURGESS

or entertainment, they say they love Liverpool or Manchester, but they move to London. But Mani went to local bars and restaurants and was in Manchester all the time. The same with Ian Brown and John Squire. They never forgot their roots.”

Boyle remembers Mani regularly travelling to away games with ordinary

Reds on supporters’ coaches and drinking in the same pubs. Mixing happily with people who viewed him as a hero.

“One of my abiding memories of him was Arsenal away, when we drew 2-2 in 2003,” chuckles Pete. “We’d had a wild day of drinking on the coach and all that. We weren’t going to stop at the services

Mani was a fixture at Reds games both before and after he became famous

on the way back, but then Mani said: ‘Can we stop for a Ginsters?’ Of all the things he could have said! So we stopped so he could get a pasty.

“He gave the impression that he was one of the lads – and he was – but he took it very seriously when he was performing,” continues Boyle. “He just had the right balance in life. He was a firm believer in his politics – he and the Roses once helped some lads out who were being racially abused by the National Front – so he ticked all the boxes. It wasn’t just about him being a musician or a United fan; he was a great person on every level.”

Dip into the many tributes on social media and you’ll see Boylie’s sentiments echoed repeatedly. Mani was a legend to the many people who cherish the music he made, both with the Roses and Primal Scream – but in person, he was simply a good human.

United, of course, still walk out to This Is The One on every Old Trafford matchday, and the Roses’ immortal tunes continue to be played wherever United fans gather.

But how we will all miss him. And how deeply we feel for his three lads, who now have to face the future without their dad. The only consolation is that the great man’s music, and memories of his universal warmth, will be with us forever.

“He was very passionate about things he believed in, whether Man United or standing up for his mates. If he felt there was some sort of injustice, he was very tenacious. Once you had Mani on your side, you were rocking” - PETER HOOK

Mani’s basslines were an integral part of the iconic Stone Roses sound

Mani was well and truly part of the United family

PART OF THE PICTURE

United fans reveal their motivation – and choice of photo – for wanting to be part of a new mural planned for Old Trafford…

Fans from around the world have been submitting images to be part of the ‘The Academy Wall’ at Old Trafford, a large mosaic featuring 14 homegrown heroes. Announced last summer, the large photomosaic will be made up of almost 20,000 fan images and is a unique chance for supporters to upload a photo and enshrine their memories into the fabric of our famous home.

The planned mural has been designed to celebrate the club motto of ‘youth, courage, success’, honouring the unique story of our Academy, and will be installed in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand tunnel. It will celebrate the immense contributions of some of the most famous homegrown talents – among them Duncan Edwards, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Ella Toone.

With United planning to build a new stadium, this is a last chance for supporters to be part of Old Trafford’s history, and United Review caught up with some of those who have already submitted images for the project...

Ravichandran, Singapore

“As a lifelong Manchester United fan since 1988, Old Trafford has always been more than just a stadium to me – it’s a sacred place. The photo I chose for the United Fan Wall was taken during my very first stadium tour with my wife, a moment that captured pure joy and pride. Over the years, I’ve travelled from afar, spent countless hours and resources to watch United live, meet legends, and feel that electric atmosphere only Old Trafford can give. Having our picture chosen for the fan wall means the world – it’s like leaving a piece of ourselves at the Theatre of Dreams forever. That fills my heart with immense pride and emotion.”

The mosaic will pay homage to our celebrated Academy and be made up of almost 20,000 fan images

Noel Doran, UK

“The Fan Wall photo was purchased in memory of my sister Sarah, who unexpectedly passed away in November 2024 at the age of 26. Visiting Old Trafford to watch the Red Devils was a dream she never got to fulfil. Now, through this tribute, she will be part of the Theatre of Dreams every day. I got the framed photo and presented it to my mum and dad, knowing that despite everything, we were able to honour her dream. Sarah’s dedication and love for Manchester United will live on forever.”

Sarah Longman, UK

“I purchased a Fan Wall photo in celebration of my dad, who turned 70 this year. He has been a United fan since he was a kid and is a loyal men’s season ticket holder. After I became physically disabled a few years ago, he became my main person; he would come with me to see the women’s team play. The photo used is of us at Old Trafford for the WSL game during the 2022/23 season and Fred the Red has joined our photo, which made this moment even more special!”

Bob, USA

“I bought a Fan Wall photo because Manchester United has always been a big part of my life. I was born in Manchester but moved to the United States years ago, and United has always been my link back home. My dad and older brother made me a fan, and now I’ve passed that same passion onto my son. The photo I chose was taken at Old Trafford when he was 17 – we’d travelled all the way from the US just to see United play. Standing there together felt like coming full circle, from my childhood in Manchester to sharing that same magic with him. Adding our photo to the fan wall felt like saving that moment forever.”

Dean Coyle, Ireland

“I was a young boy in Ireland watching Match of the Day on a Saturday night. That is when I heard the calling to become a Red. Supporting United is in the family – my dad is also Red and now my son is, too. Old Trafford is not just a stadium to us, it is our second home. The photo I chose is from the first game we went over to as father, grandfather and son – Manchester United v Brentford in October 2023. The 2-1 win when Scott McTominay came off the bench and scored the winner. Our faces! I’ll never forget it.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR CHERISHED UNITED PHOTO BE PART OF THE MURAL THEN SCAN HERE:

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

Happy birthday, Aysha! Wishing you a fantastic and wonderful day at the Theatre of Dreams.

Jonathan hits 60 today – still top of the table! From the terraces to the touchline, your passion for the game never fades. Have a cracking birthday!

Welcome, Caroline Fox and son Gabriel, to their first United game.

Happy 21st birthday, Lewis T! Have a brilliant time tonight.

Hello to Beatrix Cromey, aged four, to her very first United match, having come all the way from Singapore with dad Chris. She loves football and Bruno Fernandes!

A very happy birthday to you, Harry Moran.

Wishing a happy 30th birthday to Aaron, a passionate and long-time Red who has travelled up for tonight’s game from Surrey.

Happy birthday to our fellow Red, Mehmet, who turns 24.

Happy ninth birthday for 9 December, Toby Colebrook. He’s a massive United fan and his favourite player is Bruno Fernandes.

Wishing a very happy eighth birthday to Luca Jones-Ramirez.

Many happy returns to Georgia Rose Grant for her 14th birthday.

Happy 16th birthday to Harvey Haughton-Done and enjoy your first-ever United game!

Big birthday wishes to Elliott Macken, who turns 17 today. Have a great time at the match!

all your family and friends.

10th

Happy 70th birthday, Kevin Rogers! The best father, grandfather and lifelong Red. Lots of love from your grandchildren, Riley, Leo, Flynn, Bobby, Busby, Betsy, Albie, and all the family.

Shout-out to the Boparai family, who are all here tonight to cheer on the Reds. Have a great time.

my

is here cheering us on from the Stretford End, and says it’s a memory he’ll carry with immense pride for the rest of his life.

Happy birthday, Alan. Hope you have a great day and enjoy the match. Best wishes and love from Dad, Mam and James.

Congrats to Harry Feeney on the birth of his daughter, Alex. A lifelong Red has joined the family with a very special name to match.

Wishing a happy 18th birthday to Jack Short, pictured here with his dad Mark.

Happy 12th birthday to Conor O Leary, from Ireland, who is here with his mam Becky and dad David

Happy 40th, Rick! Have an amazing day. Lots of love from Mum, Dad, Hannah, Alex, Isobel, Lisa and

Kushal Sarkar

‘Wishing

beautiful wife, Amanda, a big 40th birthday and a happiest ninth birthday to my dearest Raeyan.’

Happy

birthday, Lennon, and enjoy the game at Old Trafford. Love Mum, Dad and Remi.

Many happy returns to Shane McBride, here from Belfast to celebrate his 11th birthday.

30th,

‘Happy birthday, Sid You’ve been a top mate for 13 years. Enjoy the game and here’s to many more Old Trafford memories. From Austin.’

Wishing a very happy birthday to Oscar, who turns 12 today.

Margaret Chatfield will be celebrating her 100th birthday with relatives, friends and neighbours at her home in Sale on 8 December. Margaret has been a lifelong fan of the Reds and has been attending matches since 1957, being a loyal season ticket holder in the South Stand until recently. She attended the most memorable matches in the past with her late husband, John, and still cheers on United, watching every televised match.

‘Happy birthday to my beloved wife, Chris Yap. Donning our favourite home jersey together with our son, Zayden Chua, we had a wonderful holiday in Danang, Vietnam, and the opportunity to ‘Snapdragon’ in front of Dragon Bridge. Love from hubby Ryan Chua.’

We’d like to wish a happy 10th birthday to Joshua Meredith, a huge United fan. He’s here with mum Emma to cheer us on.

A warm welcome to the game to Mike Edwards from Llangefni, Anglesey. Mike is turning 65, and all that know him send their love.

Best wishes to Ethan Morris and Malachi Turner (pictured here a little younger, nearly 10 years ago), cheering on the lads tonight. Both love United and are going for a 3-1 win.

Happy 10th birthday for 3 December to Oisín from Ireland. He’s a huge United fan who’s here watching this evening and his favourite player is Bruno Fernandes, and is pictured with dad David.

We hope Quinn Parker-Kilty had a very happy 18th birthday on 13 November. His favourite player is Bryan Mbeumo.

Happy 16th birthday, Niomee Hine. Once a Red, always a Red. Here’s to making more memories at Old Trafford. Lots of love from Grandad and Nanna.

‘Happy birthday, Bobby Cowan Always reach for the stars, you can achieve anything in life you aspire to. Love you forever, Mum.’

To Tommy Mannix: happy 16th birthday. Hope you have the best day. From everyone at Old Trafford and all the family.

A very happy 21st to Lucas Richman, a United fan since birth and a season ticket holder since the age of seven. Love from Mum, Dad, Emma, Marcus, and all your family and friends.

Happy

Steve Kettle. From Gary and Michelle.

Many happy returns to brothers Alfie and Jack Grindle, for their 11th and 14th birthdays on 3 and 18 December respectively.

A big welcome to Simran from Singapore – Paul Scholes’s biggest fan – on her first-ever trip to Old Trafford!

Happy 60th birthday, Dad – ICJ! Lots of love, Martha and

‘Happy 70th birthday to my husband, Phil Taylor, a loyal United fan, man and boy. Enjoy your special day. Lots of love from Maria and your United family.’

Happy ninth birthday to Lucas Helliwell for 11 November. We hope it’s a celebration to remember tonight at Old Trafford.

‘Happy second birthday to our amazing little Red, Ellie! You fill our world with laughter, love and endless energy. Seeing you walk out at Old Trafford is a moment we’ll never forget. Our tiny Red, already making memories here. Love Mum and Dad.’

Happy 18th birthday to Finlay Penney Love Mum, Dad, big sis and family

Happy 16th birthday for today, Lucas Roger Clarke, and let’s hope for a win!

Have a very happy 21st birthday on 5 December, Khubaib Hassan

Congratulations to the Hellenic Supporters Club, from Thessaloniki in Greece, on 20 years of cheering on the Reds together!

Happy 70th birthday to Rob Lucas, a lifelong fan, season ticket holder and the best husband, dad, Pappy and father-in-law you could ask for. Love from Maureen, his children and grandchildren.

Happy 22nd birthday, Max! Hope you enjoy the game. I am the best girlfriend ever! Love, Maddie.

Happy 60th birthday to Bert Lewis, secretary of the Muckamore Supporters Club.

To Tom Slattery, landlord of The Vine, Washway Road, Sale: huge congratulations from all your regulars and everyone at Manchester United on winning the Craft Union Sports Pub of the year!

Happy 35th birthday to Katherine Northey, with love from Mummy and Daddy and the family in Guernsey.

Wishing Jeff Clark a very happy 70th! Love all the family, especially the two new little Reds.

Welcome and congratulations to United fans Tyler and Courtney Franklin, celebrating their honeymoon and first trip to Old Trafford, all the way from California!

‘Silke Nymann, from Denmark, has a big dream coming true tonight: being at Old Trafford for the match and watching her heroes. We will do everything to make a memory she will carry forever in her heart.’

Sammy.

Welcome to the world and the United family,

Harper

Nannie

Sarah can’t wait to take her to her first match.

‘Happy 3rd birthday, Hardy! We are so proud of the beautiful, cheeky and energetic boy you are. Lots of love, Mummy and Daddy.’

Janna Sparrowhawk was recently at Old Trafford for her first matchday experience, against Everton, with her husband, Brian. Hope you had a great visit.

Welcome to Old Trafford for your first game, Leighton Sparrowhawk. He’s originally from South Africa and here tonight with Brian, his foster dad.

Wishing George Maclean all the best in his recovery from his broken leg. From Mam, Dad, Toby, Mabel and his friends and family, including all at Mumbles Rangers, Pontardawe Town & Dunvant RFC!

IN MEMORIAM

In memory of Grandad/ Dad, Pat Morris, a lifelong fan who supported United for 68 years. He managed to see them play 10 times at Old Trafford, with the last and favourite being that night against Lyon. He is deeply missed and will be loved forever. “We’ve seen it all, we’ve won the lot.” Love Lucy, Ryan, Ruth and Pudd.

In memory of Sandra Dixon, a loving daughter, mother and sister, but most of all, a true Red. Sandra sadly passed away on 4 November 2025. She owned more than 15 shirts and many flags, and wrote down all the scores in her diary of every match. She ensured nothing interrupted football on the TV, changing plans to suit and having the volume up loud. United were her love and her passion along with her family and friends. Sandra will be truly missed by all her loved ones.

Patrick Anthony Joseph Murray (21.02.1947–01.11.2025). Beloved father and husband. A proud Dubliner who made the UK his home from 1964, Patrick was a lifelong and passionate Manchester United fan. He never missed a match, shouting with joy at every goal and cursing at every near-miss! He admired the greats: Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, George Best, Eric Cantona and Marcus Rashford. We miss and love you so much, Dad, and will continue your proud legacy supporting the Reds. Dawn-Louise, Dolores, Jack and Monty.

Martin Day (19.11.196112.11.2025). It’s with great sadness that Martin passed away on Wednesday 12 November. He leaves his son, Liam, whom he loved very much and took around the world following our great football club. Martin was secretary of the Blackpool and

Fylde supporters club for many years, running a coach to Old Trafford and sorting tickets and other events for his members. Martin’s favourite players were Martin Buchan and, in more recent years, King Eric. He watched the Reds not only in England, home and away, but all over the world. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and will be remembered as a United legend. Martin will be cremated on 5 December at Carleton crematorium in Poulton-le-Fylde and Reds from not only his local area but all over the country will be there, confirming his popularity within the United family. Rest in peace, writes Daisy, and sleep tight my friend, says Pete Ramsgate.

In memory of Ben Jones, a passionate PT trainer and nutritionist, as well as a keen footballer and devoted Red. Ben married Lynne in hospital 11 weeks before his death, while his son, Jack, from a former relationship, is also a talented footballer and Reds fan. Ben will be missed by his many family, friends and PT clients.

Alfred Beverley Theron (12.04.1949-16.11.2025).

A lifelong United supporter, Alfred lived and breathed the game he loved. Away from the terraces, he spent his career in the classroom, guiding and inspiring countless young people, including Premier League stars who went on to represent England. His passion for football was matched only by his devotion to his family. Loved deeply by Hayden, Sam, Darren, Sophie, Matthew, and many more, Alfred’s legacy is one of warmth, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty to United. He will be remembered always, both in the classroom and in the stands.

UNITED VOICES

SAM COOK

The England and Essex fast bowler on Becks’s brilliance and watching the Europa League final the night before his Test match debut…

“David Beckham was my gateway into United, and I assume it was a similar story for a lot of other kids my age. My dad’s a Norwich fan, so there was no connection there, and my school class was full of Arsenal fans! But myself and my brother loyally followed United from a very young age, and we never looked back.

I probably didn’t understand the depth of how good Beckham was. It was probably more because he came from down this way; he was on all the adverts, all the TV, the marketing. My parents thought as soon as he left to go to Madrid that that would be it, and I’d follow the crowd! I remember being absolutely gutted when it came through on Newsround; at a young age, you feel like the world’s ending when your favourite player leaves. But it’s testament to United that you didn’t have to look too far for other idols. Very quickly, Rooney, Ronaldo and others filled the void.

From an early age you’re also aware of the history of the club. I remember my dad talking about ’99, which I was too young to remember, and the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92, and it does draw you in. The club has always been fantastic at staying connected with its history –I think that’s a massive part of United and why it’s the biggest club in the world.

I was fortunate to meet Sir Alex Ferguson outside the ground as a very young kid, too. Me and my brother would get there three or

A love of David Beckham drew Sam to start supporting the Reds from an early age

four hours early then, just to see what was going on. I remember very vividly my first trip: a really cold winter’s day. We were 1-0 down at half-time, and Alan Smith scored a late equaliser. I was just mesmerised, but my dad was very glad Smith poked that one home. It would have been a long drive back with a very sad little boy!

Since Covid, we’ve had season tickets, so it’s been great to go more often. But it’s not always easy as a cricketer – there can be lots of travel. Fortunately, the last few years I’ve been able to get to a fair few games and the cup finals, but last winter I was in Australia for two or three months and had some very tiring mornings waking up to watch on my phone in the dark! But you want to do it. That’s the addiction of being a United fan.

The Europa League final was the night before my England debut, so it was an anxiety-filled night! You have to take the rough with the smooth as a fan, but at least I was thinking about something else than the cricket and what was to come the next day.

It’s been a mixed last year, but it looks like there’s momentum coming back. In any sport, you need a little bit of a run and it’s amazing how momentum can shift. Winning and losing are both infectious.

Because I work in professional sport, I’m probably not as quick to jump on some of the opinions in the media, where it can be all doom and gloom. I try to be quite positive. Often nowadays in the Premier

League there’s a lack of patience from the media and supporters. You don’t get the time to transition from a bad run of results into a good run. In the last few years, players have probably been trying too hard and putting too much pressure on themselves. But that’s playing for Man United, or playing for England in cricket. There’s this weight of expectation and the pressure is higher. You’re almost playing not just the opposition in front of you, but the media as well.

But I don’t see why we can’t push for the Champions League this season, with the pressure other teams like Newcastle and Villa are under because of European football.

We’ve got a very good chance of pushing past them

“I DON’T SEE WHY WE CAN’T PUSH FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIS SEASON, WITH THE PRESSURE OTHER TEAMS ARE UNDER”

and challenging that top four. And our recruitment has been excellent, not just this summer but the last year or two.

De Ligt, Yoro… Cunha and Mbeumo are Premier League-ready. Sesko really complements them, and Lammens has made an enormous difference.

Beyond any targets, I think it’s just about keeping that momentum going as long as possible and keeping the atmosphere like it’s been at Old Trafford recently. If that buzz is still there towards the end, that will be a real positive for us.”

Sam and his brother were lucky enough to meet Sir Alex on one of their many visits to Old Trafford

Sam made his England Test debut in May this year against Zimbabwe – the morning after watching the Europa League final on TV…

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Ahead of last weekend’s win at Selhurst Park, club photographer ASH DONELON (above) joined the pre-match press conference at Carrington where he helped put the spotlight on our manager with some creative manoeuvring

FOCUSING ON THE BOSS

When and where: Friday 28 November, Carrington training ground.

Ash says:

“Ruben Amorim holds a press conference in front of external media before each United game, usually in a purpose-built room at the Carrington training centre. When I’m photographing matches and training sessions, there’s lots of movement and energy from the players, which generates creative possibilities. However, when the subject is stationary and seated, I need to find ways to keep things visually interesting. For this shot I stood behind a TV camera operator and found a small gap between their arm and camera where Ruben was visible. I like how the red recording light and blue screen of the camera add splashes of colour to the foreground and help get the attention of the viewer.”

“I like how the red recording light and blue screen of the camera add splashes of colour to the foreground and help get the attention of the viewer”

Reds JUNIOR

How did Sir Alex go out on a high?

Sir Alex Ferguson always says that he learned more from defeats than victories. And in 2012, United suffered probably the most painful disappointment of his 26-year reign, when Manchester City nicked the Premier League title with virtually the last kick of the season. The Blues triumphed on goal difference, after both teams had finished level on points – after 38 games!

Even more painfully, City had won 6-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season – a result that significantly affected that crucial goal difference. Sir Alex called the 6-1 defeat “our worst-ever day”.

But within seconds of City becoming champions, Ferguson was already laying the foundations for a comeback. As his shattered players hung their heads in the dressing room at Sunderland – our opponents on that final day – Sir Alex said:

“You remember this feeling here, now. We don’t let that happen again.”

The following season, United’s first victory came before a ball had even been kicked. How? Well, both Manchester clubs were desperate to buy one of the league’s best strikers, Robin van Persie, who had already revealed that he would not be signing a new contract at Arsenal. Eventually, United won the Dutchman’s signature.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this transfer coup probably decided the season. Van Persie scored within 10 minutes of his first start – a 3-2 home win over Fulham – and then bagged a hat-trick in the next match against Southampton. The Reds had twice gone behind against the Saints – with van Persie even missing a penalty – but in the 87th and 91st minutes he struck twice to flip the game in our favour.

Winning a 13th Premier League title was a fitting way for Sir Alex to end his United reign

By the turn of the year, the former Arsenal dynamo had already scored 17 times. And the most telling example of his impact came at the Etihad Stadium in early December, when he curled home a free-kick in injury time to settle the first Manchester derby of the season 3-2, after City had fought back from 2-0 down. Roberto Mancini’s champions never recovered. By the end of March, Ferguson’s vengeful Reds were 15 points clear at the top of the table.

Not that it was all van Persie, mind. There were fantastic individual seasons from the much-loved Brazilian full-back Rafael too, and Michael Carrick played with new authority in midfield.

The title was confirmed with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford with four games left to play, in a match that featured another van Persie hat-trick – including a truly astonishing volley from a long Wayne Rooney pass. But the final weeks were given a dramatic and unexpected twist when Sir Alex announced that he would retire at the end of the season, closing an epic chapter in United history.

There had been some clues to the Scot’s intentions. After United had been eliminated from the Champions League by Real Madrid in March, Ferguson had been so distraught that he sent his assistant Mick Phelan to conduct the post-match interviews. Very few people knew it, but Sir Alex

had already decided to retire – he was clearly mourning the passing of his final shot at European glory.

For everyone associated with United, Ferguson’s last home game, a 2-1 win over Swansea, and his final match, a remarkable 5-5 draw at West Brom, were hugely emotional occasions. But more than anything, there was gratitude.

The great man had transformed United from a struggling, fading giant into the dominant English club of the period. His final haul read 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and four League Cups. United had twice been world champions under his leadership. His final league title – won by a mammoth 11 points – was also

United’s 20th, making us the first English club to reach that milestone. Predictably, Ferguson was going out on top.

The club was now faced with its greatest challenge since the retirement of our last truly great manager, Sir Matt Busby. Another dramatic phase in United history was just about to begin.

1,500 and out

Neatly, Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game was his 1,500th in charge of Manchester United. Even more remarkably, the 5-5 draw with West Brom was the only time that scoreline had been produced during the Scot’s long career with us. The match was also the farewell for another true United legend, Paul Scholes, who made his 718th and final Reds appearance at the Hawthorns.

The signing of Robin van Persie was a massive factor in the Reds regaining the Premier League title

Wayne Rooney was another to play a starring role in that final, glorious season

NUMBER CLUB!

Can you remember which number was shared by each trio of Reds?

WORLD CUP WONDERS

Isabelle Rajan

Oliver Ellie-Mae Oliver Claudia Joshua

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

UNITED’S YOUNG AMBASSADORS

Our Under-12s have been invited overseas to play in a unique tournament, as reward for their enthusiasm and hard work on an important recent project…

As part of Manchester United’s commitment to education, remembrance and community engagement, our Under-12s recently took part in the Premier League’s annual Christmas Truce project – an initiative designed to help young players understand the historical link between football, peace, and the sacrifices made by those who served in war.

The project began with a visit to Trafford Veterans, where the players spent time painting miniature war figures alongside local veterans. This activity created an opportunity for the young players to engage in open and insightful conversations, learning first-hand about the veterans’ experiences, values of service, teamwork, and resilience – qualities that resonate both on and off the football pitch.

Following this, the team participated in a commemorative fixture against Manchester City, which paid tribute to the spirit of the 1914 Christmas Truce – when soldiers from opposing sides laid down their weapons to share a game of football and a moment of peace during the First World War.

The occasion was marked by a ceremonial entrance, as the players were led onto the pitch by a marching corps, with The Last Post played poignantly by a bugler. The moment provided a moving reminder of the unity and humanity that football can

inspire, even in times of conflict. The educational journey continued with a visit to the Imperial War Museum North, accompanied by a Trafford veteran. During the visit, the players took part in an interactive talk delivered by museum volunteers, which focused on the events of the Christmas Truce. The discussion deepened the players’ understanding of how football can act as a bridge between people, cultures, and generations.

In a moment of reflection, the group then visited the Stretford War Memorial, where they laid a wreath in memory of fallen soldiers, including

Our Under-12s continue their Christmas Truce project with a visit to Stretford War Memorial, where a wreath was laid and two of their poems were read aloud

former Manchester United player Sandy Turnbull, who lost his life in the Battle of Arras in 1917. The players each wrote poems dedicated to remembrance and peace, drawing inspiration from Turnbull’s legacy. Two poems were selected to be read aloud at Stretford War Memorial, in nearby Gorse Hill, with youngsters Thierry and Maker honouring Turnbull’s name and the sacrifices made by so many others. The ceremony concluded with a solemn minute’s silence, observed by all in attendance.

To conclude the project, the players attended United’s Old Trafford

fixture against Brighton in October, accompanied by a veteran from Trafford Veterans. This final experience offered a meaningful opportunity for reflection, connecting the lessons of the past with the values of respect, teamwork, and community that underpin both football and remembrance.

The club’s project has since been picked by the Premier League as one of the top three delivered by those involved, resulting in an invitation for our Under-12s to play in the yearly Christmas Truce Tournament, between 11 and 14 December.

Held in the historic city of Ypres, Belgium, it will be an opportunity for the boys to compete against some top European teams while gaining a further understanding of the historical events that have shaped our world.

Tom Ruck, Academy education officer, said: “The boys were a credit to both themselves and the club during the project. They engaged exceptionally

well with every aspect, demonstrating maturity and respect throughout.

“The club is now honoured to have been selected for the Christmas Truce Tournament as a result of our project, an achievement that truly reflects the boys’ hard work and enthusiasm. They are thrilled to be representing United in Belgium later this month.”

Congratulations, lads – and good luck.

Shirts and wreaths are laid out ahead of the commemorative fixture between United and Manchester City’s Under-12s (right). The players’ educational journey began alongside Trafford Veterans and the painting of miniature war figures (below right), which was followed by a visit to the Imperial War Museum (top right) and the Stretford War Memorial, where former Red Sandy Turnbull is among those commemorated (below)

The players are joined by Les from Trafford Veterans for October’s Premier League visit of Brighton

Pupils from Manchester United Foundation’s partner schools had an afternoon to remember at Carrington last month, as stars from Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad joined them in a series of football activities.

Young people from several partner high schools had the chance to hone their skills alongside Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui, with other first-teamers also getting involved.

The Foundation’s three-versus-three inflatable pitch hosted games where players got stuck into the action. And there were other games – one testing our young people’s passing ability and ball control, another that measured their reaction speed, and finally, one transporting them into another dimension by wearing virtual reality headsets!

“They’re all too good, every single one of them!” said Haris, one of the pupils from Dean Trust Abraham Moss school, after taking on some of United’s stars in the games.

“My favourite part of the day was meeting captain

FUN AND GAMES

Senior stars join Foundation partner school pupils for a series of football activities and skill tests at Carrington

magnifico, Bruno. On the passing machine challenge, he got 48 points, the highest score of the day. Playing with him, it was a dream come true, and a feeling I will never forget.”

Bruno himself was not shy of showing the young people his own skills, offering plenty of entertainment on the three-versus-three pitch.

He said: “We’ve done some games, VR, technique games, reaction games, and playing with the kids. It was good to see them and it’s always good to do some work with the Foundation. We know it’s very important for these kids to see us and spend some time with us, so I’m very fortunate to have the chance to do this.”

Some of the schools in attendance are supported by the PFA with additional funding as part of the Foundation’s partner school programme.

Another participant, Victor, from Manchester Academy, added: “I’ve enjoyed meeting the players and doing the different activities. It was very surprising and I got very excited. I met Bryan Mbeumo, he’s a very good player and I’ve always wanted to meet him, and today I had the chance to do that.”

Our first-team stars put the special Foundation guests to the test at Carrington before the pupils’ “unforgettable day” is completed by grabbing some personal pictures with their United heroes

Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo (inset) were among the stars taking part in the activities

MINI MEDICS

Workshop helps teach youngsters key life-saving skills

Young people from the Foundation’s partner special educational needs schools learned life-saving skills in a recent workshop at The Cliff. The pupils, from across six schools, learned the basics of CPR, including how to give chest compressions, taking rest breaths, and next steps when responding to an emergency. The young people also took part

in football activities including skill games alongside gaining their Mini Medics qualification. One participant, Dexter, 15, from Leo Kelly School (part of Manchester Hospital School), said: “We’ve learnt how to check for danger if someone is unconscious. It’s very important because if someone you know is injured or in trouble, then you can help them.”

MEADOWBANK’S DELIGHT

Pupils at one of the Foundation’s partner primary schools, Meadowbank, welcomed Anna Sandberg, Safia Middleton-Patel and Rachel Williams to their school last month. Taking part in games of bench ball and dodge ball, the United Women players also offered words of advice to the young people, whose school is just a couple of miles away from the Progress With Unity Stadium where our Reds play in Leigh. Swedish full-back Sandberg said: “I can just imagine when I was younger, to have had people coming into school like this, I’d have been buzzing! We’re very happy to make the kids happy, and we’ve had a really good time as well.”

Three members of our Women’s team joined Meadowbank pupils for some fun activities during their school visit

Chest compressions was just one of the skills taught

LUKE HITS A LANDMARK

Congratulation to Luke Shaw for reaching the milestone of 300 United appearances against Palace. Here are all 74 teams that Luke faced as a Red in compiling that triple-century…

Clubs Shaw has faced only once

Anderlecht

Astana

Atletico Madrid

Bayern Munich

Bodo/Glimt

Bristol City

Burton Albion

Cambridge United

Cardiff City

Colchester United

CSKA Moscow

Feyenoord

Galatasaray

Granada

Hull City

Ipswich

Istanbul Basaksehir

LASK Linz

Luton Town

Middlesbrough

Newport County

Norwich City

Olympique Lyonnais

Preston North End

PSV Eindhoven

Real Betis

Real Sociedad

Sevilla

Tranmere Rovers

Valencia

Villarreal

Wigan Athletic

* before tonight’s match = teams Shaw has scored against

PREMIER LEAGUE

Every top-flight side is in action between Tuesday and Thursday…

With nine Premier League fixtures having taken place on Tuesday and Wednesday, after this programme went to print, the table might look a bit different by the time the Reds kick off against the Hammers. Tuesday saw Bournemouth host Everton, Fulham face Manchester City at Craven Cottage, and Newcastle take on Tottenham in the slightly later 8.15pm kick-off.

As for Wednesday, leaders Arsenal welcomed Brentford – including their free-scoring striker Igor Thiago (below) –to the Emirates in a north London v west London clash.

Brighton v Aston Villa and Burnley v Crystal Palace also kicked off at 7.30pm last night,

as did Wolves v Nottingham

Forest. With zero wins from their first 13 games, it’s fair to say that Rob Edwards’s Wolves could badly use a pre-Christmas lift.

The two 8.15pm matches last night included Leeds v Chelsea – two teams with a bitter rivalry that dates back to the ’60s, and really came to a head here at Old Trafford when our home last hosted the FA Cup final, in the 1970 replay. Liverpool v Sunderland is another memorable FA Cup final from yesteryear – 1992 being the last time the Black Cats reached the showpiece – and the teams met in the league for the first time since 2017 last night, rounding off matchweek 14’s other games away from M16.

Joshua Zirkzee’s opener in our Premier League win against Crystal Palace last weekend was his first strike of the season (plus his eighth career goal for us) and saw him become our 10th different scorer in 2025/26 so far. Bryan Mbeumo still leads the way for goals this term (six), ahead of Casemiro who has struck three times.

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

Luke Shaw played his 300th United game in our win at Selhurst Park last Sunday – see p75 for more – meaning he’s moved level with Nemanja Vidic in our all-time appearance standings. He sits in equal 63rd place with the Serbian and is just behind Sam Bennion (301 apps) and our first title-winning captain Charlie Roberts (302).

MANCHESTER UNITED EDITORIAL TEAM PUBLISHED BY

EDITOR Paul Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan

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

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

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

2025/26 FIXTURES

FernandesDorgu MbeumoMount

FernandesDorguMbeumoMount

Ugarte Dorgu Amad CunhaSesko

Fernandes 1 Dalot

FernandesDorguMbeumo

Fernandes 1 DorguMbeumo Amad Sesko

Fernandes Dorgu MbeumoCunha Sesko

FernandesDalot Mbeumo

Fernandes Dalot Mbeumo

FernandesDalot Mbeumo 2Cunha

FernandesDalot MbeumoCunhaSesko

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo 1 Cunha Sesko

FernandesDorgu Amad

FernandesDalot Mbeumo

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.

Who scored United’s last goal at West Ham’s old home, the Boleyn Ground? ANTHONY MARTIAL ROBIN VAN PERSIE OR

Who did Rio Ferdinand play for between spells with West Ham and United? LEEDS TOTTENHAM OR

In which year did Wayne Rooney become United’s record goalscorer?

In 2021, Aaron Wan-Bissaka opened the scoring in a 9-0 Reds win over which team?

Who was the last player to wear the no.4 shirt for United before Matthijs de Ligt?

Ten questions – five easy, five hard. Seems simple, but you only pass if you get them all!

Who have the Reds played more times in the Premier League?

NEWCASTLE WEST HAM OR

From which Italian club did Patrick Dorgu join United? LAZIO LECCE OR

Who got the Reds’ first league assist of this season?

DIOGO DALOT LUKE SHAW OR

Who was the last United player to hit a hat-trick against the Hammers?

OR

From which country have more players made a competitive United appearance?

Anthony Martial; 2. Leeds; 3. 2017;

Southampton; 5. Sofyan Amrabat.

HARD: 6. Newcastle (60-58); 7. Lecce; 8. Diogo Dalot (for Mbeumo v Burnley); 9. Wayne Rooney; 10. Brazil (11-8).

JAVIER HERNANDEZ WAYNE ROONEY

ARGENTINA BRAZIL OR

25/26 THIRD JERSEY

Altay BAYINDIR (GK)

Diogo DALOT

Noussair MAZRAOUI

Matthijs DE LIGT

Harry MAGUIRE

Lisandro MARTINEZ

Mason MOUNT

Bruno FERNANDES

Matheus CUNHA

Joshua ZIRKZEE

Tyrell MALACIA

Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU

L eny YORO AMAD

CASEMIRO

Bryan MBEUMO

Tom HEATON (GK)

Luke SHAW

Manuel UGARTE

Ayden HEAVEN

Benjamin SESKO

Senne LAMMENS (GK)

Chido OBI

Tyler FREDRICSON

Diego LEON

Kobbie MAINOO

Jack FLETCHER

Shea LACEY

Mads HERMANSEN (GK)

Kyle WALKER-PETERS

Maximilian KILMAN

Igor JULIO

Crysencio SUMMERVILLE

James WARD-PROWSE

Callum WILSON

Lucas PAQUETA

Niclas FULLKRUG

El Hadji Malick DIOUF

Konstantinos MAVROPANOS

Luis GUILHERME

Mateus FERNANDES

Jarrod BOWEN

Lukasz FABIANSKI (GK)

Alphonse AREOLA (GK)

Guido RODRIGUEZ

Jean-Clair TODIBO

Soungoutou MAGASSA

Tomas SOUCEK

Aaron WAN-BISSAKA

Ollie SCARLES

Freddie POTTS

Andy IRVING

George EARTHY

Krisztian HEGYI (GK)

Callum MARSHALL