Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers PL match programme, 30.12.25

UNITED Review

SEASON 2025/26

MANCHESTER UNITED V WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS TUE 30 DEC 2025 KICK-OFF 8.15PM

OFFICIAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

VOLUME 87 / ISSUE 11 / £4

HERE’S TO A GREAT 2026!

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MANCHESTER

UNITED

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INSIDE THE LATEST ISSUE OF

UNITED Review

MANCHESTER UNITED MEN’S TEAM HONOURS LEAGUE TITLES

20

1908 1957 1994 2000 2008

1911 1965 1996 2001 2009

1952 1967 1997 2003 2011

1956 1993 1999 2007 2013

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

3

1968

1999

2008

1909 1983 1996 2024

1948 1985 1999

1963 1990 2004

FA CUP

13

LEAGUE CUP

6

1992 2017

2006 2023

2009

the match

1977 1994 2016

2010

04 06 14 21

FA COMMUNITY SHIELD

21

1908 1911 1952 1956 1957 1965* 1967* 1977* 1983 1990* 1993 1994 1996 1997 2003 2007 2008 2010 2011 2013 2016 *Shared

UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE

1

2017

features 08 30 34 46

1991

28 38 64 66 70 72 82

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

1

2008

INTERCONTINENTAL CUP

1

the fans

1991

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION TWO

2

Museum items Classic picture: 30 December 2006 Story behind the shot Junior Reds MUW’s season’s so far MU Foundation 50-50 quiz

1999

UEFA CUP WINNERS’ CUP

1

Picture gallery: 2025’s home highlights Inside Carrington podcast Matheus Cunha’s impact Story of the Stretford End ⇒

UR regulars

UEFA SUPER CUP

1

Ruben Amorim column ⇒ Match preview and stats Ayden Heaven exclusive interview Meet the visitors

1936

55 56 60

North Staffs supporters’ club ⇒ Fan messages and photos United Voices: The K’s

1975

statistics

FA YOUTH CUP

11

1953 1957 2003

1954 1964 2011

1955 1992 2022

1956 1995

75 77 79 80

Stats at the back: Games v Wolves ⇒ Premier League stats Appearance stats Season statistics

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22/12/2025 16:36

RUBEN

AMORIM

ood evening and welcome back to Old Trafford.

Due to print deadlines, I am writing these notes before our meeting with Newcastle United.

But as we welcome Rob Edwards and Wolverhampton Wanderers to Old Trafford this evening for our final game of 2025, we have the opportunity to end the year on a positive note and start 2026 with momentum.

The support that you have given the team here at Old Trafford and around the world throughout this year has been nothing short of incredible.

We have had many ups and downs together but you have always stuck by us and we want nothing more than to give you the performances that your passion and loyalty deserve in 2026.

I always prefer to look forward and I am confident that next year will see us

G

“THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE GIVEN THE TEAM HERE AT OLD TRAFFORD AND AROUND THE WORLD THIS YEAR HAS BEEN NOTHING SHORT OF INCREDIBLE” continue to improve together and progress towards our long-term ambitions.

On behalf of everyone at Manchester United, I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year.

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

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head coach

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In a year of ups and downs, tonight’s visit of Wolves offers the Reds the chance to sign off 2025 on a positive note

V OLD TRAFFORD: 8.15pm

With much of the Premier League so tightly congested, this evening represents a big opportunity for Ruben’s Reds to set down a marker for the second half of the season...

W

e go into tonight’s game against Wolverhampton Wanderers – our last fixture of 2025 – looking to sign off the calendar year with a real statement of intent.

It’s been a year of ups and downs, no doubt. But three points and the right tone of performance would be the perfect way to send us into 2026.

With a positive, ambitious mindset.

The visitors arrive, of course, with plenty of bleak midwinter concerns. At the time this issue of UR went to press, Wolves had accrued just two points from their first 17 league matches. So whatever the outcome of their fixture at Liverpool three days ago, the Black Country club will start the new year in

serious peril at the foot of the Premier League table. Given this match is no.19 on the calendar – taking us to the halfway stage – Rob Edwards and his team know they need every last drop of effort from now until the end of the season in order to stand any chance of survival.

It’s a quirk of this season’s schedule that we don’t have to look very far back to our last meeting with the men from Molineux. That came only four matches ago, earlier this month. There’s plenty of a positive nature for Ruben Amorim’s Reds to take from that 4-1 win, particularly the attacking threat and number of chances created, especially in a second half during which we netted three times.

The visitors, meanwhile, must look back a little further for their own bit

of inspiration: on their last visit to Old Trafford, in April, they came away with a 1-0 win, against the run of play, thanks to Pablo Sarabia’s superb free-kick.

But for all of a Red persuasion, tonight is another chance to enjoy one last look at Old Trafford in 2025. To reflect on the highs and lows we’ve experienced together during a dramatic year, and look ahead optimistically towards what we hope is to come in the next 12 months.

With three precious Premier League points up for grabs, and a tightly bunched league table offering plenty of scope for ambition, there is lots to play and sing for.

Let’s get right behind the Reds under the Old Trafford lights and make sure we’re celebrating a very happy New Year when the clocks strike midnight tomorrow.

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UNITED v WOLVES IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE UNITED WINS 61% (14)

the match

PLAYED John O’Shea becomes one of the 84 Reds to have scored past Wolves as he nets the only goal of the August 2003 home meeting

117

This will be our 117th meeting in total with Wolves, going back to our first encounter with them in 1892 (more of which on p26). That tally puts Wolves at number 18 on the list of sides we have played the most times in competitive football, ahead of Nottingham Forest (115) and behind Bolton Wanderers (121).

Mainoo’s late leveller against Lyon was followed by Maguire’s even later winner in a drama-fuelled evening here in April

Tonight’s match will be our 51st and final competitive game played during the year 2025. Our favourite? It would be hard to look past the 5-4 win over Lyon here in April in the Europa League quarter-final second leg for pure drama!

30 DEC The last time we played Wolves on this calendar date was back in 1967.

The Reds were 1-0 down at half-time that day, but Bobby Charlton got us off to a flyer in the second period with an early strike, John Aston Jnr put us 2-1 up after 50 minutes, and on the hour Brian Kidd made it 3-1.

Mike Bailey pulled one back for the visitors in the 67th minute, but Matt Busby’s Reds held on to win 3-2.

Charlton’s 11 goals against Wolves were registered between March 1957 and February 1973

23 WOLVES WINS 26% (6)

DRAWS 13% (3)

49.14% Our overall win percentage against Wolves is a fraction short of a victory every other game. When you look at home matches, however, that win ratio jumps up to 65.45 per cent – that’s 36 victories out of 55 games played with the Reds on home soil.

The great Sir Bobby Charlton in fact holds our goalscoring record against Wolves, with 11.

Next on the goalscoring list come two legendary sharp-shooters – Denis Law and Jack Rowley, both with 10 goals scored for United against the Old Gold.

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HOME HIGHLIGHTS From last-minute goals to full-time celebrations, via presentations and tributes, here are some great images from the past year in M16...

from 2025

There’s been Champions League football at the Theatre of Dreams, with MU Women recording a famous 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain back in November

The opening home game of 2025 was a great one for Amad, who bagged his first United hat-trick in our come-from-behind 3-1 win against Southampton

Wins like the one against Brighton in October have hinted at what Ruben Amorim’s side are capable of achieving

The colour and vibrancy of Old Trafford has been one of this season’s big positives

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pic gallery

It’s approaching a year since Ayden Heaven and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu became Amorim’s first signings

Our legendary former striker Denis Law passed away on 17 January, with this being one of the many tributes paid to him – a giant surfer flag at our Europa League clash with Rangers

Harry Maguire popped up with winning goals in consecutive home games back in February – first against Leicester in the FA Cup, then (below) against Ipswich town in a 3-2 win

The role that Old Trafford’s crowd – and some impressive visual displays – played in our run to the 2025 Europa League final was crucial... but turn the page for more evidence of that!

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New faces arrived back in the summer, bringing added firepower and optimism for the future.

Here are Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha ahead of our final pre-season game, against Fiorentina

The undoubted highlight of the past 12 months in M16 was Maguire blowing the roof off our famous home with his injury-time in extra-time header to inflict a 5-4 defeat on Lyon!

Tonight’s clash with Wolves will be our 25th first-team game at Old Trafford during the calendar year – let’s hope the players and fans have something to celebrate this evening and in 2026!

There have been some old faces return over the past year, with the club paying tribute to the long service that David De Gea gave to the club when he visited with Fiorentina back in early August

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SUPPORTING MANCHESTER UNITED

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UR interview :

I FEEL like a

COMPLETEly DIFFERENT

player now

It’s almost a year since Ayden Heaven arrived in M16 from Arsenal, and the young defender says he’s hoping to continue his clear progress into the next 12 months too…

Ayden, we’re at the end of 2025, your first year at United. How have you found it?

Are you looking forward to 2026?

Yeah, I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve done well, I think, with the chances I’ve had, and, yeah, I just want to take it into the next year and continue developing.

It’s been quite an important year for you. Obviously, you moved here from Arsenal, you made your debut, and then your first Premier League start.

How do you reflect on it all?

It motivates me in a way, like I said, to keep developing and to know I’m capable of playing games like that. It just motivates me in my development.

You said when you joined that it was because of

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our track record of giving young players opportunities, and you’re already into double figures for club appearances. How pleased are you with how you’ve progressed?

Yeah, I was surprised at how quick I got my chances when I first joined, but I was ready, so hopefully I can get more in the new year.

You made your debut in the FA Cup tie against Fulham. We lost on penalties that day, but we noticed how composed and skilful you were on the ball. What do you remember of the emotion and excitement of that day, in making your debut?

It was a tough game to come into, I’d say, because of the stakes. We were drawing at that point, and I came on in extra time, when you can’t afford to put a foot wrong and lose the game, because it’s a cup tie.

Did it help with it being a home game, and having the crowd on your side?

Yeah, it was really welcoming. I got a big cheer when I came on, and that really helps as a young player.

21/12/2025 15:08

interview

AY DEN HEAVEN

A

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You said you didn’t expect to get so many minutes early on, but how valuable were those minutes, especially with us playing in Europe and getting to the final of the Europa League?

Yeah, I improved so much in those minutes I had.

I feel like a completely different player now, and the more minutes I play and the more experience I get, I feel more confident.

Ruben Amorim recently said you had a great future, so what were your first impressions of him and how has he helped you since you first came into the squad?

Yeah, he’s a brilliant manager. He’s always reassuring me and helping me improve. He’s a great guy as well off the pitch, and I’m going to love to continue working with him.

AYD E N HE AV E N

A H

Ayden has quickly proven himself a reliable defensive option for Amorim, and the powerful teenager has been delighted with the opportunities he’s been given in his first year as a Red

“I improved so much in those minutes I had [last season], and the more experience I get, I feel more confident” You’re alone against the striker really, so you can’t afford to switch off.

Are those the kinds of things you appreciate off the pitch, those messages?

Yeah, it helps a lot to know that the manager cares about you and that he takes his time to come and speak to you. It’s good.

He’s said you played well and adjusted well to that position, how did you feel when you heard him say that?

Yeah, it was great, obviously. And it was true that it was my first time ever playing there, so it was a lot different.

You’ve played as the middle centre-back in recent games, it must give you the feeling that he trusts you there as you’re only 19 and that’s quite an important position in the team…

Yeah, that middle [spot] is probably one of the most important, because you can’t switch off, can you?

You got booked early on against West Ham so had to come off at half-time, but then you came back for the Wolves away game. Was that a boost with how well that game went in the end, and how did you feel afterwards?

I felt good. Obviously, I understood why I got taken

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A H

off in the West Ham game. The manager is big on obviously having 11 players on the pitch and it’s a risk when you’re running a yellow, so I understood that and I was confident going into the Wolves game.

I felt like I had a good game.

Now we play Wolves again at Old Trafford in the last game of the year. They will perhaps have less pressure on them, as the away team, but does that make them dangerous? You can’t really take a team for granted, especially when they’re looking for points at the bottom of the table…

Yeah, of course. In the Premier League, you can’t take any team for granted really. They’re all good and I expect it to be tough at Old Trafford when we play them.

The 4-1 win at Molineux earlier this month is a result and performance Heaven hopes can be replicated in tonight’s return fixture with Wolves

AYDEN’S BIG 2025 It’s been a formative year for our young centre-back, who had just 10 senior minutes of football under his belt this time 12 months ago. We’ve picked out some of the significant landmarks Ayden has enjoyed during his time with United so far…

February: Heaven becomes Ruben Amorim’s first Reds signing, joining on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

“This club has a phenomenal track record of supporting young players and we believe that Ayden is in the perfect place to reach his excellent potential,” says Jason Wilcox. Heaven, Unveiled at Old Trafford back in February, Ayden has enjoyed his quick integration to the first team

With this being our last game of 2025, what’s your message to supporters as we move into the new year and look to move on as a team?

Just stick with us, you know? Even in the tough times. We’re improving as a team, as you can see.

We just want to take the last result that we had [against Wolves] into this game and the new year. ●

/ who takes our no.26 shirt, is then unveiled on the pitch at Old Trafford, alongside fellow new arrival Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu.

March: Ayden makes his United bow on the first day of the month, appearing as an extra-time substitute in the FA Cup against Fulham. Although our trophy defence ends via a penalty shoot-out, Heaven looks assured during his brief cameo and is picked to start subsequent key games against Real Sociedad and Leicester City.

May: An injury suffered against the Foxes stymies his rapid progress, but the former Arsenal defender returns to the reckoning for the season’s closing stages, helping United convincingly beat Aston Villa on the final day of term. He’s then included in the group that travels to Asia for the post-season tour and scores an impressive header in the 3-1 friendly victory over Hong Kong, China.

August: Our teenage defender plays all three games of the United States tour and is involved in the early season

Fans get an early look at the former Arsenal man as he makes his United debut in the Cup visit of Fulham

meetings with Fulham and Grimsby Town. He’s also selected in England’s Under-20s squad for the first time, along with team-mates Elyh Harrison and Ethan Wheatley.

December: With Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire injured, Heaven is given the nod to play as the central defender in Amorim’s back three.

“I think Ayden has a great future,” the boss said after our win at Wolves.

“He’s really hard to beat. He adapts really well in the centre.”

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THE VISITORS

Wolverhampton wanderers Three weeks on from their 4-1 Molineux defeat to the Reds, and still rooted to the foot of the table, the Old Gold are desperate for a change in fortunes...

KEY DETAILS Nickname: Wolves, The Old Gold Founded: 1877 (as St Luke’s FC) Stadium: Molineux Stadium (right, capacity 31,750) Last season: Premier League, 16th; FA Cup R5; League Cup R3 Top achievements: English league champions: 1953/54, 1957/58, 1958/59; FA Cup winners: 1893, 1908, 1949, 1960; League Cup winners: 1974, 1980

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Hwang Hee-chan goes close against Brentford – but once again it would be a goalless 90 minutes for the Premier League’s bottom side

TALKING POINTS If Wolverhampton Wanderers are to extend their top-flight status beyond their current eight successive seasons – their best streak since 1967 to 1976 – then they must do it the hard way, to put it mildly. Having picked up just two points from their opening 15 league fixtures – the lowest tally in the history of England’s top four tiers at that stage of the season – their 2-0 home defeat

by Brentford before Christmas broke Sheffield United’s Premier League-worst 17-game winless start to campaign from 2021/22.

Nevertheless, performances have improved since Rob Edwards replaced Vitor Pereira in November, with the narrow 2-1 loss at Arsenal earlier this month providing the blueprint – defend deep and narrow in a low block, then use Hwang Hee-chan’s mobility and pace on the break.

The away fans’ reaction to that heartbreaking late loss at the Emirates was proof of the galvanising effect Edwards has had on the club, while the resignation of club chair Jeff Shi was also met with positivity from the stands. “We can’t give up,” said Edwards recently. “We have to keep

believing and hope that things will turn. I’m well up for the challenge.”

Improvements in final third Wolves have survival history – in 2022/23 they achieved the rare feat of being bottom at Christmas, yet managing to stay up. The 16-point chasm to safety is far more sizeable now but Edwards’ side defend set-pieces soundly enough – only Sunderland, Tottenham and Brentford have shipped fewer goals from dead-ball situations – and the 4-1 defeat by the Reds at the beginning of December was the only fixture in Edwards’ first six games whereby Wolves conceded more than twice.

Improvements in the final third are vital. Jorgen Strand Larsen’s failure from the spot against Brentford was typical of the malaise in front of goal – nobody in Old Gold had scored more than once in the Premier League

by Christmas – but England U18 international Mateus Mane has added intensity and no little skill off the bench in recent games, his cross setting up Tolu Arokodare’s goal away to Arsenal.

“We can’t give up. We have to keep believing and hope that things will turn... I’m well up for the challenge” – ROB EDWARDS

Teenager Mane has made an impact from the Wolves bench

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tactics board Among Edwards’ first decisions has been to deploy a back three and stick with it – under the Englishman’s predecessor Pereira the tactical outlook was too often muddied by switching between 4-3-3 and 3-4-3 formations with dizzying regularity.

That’s not to say that the former Wolves centre-back is wedded to one system. Against Arsenal, he switched to a 3-5-2 starting with Strand Larsen and Hwang up front, then made positive substitutions at 1-0 down and changed system to a 4-2-3-1 that offered more width and forward threat, with Mane’s delicious curling cross for Arokodare’s headed last-minute equaliser that came so close to securing a deserved point and ending a club-record run of defeats.

Andre and Joao Gomes are centre midfield fixtures, with either Fer

Lopez’s technical promptings or Girona loanee Ladislav Krejci’s sturdy industry alongside depending on the opposition. The latter, more naturally a centre-back, deputised for the suspended Yerson Mosquera and AFCON-bound Emmanuel Agbadou in the back three against Brentford – the Ivorian will be a big miss over the busy New Year period. Injuries to Marshall Munetsi and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde also deprive Edwards of two forward-thinking options, should he want to revert to a 3-4-3 with two wingers in support of Strand Larsen, but Mane’s vibrant cameos may give cause to consider a change.

David Moller Wolfe has licence to attack from left-wing-back, while Ki-Jana Hoever is a more defence-first option on the opposite flank.

1

recent STARTING XI

2

4

26

37 6

8 7

28 9

v Brentford (h), 20.12.25 Premier League

11

1 2 4 37 26 28 7 8 6 9 11

Jose Sa Doherty S Bueno Krejci Hoever Lopez Andre Joao Gomes Wolfe Larsen Hwang

s qua d GOALKEEPERS PLAYER Jose Sa Dan Bentley Sam Johnstone

DEFENDERS

PLAYER Matt Doherty Hugo Bueno Santiago Bueno David Moller Wolfe Emmanuel Agbadou Yerson Mosquera Rodrigo Gomes Toti Gomes Ki-Jana Hoever Ladislav Krejci Jackson Tchatchoua

AGE NATION 32 Portugal 32 England 32 England

AGE 33 23 27 23 28 24 22 26 23 26 24

MIDFIELDERS

PLAYER AGE 29 Marshall Munetsi 24 Andre Joao Gomes 24 Jean-Ricner Bellegarde 27

NATION Republic of Ireland Spain Uruguay Norway Ivory Coast Colombia Portugal Portugal Netherlands Czechia Cameroon

NATION Zimbabwe Brazil Brazil Haiti

The manager ROB EDWARDS

Eyebrows were raised when the ex-Forest Green and Luton boss left promotion chasers Middlesbrough for the top-flight’s increasingly adrift bottom club in early November, but the 43-year-old “couldn’t say no” to the team of his heart. The cult-hero centre-back previously made 111 Wolves appearances and is a highly regarded, progressive coach with a desire to succeed.

FORWARDS

PLAYER Jhon Arias Jorgen Strand Larsen Hee-chan Hwang Tolu Arokodare Tawanda Chirewa Fer Lopez Enso Gonzalez Mateus Mane Nathan Fraser

AGE3 28 25 29 25 22 21 20 18 20

NATION Colombia Norway South Korea Nigeria Zimbabwe Spain Paraguay England Republic of Ireland

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born & bred b

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THE VISITORS

Leading the way MATT DOHERTY

In an injury-interrupted campaign, the fit-again 33-year-old’s experience and ability to play at wing-back and on the right of a back three will be vital if Wolves are to salvage some pride from the campaign. The 53-cap Republic of Ireland international is in his second spell at Molineux, having guided the club from League One to the Premier League in his first, and recently spoke of his team-mates’ need “to be remembered for fighting all the way to the end of season” and not “for being cowards”.

Norwegian spruce DAVID MOLLER WOLFE

The 23-year-old summer signing from Dutch side AZ has added tidy play, plus an improved end product, to the Old Gold left flank under Rob Edwards. A busy outlet who will go to next summer’s World Cup finals as Norway’s first-choice left-back, Wolfe scored two well-taken goals in a 4-3 near-comeback against Chelsea in the League Cup fourth round and it was his fizzing low cross that set up Jean-Ricner Bellegarde’s goal in the 4-1 reverse against the Reds earlier this month.

Bullish Brazilian ANDRE

Though at fault for Bruno Fernandes’ opener three weeks ago, the 24-year-old’s stocky nature, relentless pressing and love of a tackle have been highly prized at Molineux since his arrival from Fluminense in August 2024. A combative presence at the base of midfield whose reading of the game regularly results in intercepting potentially line-breaking passes, Andre dovetails well with compatriot Joao Gomes, who is the naturally more creative of the Brazilian duo.

3 Wolves are providing United’s final opposition of the calendar year for the third time in the Premier League (2020 and 2022), with both previous editions finishing 1-0 to the Reds courtesy of a Marcus Rashford goal.

10 United’s no.10, Matheus Cunha, had plenty of festive fun with former club Wolves last December, scoring three goals in six appearances – including one against the Reds.

58 The teams have met on this day once before, 58 years ago in 1967, when Bobby Charlton, John Aston Jnr and Brian Kidd scored to seal a 3-2 United win at Molineux.

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THE VISITORS

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN The 4,000 people who shuffled away from North Road after our maiden encounter (as Newton Heath) with Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 1892 were unlikely witnesses to history.

A select few will have noted the end of a six-game winless start to our inaugural Football League season but surely none would have appreciated the setting of records that still stand 133 years later.

The die was cast early as James Hendry and Willie Stewart put the Heathens 2-0 up inside five minutes, with Alfred Farman, Bill Hood, Bob Donaldson and Stewart also on target for a 6-1 half-time lead. Adam Carson soon struck the seventh, before ‘Scroggie’ Donaldson bagged another two to secure the first hat-trick in club history, swiftly followed

by Stewart who completed his triple for a 10-1 victory that ‘made the Heathens’ first League win in a sensational manner’, according to a local press report. It

V WE REWIND TO MEMORABLE PREVIOUS FIXTURES BETWEEN TONIGHT’S TEAMS

remains our joint-record margin of victory in a league game and the only time we’ve hit double figures in a domestic fixture.

More records followed 86 years later as the Reds, featuring in-form forward Jimmy Greenhoff, visited a struggling Wolves in October 1978. The 32-year-old had joined younger brother Brian at Old Trafford two years earlier, ensuring cult-hero status with the deflected winner in 1977 FA Cup final, and opened the scoring here in similar fashion. There was, though, no luck

More records followed against Wolves in 1978 – it was the only time the Greenhoff brothers scored for United in the same game Brian Greenhoff surveys the action at Molineux in 1978 as he and older brother Jimmy plunder three of the four goals that downed Wolves 4-2

attached to his second as the flaxen-haired playmaker unleashed an unstoppable leftfooted half-volley into the roof of the net.

After legendary Wolves midfielder Kenny Hibbitt got one back for the home side, the younger Greenhoff fired low and hard with supreme authority from the edge of the area just before half-time for a 3-1 lead – it was the only time the Barnsley brothers scored for United in the same game.

Joe Jordan marked the birth of daughter Lucy the day before with a lobbed fourth for United, before the superb Steve Daley arrowed a fine consolation. “An astonishing match,” said breathless BBC commentator David Coleman, “with spectacular goals.”

Our latest clash with Wolves couldn’t be much fresher in the memory: a Bruno Fernandes brace, plus goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, securing a 4-1 win at Molineux earlier this month.

P 34 17 + 49

their RECORD V UNITED PLAYED

116

WON

DRAWN

LOST

39

20

57

GOALS FOR

GOALS AGAINST

158

194

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United and Wolves go back a long way, as these items from our museum archive demonstrate…

GOLDEN Charlton scores the first of his match-winning double from the spot as the Reds run out 2-1 winners over Wolves in February 1973

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he heyday of United and Wolves’s relationship goes back to the post-war era, particularly the late 1950s, when the two clubs vied for the league title on several occasions. Glance at Sir Bobby Charlton’s United record (1956-1973) and Wolves’ centrality to that period comes through clearly.

Thirty of Charlton’s 758 United appearances came against them – the only opponent he faced more was Tottenham. His goalscoring record is similar: he netted 11 times against the Molineux club. Only Spurs (15) and Sheffield Wednesday (12) suffered more from his freakishly two-footed genius.

The issue of UR we’ve pulled out (right) is from Charlton’s 745th game, which delivered the last of his record

138 goals at Old Trafford. United beat Wolves 2-1 on this day, 10 February 1973, in front of the biggest First Division crowd that weekend.

United attracting more spectators than everyone else? Plus ca change, you might think. But the Reds were in a dire situation. This win took us two points clear of the relegation zone, and provided new manager Tommy Docherty with his first win, in his eighth match! Even at 35, in a failing team, Bobby was still producing. This result instigated a run of five victories in the next eight games, ensuring our top-flight survival in Charlton’s final season.

The next item we’re focusing on spotlights another player in his last United campaign.

Paul Ince wore this iconic black away kit (opposite) for the final time on the last day of the 1994/95 league season, in an infamous 1-1 draw at West Ham that denied us a third consecutive title.

Ince had joined us from the Hammers six years earlier, but we mention him here due to his Wolves connection: Ince spent four seasons at Molineux from 2002, before starting his coaching career at Swindon.

Ince’s decision to join Liverpool in the late ’90s went down badly with many Reds – as did the way he celebrated a last-minute equaliser against us in 1999.

But when you think of the performances he delivered in this kit – and the others he wore in the early 1990s – you can only sigh with admiration. Sir Alex Ferguson’s first great United team was almost faultless, but perhaps only Cantona and Giggs exerted a greater influence on it than Ince.

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club MUSEUM

MEMORIES United‘s distinctive black away shirt, worn between 1993-1995, with this particular one sported by Paul Ince during his final season as a Red in ’94/95. The midfielder – who would sign for Wolves in 2002 – rounded off his six seasons as a Red with 281 appearances and 29 goals

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

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‘It’s your chance to get T the inside scoop’

The Inside United podcast team of Liam Bradford, Helen Evans and Phil Jones welcome Rio Ferdinand to the mic earlier this month

Have you checked out the club’s new podcast, Inside Carrington, yet?

Christmas is the perfect time to dive right in…

he official Manchester United podcast made a welcome return last month, with an exciting new series bearing the title Inside Carrington.

The concept? To take listeners right into the heart of our famous training complex, just months after the completion of its renovation, to hear from players, managers, staff, legends and leaders. It started with a bang: our first guest was the club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, who spoke for more than half an hour about his day-to-day task list (it’s extensive!), his own football journey and, of course, a topic that never fails to fascinate the football world: transfers.

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EPISODE 1: JASON WILCOX, director of football

“I think you have to bring players in that bring something different to the changing room. The most important thing is that whenever we bring in a player, they have to want to improve and they have to be a team player, and understand what it means to be part of a successful team. It is not about putting the Harlem Globetrotters together.

“If I look at successful Man United teams, there were very functional players that would die for the badge and there were some mavericks. When you talk about Cantona, when you hear anybody talk about him, he was an ultimate professional. When I look now and I see the car park, when the report time is 9.45am, and you see the lads coming in at 8.30am, 8.45am to prepare for training, this is a good sign.”

A good half-hour chat with Wilcox kicked off the podcast series, with our director of football speaking openly about his role and what goes on behind the scenes

The team have recorded seven podcasts to date, each one offering great listening to fans

Binnion, the club’s head of player development and coaching, explained how Academy talent is integrated into first-team training

UTD podcast

Liam: “Having Jason Wilcox for the opening episode was absolutely amazing, and he was so open and honest. There was some real insight in there from him, which was fantastic.”

Helen prepares for the latest episode, with each one also featuring as a video on the club’s official YouTube channel

Many UR readers will have already plugged in their headphones to hear that feature-length chat with Wilcox.

Or maybe they were compelled by the chance to hear from our new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, or Stephen Torpey, the man now charged with running our world-famous Academy. Earlier this month, United legend Rio Ferdinand stopped by for an in-depth catch-up.

But, if not, what are you waiting for?

At the time of writing, we’ve seven full episodes in the back catalogue for you to delve into, so why not stick the kettle on, or lace up those unloved walking boots, before pressing play and immersing yourself in modern-day United?

“It’s your chance to get the inside scoop,” says Liam Bradford, who co-presents each episode alongside the excellent Helen Evans, with former United defender Phil Jones also hosting.

“It’s about hearing from people that you do not get to hear from anywhere else. From Jason Wilcox, on how they go about handling transfer business. Or hearing from Travis Binnion about how the Academy is producing good people, not just football players. How soft skills are important. For me, it’s the ability to hear from inside Manchester United from people that aren’t normally put up to talk.

That’s the podcast’s real strength.”

Bradford says the hosts’ rapport and their differing perspectives have enabled the chats to bring out the best from Inside Carrington’s guests – something that was crystal-clear from the very first episode.

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EPISODE 4: SENNE LAMMENS, first-team goalkeeper Liam: “The first first-team player we got on was Senne Lammens. Obviously, he’s new to the club, so getting to know him a bit better was brilliant.”

“As a goalkeeper, if you want to be a support to the team as well, you have to be reliable and not always doing the most crazy stuff, but just doing the simple things well. And body language is also very important. It gives off a good feeling…

It’s something I’m proud of and always something I checked myself on every game, not doing too much or going too high in emotions. I think also my second game in Liverpool, most of the guys asked me how it felt, but, to be honest, being here, almost every game feels the same…

“When I was growing up, I had more difficulties with it because, as a young goalkeeper, it’s difficult. I wasn’t always the best one in my age group. And I also made a lot of mistakes.

As a young goalkeeper, it’s really difficult sometimes to get over those mistakes. But then you just keep working on it…

“I did some psychology work when I was growing up, but now I don’t really need it. I help myself more and I like to journal a lot as well, to be honest, writing down a little bit after every game. It makes it easier on the mind, as well, to not always think too much after games. Just write it down and then it’s out of the head.”

“When you bring it all together it seems to work really well,” he explains.

“Having an ex-pro on like Phil, who is clearly really switched on, really intelligent, understands the game, has the relationships with the playing staff and some of the guests that we’ve had... that’s been massive. And Helen is just such a consummate pro that it just gives you the space to be able to do what you’re good at. And I guess the bit that I bring is that I’m watching every single game, commentating on every single game, from under-18s to under-21s, from the

Episode five of the podcast also features the legendary Denis Irwin

women’s team to the men’s first team... having that level of knowledge is a bit of strength on the podcast as well.”

If you’ve not already given the new series a listen, Liam has four particular episodes to recommend to you – and here’s a taste of what you’ll get when you crank up the audio...

• Inside Carrington, presented by United Store, is available via all of the major podcast platforms, and can also be viewed as a video on the official Manchester United YouTube channel

EPISODE 5: TRAVIS BINNION, head of player development and coaching Liam: “I found Travis to be enthralling, really. It was just stuff that I had no concept of that he was explaining – that was amazing.”

“I will speak to Carlos, Ruben’s assistant, daily, twice daily, three times daily. I probably speak to Ruben, on average, maybe every couple of weeks, touching base on players.

And Jason, we have conversations regularly, whether it’s myself or Stephen Torpey. That’s sort of the managing upwards bit, in terms of getting the plan right for players that are with the first team…”

EPISODE 7: Rio Ferdinand, Reds legend “I think it’s harder for players [now]…

I wouldn’t want to play under this scrutiny they get. If we had social media in our time, we wouldn’t be deemed as good as players as we are now, trust me, because we all made mistakes. The cameras weren’t on us as much. Every single move now is on your phone. We had the papers on a Sunday morning, and you might have your rating [in there] on a Monday! But then it was gone. Now you go on whatever platform you’re into, and the meme of you is there, and that isn’t going anywhere. You can’t get away from it.”

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21/12/2025 15:08

Our impact 1,324 Season 2024/25

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signed and charitable items distributed

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17/10/2025 11:24

It’s early days, but Matheus Cunha has already shown he’s the right character to bear the weight of our famous shirt, demonstrating the skill and drive which made him a cult hero at Molineux…

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TO WEAR

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s United’s victorious players made their way from the Molineux pitch, Matheus Cunha briefly broke away from the jubilant melee of black-clad Reds. While almost all of the noise inside the stadium emanated from the away support, stationed in the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand, the Brazilian was commanding his own soundtrack in front of the South Bank.

On a night when many Wolves supporters arrived at Molineux late in protest, left early in disappointment and booed in-between, it was easy to miss the post-match gesture they afforded United’s no.10. Though they had initially jeered his every

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touch while he dedicated his evening to the pursuit of a goal against his former club – notching a staggering eight shots – both sides laid down their arms at full-time, the scattered remaining home supporters applauding Cunha on his way from the field as he clapped back.

“That night at Molineux summarised the mixture of emotions that the fans have for Matheus Cunha,” says Steve Madeley, Wolves correspondent for The Athletic. “He was booed at first because not everyone was happy that he left last summer, then those jeers waned a bit as the game wore on and the fans became more preoccupied with how the team was performing, and then at full-time he got a warm response from those who still remained in the stands. He was being warmly applauded and, for his part, Matheus recognised that and almost bowed to them a little bit.

“They’ve missed him a lot this season. Wolves lost a few key players in the summer and Cunha was the standout one because he was the player who won games out of nothing. In an attacking sense, he was comfortably the team’s best player, capable of creating something out of nothing at any moment.

Now the team isn’t functioning at all and they’re crying out for someone who can, in any given moment, just shrug, take charge and make something from nothing. Cunha provided goals that nobody else would or could have scored.

They are missing him badly.”

Molineux’s away section was hardly riddled with sympathy in the wake of a resounding 4-1 win, instead savouring the repeated surging runs and ball-carrying brilliance which have added a new dimension to Ruben Amorim’s attacking roster this term.

Wolves’ loss has unequivocally been United’s gain. A week on from that swaggering away victory, Bournemouth’s visit to Old Trafford ended in far more frustrating fashion, with another four-goal output this time undone by four concessions, but Cunha’s performance therein was the highlight in a relentless, swarming attacking display from Amorim’s side.

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The Brazilian followed up his assist for Bruno Fernandes’s opener at Molineux with United’s fourth against the Cherries, calmly seizing on a loose ball inside the visitors’ area and emphatically dispatching his low finish under the dive of goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. Although Bournemouth hit back to deny United all three points, Cunha’s display was widely heralded afterwards, with former Reds midfielder Paul Ince quick to become the latest public figure to evoke a huge comparison.

“Matheus Cunha reminds me of Eric Cantona with the way he plays,” said the ex-England star, a team-mate of the French talisman between 1992 and 1995.

“Technically, Cunha is very good and can run with the ball at his feet. He might not be the fastest player but he’s very powerful and roams all over the park, as we saw against Bournemouth, and he shares those traits with Cantona.

Cunha is a top player. He’s already proving to be a great buy.

“Cunha plays with an attitude where it looks like he belongs at Old Trafford, which is great to see. The team are very reliant on him – if he plays well, the team does too. To be a great United player like Cantona, you must have a fantastic mentality – and Cunha has that. He’s proven he’s able to play under the weight of the shirt and the pressure of the badge week in, week out. We’ve

seen plenty of players in the recent past who have come and gone having succumbed to the pressure.”

Ince is, of course, far from the first to draw parallels between Cantona and Cunha. Ever since the Brazilian’s summer arrival at Old Trafford, the Frenchman’s name has been regularly cited. While Cunha’s goal involvements output has shown a welcome upturn in December, with his only previous strike coming in October’s thrilling win over Brighton, his more intangible qualities lifted all around him from the moment he sashayed into the building. A vocal, larger-than-life presence behind the scenes, the 26-year-old has quickly become one of the most popular, most unifying figures in the United dressing room, shrugging off any weight of expectation and meeting all challenges with a smile.

“For anyone who goes to Manchester United, it has to be about character,” says Sports Illustrated writer Henry Winter.

“Matheus Cunha has got that. I don’t think the shirt inhibits him. He’s moved around a bit in his career so far, but I think he looks at Old Trafford, sees the Manchester

A key component of Amorim’s new-look attack, tonight’s visitors know all too well the danger Cunha is capable of creating

United supporters home and away, and he senses the club’s ambition, and he says: ‘This is the place for me. This is my stage.’ There’s something of the winners United have had in the past that he has got in him. He’s got the personality, ability and work-rate; there’s a lot to like about him in and out of possession. He loves to entertain as well as to win. That balance is something special.”

Playing under pressure is something Matheus has been accustomed to since childhood. His first meaningful steps towards a career in football began in Recife’s futsal courts. Smaller teams, a smaller ball and smaller pitches meant time and space were always at a premium. “It taught me everything,” Cunha has said previously. Those lessons are evident in the way he plays now.

“It’s right there to see in his bravery and his flair,” says Raducio King, former United Academy coach and a player and coach at Manchester Futsal Club. “Futsal is so tight and you have to think so much quicker than when you’re on a big pitch.

You get a lot less time on the ball, so you have to be comfortable in tight spaces, you need quick thinking and you have to make the most of the time you get on the ball when you get it.

“Matheus quickly realises when there is enough space to drive with the ball because he’s so used to that small, tight environment. It doesn’t matter where he is on the pitch, he views it as a one-v-one scenario whereby it’s a drop of the shoulder and a drive. Every time I look at him I see this. Once you’re past that first player, you drive on. Opponents commit a lot of fouls on him because he produces the unexpected and players have to resort to that to stop him. They’ll just expect him to do a one-two with a team-mate or pass it to the side, but he’s always looking for an opportunity to go beyond his opponent and drive forward.

“His futsal journey is a clear part of his background and a clear part of the way he plays today. You can see the impact futsal has had on the way he plays football just by listening to interviews with him. He still talks about it so fondly and he cites it as such a big part of his upbringing. It’s good to see!”

In addition to giving Amorim’s Reds the ability to surge forward in possession, Cunha’s skillset was beautifully

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“If it wasn’t for futsal...”

The Brazilian’s ball-carrying brilliance was evident the last time we came up against his former club, and then against Bournemouth the following week when he scored our fourth in the enthralling eight-goal contest

“Cunha reminds me of Cantona with the way he plays. He’s technically very good and can run with the ball at his feet. He’s already proving to be a great buy” – Ince showcased in October’s win at Anfield, where his ability to hold the ball under pressure before bringing others into play was utterly priceless. Bryan Mbeumo’s early opener and Harry Maguire’s late header secured the points, but it was Cunha’s load-bearing display in-between which gave United the opportunity to draw breath on Merseyside.

Whether operating in his preferred position as the left-sided no.10, moving centrally into a false-nine role (as he did frequently during Benjamin Sesko’s injuryenforced absence) or operating deeper or wider, Cunha has brought big presence.

Tonight, if selected, he will – for the second time in less than a month – showcase his wares to the Wolves supporters who recognised his worth during those twoand-a-half seasons in the Midlands.

“It was a complicated relationship,”

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says Madeley. “Although he scored some really important goals, Cunha had a couple of disciplinary indiscretions which could have proven costly – even though they ultimately didn’t, because Wolves finished last season so strongly and stayed up – and talk of a move to United was bubbling away even before last January. There was maybe a little bit of a sour taste for Wolves fans. But, to be fair, that’s almost the club’s business model, because that’s how they attract players of Cunha’s calibre in the first place.

“For all that, there’s a real respect for the goals he scored, the goals he created, and the performances he gave them. It’s been a fairly grim two or three seasons for Wolves fans, who’ve only really had Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto in that time who’ve got them out of their seats.

They don’t forget players who do that.” ●

Futsal has quietly influenced a number of United careers in recent years, from legends to prospects and many in-between.

Like Cunha, fellow Brazilian Fred grew up on the sport, twinning it with football during his formative years, while Academy products Kobbie Mainoo, Zidane Iqbal, Rhys Bennett and Amir Ibragimov have all spent time with Manchester Futsal. “It’s a really tight pitch and the ball’s different,” explained Iqbal. “It’s always one versus one against your man. There’s a lot of ball manipulation and beating your man. That helped me a lot.”

“I love being on the ball,” added Mainoo (below). “Maybe because, playing futsal, I was always comfortable taking it in tight areas and I like to turn and go forward with it.”

For those fortunate enough to witness his fleet-footed early days in Manchester back at the start of the 21st century, it will come as no surprise to learn that Cristiano Ronaldo also references the sport as a major influence on his own career.

“During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal,” he has admitted.

“The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free.

If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.”

21/12/2025 15:08

Ending the year on a high Who are we looking at? A 75,910 crowd watching United take on Reading in the Premier League, with the vast majority of those pictured celebrating a Cristiano Ronaldo goal (he’s the one closest to the corner flag on the right of the image).

When and where was this taken? At Old Trafford on Saturday 30 December 2006, one of the 18 times we’ve played on this date prior to this evening’s clash with Wolves.

What’s the significance of the photo? Apart from the date, it hopefully shows a glimpse of what we can expect this evening – the Reds registering a last win of the calendar year, and getting the home fans out of their seats in celebration.

How did the game go? Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were 3-2 winners against Reading, with this photo showing the reaction to Ronaldo side-footing home our third goal from a Ryan Giggs cross. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had put us ahead after 33 minutes, only for Ibrahima Sonko to level things up before half-time.

But it was while attacking the Stretford End in the second half that the Reds got the job done: Ronaldo putting us 2-1 up with a rebound on 59 minutes, then grabbing his second in the 77th.

Leroy Lita pulled one back in injury-time for 10-man Reading (Sam Sodje being dismissed), but the game was already won.

And our season? 2006/07 is regarded as one of our finest, with Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney the headliners of our march to our 16th league title – finishing six points clear of Chelsea.

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WEST SIDE STORY THE EVOLUTION OF THE STRETFORD END 46 46-53 Stretford End (cg).AOSMPD.indd 46

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Our most famous stand has been back to its best this season, but what lies behind its legendary status?

United Review speaks to several match-going Reds to discover how the magic in the stadium’s vibrant section came about and how it has evolved over the decades…

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he word Pep Guardiola used to describe Old Trafford, only a few weeks ago, was ‘mystical’. The City boss was speaking in Spanish, in Madrid, before a match that had nothing to do with Manchester United. But our iconic stadium cropped up anyway, as the Catalan tactico talked about the spiritual majesty of Europe’s greatest football arenas.

Ask the United fans here tonight about where Old Trafford’s magic (or mysticality) comes from, and you’ll probably get around 70,000 different answers. Some would look to the historical, because this is where the Busby Babes played. Others would go personal, and cite memories shared with beloved family members long gone.

But thousands of Reds would look west. Towards the Stretford End, and Old Trafford’s most famous stand. Not everyone who visits the Theatre of Dreams sits or stands here, of course, but most would agree that this section of our ground represents something way beyond humble bricks and mortar.

Something which seems to represent the deathless passion of the Manchester United fanbase, which has made us England’s best-supported club for the last 80 years.

When the players walk out tonight, glance up above them, and you’ll see The first match following the Munich Air Disaster – the FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday – and fans in the Stretford End contribute to a highly emotional occasion, cheering a 3-0 win

and hear it. An audible and visual representation of United’s support, channelled through thousands of Reds stood side by side, holding up dozens of flags and banners. All testifying to this great love, shared by millions.

The colour and vibrancy brought by this part of the ground has, for many fans, been the best thing about 2025/26 so far. Some even say it is returning the Stretford End to something akin to the glory days of the 1960s and ’70s.

But before we tackle that question, perhaps it’s time to investigate how the Stretford End became this mythic football stand. When did it become ‘a thing’? How has it changed over the years? And what does its future hold?

There’s only one way to find out, of course: by asking some of the Reds who created and still sustain its magic…

1954-64: I SEE THE STRETFORD END ARISING Derek ‘Digger’ Gardner believes he was one of the first. One of the first to stand on the Stretford End as part of a unified group that identified with that part of the ground.

“I would say it first became a thing about 1954,” he tells UR. “At the Stretford End there was a tunnel as you came in, and me and my mates would stand just at the side of it. It started with about

Rattles would give way to scarves as fans filled the Stretford End in the ’80s

10 of us and just kept building up and building up. Eventually, there was about 40 of us. I’m sure we were the original Stretford Enders – I don’t care what anyone else says!

“We all had rattles and we’d always be waving them, and people got to know this little group at the Stretford End. From there, the rattles started going all over the ground. We loved it. It was brilliant, and somewhere to meet.”

Before long, Digger and his pals were making new friends on the Stretford End with boys and girls from Stockport, Salford and beyond. Relationships which quickly expanded to away games and Saturday nights dancing to music at Sale Locarno. But what did the Stretford End sound like back then?

“The atmosphere was absolutely brilliant,” recalls Gardner. “We were cheering from the word go and we had a few songs. There was: ‘We are supporters of United, Matt Busby is the king, Tommy Taylor is the scorer, Johnny Berry is the wizard of the wing. Roger Byrne is our left full-back, Billy Whelan is inside-right, in fact we are the champions, we are the boys in red and white.’ That was our favourite.

“Then we sang one to the [Dickie Valentine song] Christmas Alphabet: ‘Capital C for Johnny Carey…’ We had another that was: ‘2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? United!’ and ‘1-2-3-4, who put City on the floor? 3-5-7-10, we won the league again.’ Things like that. It was just young people at the beginning, but then it went round the ground and one or two others jumped in. But it wasn’t all the crowd singing like nowadays.”

Anthony Crook, who first stood on the Stretford End in 1955 and is still there today, remembers a similarly innocent time. “I’d go on my dad’s crossbar down

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The colour, vibrancy and ferocious support from the mystical section of our stadium has provided magical motivation for the players throughout the decades

“You were with your best mates; some you’d grown up with, others you’d just see at weekends. The Stretford End was one big meeting place” – Anthony Crook Railway Road, and every house had a back entry where you’d leave your bike,” he begins. “When I was five he’d put me on the front of the Stretford End with my rattle, and then he’d stand a bit further back with his mates. They all wore white shirts and ties – everyone looked the same. It was bizarre!

“You’d sit in the front, you’d get your orange juice or your Wagon Wheel or your scalding-hot Bovril from the tea urn behind, and it was just amazing. The atmosphere alone. I had hair in those days, and it would make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!”

It helped that United were then the best team in the country, of course. But a few years after Munich, both Gardner and Crook began to notice a creeping change to the energy on the Stretford End. The subsequent decades would bring some

of the terrace’s most joyous moments, but also some of its most frightening.

1965-1989: WE ARE THE MANCHESTER BOYS “I stayed on the Stretford End until the early 60s,” explains Digger. “The Stretford End group disbanded around then, when some of us started courting and getting married. Around then the Stretford End seemed to become a ‘thing’ like it is now – more of a mass.”

Now old enough to go on his own, Crook and his mates from Stretford Grammar quickly established their own spot on the ‘right side’ of the Stretford End. Other groups of teens did likewise.

“The comradeship, the camaraderie was brilliant,” he remembers. “You went with your mates and you had your

spot, week in, week out. Nobody dared come in your spot and if any interloper did, you’d shift them. The tunnel had its own gang, the left side was Ashton, Middleton, Salford… Stretford and Wythenshawe was right side. You were with your best mates; some you’d grown up with, and others you’d just see at weekends. The Stretford End was one big meeting place.”

With Best, Law and Charlton approaching their peak, the Stretford End was the place to be. And with fans typically in the ground hours before kick-off, there was plenty of time for making friends, getting creative with chants and, inevitably, mischief.

“It would be rammed and all of a sudden a gap would appear,” chuckles Crook, “and the dare would be you’d go in the gap and the crowd would come piling down. You’d get stuck and crushed to bits. But it was good fun at the time – you might get a cracked rib or two, but everyone just got on with it!”

But by the mid-’60s, more dangerous incidents were starting to overshadow this type of good-natured jostling, signalling the hooliganism that would haunt football through the 1970s and ’80s.

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“I experienced the Stretford End with my mates in the late ’80s. And unless you were there, you can’t really do it justice” – Stu Edwards

The terraced Stretford End stood until 1992, after which it was replaced by an all-seater stand following the tragic events at Hillsborough in 1989 and the subsequent Taylor Report

“In 1965, Everton made an attempt to ‘take’ the Stretford End,” Tony says. “They came up from the bottom, and a bloke at the front pulled this big sword out of his coat. Obviously, people backed off, but then everyone got brave and the older lot charged towards them and ran them out of the ground. The ’60s was when the hooliganism started, certainly.”

But although such hair-raising moments could erupt at any time, Crook admits this period also provided some of his greatest memories as a Red. Yes, the Stretford End could be dangerous, but its explosive youthful energy was also harnessed to create some of the greatest atmospheres ever seen in England.

“I remember the first home game after the 1968 European Cup final, against Everton,” gasps Crook. “The Stretford End constantly chanted ‘We are the champions, champions of Europe!’ from the gates opening at 1pm until kick-off at three. It was awe-inspiring.

“I was in there all through the Second Division days, too – they were just magical times. Those years and the Barcelona game in ’84 were the high point of the Stretford End. Another famous one was when Best scored that famous goal against Sheffield United [in 1971] – there were 15,000 locked out!”

A kind of wild and wonderful mania would characterise the Stretford End throughout the ’70s and ’80s. But as the latter decade neared its end, a harrowing reckoning was forced upon

English football by the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster. It would lead to massive changes across the game; changes that would thrust the Stretford End into a new phase, with consequences both good and bad.

1990-2013: FERGUSON’S RED AND WHITE ARMY The 1992/93 season was one of the happiest in the club’s history: it brought the arrival of Eric Cantona and the

deliverance of the club’s first top-flight title in 26 years. But the Stretford End was near-unrecognisable throughout this seismic season, due to an ongoing rebuild.

The 1990 Taylor Report, commissioned after Hillsborough, led to the demolition of the terraced Stretford End, and the end of an era.

The all-seater stand that replaced it was impressive, but inevitably different.

“I was really lucky,” admits Stu Edwards, a Stretford End regular since 1983/84, “because I experienced three or four years standing on the Stretford End with my mates in the late ’80s. And unless you were there, you can’t really

A large youth presence in the Stretford End provided many fond childhood memories and helped create enduring friendships

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do it justice. “My first memories were of going in E Stand, which were the wooden benches at the back, with my dad and my uncle. It was a bit safer, rather than getting crushed! So I knew the Stretford End from a very early age.

But I started properly going with my mates at age 12-13. I lived in Droylsden and there was four of us, and a few from Ashton, and we’d travel there on our own and get in at least two hours before kick-off.”

Stu was moved during the rebuild, but made it back in for the denouement to that 1992/93 season, as United swept to glory.

“When that first bottom part opened up, it still had no roof on, and I’ve still got some of the pac-a-macs we were given in my loft,” he laughs.

“But ’93 was amazing, and the standout was when we beat Blackburn and Pallister scored, and it all happened down at the Stretford End as well. It was a beautiful day, I was 17, with my shorts on!

I remember staying in for ages after, and our steward let me go on the pitch and get

my picture taken in the Stretford End goal!

But I’ve got loads of memories throughout the 1990s, obviously. We were spoilt, and it was just a great time to be alive.”

Football-wise, many would anoint the 1990s as United’s greatest decade. But for the Stretford End, it was a period of flux.

Most controversially, there was the addition of executive seating to the middle of the stand in 1993 – an initiative that chairman Martin Edwards later acknowledged as a misstep. And throughout the 1990s, many of United’s most vocal fans chose to make the Scoreboard End – also known as K Stand – their home.

“There were raised eyebrows [about the executive seating],” says Stu. “It didn’t sit right with me and many others, and it definitely affected the atmosphere.

The Scoreboard End was the place to be from an atmosphere point of view.”

“By the Double year [1993/94], it didn’t really feel like this intimidating place that you’d read about. By then that had switched to K Stand,” agrees Neil Meehan, who started going to matches in 1990. “But when they opened tier two of

“I’ve got loads of memories throughout the 1990s. We were spoilt, and it was just a great time to be alive” – Stu Edwards The redevelopment of the Stretford End is carried out during 1992/93

Old Trafford’s famous vantage point and its legendary status has made scoring in front of it an added incentive to the players

the Stretford End in 2000, the club made an effort… they were contacting people and asking if they wanted to be in this new vocal area.

“There was a game against Middlesbrough not long into the 2000/01 season. We were losing at half-time, and inside the tier two concourse, someone started singing the United Calypso and, for whatever reason, everyone joined in and it became this huge thing, and it spilled onto the stands as the second half started. I remember thinking: ‘This is what the Stretford End should be like.’ It was crazy, and we won 2-1. The Stretford End helped the team win that day.”

Incredibly, the 2000s matched the ’90s for silverware, and created some incredible highs. For Meehan, the victory over Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-final was one of the Stretford End’s finest hours.

“That was the big one for me, the pinnacle,” he enthuses. “It was loud, it was incessant. You just sensed that

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The abundance of flags and banners on matchdays today have brought more infectious energy to the vibrant section

people were up for everything, and it seemed from the first minute that the Stretford End would get us over the line.

We had the best team in the world – but we still needed that crowd.”

2013-25: FOREVER AND EVER, WE’LL FOLLOW THE BOYS Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, things have become more complicated on the pitch. But amid the ups and downs, the Stretford End has well and truly reclaimed its status as the heartbeat of the Old Trafford atmosphere.

And since the behind-closed-doors era enforced by the Covid pandemic, things have kicked on again, thanks to club and fan collaboration.

In 2023, the same year that safe standing rail-seating was introduced to the Stretford End, it was announced that the executive seating area would be removed “in support of successful ongoing efforts to enhance the Old

Trafford atmosphere”. And once that work had been completed, fan group The Red Army moved to a more central position within the stand to help invigorate the atmosphere.

For this season, TRA worked with the club to ensure more than 70 flags and banners would be present on the Stretford End – bringing a vividness not seen since the 1970s. “I sit on the front row, in the middle of the goal, and have done for the last 20 years,” notes Crook, who has 70 years of match-going in the tank. “The atmosphere’s certainly improved and is more coordinated, and the flags are a tremendous asset. Some of them really make me chuckle.”

“They’ve done a really good job,” agrees Stu Edwards, who says the displays have accelerated his 16-year-old’s son’s keen interest in United and its fan culture.

“When I look over my shoulder and see all the flags, it looks amazing. The more the merrier. I’d love to see another 100!”

For Meehan, a return to that ’70s-style

sense of comradeship and camaraderie is key to the present revival, as is cooperation between fans and the club.

“All the noise you get is from groups of mates that stand together, which is what would have happened 40 or 50 years ago,” he muses. “People organically getting things going. It was massively noticeable when TRA moved to the Stretford End… the noise, the volume, the general spirit, just your enjoyment of the game was upped massively.

“Now with the flags, it looks great visually as well, and you’re all involved in holding them up. Even before the game’s started, you feel like you’re part of something. Something that’s inspiring the players and giving the team a lift.

“You feel a lot more connected, and that’s really important. It helps people to give a bit more and take the right attitude towards supporting the team, rather than complaining if it’s not going well. Well done to all involved, including the club, for facilitating these things. Because a few years ago they didn’t happen.”

Football has, inevitably, changed hugely since the 1990s, let alone the ’70s or the ’50s, as the memories shared in this piece make clear. But the progress made on the Stretford End in recent years is undeniable, and shows that change doesn’t always have to be a bad thing.

The Stretford End’s story is a long and winding one but, who knows, maybe there are still a few brilliant chapters to be added to the story of one of world football’s greatest stands. ●

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WHAT IS STYLE? IT’S THE CREATIVE CONTROL TO REWRITE THE RULES. TO LIBERATE YOUR SENSE OF SELF. TO SHOW UP AND BE YOUR BEST. IT’S CELEBRATING INDIVIDUALITY AND BEING UNITED. IT’S HAVING THE FREEDOM TO PLAY WITH STYLE.

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The section dedicated to you, the supporters.

Got a United story or a message to share? Get in touch at united.family@manutd.co.uk

NITE

Take a bow, North Staffs!

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We recently welcomed one of our most longstanding branches to M16, ahead of a huge milestone in January Congratulations to our North Staffordshire supporters’ club, which celebrated its upcoming 50th anniversary at the recent Bournemouth game.

Founded by the late, great Peter Hall in early 1976, the branch has been regularly running coaches to games at Old Trafford ever since.

Incredibly, Peter ran the supporters’ club until the outbreak of the Covid pandemic in 2020, when, at the age of 91, he handed the reins over to Richard Salt and Martyn Acres.

“It was a common comment on Peter’s bus that he was the only man to walk from Leek to Manchester for every game,” Salt joked to UR. “Because he was always walking up and down the bus giving out tickets, taking ticket and bus money, and selling cans of pop – which amusingly stayed at 30 pence from the mid-1990s right up until 2020!”

Peter sadly passed away in 2021, but the branch has continued to flourish in the years since – and even includes a former United youth-team player, Kevin Lewis (1968-72), among its number.

“I am very conscious that Peter formed and ran the supporters’ club for 45 years, and Martyn and I have only done the last five years,” says Richard, modestly, when reflecting on the branch’s recent visit to Old Trafford for a pitchside reception with Denis Irwin.

“But I’m sure that Peter would approve, and be proud that his legacy is still going strong.”

We’re sure he would, and long may the supporters’ club that Peter founded thrive.

Reds legend Denis Irwin welcomes members of the North Staffordshire supporters’ club to Old Trafford as the branch marks a remarkable 50 years since the late Peter Hall (below, right) founded the branch, which is now run by Richard Salt and Martyn Acres (below, left)

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MATCHDAY MESSAGES

Welcome to Senan, who is enjoying his trip courtesy of Santa Claus!

This beautiful dog, Frida, is wearing an equally beautiful festive jumper.

Looking good, Frida!

EMAIL: UNITED.FAMILY@MANUTD.CO.UK

‘This is me with my dad, Patrick, singing from the Stretford End. He has been taking me to Old Trafford since I was nine years old.

Together we are loud and proud to be Manchester United fans. Happy birthday, Dad, from your son, Niall.’

Ollie Clarke from Northern Ireland will be attending his first ever game at Old Trafford with his dad, Dean. Having this photo included in the programme will top off his experience – along with a big win!

Happy 15th birthday, Freddie!

Have a wonderful day. Love from Mum, Dad, Felix and Indie.

A very happy birthday to Liam, who is here today with Aiden and Conn, who is making his very first visit to Old Trafford.

Cían Byrne, aged nine, is back at Old Trafford from Ireland to roar on the Reds.

Happy birthday to James Seymour.

Happy 40th birthday, Luke Whitehead, and welcome to Old Trafford for the first time, all the way from South Africa.

Happy ninth birthday, Myles.

We hope you have a lovely day.

Lots of love, Mam, Dad and Jacob.

Wishing a very happy 11th birthday to Freddy Wilcock, and have a brilliant time at the game tonight.

‘To Will, my husband and best friend: your love for Manchester United is only matched by my love for you. You’re my forever team-mate and my champion.

Happy 40th birthday. Love, Amy.’

Hello to Bryan and wife Lucy, and congratulations on the pregnancy! Bryan’s a lifelong, diehard Red, named after Bryan Robson, while Lucy is here for her first visit to the Theatre of Dreams.

Wishing a happy 12th birthday to George Kesterton for 4 January.

With love from Mum and Dad.

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Welcome to your first United game, nine-year-old Carter Harding, and have a brilliant time at Old Trafford.

Happy 16th birthday, Dylan B-F!

Layla, aged eight, and Rowan, aged five, from Northern Ireland, are enjoying their first United game at the Theatre of Dreams as a special Christmas present.

Hello to Bradley, 10, and Jude, five, who have supported United since birth and are both super excited to be back at Old Trafford as a special Christmas present.

messages

Happy ninth birthday, Jack Sherriff, and enjoy the game.

Lots of love, Dad. Happy ninth birthday to you, Joshua Rooney – perfect surname for a United fan!

A very happy ninth birthday to Max Thackham. We hope you enjoy the match. Lots of love from Mam, Dad and Samuel.

A big shout-out and welcome to Cian and Eoghan Branagan, who are back visiting Old Trafford again with all their family. We hope you all have a great day!

We hope you have a brilliant 13th birthday, Axl Nelson, and wishing you the best time at the Theatre of Dreams.

A very happy 70th birthday to you for 31 December, Russ Rabot.

Wishing a very merry Christmas to Alex and Levi. Hope you both enjoy the game! From Santa.

Hello to Charlotte Donnelly, 12, from Northern Ireland, who is over for tonight’s game with her mum.

Happy 13th birthday to our very special son, Josh Satherley. Love from Mum, Dad, Luke and Emilie.

‘Dear Dylan: wishing you a very happy 18th birthday! You are an amazing young man and we are so proud of you, son.

Best wishes, Mum and Dad.’

Happy 12th birthday to Toby Mayhew. He’s here for tonight’s game and his favourite player is Harry Maguire.

Happy 18th birthday to James Midgley, from Mummy, Daddy, Will, Izzy, and Lola. Enjoy the game!

A big United hello to Maisie Mulligan, here this evening watching her first game.

Wishing John Eddie a very happy 50th birthday.

Happy 14th birthday to William Lismore for 28 December. Hope you have a great time at the game!

Ashton Shires turned 11 years old on 29 December and is attending the game with his dad and friends.

Hunter Lance has travelled from Canada for his first United game to celebrate his birthday. Welcome, Hunter, and many happy returns.

Eli Cook is here tonight in the 1999 Suite and is a big Matheus Cunha fan looking forward to seeing him in action.

Enjoy the game! From Dad, Laurie, Stanley and Mum. To Joseph Dean: enjoy your Old Trafford experience and have the most memorable of days with Grandad. All my love, Mum. Happy birthday to Jenson Donnelly and dad Shaun, who are both here from Northern Ireland to celebrate turning six and 40 on 1 and 2 January respectively.

‘Happy Christmas to our son, Ryan – United’s no.1 fan. Enjoy your Christmas present, a trip to Old Trafford. Love Mum and Dad.’

Happy 11th birthday, Harry Castle.

Enjoy your birthday gift watching United with your dad, James!

Happy ninth birthday to Stan Dale for 27 December. He’s pictured with his cousin, Oscar Rawlinson, who is also with him at the game tonight.

Wishing a very happy 16th birthday to Alex Sammut.

With love from all your family.

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Welcome to Catherine McBride and Aaron McLaughlin, who are over from Donegal in Ireland for tonight’s game.

A very happy 14th birthday for 29 December to Finley Smith. Enjoy your first game at Old Trafford.

Hello to brothers Niall, eight, and Conor, 11. Welcome to Old Trafford, and enjoy Niall’s first game!

In the stands tonight are Tommy and Jack Dempsey from Ireland, who are both hoping for a win!

Happy birthday to Oliver, who just turned 10 on Christmas Day. He’s pictured with his little brother, Ben, aged seven. Two loyal supporters who never miss a United match!

Wishing a happy 14th birthday to Alfie Fleet for 2 January. He’s been a season ticket holder since he was four and his favourite players are Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo.

Happy 50th to Thomas, a big lifetime Red from East Belfast in Northern Ireland, pictured here with 1968 legend Alex Stepney.

Hello to (right to left) Justin, Olivia, Zoe, Luke, Arthur and Aimee – a whole family of Reds! Happy birthday to Olivia for November and Zoe for January, and we hope you, dad and Luke enjoy the game.

Wishing Harry Atkins, a lifelong United fan and season ticket holder, a very happy 21st birthday for tomorrow, shared with the great Sir Alex. Have a great day, from all your family and friends.

Happy 17th birthday, Jack!

Enjoy the match. Love, Mum. Jake Ardolino is celebrating his 17th birthday at Old Trafford with brother Jamie, Nanny Issy and family.

Ben and Alex Malone are here from Ireland for their second trip to Old Trafford, and to celebrate Alex’s seventh birthday. Many happy returns, and enjoy the game!

Wishing a happy ninth birthday to Jack! We hope you have a great day at your first match.

A festive shout-out to best friends Harry Nelson and Charlie Veitch, here with their mums, Jackie and Cheryl. The boys are proud players for their local team and lifelong Manchester United fans. Harry’s the dependable defender, while Charlie lights up both wings with pace and flair. Both lads dream of one day wearing the famous red shirt and stepping out here at Old Trafford.

Merry Christmas, boys, and enjoy every minute of tonight’s game!

Happy eighth birthday, Milen.

Mummy, Daddy, Ellias and Saffron love you so much. U-N-I-T-E-D, United are the team for me!

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Happy birthday to Lucy Boldison from York. Finally got tickets and on your birthday, too! Hope you enjoy the game and get to see your favourite, Luke Shaw, from the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

Love from Gaz, Zak and Mia.

Welcome to Old Trafford, Samuel and Nicole, and congratulations on your recent engagement!

They’ve travelled here today from Ireland and the United States.

Oisín Morgan has travelled to Old Trafford from Ireland. It’s his first trip over and is so excited to be here. Let’s hope he’s a lucky charm!

Huge congratulations to Jason and Sharlene Ayre, celebrating the first anniversary of their marriage.

A big welcome to Old Trafford to the Hughes boys, over from Ireland to see the mighty Reds.

It’s Little Dan’s first match – he’ll bring the luck! C’mon, United!

Albert and Hebe Crane are huge Reds enjoying a Christmas trip to Manchester to attend the game.

Rían Morgan has travelled to Old Trafford today all the way from Perth, Australia.

He is a United superfan and his favourite players are Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes.

Rían wants to play AFL when he is older and is hoping for a win today. Come on you Reds!

Welcome, Tiarnan, to Old Trafford for your first time. We hear you are a massive United fan.

We hope you enjoy the match!

Happy 14th birthday, Harry Mitchell.

Happy eighth birthday, Greyson!

Enjoy the game. Love Mum and Ryan.

Muckamore Reds Member Mason Ayre is celebrating his ninth birthday here today in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand with Mum and Dad.

A special welcome for their first match, and together, to cousins Otto, seven, all the way from Bournemouth, and Beau, who has just celebrated his sixth birthday on 17 December and is here from Ramsbottom. They’re accompanied

by Beau’s daddy, Sam, and Papa Phil. Enjoy this memorable evening.

Happy 70th birthday to Mehboob Haji, a lifelong fan who grew up supporting United in Tanzania and has raised three sons who are also hardcore Reds. Nice work!

Welcome to Old Trafford, Nathalia Santos, from El Salvador, rounding off her engagement year by watching her first-ever football match with her fiancé. With love from Lewis and Manchester United.

Happy 15th birthday to Fraser Sewart for 21 December. He’s pictured with his dad after Matthijs de Ligt’s dramatic equaliser against Spurs last month, and has had a season ticket since 2014, regularly attending with Dad, Grandma, a grandad, an uncle, and cousins.

Liam and his brother, Jack, are two big fans from Ireland. Liam plays for his local team and Santa surprised him with his first trip to Old Trafford.

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UNITED VOICES THE K’S Three-fourths of indie band The K’s tell us why United is in their blood – and how they cope with a lead singer literally named after a rival club!

When and why did you start following the Reds?

Ryan Breslin (guitar): Because my dad probably wouldn’t let me support another team! But there’s a bit more to it than that.

We’re all from Earlstown, which is right between Manchester and Liverpool – and most of my schoolmates were Liverpool fans. But my dad was a massive United fan, as was his dad back in Ireland. He was always showing me and my brother match programmes when we were growing up and talking about United, putting games on…

Dexter Baker (bass): My dad’s a massive fan too. He used to go home and away during the ’70s and ’80s, so as soon as I was born, I was a Red. I find it weird when

people say: “I’m a Red, but my brother’s a City or Liverpool fan.” How can you let that be? My dad has a hand-painted picture of Cantona in his hallway and when I was a kid I’d always say: “Who is that, Dad?” and he would say: “That’s the King!”

Nathan Peers (drums): It’s a family thing for me too. I was bought a United kit by my dad when I was four, and it took over from there really.

What were your earliest memories?

Most kids have a favourite player that starts them off…

Nathan: I was six when Ronaldo joined and he had such a great partnership with Rooney, but it’s got to be Wazza. That

A Red from birth, Dexter grew up in a household where Cantona was worshipped

overhead kick against City – when you see him do that at such a young age, and everyone is going mental, it’s incredible!

Ryan: From an early age, Keane. But I would have loved to see Cantona. He was my brother’s hero – he used to bomb round the house with his collar up!

Dexter: Growing up in my house it was always Cantona, but when I got a bit older it was Ryan Giggs, closely followed by Scholes. Every time I got a football kit, I’d always get Giggs on the back.

What about matches – did you get to Old Trafford at a young age?

Dexter: We couldn’t really afford to go much when I was a kid, but my first was

Drummer Nathan’s United allegiance was forged by the gift of a Reds kit aged four

Guitarist Ryan counts Keane as his earliest United idol

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the Newcastle home game in 2005 when Rooney was arguing with the ref and then just volleyed one into the top corner, still mad. But I missed it ’cos I was reading the programme! We were up in the gods and my dad snatched me out of my chair and held me up like Simba, screaming! I was terrified – I thought he was going to chuck me off!

Ryan: I remember Brian McClair’s testimonial in April 1997 against Celtic.

When my dad went to the bar, I got put on the shoulders of some random bloke and ended up getting passed around the whole concourse!

Ryan bumps into United legend Bryan Robson during a visit to Old Trafford

fan column

“MY FIRST GAME WAS NEWCASTLE HOME WHEN ROONEY WAS ARGUING WITH THE REF AND THEN JUST VOLLEYED ONE INTO THE TOP CORNER. BUT I MISSED IT ’COS I WAS READING THE PROGRAMME!”

The United-supporting members of the band are pleased to see some green shoots of recovery this season

Bringing things forward to 2025, what do you make of this season so far?

Nathan: There are real signs of promise. I do like Ruben Amorim. He’s no nonsense, which is great, because I think in the past we’ve allowed too many divas.

Dexter: It’s getting better. There have been some ups and downs, but plenty of positives. In the league we’re slowly getting back up towards that top four there, aren’t we?

I’m watching more now, because I’ve

previously been so busy with the band. I went to the West Ham game with Ryan and Nathan, which was great, and I’m enjoying the interplay between Cunha and Mbeumo.

But what about your lead singer, Jamie Boyle. He’s a Newcastle fan, right?

Nathan: I always love telling people that his legal middle name is ‘Newcastle’ – which it is! His dad, a massive Newcastle fan, said there’s no way you’re supporting anyone else!

Dexter: When Jamie and me Ryan’s long-standing were growing up, love for the Reds goes back to his childhood his dad would always say: “You’re just glory hunters!” and my dad would go mad! He’d say: “I was home and away in the ’70s and ’80s – there wasn’t much glory then!’ But they can’t say that any more, can they?

Ryan: He was worried about the recent Sunderland game, which was on the day of our band Christmas do. He said: ‘There’s no way I’m watching it with you lot!’

Are Newcastle the team you most want to beat, then? Or is it Liverpool?

Ryan: Liverpool and City. That comes from living in Earlstown and the Manchester-Liverpool thing. Though some

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dad used to talk about: Best, Law and Charlton. Cantona too.

Dexter: I’d have to see Cantona live. That chip pass he floated over the defenders against Spurs… imagine being there for that moment. I would love to have watched Solskjaer when he was young too.

Nathan: 1999, for that sense of pride people have if they were around for that time. I feel like I grew up inheriting that, but I’d have loved to be there. Especially for that moment…

Seeing Cantona in his United pomp ranks highly among the time-travelling wishes of the band

of our road crew are City fans and they give us abuse when United are playing and we’re up on stage.

Dexter: It’s definitely Liverpool and Manchester City.

Nathan: Liverpool and Arsenal for me, weirdly enough. I think it’s become a bit of a culture war between United and Arsenal fans, especially on X. Social media has added a whole new level to rivalry now,

“OUR ROAD CREW ARE CITY FANS AND THEY GIVE US ABUSE WHEN UNITED ARE PLAYING AND WE’RE UP ON STAGE”

so when Arsenal are getting smashed, I always check to see what they’re saying, because usually it’s mental!

Favourite current players?

Ryan: Amad, Kobbie – and Bruno, of course. Mbeumo looks good, and I’m liking his link-up with Cunha.

Nathan: Amad. I love how dangerous he is when he gets on the ball. I remember when he went on loan to Sunderland, thinking: ‘I hope they don’t buy him!’

He’s so confident… a player who is not scared to take on his man. I love Bruno, of course…. Even when he moans, I agree with him!

Dexter: It would have to be Bruno. I always liked Scholes and Giggs, so solid midfielders have always been my thing.

What about decades gone by? If you had a time machine, who would you go back to watch?

Ryan: The players that my

What does being a United fan mean to you?

Dexter: It means me and my dad. Loving United has always been something he has drummed into me and supporting United has always been something he loves.

Nathan: It’s a sense of community; that feeling you can’t really get from anything else. Whatever your beliefs or politics, you can come together and share United, and even in the bad times it’s good to have each other. To me, being a United fan means my friends… and a feeling of belonging.

Ryan: It’s supporting the greatest club in the world, and childhood memories of all my family sat around watching the Bayern Munich final in ’99, when Solskjaer scored.

I remember my dad pacing up and down the room and effing and jeffing! Me and my brother and my mam and me sisters are watching it, and when we scored, we all just went mad, sat around this tiny telly in a tiny room. Like Dexter said: it’s your family.

The Reds celebrate the final act of our incredible Treble in ’99 – how Nathan would have loved to witness that iconic season

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This season we’re going up from 128 to

Premier League matches

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16/09/2025 14:12

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT During his free-roaming duties at Carrington, club photographer ASH DONELON (above) used his exclusive access to capture the Reds preparing to head out to the training pitch...

CANDID MOMENT AT CARRINGTON When and where: Thursday 18 December 2025, Carrington training ground Ash says: “On matchdays there are numerous TV and press cameras dotted all around the stadium so everyone is typically given a fixed position to work from, whereas I’m often the only photographer at Carrington so I have much more freedom of movement. My first duty is to photograph the players arriving, then while they get changed into their training kit I quickly share the arrival photos with United’s media team before heading into the gym to capture the squad warming up. When the gym session comes to a close I usually make my way around the back of the building to photograph the team walking out onto the pitch for outdoor training.

On this occasion to mix things up, I waited just outside the boot room and took this shot of Lisandro and Tyrell through the open door. I love documenting scenes that give a glimpse into the life of a footballer, and hopefully when United fans see candid images of the players it helps bring them closer to the team.”

“I love documenting scenes that give a glimpse into the life of a footballer”

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22/12/2025 16:58

match photo 65 64-65_Story Behind the Shot.AOCGPD.indd 5

22/12/2025 16:58

How did UNITED Women win a first major trophy?

JUNIOR

Reds

Under Marc Skinner, our women’s to the team have continued their rise, larly point where the Reds are regu e rwar silve challenging for

United Women made a habit of competing for some of the biggest trophies on offer after becoming a WSL team in 2019, and over the next five years enjoyed a proud rise to win one of English football’s most desired pieces of silverware. Lifting the FA Cup in May 2024 was special, and will long be remembered as the moment our women’s team celebrated a first major prize.

The FA Cup, along with the Women’s Super League and the League Cup, is one of three significant honours available to the sides in England’s top division at the start of every season, although for a long time before United’s success, these crowns were won by three clubs only.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City had firmly established themselves as the powerhouses of women’s football in this country by winning the lot between them from 2015 onwards. Breaking into

that group would not be easy, but it was a challenge we were determined to take on.

Casey Stoney’s Reds went above and beyond what was expected in our first season at the top level and finished fourth – behind the three previously mentioned clubs – although our campaign was forced to end eight games early due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. When it was safe for football to return, the Reds showed our achievement was no fluke.

We came fourth again in each of the next two seasons, under two different head coaches. Stoney bid farewell at the end of the 2021/22 term, and her good work was continued by new boss Marc Skinner, who arrived with experience of managing in some of the world’s best leagues.

By the start of 2022/23, Skinner was working with some of the world’s best players too, including four European champions who entered United’s season

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22/12/2025 15:30

Six years on from our reformation, the women celebrate their moment in the Wembley spotlight after clinching our first major honour – the 2024 Women’s FA Cup

kids’ pages

hungry for more trophies after helping England to win Euro 2022 on home soil – the country’s first major football title (men’s or women’s) for 56 years!

Goalkeeper Mary Earps, along with forwards Nikita Parris and Alessia Russo, had joined homegrown midfielder Ella Toone at the club since our Championship celebrations, and were now intent on helping the Reds write our next silverware-winning chapter.

All four were stars in Skinner’s developing team and players that fans flocked to stadiums to see in the aftermath of the Euros, a spotlight that United’s character and spirit shone brightly in. The Reds finished the season second in the league in 2022/23, just two points behind champions Chelsea and closer than ever to that first big trophy.

A strong defence was vital – Earps and co kept a record number of clean sheets in the competition – but goals win matches and scoring our fair share of late winners (as all good United teams do!) was important too.

United also pushed Chelsea all the way in the FA Cup and the team could be proud of reaching its first final, despite losing 1-0 in front of more than 77,000 fans at Wembley.

The disappointment of defeat only made United stronger though and, despite a difficult 2023/24 season in

the league that saw the Reds drop to fifth, the side played its best football in the FA Cup to make it back to Wembley. Skinner’s side beat Newcastle, Southampton and Brighton before getting revenge on Chelsea – a milestone first victory over the highly successful Blues – to set up a winner-takes-all meeting with Tottenham Hotspur in London.

A date with destiny.

As a nervous first half approached its end, a magical strike from Toone’s right boot crashed into the net to put United ahead. And we never looked back.

Experienced striker Rachel Williams headed home a second goal early in the

first of her two FA Cup Garcia celebrates the s march to victory final goals as the Red

second half before Spain forward Lucia Garcia put the icing on the cake by scoring twice more. The game finished 4-0 and United were FA Cup winners in the London sunshine. It was a historic moment, one that MUW fans hope is repeated often in the years ahead…

European stage United’s second-place finish in 2023 saw us qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Like in the men’s game, the competition pits the best clubs from across Europe against each other for the chance to be crowned the best on the continent!

We’ve since qualified again in 2025 – this time progressing beyond the qualifying play-offs and the league phase and into the knockout phase, which begins in February.

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22/12/2025 15:30

BEST OF THE YEAR!

tonight’s MASCOTS What a line-up we have!

Looking back at some of our favourite moments from throughout 2025…

LIVERPOOL 1 UNITED 2 19.10.2025 Harry wins it at Anfield!

UNITED 5 LYON 4

Hanna

Hayyan

Hughie

Isabelle

Jasmine

Kayla

Luca

Mason

Theo

William

17.04.2025 WHAT. A. GAME!

UNITED 2 CHELSEA 1 ARSENAL 1 UNITED 1

20.09.2025 Giving the visitors

(3-5 on penalties) 12.01.2025 A dramatic Cup win!

the blues!

WHEN WAS WHICH? Put these five events in order of when they happened in 2025…

Amad scores a hat-trick against Southampton The Reds play the first game of the U.S. Tour

Bryan Mbeumo joins from Brentford Bruno Fernandes nets his 100th United goal

United reach the Europa League final

...and Eliza!

And for the visitors →

Harper

ANSWERS 1.Amad’s hat-trick (16 January); 2. United reach Europa League final (8 May); 3. Mbeumo signs (21 July); 4. First game of US Tour (27 July); 5. Bruno’s 100th goal (20 September).

68 68_Junior Reds (cg) (add mascots).AOSMPD.indd 1

22/12/2025 17:06

THE OFFICIAL

COLLECTION

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ULTIMATE MANCHESTER UNITED QUIZ BOOK RRP £9.99, ONLY £5.99

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

THE REDS’ INCREDIBLE HISTORY TOLD IN 30 EPIC STORIES

OLD MANCHESTER UNITED IN COLOUR

UNITED CHRONICLES

RRP £20, ONLY £12

RRP £12.99, ONLY £7.79

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

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12/12/2025 07:45

Terland gets the Reds up an running in December with the first goal in the 2-1 WSL defeat of West Ham

SeASON SO FAR With the WSL’s winter break in full swing, UR looks back at the first half of United Women’s campaign and details how the Reds are shaping up heading into 2026...

FOURTH IN THE LEAGUE United are within touching distance of the Barclays Women’s Super League’s three UEFA Champions League positions at the halfway mark of the campaign.

After 11 of 22 matches, the Reds are fourth, just a point behind Arsenal, three back from champions Chelsea and nine adrift of leaders Manchester City – only the Blues have scored more goals than us in the league. Marc Skinner’s Reds kicked off the season by going seven matches unbeaten and recently responded to back-to-back defeats against Aston Villa and City by producing resilient December comebacks that earned a turnaround win over West Ham, and a point from a 3-3 draw with Spurs, in which we were

3-0 down with just over 15 minutes to play. First up after the winter break, it’s a trip to Arsenal – an important clash in the race for a European position…

EUROPEAN ENJOYMENT Speaking of European football, the Reds enjoyed our first involvement at the competition’s centrepiece stage, after coming through the qualifying rounds.

United won four of six matches in the league phase, beating Valerenga, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (here at Old Trafford) and Juventus, to tally up 12 points and finish a respectable sixth position in the 18-team table.

That earned a seeded two-legged tie in February’s knockout play-offs, when we will face Atletico again – first away and

Four wins from our six group-stage Champions League games ensured the Reds continue their maiden European journey into the new year

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The Reds celebrate Rolfo’s late League Cup winner against Spurs to set up a semi-final showdown with another north London opponent

then at home – for the right to play top-four finishers Bayern Munich in the UWCL’s quarter-finals.

DOMESTIC CUP COMPETITIONS Due to our participation in the league phase of the Champions League, the Reds received a bye through the group stage of the Subway Women’s League Cup. Joining the tournament in the quarter-finals, the Reds came from behind to beat Spurs 2-1 in our final game before Christmas, setting up another January trip to Arsenal in the semis, with Man City hosting Chelsea in the other last-four tie. Our other domestic cup campaign is also due to start next month, as United host Burnley in the fourth round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, a competition that we famously won back in 2024.

AWARD WINNERS This season’s Player of the Month awards have been shared between two members of the squad at the time of printing, even if the side’s achievements from August to December have been a real collective effort.

Norwegian striker Elisabeth Terland bagged August and

GREAT GOALS United Women have scored some stunners in the first half of the term, including a woodwork-kissing first-time finish from Hinata Miyazawa (below) away to Liverpool, struck with venom from the edge of the 18-yard area. A sweet Anna Sandberg strike from a similar range against Chelsea, hit as the ball came to her on the up, is another early contender for the team’s Goal of the Season award.

Ella Toone’s innovatively hooked volley that started our league comeback against Spurs is a further effort that may be good enough to feature in the end-of-term conversation, as is a brilliant curling finish from Park that proved enough to down Italian champions Juventus in Turin.

MANAGER’S PRIDE “I’m pleased to be going into the break having qualified for the Champions League [knockout phase play-offs] in a seeded position, to be into the semi-finals of the League Cup, in touching distance in the league and, of course, we’ve not started in the FA Cup,” says head coach Marc Skinner. “I’m proud of everybody involved, the staff, the club and obviously the players. But thank you to all the fans, because what you give us is this energy. There’s been a positive energy around the place, and I want us to continue that as a collective in the New Year.”

’25/26 fixtures COMP

SCORE

DATE

OPPOSITION

UWCL

Wed 27

PSV (N)

4-0

UWCL

Sat 30

Hammarby IF (N)

1-0

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER WSL

Sun 7

Leicester (H)

4-0

UWCL

Thu 11

Brann (A)

0-1

WSL

Sun 14

London City (A)

5-1

UWCL

Thu 18

Brann (H)

3-0

WSL

Sun 21

Arsenal (H)

0-0

WSL

Sun 28

Liverpool (A)

2-0

MU women

September’s prizes after scoring eight goals across those two months, including two important hat-tricks in Champions League qualifying. Creative midfielder Jess Park has since received the awards for October and November, in recognition of her standout start to life at United, since her summer transfer from Man City.

After another impressive month, Park is likely to be a contender for December’s accolade too – yet to be awarded as we went to print – but is sure to face competition from another summer addition in Swedish no.12 Fridolina Rolfo, who scored three goals and set up two more this month.

OCTOBER WSL

Fri 3

Chelsea (H)

1-1

UWCL

Wed 8

Valerenga (H)

1-0

WSL

Sun 12

Everton (A)

4-1

UWCL

Thu 16

Atletico Madrid (A)

1-0

NOVEMBER WSL

Sun 2

Brighton (A)

3-2

WSL

Sat 8

Aston Villa (H)

0-1

UWCL

Wed 12

Paris St-Germain (H)

2-1

WSL

Sat 15

Manchester City (A)

0-3

UWCL

Wed 19

Wolfsburg (A)

2-5

DECEMBER WSL

Sun 7

West Ham (H) 12.30pm

2-1

UWCL

Wed 10

Lyon (H) 8pm

0-3

WSL

Sun 14

Tottenham (H) 1pm

3-3

UWCL

Wed 17

Juventus (A) 8pm

1-0

LC

Sun 21

Tottenham (H), QF

2-1

JANUARY WSL

Sat 10

Arsenal (A) 12.30pm

FA

Sun 18

Burnley (H) R4, 1pm

LC

Wed 21

Arsenal (A) SF, TBC

WSL

Sun 25

Aston Villa (A) 11.55am

FEBRUARY WSL

Sun 1

Liverpool (H) 11.55am

WSL

Sun 8

Leicester (A) 3pm

UWCL

Thu 12

Atletico Madrid (A) PO1, 8pm

WSL

Sun 15

London City (H) 1pm

UWCL

Thu 19

Atletico Madrid (H) PO2, 8pm

FA

Sun 22

Fifth round

WSL

Sun 15

West Ham (A) 12pm

LC

14/15

Final

WSL

Sat 21

Everton (H) 12.30pm

UWCL

24/25

Quarter-final 1st leg

WSL

Sun 29

Manchester City (H) 1pm

UWCL

1/2

Quarter-final 2nd leg

FA

Sun 5

Quarter-final

UWCL

Sat 25

Semi-final 1st leg

WSL

Sun 26

Tottenham (A) 2pm

UWCL

Sat 2

Semi-final 2nd leg

WSL

Sun 3

Brighton (H) 1pm

FA

Sun 10

Semi-final

WSL

16/17

Chelsea (A) TBC

UWCL

22/23/24

Final

FA

30/31

Final

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

(United score listed first)

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Manchester United players continued the annual tradition of visiting children’s hospitals across Greater Manchester at Christmas time, meeting patients and staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre and Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyler Fredricson and Manuel Ugarte spent the afternoon at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital handing out gifts, playing games and chatting with patients and their families.

At the same time, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Tyrell Malacia and Dermot Mee shared special moments with patients at the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe, The Christie. Players brought festive cheer to teenagers and young adults, surprising them with gifts before thanking staff for their tireless efforts.

Meanwhile, Francis House Children’s Hospice service users were visited by goalkeepers Senne Lammens and Tom Heaton, delighting children and families by handing out an array of United-themed presents, including scarves, hats and calendars.

Ahead of the visits, the squad also came together to buy PlayStations for all three hospitals as an additional gesture to help bring joy to patients experiencing a difficult time.

On his first trip to the hospitals since joining the club, Leny Yoro said: “Seeing the kids today brings a lot of joy to us too and also makes you remember that life is not easy for everyone – you have to keep that in your mind. It’s been great to spread some happiness and to see them smile.”

Mason Mount said: “It’s important that we show our support as a club at this

spreading XMAS CHEER The Reds have been out in force across Greater Manchester, visiting so many fans facing a tough festive period...

Goalkeepers Senne Lammens and Tom Heaton present staff at Francis House Children’s Hospice with a PlayStation before bringing further United goodies to the delighted patients

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foundation

Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Tyler Fredricson and Leny Yoro join patients and staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital

time of year as it can be really difficult for those spending Christmas in hospital. We come in to try and lift their spirits, give out some presents and spend some time with them.”

Senne also enjoyed spending time with fans at Francis House: “It’s really nice to see all the happy faces here. It’s a small thing that we can do for them, but for them it’s a big deal. It’s nice to give back because we also have a lot of support from them and it’s been an honour to be here.”

Josh, who receives respite care at Francis House, said: “It was a privilege to meet Senne and Tom. I’ve watched Manchester United from being a little boy so it means a lot. It feels like an early Christmas present at this time of year.”

The remainder of the men’s squad attended the annual MUDSA Christmas lunch at Old Trafford. Manchester United Foundation leads the Christmas visits on behalf of the club each year, delivering over 1,500 Manchester United-themed gifts for staff and patients.

Casemiro was also at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital as he and his team-mates got to spend time with the young patients

“It’s been great to spread some happiness,” said Yoro during his first-ever festive visit as a Red The surprise club visit was a chance for youngsters to meet stars like Joshua Zirkzee and Tyrell Malacia

Matthijs de Ligt and Dermot Mee were among the first-team players bringing big smiles to patients at The Christie

Stay in touch!

Instagram: @manchesterunited foundation

facebook.com/ manchesterunited foundation

X: @MU_foundation

TikTok: @manutdfoundation

Zirkzee hands out some gifts at The Christie during the club’s traditional visit

YouTube.com /manutdfoundation

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22/12/2025 16:22

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22/12/2025 09:18

We’ve met Wolves 50 times at Old Trafford in competitive football prior to tonight – here’s United’s pleasing record spelled out in (W)ins, (D)raws and (L)osses, beginning in 1922 (top-left, a 1-0 win) and running through to April last season (bottom-right)…

infographic

L

SYMBOL PLEASURES W W W D L W W W L W L W W L W L L L W D W W W D W L W D W D Two goals from Ji-sung Park, including a stoppage-time winner, accounted for Wolves back in November 2010

W W L D W W W W W W W W D W D W L W W L

Our most recent triumph at home to Wolves, in August 2023, came courtesy of Varane’s headed winner

United’s full record v Wolves at Old Trafford:

P50 W31 D8 L11 F82 A48 Win ratio 62% 75

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22/12/2025 15:30

OFFICIAL CLUB BOOK

THE REDS’ INCREDIB LE HISTORY TOLD IN 30 EPIC STORIES On sale now from reachsportshop.com *plus P&P. Offer subject to change. Order by December 18th for UK delivery in time for Christmas, subject to Royal Mail 76_United Chronicles book_Ad.indd 1

12/12/2025 07:45

PREMIER LEAGUE

LEADING ASSISTS

POS TEAM

P

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Arsenal

17

12

3

2

31

10

21

39

2

Manchester City

17

12

1

4

41

16

25

37

3

Aston Villa

17

11

3

3

27

18

9

36

4

Chelsea

17

8

5

4

29

17

12

29

5

Liverpool

17

9

2

6

28

25

3

29

6

Sunderland

17

7

6

4

19

17

2

27

7

UNITED

17

7

5

5

31

28

3

26

8

Crystal Palace

17

7

5

5

21

19

2

26

9

Brighton

17

6

6

5

25

23

2

24

10

Everton

17

7

3

7

18

20

-2

24

11

Newcastle

17

6

5

6

23

22

1

23

12

Brentford

17

7

2

8

24

25

-1

23

13

Fulham

17

7

2

8

24

26

-2

23

14

Tottenham

17

6

4

7

26

23

3

22

15

Bournemouth

17

5

7

5

26

29

-3

22

16

Leeds

17

5

4

8

24

31

-7

19

17

Nottingham Forest

17

5

3

9

17

26

-9

18

18

West Ham

17

3

4

10

19

35

-16

13

19

Burnley

17

3

2

12

19

34

-15

11

20

Wolves

17

0

2

15

9

37

-28

2

CLEAN SHEETS

7

Virgil van Dijk

1318

David Raya

9

Igor Thiago

11

Rayan Cherki

6

Lewis Dunk

1256

Robert Sanchez

8

Hugo Ekitike

8

Mohammed Kudus

5

Jan Paul van Hecke

1191

Gianluigi Donnarumma

7

Antoine Semenyo

8

Samuel Chukwueze

4

Elliot Anderson

1163

Dean Henderson

7

Phil Foden

7

Jeremy Doku

4

Ruben Dias

1152

Jordan Pickford

6

Jean-Philippe Mateta

7

Jack Grealish

4

Trevoh Chalobah

1114

Robin Roefs

6

Richarlison

7

Erling Haaland

4

Joachim Andersen

1111

Djordje Petrovic

5

Morgan Rogers

7

Quilindschy Hartman

4

Declan Rice

1056

Nick Pope

5

Danny Welbeck

7

Yankuba Minteh

4

Martin Zubimendi

1034

Guglielmo Vicario

5

Nick Woltemade

7

Granit Xhaka

4

Dominik Szoboszlai

1030

Emiliano Martinez

4

▶

Bruno Fernandes

▶

19

▶

TOTAL PASSES

Erling Haaland

▶

(Table and statistics below up to 23.12.2025)

LEADING GOALSCORERS

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE 2025/26

v Brighton. The third of those fixtures, to be played at the City Ground, will see Sean Dyche go up against his old employers – the Forest boss will be hoping for a better day than their recent 3-0 loss to David Moyes’s Toffees.

Away from Old Trafford at 8.15pm, it’s Arsenal v Aston Villa – two teams who top the alphabetical list of Premier League clubs, and by the time you read this they might also be the top two in the standings.

Moving on to Thursday (or New Year’s Day if you’ve lost track of the calendar this week!) – the games are Crystal Palace v Fulham and Liverpool v Leeds (5.30pm), alongside Brentford v Tottenham and Sunderland v Manchester City (8pm).

▶

2025/26 PLAYER STATISTICS

With so many fixtures taking place over the festive period – which falls right at the halfway point of the Premier League schedule – it’s the time of the year when the table really starts to take shape.

The 19th ‘matchweek’ of the campaign is split over two days – well, two years in actual fact – with six games tonight, and four more on New Year’s Day, while New Year’s Eve is kept clear of any fixtures.

What’s more, matchweek 19 has a very familiar feel to it, with these being the reversed fixtures from matchweek 15, played earlier in the month.

Kicking things off at 7.30pm tonight are a quartet of clashes: Burnley v Newcastle, Chelsea v Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest v Everton, and West Ham

pl stats

What else is happening in the top flight this week? Let’s take a look...

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23/12/2025 08:42

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19/12/2025 10:32

LEAGUE APP GLS 39(14) 11 4(1) 0 10 0 80(12) 10 0(6) 0 12(2) 3 134(20) 4 38(4) 3 18(10) 0 208(4) 67 0(1) 0 2 0 0(1) 0 0 0 6(4) 0 48(14) 14 0(1) 0 11 0 149(26) 8 43(18) 3 16(9) 0 52(11) 3 40(6) 0 16 6 22(23) 5 1(6) 0 72 0 217(70) 87 41(17) 9 7(2) 2 198(17) 3 25(15) 1 0(3) 0 23(15) 0 17(25) 4

FA CUP APP GLS 1(5) 1 0 0 2 0 7(3) 3 0(1) 0 0 0 19(1) 2 2 0 1 0 20(3) 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 7(1) 1 0 0 0 0 16(4) 4 7(2) 2 3(2) 0 4(2) 0 3 0 0 0 0(2) 0 0(1) 0 7 0 27(9) 9 3(1) 1 0 0 22(3) 1 3 0 0 0 2(1) 0 1(2) 1

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 SEASON

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS 1(3) 1 0 0 3 0 8(2) 4 1 0 1 0 12 0 1(2) 0 1 0 9(5) 4 0 0 1 0 0(1) 0 2 0 1 0 1(3) 0 0 0 0 0 12(2) 1 2(1) 0 4 0 6(1) 0 1(2) 0 0(1) 1 2(1) 0 0 0 3 0 16(9) 16 1(2) 0 1 0 8(4) 0 4 0 0(1) 0 1 0 1(3) 1

EUROPE APP GLS 7(9) 3 0(2) 0 2 0 23(4) 4 2(2) 0 0 0 31(8) 4 8(1) 0 7 0 54(4) 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0(1) 0 1 0 17(4) 11 0 0 0 0 39(6) 4 1(9) 2 11(2) 0 17(2) 0 14 0 0 0 3(8) 2 0 0 19 0 52(23) 26 11(6) 2 0 0 41(10) 0 8(2) 1 0 0 7(1) 1 6(5) 2

TOTAL OTHERS APP GLS APP GLS 1 0 49(31) 16 0 0 4(3) 0 0 0 17 0 1 0 119(21) 21 0(1) 0 3(10) 0 0 0 13(2) 3 1 0 197(29) 10 0 0 49(7) 3 0 0 27(10) 0 1 0 292(16) 103 0 0 0(1) 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0(2) 0 0 0 2(1) 0 0 0 8(5) 0 0 0 73(22) 26 0 0 0(1) 0 11 0 0 0 1 0 217(38) 17 1 0 54(30) 7 0 0 34(13) 0 1 0 80(16) 3 0 0 58(8) 0 0 0 16(1) 7 1 0 28(34) 7 0 0 1(7) 0 1 0 102 0 1(2) 0 313(113) 138 0(1) 0 56(27) 12 0 0 8(6) 2 1 0 270(34) 4 0 0 40(17) 2 0 0 0(4) 0 0 0 33(17) 1 0 0 25(35) 8

UNITED CAREER STATISTICS

* Player stats do not include Boxing Day fixture v Newcastle United (h)

PLAYER AMAD Harry AMASS Altay BAYINDIR CASEMIRO Toby COLLYER Matheus CUNHA Diogo DALOT Matthijs DE LIGT Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU Bruno FERNANDES Jack FLETCHER Tyler FREDRICSON Daniel GORE Tom HEATON Ayden HEAVEN Rasmus HOJLUND Shea LACEY Senne LAMMENS Harry MAGUIRE Kobbie MAINOO Tyrell MALACIA Lisandro MARTINEZ Noussair MAZRAOUI Bryan MBEUMO Mason MOUNT Chido OBI Andre ONANA Marcus RASHFORD Jadon SANCHO Benjamin SESKO Luke SHAW Manuel UGARTE Ethan WHEATLEY Leny YORO Joshua ZIRKZEE

LEAGUE CUP APP GLS 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0(1) 0 1 0 0(1) 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0(1) 1 0(1) 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0(1) 0

OTHERS APP GLS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Of all the players listed in this table (see left), the one who has featured for United most often against tonight’s opposition is Luke Shaw. The defender has appeared against Wolves on 13 occasions, including in our 4-1 win at Molineux earlier this month. Closest to him on that list are Fernandes (11 games) and Harry Maguire (10).

MANCHESTER UNITED EDITORIAL TEAM

PUBLISHED BY

EDITOR Paul Davies MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan CONTRIBUTORS Joe Ganley, Mikey Partington, Ben Ashby, Sean Mullan, Andy Murray, Matthew Brown, Sam Carney

CONTENT SALES DIRECTOR Fergus McKenna HEAD OF COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS David Scripps OPERATIONS MANAGER Nick Moreton COMMISSIONING EDITOR Clare Fitzsimons MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Claire Brown PRODUCTION EDITOR Adam Oldfield

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

TOTAL APP GLS 15(1) 2 6 0 14(1) 4 13(2) 3 13(3) 1 13(1) 1 9(8) 0 17(1) 5 0(1) 0 1 0 5(2) 0 0(1) 0 11 0 5(4) 2 1(11) 0 0(5) 0 6(3) 0 16(1) 7 9(6) 3 1 0 8(6) 2 17 0 4(8) 0 11(6) 0 3(8) 1

player stats

Our Boxing day clash with Newcastle was our 24th home game of 2025, with the player who featured most across the previous 23 games being – you probably won’t be surprised to read – skipper Bruno Fernandes. He was also our leading scorer across those 23 matches, finding the net 11 times – eight last season, three so far this.

LEAGUE FA CUP APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 PLAYER APP GLSSEASON APP GLS AMAD 14(1) 2 0 0 Altay BAYINDIR 6 0 0 0 CASEMIRO 14(1) 4 0 0 Matheus CUNHA 12(2) 3 0 0 Diogo DALOT 12(3) 1 0 0 Matthijs DE LIGT 13 1 0 0 Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU 8(8) 0 0 0 Bruno FERNANDES 17 5 0 0 Jack FLETCHER 0(1) 0 0 0 Tyler FREDRICSON 0 0 0 0 Ayden HEAVEN 4(2) 0 0 0 Shea LACEY 0(1) 0 0 0 Senne LAMMENS 11 0 0 0 Harry MAGUIRE 4(4) 1 0 0 Kobbie MAINOO 0(11) 0 0 0 Lisandro MARTINEZ 0(5) 0 0 0 Noussair MAZRAOUI 6(3) 0 0 0 Bryan MBEUMO 16 6 0 0 Mason MOUNT 9(5) 3 0 0 Andre ONANA 0 0 0 0 Benjamin SESKO 7(6) 2 0 0 Luke SHAW 17 0 0 0 Manuel UGARTE 3(8) 0 0 0 Leny YORO 11(6) 0 0 0 Joshua ZIRKZEE 3(7) 1 0 0

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2025/26 FIXTURES VISIT MANUTD.COM/FIXTURES FOR ALL THE LATEST FIXTURE INFORMATION

DATE

AUGUST

COMP OPPOSITION

Sun 17 Sun 24 Wed 27 Sat 30

VENUE

K/O

SCORE

ATT

FORMATION LINE-UP

PL PL LC PL

Arsenal Fulham Grimsby Town (R2) Burnley

H A A H

4.30pm 4.30pm 8pm 3pm

0-1 1-1x 2-2↓ 3-2x

73,475 27,512 8,647 74,257

3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1

Bayindir Bayindir Onana Bayindir

Yoro Yoro Fredricson Yoro

De Ligt De Ligt Maguire 1 De Ligt

Shaw Shaw Heaven Shaw

Dalot Amad Dalot Amad

Casemiro Casemiro Mainoo Casemiro

PL PL PL

Manchester City Chelsea Brentford

A H A

4.30pm 5.30pm 12.30pm

0-3 2-1 1-3

52,534 74,124 17,193

3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1

Bayindir Bayindir Bayindir

Yoro De Ligt De Ligt

De Ligt Maguire Maguire

Shaw Shaw Shaw

Mazraoui Mazraoui Dalot

Ugarte Casemiro 1 Ugarte

PL PL PL

Sunderland Liverpool Brighton & Hove Albion

H A H

3pm 4.30pm 5.30pm

2-0 2-1 4-2

74,004 60,337 73,987

3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1

Lammens Lammens Lammens

Yoro De Ligt Yoro

De Ligt Maguire 1 De Ligt

Shaw Shaw Shaw

Amad Amad Amad

Casemiro Casemiro Casemiro 1

PL PL PL PL

Nottingham Forest Tottenham Hotspur Everton Crystal Palace

A A H A

3pm 12.30pm 8pm 12pm

2-2 2-2 0-1 2-1

30,778 61,210 74,158 25,189

3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1

Lammens Lammens Lammens Lammens

Yoro De Ligt 1 Yoro Yoro

De Ligt Maguire De Ligt De Ligt

Shaw Shaw Shaw Shaw

Amad 1 Mazraoui Mazraoui Amad

Casemiro 1 Casemiro Casemiro Casemiro

PL PL PL PL PL PL

West Ham United Wolverhampton Wanderers Bournemouth Aston Villa Newcastle United Wolverhampton Wanderers

H A H A H H

8pm 8pm 8pm 4.30pm 8pm 8.15pm

1-1 4-1 4-4 1-2

73,938 30,338 73,951 43,157

3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1 3-4-2-1

Lammens Lammens Lammens Lammens

Mazraoui Mazraoui Yoro Yoro

Heaven Heaven Heaven Heaven

Shaw Shaw Shaw Shaw

Amad Amad Amad 1 Dalot

Casemiro Casemiro Fernandes 1 Ugarte

PL PL FA PL PL

Leeds United Burnley Brighton & Hove Albion (R3) Manchester City Arsenal

A A H H A

12.30pm 8.15pm 4.30pm 12.30pm 4.30pm

PL PL PL FA PL PL

Fulham Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United Fourth round Everton Crystal Palace

H H A – A H

2pm 12.30pm 8.15pm – 8pm 3pm

PL FA PL PL

Newcastle United Fifth round Aston Villa Bournemouth

A – H A

8pm – 3pm 3pm

FA PL PL FA PL

Quarter-finals Leeds United Chelsea Semi-finals Brentford

– H A N H

– 3pm 3pm – 3pm

PL PL FA PL PL

Liverpool Sunderland Final Nottingham Forest Brighton & Hove Albion

H A N H A

3pm 3pm – 3pm 4pm

SEPTEMBER

Sun 14 Sat 20 Sat 27 OCTOBER

Sat 4 Sun 19 Sat 25 NOVEMBER

Sat 1 Sat 8 Mon 24 Sun 30 DECEMBER

Thu 4 Mon 8 Mon 15 Sun 21 Fri 26 Tue 30

†

JANUARY

Sun 4 Wed 7 Sun 11 Sat 17 Sun 25 Sun 1 Sat 7 Tue 10 13-16 Mon 23 Sat 28* MARCH

Wed 4 6-9 Sat 14 Sat 21 APRIL

3-6 Sat 11 Sat 18 25/26 Sat 25 MAY

Sat 2 Sat 9 Sat 16 Sun 17 Sun 24

†

Result v Newcastle (h) unknown at time of print – check ManUtd.com for match report

FEBRUARY

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE

Manchester United and Greater Manchester Police have very detailed emergency procedures and contingency plans in place to deal with any emergency scenario which might arise at the stadium. Part of these procedures can involve evacuation plans should such an eventuality be required. We strongly advise that should any unforeseen emergency incident develop then

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

*Date/kick-off on 28 Feb subject to change in event of Palace entering UEFA Conference League play-off round

80 80-81_Season fixtures Wolves.AOCGPD.indd 1

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KEY

COMPETITIONS

United United score score listed listed first. first.

PL – Premier League

Scorers Bold

First sub

FA – Emirates FA Cup

Penalty (underlined)

Second sub

LC – Carabao Cup

x Own goal

Third sub

Yellow card

* After extra-time

Fourth sub

Red card

↑/↓ Won/lost on pens

Fifth sub

All All fixtures fixtures subject subject to change to change –– Premier Premier League League broadcast broadcast picks picks confirmed confirmed up to the up toof1August.

March 2026. end

Fernandes Fernandes Ugarte Fernandes 1

Dorgu Dorgu Dorgu Dalot

Mbeumo Mbeumo Amad Mbeumo 1

Mount Mount Cunha Mount

Cunha Cunha Sesko Cunha

Amad Dalot Fernandes Zirkzee

Sesko Sesko Mbeumo 1 Mainoo

Ugarte Ugarte De Ligt Sesko

Maguire Maguire Mount Mazraoui

– Heaven Zirkzee –

Fernandes Fernandes 1 Fernandes

Dorgu Dorgu Dorgu

Mbeumo Mbeumo Mbeumo

Amad Amad Cunha

Sesko Sesko Sesko 1

Maguire Ugarte Mainoo

Mainoo Cunha Yoro

Casemiro Mount Mount

Zirkzee Yoro Zirkzee

Mainoo –

Anthony Taylor Peter Bankes Craig Pawson

Fernandes Fernandes Fernandes

Dalot Dalot Dalot

Mbeumo Mbeumo 1 Mbeumo 2

Mount 1 Mount Cunha 1

Sesko 1 Cunha Sesko

Dorgu Ugarte Heaven

Cunha Dorgu Mainoo

Mainoo Sesko

Maguire Yoro Ugarte

Ugarte Mainoo Zirkzee

Stuart Attwell Michael Oliver Anthony Taylor

Fernandes Fernandes Fernandes Fernandes

Dalot Dorgu Dorgu Dalot

Mbeumo Amad Amad Mbeumo

Cunha Mbeumo 1 Mbeumo Mount 1

Sesko Cunha Zirkzee Zirkzee 1

Dorgu Sesko Mount Mazraoui

Mazraoui Ugarte Dalot Martinez

– Yoro Mainoo Mainoo

– Mount

– Dalot

– Dorgu

– –

Darren England Samuel Barrott Tony Harrington Robert Jones

Fernandes Fernandes 2 Casemiro 1 Fernandes

Dalot 1 Dalot Dalot Dorgu

Mbeumo Mbeumo 1 Mbeumo Mount

Cunha Mount 1 Mount Cunha 1

Zirkzee Cunha Cunha 1 Sesko

Yoro Martinez Mainoo Martinez

Dorgu Yoro Martinez Zirkzee

Ugarte Mainoo Sesko Fletcher

Mount Dorgu Dorgu Lacey

Martinez Zirkzee Zirkzee –

Andrew Kitchen Michael Salisbury Simon Hooper Michael Oliver

stadium zone-by-zone basis. It may be that certain zones are affected by an incident but not others. In such an event our main attention will be focused on the zone concerned.

If you hear an announcement in an area other than your own, you should ignore it and respond only to messages directed towards your section or by stewards. All spectators are asked to respond calmly and as quickly as possible to emergency directions.

Dorgu

line-ups

REFEREE

USED SUBSTITUTES

Simon Hooper Chris Kavanagh Tony Harrington Samuel Barrott –

MATCHDAY TEXT SERVICE

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

81 80-81_Season fixtures Wolves.AOCGPD.indd 2

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Your final trivia test of 2025 – remember, it has to be 10/10 to pass!

easy In which city was United’s first away win of 2025?

LIVERPOOL

2.

OR

NINE

Which of these clubs did United face in a competitive game for the first time in 2025?

FCSB 4.

LONDON

How many goals were there in the highest-scoring game involving United in 2025?

SEVEN 3.

OR

OR

LYON

How many games will the Reds have played in 2025 after today?

41

OR

51

Who scored United’s first goal of 2025?

AMAD

CHELSEA

LEEDS

OR

SOUTHAMPTON

DID YOU GET THEM ALL? IT’S A PASS FOR YOU! NOT QUITE? BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME...

OR

FULHAM 8.

Who was the first player to make their United debut in 2025?

PATRICK DORGU

OR

AYDEN HEAVEN

How many years were there between Jonny Evans’ first and last Reds appearances?

OR

18

In which competition was the first hat-trick by a Reds player in 2025 scored?

EUROPA LEAGUE

OR

9.

10.

PREMIER LEAGUE

EASY: 1. London; 2. Nine (5-4 v Lyon); 3. FCSB; 4. 51; 5. Leeds; HARD: 6. Lisandro Martinez (v Liverpool); 7. Fulham; 8. Patrick Dorgu; 9. 18; 10. Premier League.

5.

LISANDRO MARTINEZ

7.

Before today’s game, the three teams the Reds have faced on three separate occasions in 2025 are Arsenal, Tottenham and…?

15 Who are the only team to have been in the top flight in 2025 who United didn’t play in the Premier League in that time?

OR

6.

ANSWERS

1.

1.

hard

82 1 82_Quiz (cg).AOSMPD.indd 1

22/12/2025 15:29

MANCHESTER

UNITED

25/26 HOME JERSEY 83_adidas_Home Kit_Hinata_Ad.indd 1

17/10/2025 11:22

MANCHESTER UNITED

Altay BAYINDIR (GK) Diogo DALOT Noussair MAZRAOUI Matthijs DE LIGT Harry MAGUIRE Lisandro MARTINEZ Mason MOUNT Bruno FERNANDES Matheus CUNHA Joshua ZIRKZEE Tyrell MALACIA Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU Leny YORO AMAD CASEMIRO Bryan MBEUMO Tom HEATON (GK) Luke SHAW Manuel UGARTE Ayden HEAVEN Benjamin SESKO Senne LAMMENS (GK) Chido OBI Tyler FREDRICSON Diego LEON Kobbie MAINOO Jack FLETCHER Shea LACEY

84_Squads_Wolves (no officials).AOSMCGPD.indd 1

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 15 16 18 19 22 23 25 26 30 31 32 33 35 37 38 61

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 36 37 38

Jose SA (GK) Matt DOHERTY Hugo BUENO Santiago BUENO Marshall MUNETSI David MOLLER WOLFE ANDRE Joao GOMES Jorgen STRAND LARSEN Jhon ARIAS Hee-chan HWANG Emmanuel AGBADOU Tolu AROKODARE Yerson MOSQUERA Rodrigo GOMES Tawanda CHIREWA TOTI Dan BENTLEY (GK) Ki-Jana HOEVER Jean-Ricner BELLEGARDE Fer LOPEZ Enso GONZALEZ Sam JOHNSTONE (GK) Mateus MANE Ladislav KREJCI Jackson TCHATCHOUA

19/12/2025 14:48