Manchester United v Brentford match programme, 19.10.24

DIOGO DALOT EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW :

“When you play for a club and have that love for the club, it’s the perfect match”

MANCHESTER UNITED

24/25 HOME JERSEY

“Ever since my first game, I have been impressed by the way you stick with the team, even at difficult moments. This does not happen at every club”

Erik TEN HAG

Good afternoon and welcome back to Old Trafford. For club managers, the international break is a chance to reflect on the previous block of games and reset for the next block to come.

Looking back, we can clearly see that we have not started the season as well as we would have liked. But it is also obvious that we have the ability to turn this situation around. We have shown that repeatedly in the past. We have also shown, in our trips to Porto and Aston Villa before

the break, great character and team spirit. Having played very well but then lost control of the game in Portugal and gone a man down, we fought back to take a point in injury-time, before putting in a very determined and disciplined performance at Villa Park three days later.

We have kept four clean sheets from seven games in the Premier League this season and created a lot of chances, which shows that there is a strong organisational framework in our approach and a lot of creativity in our play.

Where we have struggled so far is translating those positives into goals, so that is something we all have to work together to improve. We still have over three-quarters of the season to go, but we have no time at all to waste if we are to start climbing the Premier League table and making progress in the cup competitions.

As we welcome Thomas Frank and Brentford to Old Trafford this afternoon, we know that we will have to be sharp and focused in order to get the victory we need. Not only have they developed an impressive habit of scoring very early in games, we also saw last season that

our meetings with them will go right to the final whistle. We have to be absolutely prepared for today’s game and be switched on from the first second to the last.

Our fans will also have a big part to play this afternoon and in the games ahead as we battle together to put the season back on track.

Ever since my first game at Old Trafford, I have been impressed by the way you stick with the team, even at difficult moments. This does not happen at every club, and it is something Manchester United fans can be proud of. I notice the difference between the media noise that surrounds this club and the support inside the stadium, and we don’t take that for granted.

We – the players and staff – are determined to repay that faith which you have shown, and we have full belief we can make this season a success!

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, Jean-Claude Blanc Manager Erik ten Hag Secretary Rebecca Britain Honorary president Martin Edwards

SUPPORTING MANCHESTER UNITED

BATTLING DISPLAY ENDS IN STALEMATE

Mixed emotions for Reds as missed chances spurn a rousing win, but a sterling defensive display produces fourth clean sheet of the Premier League season…

After a pulsating Europa League draw in Porto three days earlier, the Reds visited Villa Park intent on turning in a more measured, controlling performance, and left the Midlands with a hard-earned point.

The hosts, pepped up after a rousing Champions League win over Bayern Munich the day before United’s 3-3 draw in Portugal, found United in imperious defensive form and seldom tested Andre Onana throughout. The Cameroonian’s Villa counterpart, Emi Martinez, had a busier afternoon and was called into action after just five minutes to repel Marcus Rashford’s powerful effort.

Well marshalled by Jonny Evans (right) and Harry Maguire in the centre of defence, United’s rearguard kept the hosts at arm’s length throughout. Youri Tielemans drew a smart save from Onana with a first-time effort from a well-worked corner in the second period, but at the other end Martinez had to produce a sensational fingertip save from Rashford before relying on his crossbar to keep out a superb Bruno Fernandes free-kick.

Aston Villa 0

Manchester United 0

United XI: Onana; Mazraoui (Lindelof h/t ), Maguire (De Ligt h/t), Evans, Dalot; Mainoo (Casemiro 85), Eriksen ; Garnacho, Fernandes (c), Rashford (Antony 64); Hojlund (Zirkzee 64)

Unused substitutes: Bayindir, Martinez, Amad, Ugarte

“Defending and in possession we controlled the game. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and spirit as a team”

– Erik ten Hag

While failure to make a breakthrough provided frustration, there was an element of late relief when Diogo Dalot produced a crucial injury-time block to deny Jaden Philogene, rendering a point a justifiable return from an attritional afternoon’s work.

Fernandes whips his second-half free-kick against the bar as the Reds continue to test the Villa goal V

LOOKING FOR LIFT-OFF

Reds must be switched on from first to last to overcome the quick-thinking Bees...

The Premier League returns today, following the second international break of the season. And when United line up to face Brentford at 3pm, Erik ten Hag’s team know that it’s a chance to reset following a challenging start to 2024/25.

The Reds have lost just one of the last seven across all competitions, but draws have stymied our momentum, both domestically and continentally. Our last fixture – a stubborn goalless draw at Villa Park, against in-form Aston Villa – offered a testimony to the squad’s resilience, but the clear challenge in the weeks ahead is to climb up the Premier League table with swiftness.

To do that, United need to find more goals. Just five have been netted in our first seven league matches, though Rasmus Hojlund’s

return to fitness should help with that problem. The Dane converted on his first start of the season, away to Porto (below). Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have also flickered brightly in the early weeks; both have four goals each already.

Today’s opponents Brentford have not struggled in that regard – in the Premier League only Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have more than their tally of 13, while only Erling Haaland (10) has struck more than the Bees’ Bryan Mbeumo, who has quickly assumed the role of attacking talisman, following Ivan Toney’s departure.

Thomas Frank’s team have also carved out an unusual niche,

scoring within two minutes in each of their last four league games. Last season, the meetings between these sides were dominated by late goals: four of the five scored across the two league meetings came

So what can we draw from these titbits of information? Only that this is a fixture that should be alive with tension and competitive bite

Brentford’s mixed results see them placed 11th heading into this round of fixtures, with United 14th. So we’re expecting a real scrap, which United really need to win to keep within reasonable reach of the Champions League spots. So let’s get right behind the boys, and do our bit to inspire a potentially crucial

Kobbie Mainoo looks for a United breakthrough in the stalemate at Villa Park prior to the international break, a result the Reds will be looking to improve on against this afternoon’s visitors Brentford

DOUBLE SEPTEMBER AWARD FOR ONANA

Andre Onana’s performances for the club have been recognised by supporters with our men’s Player of the Month award for September. The 28-year-old kept two clean sheets and notably won our Man of the Match accolade for his efforts in the goalless draw away to Crystal Palace. It was in that fixture that the Cameroonian goalkeeper produced a stunning double stop to deny Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr, earning him the Premier League’s Save of the Month prize. Onana’s other shut-out came in the 3-0 win away to Southampton, where his contributions were again important. With the game at 0-0, Andre denied Saints striker Cameron Archer from the penalty spot before the Reds scored three times at St Mary’s. Our no.24 garnered 47 per cent of the fan vote, finishing ahead of fellow nominees Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho.

and

TIRED... but very PROUD

Bryan Robson led a team of inspirational trekkers to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this week, in aid of Manchester United Foundation. Captain Marvel’s team have raised over £70,000 on their monumental climb to the summit, which you can read more about in section 19. Well done all!

SPARE COATS, PLEASE!

Manchester United Foundation is asking fans to join them in ensuring families in need can access warm clothing this winter, by bringing clean adult and child coats to Old Trafford when United play Chelsea on Sunday 3 November. It is a repeat of a resoundingly successful initiative which debuted last season, when more than 2,000 coats were donated and distributed within the local community. Items can be dropped off before and after the match, in signposted bins located next to the five bag drop areas around the stadium.

FIXTURE CHANGES

United’s Premier League schedule for December and January has been confirmed, following the latest round of broadcast selections. Here’s how the winter shapes up…

DECEMBER

Sun 1: Everton (H) 1.30pm

Wed 4: Arsenal (A) 8.15pm (Amazon Prime Video)

Sat 7: Nottingham Forest (H) 5.30pm (Sky Sports)

Sun 15: Man City (A) 4.30pm (Sky Sports)

Sat 21: Bournemouth (H) 3pm Thu 26: Wolves (A) 5.30pm (Amazon Prime Video) Mon 30: Newcastle (H) 8pm (Sky Sports)

JANUARY

Sun 5: Liverpool (A) 4.30pm (Sky Sports) Thu 16: Southampton (H) 8pm (TNT Sports)

Sun 19: Brighton (H) 2pm

Sun 26: Fulham (A) 7pm (TNT Sports)

UK times listed for all games, alongside the UK broadcasters for these fixtures, where applicable

Robson and his fellow fundraisers during an incredible climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

Clean coats can be dropped off around Old Trafford when we take on Chelsea next month

Two clean sheets

a spectacular double save at Selhurst Park saw Onana scoop two awards for September

NEW ISSUE OF INSIDE UNITED IS OUT NOW

The November edition of Inside United is available and features an exclusive interview with Joshua Zirkzee. The Reds striker, who arrived in the summer, talks extensively about the people who have been key mentors to him in his young career so far. If Q&As with our players is your thing, there’s fresh chats with Altay Bayindir and United Women defender Gabby George for you to get stuck into, too. Inside, you’ll also find Sir Bobby Charlton – as we mark the first year of his passing – George Best and Sir Matt Busby, plus all of the regular fan, history and match features, and plenty more besides.

The issue is on sale at Old Trafford today, in newsagents and shops, and available to order online by scanning this QR code.

JT’S FUNDRAISING WALK

Last Saturday, hundreds of fans, friends and former team-mates of Joe Thompson joined the former United Academy forward on an extraordinary fundraising walk. Joe revealed in March that his cancer has returned for a third time but, in a true testament to his spirit, he is currently raising money for further treatment and pioneering testing. The ‘Walk with me for JT’ team, which started at Old Trafford, covered 21 miles – by way of several football grounds in Greater Manchester – before finishing at Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena (Spotland).

Thompson addresses his fellow fundraisers and the media (below) before setting off from Old Trafford for a 21-mile trek

JOE LANCASTER ( 1926-2024 )

The club was saddened to learn this week that former United goalkeeper Joe Lancaster had passed away, at the age of 98. Stockport-born Lancaster represented the Reds at the start of the 1950s before joining Accrington Stanley and was known to be our oldest living former player. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s friends and family.

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STRENGTH IN DEPTH

In our quickfire double-header prior to the international break, two highly experienced defenders came up trumps when most needed…

In a nutshell...

After the deflating manner of both performance and result against Tottenham in our last Premier League outing at Old Trafford, the Reds went into a Thursday-Sunday double-header of trips to Porto and Aston Villa in need of a tonic. A strong start went awry in Portugal and required an injury-time equaliser from Harry Maguire to procure a point in the Europa League, after which the assignment of containing Villa – fresh from a Champions League win over Bayern Munich – looked even trickier. A sterling rearguard action, led by player-of-the-match Jonny Evans, ensured a battling point and served as a reminder of the timeless quality possessed by United’s elder central defenders.

Okay, give us more detail…

“We have loads of games – we have to rotate the team, the freshness,” explained Erik ten Hag, after naming two different central defensive pairings across the two fixtures. In Porto, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt started, with Maguire and Evans entering the fray in their stead with 12 minutes remaining. By that stage, the Reds were 3-2 down after surrendering an early two-goal lead and so, when Christian Eriksen swung in a 91st-minute corner, the sight of the onrushing Maguire bludgeoning a header into the Porto

net marked the rescue of an unlikely – and potentially priceless – point in the Europa League’s league phase. Three days on, as Ten Hag sought to shuffle his pack at Villa Park, he stuck with Evans and Maguire as his starting pair, with Martinez and De Ligt rested and watching on from the bench. After the wildly oscillating draw in Portugal, a cagier affair unfolded in a tense Premier League encounter where defences dominated. Though Maguire had to withdraw at half-time through injury, Evans remained at the heart of United’s best play, picking up Sky Sports’ star player award for his troubles.

What’s the significance?

For England international Maguire, his first goal of the season provided mixed emotions after a game which had initially been under the Reds’ control. “To get a 2-0 lead, we’re disappointed we didn’t go on to win, to be honest,” he admitted, before saluting his side’s togetherness in nabbing a late share of the spoils: “The boys are frustrated, but we went down to 10, stuck together and we knew that chance would come, and luckily I was there to put

it in the net.” After the altogether calmer manner of the Villa Park stalemate, Evans recognised United’s need to be more cautious and compact, stressing: “The other night, conceding three, we wanted to be more defensive-minded to give ourselves a chance. We got a point against a good side away from home.”

And how did that go down?

“They were very solid,” said Ten Hag, of his thirtysomething duo after the Villa Park stalemate. While Maguire’s post-match focus was on his injury, which ruled him out for a few weeks, Evans – after receiving both Sky Sports’ award and rousing acclaim from the away end – explained his level-headed approach to games during his second stint as a United player. “It’s still a privilege to play for this club,” he explained. “Every match I play now I just enjoy it. The pressures that come with it, it’s part of it. You see the fans at the end, the support they give the team. They have supported the players massively over the years.” Having been there, seen it and done it all before at Old Trafford, Evans – like Maguire – continues to prove the enduring value of experience.

Maguire rises above the Porto defence to snatch a vital late Europa League point for the 10-man Reds

At Villa, Evans provided an invaluable contribution

A GRAND OCCASION

Old Trafford was at its colourful best last weekend, as the home of the Reds once again hosted the Super League Grand Final. A crowd of 68,173 watched Wigan Warriors complete a history-making quadruple of rugby league trophies by beating Hull Kingston Rovers 9-2 in the traditional climax to the season. Warriors added the Super League title to the League Leaders’ Shield, won after topping the regular season table, having previously been victorious in both the World Club Challenge and Challenge Cup. On the eve of the match, Wigan’s players received a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson – our former manager presenting them with their match shirts and then making a speech. Wigan’s head coach Matt Peet, who is a United fan, said after his side’s historic victory: “You hung on every word he said, but it was more about his presence. I’ve never seen the lads so quiet.”

DALOT Diogo

“I’ve

been through every stage at this club... and

I think that’s an advantage”

Now one of the first names on the United team sheet, our no.20 talks to UR about the Reds’ new-look defence, and becoming a senior member of the squad...

Diogo, you were named the club’s Players’ Player of the Year last season. How much did that accolade mean to you, and did it feel like a milestone in your career here, six years in? Yeah, definitely. It was probably one of the proudest moments that I’ve had at this club, especially because it was a recognition from my team-mates, those who I spend the most time with. Apart from my family! They see me every day, they see the work that I put in, and that recognition is a proud moment for me because it makes me feel that I’m doing the right things. It was special.

It feels like you’ve moved into the category of being a senior player in the last year or two – do you agree?

It’s something that’s becoming part of me now. I think it came in a natural way. I don’t force it; I just feel that being here for this long

brings me experience at the club. Playing a lot helps me to be in that position as well. I think it’s helpful for me and for the club, so it’s something that I enjoy.

When we say ‘a senior player’, what do you think that means? Is it about taking more responsibility, being more vocal in the dressing room?

I think it’s everything together. Obviously, I’m still young, but when you’ve been in a place for so long, you start knowing the people around you, the people at the club, really well. [I think it’s about] the way that I like to receive the [new] players, the way that I like for them to feel welcomed when they arrive. Making sure that they know the values and the standards of the club. That’s something that I always try to pass on to them, while never letting myself let go of those standards as well. Knowing that I have to

be the first one showing them. Obviously then I pass that to my team-mates.

Fans often talk about your celebrations after goals, or after we win a match. You seem a player that feels things like a fan, even though obviously you’ve got a professional job to do…

It’s something that comes when you’ve been with a club for so long: you start looking at the club a bit more than just as a player; than just something that you’re working for. And that’s the way that I like to approach things. Try to know how the fans would feel, how they feel, what they feel for the club, what they know about the club – these are things that I’ve always tried to know and to feel since I arrived. Obviously, when you spend more time on the pitch and you know the emotions that it brings to the fans, then you start becoming a little more like them. And I think that’s the best combination that you can have: when you play for a club and you have that love for the club, I think it’s the perfect match.

Over your six years at United, you’ve had to fight for your place before really establishing

yourself over the last couple of years as a regular. Is that something you enjoy –that challenge of new players coming in and fighting for your place? Is that something you have to love at a big club? If you want to be at the highest level of football, you have to be prepared for that. I’ve been fortunate enough to have been through every stage at this club: playing, being injured, not being selected by the manager, playing every game... so I’ve been in every stage possible that a football player can be in this period of time, which brings me these experiences and helps me to know sometimes how some of my teammates are feeling when things are not going so well. I think that’s an advantage for a football player, to go through all these processes. I’ve been through them and fought for them and tried to overcome them. I think I’ve been doing that and I still have to keep doing it, because the expectations will get higher, the demands will always get higher, especially at this club.

We’ve seen you spend a lot of time in midfield areas recently, getting into really attacking positions. Do you enjoy that part of your role and, if so, what do you enjoy about it?

Diogo says the squad are working hard to build strong connections all over the pitch, especially with the addition of new defenders

It brought me something different. A little bit of a different perspective on the pitch. As everybody who likes football knows, the game in midfield is a lot quicker than when you’re in the wide areas of the pitch. You always have someone close, you always have someone pressing you, so that makes me think a little bit faster. And it’s something that I’ve been enjoying doing; something that we found as a solution to our way of play. So as long as things are going well, as long as the manager keeps that trust, I will be open to do it.

Several new faces have come in to the defence this season. How is that going? It’s an everyday challenge to build this connection. We look at especially the back line, and probably one of the ‘no.6s’, as our wall for the team. So we always try to make sure that connection is really solid. Ultimately, if we don’t concede, we’re going to be closer to winning games. We know from last season that it was not quite there, from a number of situations I’m not going to mention again. But this season it’s been better. We know we can be even better, so that’s a process that will take time, not just because of the new arrivals. It’s always different when you get new players but, as a team, we need to fix it.

“When you spend more time on the pitch and you know the emotions it brings to the fans, then you start becoming a little more like them”

Noussair Mazraoui is one of those new faces. He can play similar positions to you, both right-back and left-back. What have you made to his start at United?

Really good. He’s showed that he’s a really good player. It’s no coincidence that he played in one of the biggest clubs in the world, so for him to be here, it’s a privilege for us, as players. That’s why the club bought him; that’s why the club wanted him here. We just have to take advantage of his qualities. When he’s on the pitch I think he’s a really good player that can bring us a lot of different things. As long as he continues helping the team, he will be really good for us.

We’re starting to see some other full-backs nearing a return from injury. Tyrell Malacia has been involved more in training – the

squad must be really glad to see him getting stronger after so long out? Yeah. It was really tough to see him and the struggle that he’s been through. You can’t imagine how difficult it would be to not be able to do what you love, your job, for such a long time. That’s why we celebrated when he came training with us, even if it was just for the little boxes, to make sure that he feels we are ready to welcome him and to keep helping him, because he’s going to need it. At the end of the day, he’s been out for a really long time. We’re really pleased to have him back. The team needs him and the club needs him, so we are really happy.

And a word on Andre Onana’s form. How do you assess his development over the last year? I think it’s been more of a change mentally than

Now in his seventh season with the Reds, Dalot’s senior standing in the squad means he’s well placed to advise his younger team-mates

“We can expect a tough game. Brentford have especially shown that every time they come to Old Trafford, they come really prepared”

footballistic attributes. He’s the same player; the only thing that he changed is that he is, I think, more balanced mentally, and really prepared for the highs and lows. At this club, because of the demands and the expectations we have here, it can be really easy for you to fall mentally and to feel really bad. Even when things are going well for you, for you to feel over-hyped. So I think he found this balance of being really calm and really confident, and I think it shows on the pitch.

How do you reflect on last season’s games with Brentford? We had the really dramatic one at Old Trafford, with two late goals from Scott McTominay, and then two more late goals at their place in another crazy ending… They’re always going to be a tough team to play against. In the Premier League, they’re one of

the most prepared teams in set-pieces, I would say. Every ball that is stopped on the floor, or even throw-ins, they are really prepared with good plays. They showed they have a really good structure as well; they know what to do. So we can expect a tough game, like the Premier League is with every game. But they have especially shown that every time they come to Old Trafford, they come really prepared to make it a difficult day.

You mentioned the set-pieces. Brentford have even scored a couple straight from kick-off, which is really unusual… Exactly. That shows how well they are prepared. That shows work, preparation and that should show us that we have to respect them a lot and, at the same time, knowing that we have be at our best level.

IS DIOGO FULFILLING JOSE’S PREDICTION?

Diogo admits he has been through ‘every stage’ at United, and believes his long path to a regular starting place has been a benefit. It’s six years since he was signed by Jose Mourinho, and his elder compatriot predicted he could “follow Gary Neville in this dynamic of more than 10 years as United’s right-back”. Last term, Dalot posted 50 appearances for the first time and drew praise from the man Jose suggested he could emulate. “There is a lot there,” said Neville. “He’s six foot; he’s strong; he’s powerful; he’s good on the ball. He defends his back post really well. He opens up his shoulders... they might have the right-back for the future there.” Towards the end of last season, Nev even said Diogo had been United’s best player – an endorsement Dalot’s team-mates clearly agreed with, by voting him their Players’ Player of the Year.

Returning to his former club to help the Reds pick up a valuable point in the 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto

All smiles upon his signing in the summer of 2018

BRENTFORD

THE BEES HAVE MADE A MIXED START TO 2024/25 AS THEY LOOK TO IMPROVE ON LAST TERM’S 16 th -PLACED FINISH, BUT THEIR FIVE-STAR DISPLAY HEADING INTO THE INTERNATIONAL BREAK -- COMPLETE WITH ANOTHER FAST START -- HAS INCREASED THE BELIEF THAT MANY MORE GOOD DAYS LIE AHEAD FOR

THE LONDON CLUB...

Nickname: The Bees

Founded: 10 October 1889

Ground: Gtech Community Stadium (capacity 17,250)

Last season: Premier League, 16th

Top achievements:

First Division fifth place: 1935/36

Second Division champions: 1934/35, Championship play-off winners: 2020/21 League Cup semi-finalists: 2021

NEED TO KNOW

The biggest question that surrounded Brentford’s 5-3 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers a fortnight ago was, ‘what took you so long?’ After breaking a Premier League record by scoring in the first minute of three consecutive games – only Everton in 1998/99 had ever scored as many in the same season! – the Bees needed fully 77 seconds for Nathan Collins to open their account against Wolves. Manager Thomas Frank has stressed that such goals are no fluke. A team noted for their dead-ball preparation, right down to creative throw-in routines, Brentford view the kick-off as a set-piece opportunity like any other. Often, the ball makes its way back to goalkeeper Mark Flekken, whose long-range distribution sets up aerial duels in the opposition half, with numbers committed forward. “As a mindset and philosophy, we like to get straight on the front foot and be positive,” Frank explained of his team’s kick-off prowess post-Wolves. “It’s one of the more difficult to score from but we see it as a set-play situation we can set up and control as much as possible.”

Performance into points

The next step is for Frank and co to convert fast starts into more points after that 60-second trio of games ended with defeats to Manchester City (2-1) and Tottenham (3-1), followed by a 1-1 draw with West Ham. Brentford dominated the first half an hour against City, baiting their opponents into pressurising before turning the defence with well-judged crossfield passes into

TACTICS BOARD

The latest news from the Bees camp, plus profiles and tactics...

space, but faded, with a similar situation playing out against Spurs. One of only four top-flight teams yet to keep a clean sheet this season, the Bees can count only five shut-outs this calendar year in all competitions. Maintaining Frank’s well-coordinated high press without the ball is vital to adding to the 10 points won from seven outings that puts Brentford 11th. Rico Henry’s impending return should help, with the left-back’s forward surges much-missed during his year-long convalescence from a serious knee injury, while Ethan Pinnock and Nathan Collins are beginning to form a solid centre-back partnership. “We are

Frank’s ability to vary tactical systems is well known and has been central to Brentford’s positive performances of late. Though a 4-3-3 yielded early victories v Crystal Palace and Southampton, against both Manchester City and Tottenham the Danish boss fielded a 3-5-2 that more closely resembled a 4-2-2-2 in possession. Attacking midfielders Damsgaard and Keane Lewis-Potter pinned opposition full-backs in their defensive third, with top scorer Mbeumo able to play as part of a split centre-forward system that best suits his sinuous dribbling skills. The 5-3 home defeat of Wolves a fortnight ago meant a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation (right), with Mbeumo playing off the right wing and fit-again Kevin Schade deployed through the middle, while nominal full-backs Sepp van den Berg and Kristoffer Ajer were inverted into central areas. Central midfield duo Christian Norgaard and Vitaly Janelt provide any system’s bedrock. The sturdy pair’s experience, ball-winning ability and awareness of danger is important in what remains a young squad.

starting to look better and better,” Frank said recently. “I’m confident that we will hopefully get the clean sheet soon.”

Further forward, life is rosier. Despite losing Ivan Toney to Al-Ahli, expected replacement Igor Thiago to an immediate long-term injury and even last season’s top scorer Yoane Wissa to an ankle complaint, the Bees are among the top-flight’s deadliest sides. Only four teams have struck more league goals than the Bees’ 13, with Bryan Mbeumo firing six and Danish schemer Mikkel Damsgaard beginning to align end product with his undoubted ability.

Flekken

van den Berg

Pinnock

The captivating win against Wolves prior to the international break saw six goals scored before half-time

TOP STOPPER

Mark Flekken

The Dutch goalkeeper is beginning to show the consistent excellence he showed in his final two Bundesliga seasons for Freiburg before joining Brentford at the start of last season as a replacement for Arsenal-bound David Raya. No Premier League stopper has made more saves than the 31-year-old’s 33 so far this season, while his ability with the ball at his feet – to start attacks and beat the opposition press – also help immeasurably.

FIRING FORWARD

Bryan Mbeumo

Brentford were in desperate need for someone to fill the Ivan Toney-shaped hole up front this term, and Mbeumo has stood up manfully. Now in his sixth Bees campaign since arriving for a then club record £5.8 million from French side Troyes, the 25-year-old is already tantalisingly close to registering double figures for Premier League goals for the first time after firing a lethal six in his seven outings in 2024/25 – only Erling Haaland has scored more. Deployed this season as either a right-winger or on the right of a split-striker system, the Cameroon international’s quick feet and low centre of gravity have always stood out in one-onone situations but a cool head in front of goal has been increasingly noticeable, a slide-rule double on the opening weekend of the season against Southampton testament to his clinical improvements. Meanwhile, a supreme volley against Tottenham in late September is typical of a fine technique from the no.19, who recently surpassed 200 games for the Bees in all competitions. “Everybody has to step up and show what they can do,” said Mbeumo of the task of replacing Toney. “It’s a lot of work and I do a lot of finishing during training.”

DEFENSIVE ROCK

Nathan Collins

One of only four Brentford players to have featured in every Premier League minute this season, the former Wolves centre-back has impressed after an up-and-down first Bees season following a £23m move in the summer of 2023. Still only 23, and Ireland’s captain in the recent international break, Collins has put his body on the line to lead the top flight with 22 blocks this term –leading to Thomas Frank praising him as “our best centre-back this season”.

THE SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

FORWARDS

THE RIVALRY... IN 100 WORDS

Manchester United vs Brentford is a doorstep sandwich of a rivalry, with two big wedges of games surrounding a fairly thin filling. An FA Cup third-round tie in January 1928 was the start of a 12-game spell across 19 years in Divisions One and Two, plus cup fixtures, with outside-left Tom Manley appearing for both sides after swapping Manchester for the capital in August 1939. Lou Macari and Sammy McIlroy (right) goals sealed League Cup second-round progress in September 1975, which proved the only encounter until the Bees’ top-flight return. Today, however, is our seventh Premier League meeting since 2022.

BRENTFORD’s RECORD v UNITED

classic picture

The Bees spent 116 years at their old Griffin Park home, although in all that time the Reds only ever played there six times. This image, of Reds captain Johnny Carey competing for the ball, was taken during our final trip there, a 0-0 draw in April 1947. Watched on by 21,714 fans, both teams had contrasting aims in the springtime showdown: the Reds were challenging for a first league title under new boss Matt Busby, while Harry Curtis’s Bees were battling for survival. Sadly, neither side would achieve their target, as we missed out on top spot by a single point, while Brentford would soon find their relegation confirmed... never to return to the top flight until 2022, at a shiny new home a mile up the road in TW8.

DID YOU KNOW?

→ No manager has taken charge of this fixture more often than Brentford’s Harry Curtis (right), who was in the dugout for the first 12 encounters between 1928-1947. Both Erik ten Hag (four) and Thomas Frank (six) sit second for their respective clubs.

→ Our first match against Brentford, in 1928, was also the most goal-laden – a 7-1 shellacking in which United’s Jimmy Hanson scored four times in his sole appearance for us against Brentford. No Red has been more prolific against the Bees.

→ Brentford’s August 2022 win in Ten Hag’s second game in charge was the Bees’ first victory over the Reds in 84 years.

→ If Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot take to the field this afternoon, the Portuguese pair will draw level with 1930s’ trio Tom Manley, George Vose (right) and William Bryant on a record seven Reds appearances against Brentford.

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ROUND OUR WAY

A new fans’ group has been set up to cater for Reds in the shadow of Old Trafford

The newly formed Manchester United Local Supporters’ Club (MULSC) will host its launch event at Hotel Football on Tuesday (22 October), and all Reds are invited to attend.

The branch, which is aimed at season ticket holders and United members in the M16, M32, M50 and M17 postcodes that encircle Old Trafford, is looking to bring fans in the local area closer to the club.

Group chair Carly Lyes, who is the Fans’ Forum Local Fan Representative, told United Review: “We want to ensure local fans feel the benefits of living on the doorstep of the greatest club in the world, and to support local families in the area to bring through the next generation of Reds. Over the coming months, we will hold various meetings, social events and opportunities for fans to get involved.”

The first of those events is the launch at Hotel Football, which will feature guest speakers, a panel discussion on the role of supporters’ clubs in the modern United fan base, plus the chance to meet other Reds from the local area and beyond. While the branch is officially for season ticket holders and United members in the aforementioned postcodes, all supporters are invited to attend the launch, which kicks off at 7pm.

“The night will be a relaxed, informal social,” says Carly. “We will have a few guests from other local supporters’ clubs talking about the role of branches in bringing people together, updates about our plan for developing the MULSC, and an update on the latest news around the stadium development consultations,

which we know is one of the big topics on everyone’s lips. There will be music, a bar available, good people and hopefully a few surprises.”

There is no cost to attend the night, but fans are encouraged to sign up for a free ticket via the QR code (right) so both the supporters’ club and the venue can keep an eye on numbers. Under-18s are also welcome.

annie kay’s family p 30 / pride event p 35 / your photos and messages p 36

Bringing the most local Reds together is the aim of the newly formed MULSC

LEGENDARY LANDLADY

We salute the stalwart Annie Kay, who helped raise players such as David Beckham and Mark Hughes, after her passing at the age of 93...

“Manchester is people, Manchester United is people, and Salford is people. If there are warmer people than these, I, in my travels many times around the world, have not met them.” Sir Matt Busby

Across most of planet Earth, the word ‘United’ means only one thing. Manchester United. But while our club is often referred to via its foreshortened moniker, don’t forget the importance of that first word, as the Matt Busby quote above stresses. United is a global concern, and has been for decades. But throughout our 146-year history,

local people have done more than anyone to nurture it, energise it and, on occasion, save it.

That thought sprang to mind vividly when United Review recently learned of the passing of Annie Kay. The name might not chime with the vast majority of Reds but, as the longest-serving landlady in the club’s history, Annie made a really significant contribution to the lives and careers of countless players – David Beckham (left) and Mark Hughes being arguably the two most high-profile beneficiaries.

Annie’s house, on Lower Broughton Road, just yards from the big red gates to United’s historic former training ground, The Cliff, housed

ANNIE

“My nana was down to earth and easy to talk to. She made the boys feel comfortable so they felt like it was their home, as often they had travelled from all over the country”

countless Academy players down the decades. There, with her husband Tommy, she would host up to three youth players at a time, creating a home from home for impressionable young men and acting as many aspiring footballers’ second mum. It all started with Billy Conroy in 1971, and Kay’s involvement with United endured for more than three decades, with Sir Alex Ferguson later presenting her with a watch as a thanks for her service to the club.

“My nana was down to earth and easy to talk to,” Annie’s grandson, Billy, tells UR. “She made the young boys feel comfortable so they could feel like it was their home, as often they

had travelled from all over the country to lodge, whether it was Mark Hughes from Ruabon in Wales or David Beckham coming from the east of London. They were made welcome and to feel at ease in the house. It had to feel like home, so some would see Annie as someone to speak to about anything.”

The impact she made on players was seldom forgotten, no matter the exotic climes or stratospheric fame they encountered after moving out. “David and his family always stayed in touch with my nana, sending photos of the family when they lived in Madrid and even signed shirts when he played for LA Galaxy,”

marvels Billy. “Football was a big deal to me, and I remember David inviting us to Carrington to watch the first team train, which was a great experience. David also came to visit Nana when she started becoming unwell, and I know she really appreciated the fact he made the effort to come and have a cup of tea with her.”

And what about the question millions of teenage girls wanted answering circa 1996: what was it like to live with David Beckham?

“I used to always ask questions about David,” laughs Annie’s grandson. “She said he was very quiet at the start, but David was one of the boys that was there the longest, so it became second nature to him. She was a shoulder of support when he got sent on loan to Preston. He thought it was a bad thing, but it ended up helping in his football career. His mum Sandra and [father] Ted would be made welcome every time they came up to visit him; his room was spotless – she said not a thing was out of place, always clean. He always took the same seat at the dinner table too, which I think was also the same seat Mark [Hughes] used to sit at.”

A constant support for young footballers, Annie pours a cup of tea for one of her most famous lodgers, Mark Hughes

a long way and this image from 1957 shows some of the Busby Babes enjoying the trademark warm hospitality

Hughes arrived at Lower Broughton Road aged 15 and would spend four years occupying a bedroom that overlooked the playing fields – the room Beckham would later request, due to his admiration for the Welsh striker.

“Hughes used to sit in the front room with my nana while she was watching TV,” continues Billy, “with little weights in a sock. He’d lift his foot up and down off the ground, gaining the strong legs and ankles which he later became known for.”

Of course, not every boy that lodged with the Kays went on to achieve the superstardom associated with Becks and Sparky. And some of the setbacks suffered by those under Annie’s care made for moments of real sadness.

“Footballers have signed professional contracts in the front room of the house, with the boss, Sir Alex,” notes Billy. “My nana would make sure the cups of tea kept coming! But the hardest part was when she’d see lads get told it was over for them at United, which must have been heartbreaking, especially when they were being sent home.”

But Annie’s metier was all about the day-to-day: making sure the boys were kept comfortable and well-fed. And that football –not certain extra-curricular activities – was the

focus... “Sir Alex had a thing for lads having girlfriends,” recalls Billy, “as this helped some of the lads settle down and concentrate on football. But some lads, it would get in the way of football. So, there were strict rules: no girls in the houses!”

What was available, in abundance, was warmth, friendship and plenty of grub. “Back in the day, things weren’t so particular when it came to food for the players,” says Billy. “There were no diet plans. So I know my nana made sure they would have plenty to eat, and they would all sit together for food like a family would. I know one of her specialities was making stews. The lads were allowed to eat whenever they wanted and to help themselves if they liked. One landlady, who did the same job not too far away, locked the cupboards so the young lads couldn’t get more food!”

Nutrition might be a high-performance zone of labyrinthine complexity these days, but host families are still providing an invaluable service to Manchester United and our Academy players.

For the players they support, and the club that depends on them to power its future, landladies like Annie Kay are part of a quiet, but vital Mancunian and Salfordian army that continues to drive Manchester United on a daily basis, almost 150 years in.

“She had an extraordinary life,” smiles Billy, “and looked after some great footballers for the club. She enjoyed taking care of people, which she was clearly very good at. Some of these boys wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for her.” Enough said. Rest in peace, Annie.

BONDING WITH BECKS

When United’s no.7 left to join Real Madrid in 2003, Annie spoke to club magazine Inside United about her journey with the football legend…

“When David moved in, I was under pressure to make him comfortable. The club told me he was an amazing prospect they didn’t want to lose. They knew he was destined for greatness.

“At first, David was homesick... he never sat still, he was always on the move, in and out of the house. He used to have lunch here and then go back to The Cliff to practise on his own. He was dedicated to football. He was with us when he was sent to Preston on loan. At first, he was very upset, thinking it was the end for him at United, but the manager explained it was only to give him some experience and in the end he enjoyed his stay there.

“My granddaughter Lucy was in love with him. She used to tell all her friends that she knew David Beckham and he was her boyfriend. Of course, no-one believed her, but he went and opened her school fair. She was upset when he started going out with Victoria but he told Lucy he still loved her and that he loved Victoria in a different way. He still sends her a Valentine’s card!

“Even when he got famous, he still popped round to say hello. In fact, he was here on the morning of Brooklyn’s birth. He was very excited. He hasn’t changed a bit, he’s a lovely lad.”

The tradition of the landlady goes back

Becks never forgot his connection to Annie and her family and would often come back to visit

At Annie’s house, Beckham never went hungry before training!

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RAINBOW REDS SOAR AT PRIDE

The meteoric rise of United’s official LGBTQ+ branch is set to continue throughout 2024/25

Manchester United’s official LGBTQ+ supporters’ club, Rainbow Devils, made a cracking start to the season in August, by making its third appearance at the annual Manchester Pride event.

It’s been a hugely positive last 12 months for Rainbow Devils, which has racked up more than 1,700 members since it was founded in February 2019. Last December, the branch were integral to the #OneLoveLive event held at Old Trafford and, earlier in 2024, a film in MUTV’s One Love series showcased their incredible journey so far.

“We feel like a mainstay of Pride now,”

committee member Cass Hyde explained to UR, “and we want to build on the successes we’ve had. There was about 20 of us there – people dressed in United gear, rainbow Pride stuff, all dolled up and singing United songs and chants.

City’s group were around too, but there was no scrapping! Though it’s always good to see City fans in the crowd and try and put United stickers on them and have a few hi-jinks.”

Hyde revealed that Rainbow Devils is now the second-largest LGBTQ+ supporters’ club across the Premier League, behind only Arsenal, and the focus for the coming year is more growth and innovation.

“We’re always trying to make ourselves stay relevant,” says Cass. “We don’t want to keep doing the same things over and over. At the moment, our social events are just in person, but we do have members overseas in countries where LGBTQ+ rights are very limited. We’re trying to see how we can get them more involved in a safe and responsible manner – that’s one of our top priorities.”

Wider visibility – through events and the aforementioned MUTV film – has helped power some of the growth, but membership continues to rise organically too.

“Our film with MUTV had a big impact, and our #OneLoveLive event was all over social media too,” enthuses Hyde. “So they led to a big boost and people wanting to know what we are all about. It’s been fab. I don’t know if reaching 2,000 members is too ambitious for this season, but we’re getting new members every week.”

For more details, visit rainbowdevils.com

United’s LGBTQ+ branch have been showing their support in increasing numbers since first launching in 2019

Branch members parade their pride through the streets of Manchester last August

Members were out in force again for this year’s Manchester Pride event

MESSAGES for matchday

EMAIL US : UNITED.FAMILY @ MANUTD.CO.UK

Happy birthday, Louise. Hope you have a great day. Lots of love, James, Oliver, Daisy and Oscar.

We’d like to wish a happy ninth birthday to Freddie Pollock for 21 October, and have a great time at today’s game.

birthday,

Wishing a happy 18th birthday to Katie Pollitt for 14 October. Hope you had an amazing time.

Hello to Georgia Morris, a big Alejandro Garnacho fan who is here for her first United game.

Welcome to Old Trafford, Isla Rose Quinn! She’s 11 and is a massive United fan, visiting today from Northern

Happy 80th birthday to Terry Shepherd (Dad and Grandad), lots of love from Mark, Sue, Rachel, Stu and Brucey.

Welcome to the Theatre of Dreams, Noah, and a very happy seventh birthday for this week. We hope you enjoy your visit from Ireland with dad Karl.

ninth birthday, Harri! Enjoy watching your favourite team. Love, Mam and Dad.

‘Happy birthday, Logan McFie So proud of you representing Scotland and being part of the GB Team for Flag American Football. Love Mum and Lachlan.’

Congratulations to Sigga and husband Viktor, here today all the way from Iceland to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their first date. They mark all their milestones by coming to Old Trafford, as it’s where they first said ‘I love you’ to each other, and they also came here on their honeymoon. A beautiful story, and here’s to many more happy years together!

It’s a big day for five-year-old Olivia Jones, who is excited to be here for her first-ever United game, with dad David. Enjoy it!

Happy

Alfie. Wishing you a great day. With love from your Mums and Frankie.

Ireland.

Fereshteh wants to wish brother Faz a very happy 40th birthday.

Happy

Mash Alam plays for a team of bereaved dads called Sands United, having sadly lost his own son just three days after he was born on 28/12/23. This October, during Baby Loss Week, he will be donating a bench and tree to the Gardens of Firdaus in London, in honour of his boy’s tragically short life.

Odhran Roche, six, is a massive United fan, and here today with dad Dessie from Northern Ireland for his first United game. Have the best time.

Happy 40th birthday to Jo. Lots of love the Hideaway Reds!

And congratulations also to Jo and Jamie on their recent wedding in Las Vegas. Much love from the Hideaway Reds – Gem, Steve, Chris and Al.

Happy ninth birthday to Jaxon Bryans for 27 October. Love Mum, Dad, Jazmin and Jayce.

‘Wishing our son, James Simpson, a happy 24th birthday for 6 October. Have a great day. Love Mum, Dad and Grandma.’

Congratulations to Richard and Amy Stafford, who got married on 13 September. Richard started working as an Old Trafford steward in April 1999, joining his father and older brother, and is currently awaiting his 25-year award. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness together.

Happy birthday, Iori. United’s no.1 fan! ‘Cariad mawr’ from Mam, Dad and older brother Dei, who is also a Reds fanatic.

Pat Bosco Roche and his son, Cormac, are here today. Pat’s most treasured memory is being in the Nou Camp to see United win the Treble.

Happy 21st birthday to Mia, a season ticket holder in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, for 10 October. Love Dad, Mum and the Block N4405 Massive!

Another Red in the family: welcome to the world, Billy Peter Howett. Love from Mummy, Daddy and Nanny.

Happy first birthday to Ava, with whom mum Ann was blessed on 28 October 2023. She’s a United fan and there’s no denying! She loves Bruno Fernandes and watches every game.

SHOUT-OUTS!

Happy 65th birthday to lifelong United fan Alan Boyd, who is here today with son Craig, grandson Archie, and the Dungannon Supporters’ Club. Have a great trip!

Happy birthday to Alex McClenaghan and James Gourley, who are both celebrating turning 21. Alex has travelled from Northern Ireland with dad Andrew, while James and dad Bob are here from Grimsby in Canada.

‘To Elliot: we hope you enjoy your first of many experiences at the Theatre of Dreams. It is a special place and the best club in the world. Happy birthday from Mum, Dad, Gabrielle and Maia. Come on, United!’

Happy 16th birthday, Louis Clarkson.

We’d like to wish a very happy 80th birthday to lifelong fan Terry Shepherd, from the Isle of Man, for 20 October. He’s in Manchester for the weekend and is here celebrating at today’s game.

Gary Luckhurst celebrated his 50th birthday on 10 October and is here today with friend and fellow lifelong United fan Stewart Phillips. Many happy returns, Gary.

Happy 12th birthday, Ava Watson! She and sister Erin are here at Old Trafford for the first time, with mum Vanessa and dad Scott.

Happy 12th birthday to Aurora Aldred. Have a wonderful day.

Welcome to Old Trafford, Cade McGuinness, and enjoy your first game.

Happy 80th birthday, Terry Morris. Have a great day! Lots of love, Jane, Anthony, Kerry, Alex, Brendan, Mark and the great grandchildren.

‘Happy birthday, Ayah (Shamsuri) and Kakak (Siti)! I love you. From Adek (Hisyam)’.

Happy ninth birthday, Jack Jamieson. Have the best time watching your team. Love you! Mummy, Daddy and Nieve.

Happy eighth birthday, George Farley. And to make it even better, he’s here for his first-ever game.

Hello and happy eighth birthday to Max Cairnduff, who is here for his first game, and shout-out also to brother Harry, 11.

To Sean – happy 50th birthday. All the best. Lots of love from Aiden, Ailsa, Vicky, Harry, Jack, Mum and Margaret.

Happy 70th birthday to Kevin Kelly, here today from the Isle of Man. Love from Matthew, Sarah and Nathan.

Happy 14th birthday to Thomas Fieldhouse for 23 October.

Happy birthday for today to both Mark Rogers (40) and son Bobby (six), and many happy returns also to Bobby’s brother, Busby, who will be three on 22 October. With lots of love from mum Claire and all the family in England and Australia.

Happy 18th birthday to Charlotte Clarke (left) and her best friend, Katie Partington (right). Love from all the family.

An incredible birthday celebration for Bassel Ounah and son Ali, 10, who were at Old Trafford for the 7-0 win against Barnsley. Many happy returns!

Happy fourth birthday, Freddy. Love you loads, from Mummy, Daddy and Jack, and all your family, all the way from Australia.

Happy ninth birthday to Alfie Sewards, who is attending his first United match this afternoon with Mum. Have a great day and enjoy the game!

Happy ninth birthday, Freddie Draycott. Enjoy watching today’s game from the Sir Bobby Charlton Suite with Dad. We love you so much and are so proud of you! Love Mum, Dad, Tayla, Callum, Brodie, and Bruno.

Luke Hind is eight years old and here for his first game at Old Trafford. His favourite player is Marcus Rashford.

Oscar Sloman (right) is visiting Old Trafford for the first time and his brother, Archie Sloman (left), is here on his second trip.

A very happy sixth birthday for today to Cillian Brady, who is here from Ireland watching his first-ever game and pictured with little brother Alex.

Happy birthday to Joshua, nine, and Lucas Hilson, seven. Lucas is so excited because it’s his first trip to Old Trafford. Come on you Reds!

for

13th

and

Happy 50th birthday to Stuart Geoghegan, celebrating today with his family, including his children, Hettie and Oscar, nephew Fraser and niece Pip.

Wishing the very happiest of birthdays to Jack Wray – he turns nine on 22 October.

Welcome to Old Trafford

the first time to Steffan! He’s come from Scotland to celebrate his

birthday

his favourite player is Marcus Rashford.

Huge congratulations to lifelong United fans Gerry Keenan and Claire Flood from County Longford Branch MUSC, who recently tied the knot!

Happy seventh birthday to Cofi Robinson for 14 October, and have a fantastic time at Old Trafford for your first time watching the Reds.

Welcome to Ollie and Reuben, who are both looking forward to their first live United game.

A warm welcome to Steve Hargreaves and daughter Emily, who are fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Emily was born with the condition, and with this year being the Trust’s 60th year, Emily is to swim 60 lengths in a single day, while Steve is entering the 15km Ultimate Tough Mudder. If you’d like to support them, you’ll find their page by searching for ‘Emily and Steve Cystic Fibrosis Trust’ at justgiving.com. Good luck!

At Old Trafford today celebrating their birthdays are Jude (11 October) and Ben Clarke (26 October) from County Antrim. They are here with Ben’s mum, Marguerite. Jude’s first home game was a classic 2-2 v Barcelona in 1994, Ben’s was a 4-0 win v Crystal Palace in 2017 and Marguerite’s was a 2-1 win v West Ham in 2014. Their favourite players are Bryan Robson (Jude), Alejandro Garnacho (Ben) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Marguerite).

IN MEMORIAM

Lifelong United fan Steve Goodman (05.05.1956-09.09.2024) was a member and season ticket holder for many years. His beloved granddaughter, Olivia Campbell Hardy, along with 21 other beautiful souls, were cruelly taken on 23 May 2017 at the Manchester Arena. Steve was determined to set up a charity in Olivia’s name, and will be remembered for his endless work in helping to form Liv’s Trust CIO to help people in Greater Manchester aged 25 and under in education in music and dance. We’ll also remember his love of United, and his association with Bury Fire Choir, Manchester Survivors Choir and Radcliffe Youth and Community Centre. He has left a huge hole in our hearts, but we are determined to fill this with his and Olivia’s legacy.

In memory of beautiful Carter, who tragically lost his life aged just two years old on 18 September. Although only little, he was a huge Reds fan, and loved to shout ‘United!’ while watching games. Our thoughts go out to all his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Carter.

Rest in peace, Riley Townsend Forever 12. Loved and missed dearly by his Mum, Dad, brothers, sister and niece.

We’d like to wish a happy birthday to Brodey Gilder for 14 October. We hope you had a great time at United v Spurs last month.

Wishing a very happy birthday to Sarah Hartwell, lots of love from Mum, Rachael and Alan the dog.

Have a great day at the game, Olly Sneds. With love from Mum and Dad.

First time at Old Trafford to celebrate turning seven – have a great time, Roman, and happy birthday!

We’d like to wish Nathan Crowley, from Ireland, a happy ninth birthday, and have the best time at today’s game.

Happy 15th birthday, Tia. Have the best weekend in Manchester and enjoy the Stadium Tour. Lots of love from Mom.

Happy birthday, Kirsty –forever Man United.

A very happy 48th birthday to Stephen Doyle for tomorrow (20 October). He’s a huge United fan and here watching today with wife Susan.

Happy eighth birthday, Chester. Enjoy your first game.

Happy 40th birthday for 24 October to Simon Prue. He’s a lifelong fan who shares his birthday with United legend Wayne Rooney, and is here watching with his son.

Wishing Archie Martin a fantastic 16th birthday. Glory, glory Man United! From Dad, George and his K Stand mates.

Happy birthday, Woody.

WHAT IS STYLE?

#9 rasmus hojlund

#10 Marcus Rashford

FOR THE CLUB

FIRING FROM THE FLANKS

In the midst of an unsettled start to the new season, our wide forwards are all among the goals and increasingly threatening to propel United’s 2024/25 campaign into life…

While the 2024/25 campaign has not yet aligned with United’s pre-season hopes and expectations, one of the promising subplots of the season so far has been the growing threat provided by United’s wide attackers.

In Amad, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, Erik ten Hag has four unique forwards at his disposal, each offering varied skillsets as the Dutchman seeks to fill his flanks with firepower. Combinations of pace, power and trickery abound in different measures across the quartet and, with all four scoring, assisting or both in the opening weeks of the campaign, Ten Hag’s desire for his side to up their collective goalscoring output will lean heavily on the on-song wide men in his ranks.

FINDING FORM

As the senior attacker in United’s roster, Rashford leads the scoring charts this season with four goals to date, already taking him halfway to last term’s overall total with over three-quarters of the campaign to go. Moreover, the England international is firmly back in character after a difficult 2023/24, with a show-stopping display in Porto earlier this month invoking all his finest attributes. Devastatingly direct and incisive, Rashford netted a fine solo opener, assisted Rasmus Hojlund’s second and led home right-back Joao Mario and his cohorts a merry dance throughout their time together on the field.

Watching on, Reds legends-turned-pundits Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were impressed. “That was the best I’ve seen him play for a long time,” stressed United’s all-time top scorer, while defensive kingpin Ferdinand noted the prolonged upward trend in Rashford’s campaign, saying: “He’s in a nice vein of form, building a bit of confidence, building a bit of momentum. That was the Rashford I know. That’s what I like to see.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Ten Hag, who saluted the mental strength of his talismanic forward to start the campaign in such eye-catching form. “In this club, you need some resilience,” said the Dutchman. “And not any football career is the way only up; sometimes it can also go down, and you have to deal with it. And Marcus Rashford is experienced enough that he knows this, so he knows when there are setbacks, how to fight back, how to set his career, how to set his performance, so he can confront all of it. And I think he’s on the way back. He started the season very good, and now he has to continue and progress. When he sets his professionalism, he will perform, because he’s a class player.”

HIGH POTENTIAL

The 26-year-old made way for Garnacho, six years his junior, during the wildly oscillating 3-3 draw in Portugal, providing an altogether different type of threat. The Argentina international, a Copa America winner over

the summer, netted the first goal of the Reds’ 2024/25 campaign with an impressive solo effort against Manchester City in the Community Shield and has continued in that fine fettle, bagging at Southampton before helping himself to a Carabao Cup brace against Barnsley. Alongside Rashford – also scorer of two against the Tykes to go with his measured strike at St Mary’s – Garnacho sits atop the Reds’ scoring charts so far this term, and Ten Hag is determined to see his no.17 maintain the pace of

Marcus Rashford has begun the season with some promising performances

his development. “He has a high potential, 100 per cent,” said the Dutchman. “Last season he contributed and he can be a starting XI player. To make that jump to being a world-class player, he has a long way to go. It starts with very hard work. That has brought him to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world-class player because he has the potential.

“I think every team at the top needs players with the x-factor. Garnacho definitely has it in him to become a player. We already have seen this on occasions, that he shows this x-factor. If you want to be world class, then you have to do it consistently.”

Though he has established himself as a key part of projects for both club and country, Garnacho’s story is still in its infancy – and he recognises that time is on his side as he bids to unveil more and more of his glaring potential.

In addition to his healthy goal return this season, he is also second only to Bruno Fernandes in the Reds’ assists charts, having teed up three goals for team-mates this term. With seven goal involvements in 11 appearances to date, he is already virtually halfway to matching last term’s total of 15 in 50 outings.

“That’s what I like about who I am as a player,” Garnacho says. “I always try to create opportunities, in one way or another. Sometimes you score, sometimes it is bad

BIG STEP FORWARD

Of the Reds’ four senior wide players, Garnacho has spent the most time split between the two flanks, operating more than capably on either the left or right side of attack. While Rashford has tended to excel on the left, both Amad and Antony have specialised on the opposite side. Ivory Coast international Amad has had to bide his time since arriving from Atalanta, with his first three years as a Red punctuated by loans and injury, but is enjoying a breakthrough campaign so far in 24/25 after growing in prominence during the latter half of last season.

Memorable goals against Liverpool and Newcastle, allied to sustained fitness, have catapulted the 22-year-old into the wider consciousness, and Ten Hag has been highly satisfied with his no.16’s ongoing development, saying: “He’s doing very well. I think, from January on, he has made big progress. And now, for every game, he’s a consideration. I hope he keeps going in this process – he has some attributes that can really help a team.”

Garnacho has the potential to be world-class, according to his manager

Rashford and Garnacho each scored twice against Barnsley

Amad

In addition to his first goal of the season at Brighton and an assist for Rashford at Southampton, Amad’s broader patterns of play prompted the club’s official Player of the Month award for August, providing further motivation for the months and years ahead. “I’m in a good moment, I’m confident,” he said. “I want to step up and continue like this. It’s an amazing feeling. The people expect more from me and I want to do more for the people.”

PART TO PLAY

So far this season, Rashford and Garnacho have appeared in all 11 senior games, while Amad has made it on to the field in 10. Playing time has been scarcer for Antony, with just four appearances to his name, but he’s continued to comport himself in the right manner, making detailed notes

after each game and training session to enhance his chances of forcing further involvement.

“I take notes about thoughts I have had in order to have a great training session and be ready for when the opportunity arises,” reveals the Brazilian. “It is crucial to know the importance of the whole team. It is not just those starting, but those on the bench as well.

“It starts with very hard work. That has brought him [Garnacho] to where he is now and that will bring him to being a world-class player because he has the potential”

“It is important to analyse the games ready to enter the field of play, help and score a goal. I feel very ready. I am training hard, not just physically, but mentally as well and I’m ready for the opportunity. We know we have lots of games so we need all of the players to be ready. When I am on the bench, I am not simply just watching the game, but analysing it, looking at the opponents’ spaces and how we can score. It is important for those on the bench to be connected to the game ready for the opportunity and to know what to do.”

Amad

In his only start of the season, Antony won and converted a penalty against Barnsley to open his goalscoring account for 2024/25 – a marked improvement on last term, when he took 23 games to get off the mark in a difficult campaign. His attitude and application has kept him firmly in the mix so far in 2024/25, with Ten Hag openly impressed by the 24-year-old’s determination to feature. “He is fighting for his position and that is what we

has had plenty of game time this season and is a big part of Erik ten Hag’s plans

knows people expect a lot from him now

“He [Antony] is impatient and he is fighting to play. The other players are doing so well. We have Amad, Garna, Rashford, very effective. He has to get over them”

expect from every player who is in the squad,” said the manager. “That is top football. You pick the team you think you have the most chance to win a game [with]. So, the players have to fight for their positions. You pick the XI that have the best dynamic, the best chemistry and we are happy with that. Now he has to bounce back, and he has the abilities to do it. If he’s doing the right thing, he can make competition with them. He is impatient and he is fighting to play. I think the other players are doing so well. They’re contributing, so we have Amad, Garna,

Rashford, very effective. He has to get over them.” Following the Reds’ goalless draw at Villa Park before the recent international break, the United manager acknowledged the need for his side to score more goals to hasten a slow start to the campaign: “We know we need to do better, especially we need to score more. We have to be more clinical, more ruthless, more killing.” With all four of his wide attackers either on-song or fighting to push themselves and each other forward, the improvement Ten Hag so desires may well be waiting in the wings. ●

Antony is working hard mentally and physically to be ready when he is called upon

CAPITAL CONNECTIONS

United have been represented by surprisingly few Londoners in our history, but here’s a pictorial reminder of some of our most notable ‘Cockney Reds’...

It was twinkle-toed wide man Gordon Hill who was nicknamed ‘King of all Cockneys’ by Reds fans in the 1970s, but there have been several other candidates who could also lay claim to that particular moniker... at least in the eyes of United supporters!

One of our first truly prominent Londoners was Reg Allen, who moved to United from Queens Park Rangers in 1950 for a world-record fee for a goalkeeper of £11,000. Marylebone-born Allen replaced Jack Crompton in the Reds’ goal and made 80 appearances for Matt Busby’s side, including being part of our 1951/52 First Division title-winning squad. Sadly, his stay at the club didn’t extend much beyond that title after he was struck down by pneumonia in October 1952 and then dropped down the divisions to sign for Altrincham in June 1953.

Busby returned to the capital for another keeper in August 1966 – signing Alex Stepney from Chelsea for £55,000. Born in Mitcham,

in the London Borough of Merton, Stepney remains the Londoner with most appearances for the Reds, accumulating 539 by the time he left Old Trafford in February 1979.

There’s no doubting who our most famous Londoner is, though. David Beckham would have become a Tottenham legend had his grandad got his way, but his dad was having none of that. Born in Leytonstone to a United-mad father, Ted – and with a middle name of Robert after Sir Bobby Charlton – there was only ever going to be one destination for the youngster who idolised Bryan Robson. And he’d follow in his hero’s footsteps to M16, captaining his country and winning bags of trophies in a decade as a Red. He remains one of the most famous players ever to represent this club, with a global fame perhaps only matched by a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dave Sexton remains our only London-born manager, taking charge from 1977-1981. But

there have been lots of Londoners in our ranks in recent years, including Chris Smalling, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jadon Sancho. Of the current squad, Luke Shaw is our sole capital connection – being born in Kingston upon Thames – keeping alive a short but impressive list of London Reds.

Alex Stepney swings on the Wembley crossbar in May 1968 (above); Terry Gibson celebrates scoring v Arsenal in January 1987

Here’s Londoner Luke Shaw on his debut against, fittingly, West Ham United in 2014

Oh Teddy, Teddy... he’s just notched our equaliser against Bayern Munich in the Nou Camp in May 1999, as the Reds close in on the Treble

Rio Ferdinand celebrates one of our club’s greatest nights – winning the Champions League in Moscow, May 2008

Signed from Chelsea in 1979, Ray Wilkins (from Hillingdon) made 194 appearances for the Reds and scored 10 goals

Ireland international Paul McGrath taking on Arsenal in 1985 – Paul was actually born in Greenford, Ealing

Ilford lads Nigel Benn and Paul Ince swap their boxing and football roles in 1990

London lads (l-r): Gordon Hill, Stepney and Dave Sexton at training in August 1977

Greenwich-born Chris Smalling was Reds captain in the 2017 League Cup final against Southampton, in the seventh of his nine seasons at United

Reg Allen was a title winner with the Reds in 1952

Gordon Hill was an FA Cup winner with the Reds in 1977, having been born in Sunbury-on-Thames (which is officially part of Surrey, we know, but it’s close enough!)

Beckham became a United great, following in the footsteps of his Reds heroes – much like he is here, in training with Eric Cantona in 1995

Here are Londoners Ince and Danny Wallace (pictured with Steve Bruce and Neil Webb) after our 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace in the 1990 FA Cup final – they would go on to win the replay 1-0

Les Sealey, who was born in Bethnal Green, celebrates winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup in May 1991

Please donate clean children’s and adults’ winter coats at the Chelsea match for families in need. Donate at bag drop locations around Old Trafford.

SALUTING SIR BOBBY

A year on from the passing of a true club legend, we look at some of the many items of tribute left outside Old Trafford by the entire football family...

On Monday it will be exactly 12 months since the passing of club icon Sir Bobby Charlton, at the age 86, in what was a truly sad moment for all whom love the club. Yet amid the grieving was also a wonderful show of affection for a true gentleman, a wonderfully gifted footballer and an incredible ambassador of the biggest sport in the world.

Upon news of his passing being made public, fans immediately began descending on Old Trafford to leave tributes in front of the United Trinity statue – one fan placing a United scarf around the bronze neck of Sir Bobby. All manner of items were left in tribute: shirts, scarves, cards, toys, notes, photos, flowers and more. Soon a sea of tributes spread across the forecourt in front of East Stand, an array of colour that continued to grow in the days that followed.

As it did so, many of the club’s biggest legends expressed their sadness but also their admiration for the man who played 758 games for the Reds, scoring 249 goals. Former team-mate Denis Law commented: “Sir Bobby was an unbelievable player and a gentleman.

Manchester United meant everything to him. We had many special and successful years together and he was a joy to play with.” Gary Neville described him as “the golden thread through from Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson”, with David Beckham adding: “He was a hero to many around the world, not just in Manchester and our country.”

One look at the variety of tributes laid outside the stadium underlined Beckham’s words, showing how this gentleman of football was loved not only by United fans but also respected by supporters of all clubs, including those of our fiercest rivals. Indeed, the tributes

It was not only United scarves that were left in tribute, but club scarves from home and abroad, such was the global impact of Charlton’s football genius

The United Trinity statue is decorated in scarves as the football world mourns the loss of a Reds legend

left by fans of Manchester City and Liverpool were among the most touching.

A new small permanent display in the Manchester United Museum will include some of the items left in tribute to Charlton. “We wanted to celebrate and acknowledge his contribution to the world of football rather than just his impact at United,” explains assistant museum curator Olivia Lyon-Marsh. “So, we’re including a selection of items, including a mix of both United and opposition scarves.”

The display is open from Monday, and some of those items left in tribute can be seen here on these pages. They reflect the affection shown for a true club legend who may be gone but will never be forgotten.

A commemorative scarf adorns the United shirt with Sir Bobby woven into the fabric of this very club

A knitted tribute to Sir Bobby joined those left by other mourners, including a Liverpool shirt emblazoned with respectful words on behalf of their fans

A Raith Rovers scarf shows the affection felt for Sir Bobby north of the border, while a message of condolence is penned on an England flag (below) as a poignant reminder of the World Cup winner’s service to his country

Gives dehydration the red card

ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES TO KEEP YOU AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME

Available at all Old Trafford kiosks and Megastore ELECTROLYTES LOW CALORIEESSENTIAL VITAMINSSUGAR & FAT FREE

FOCUS ACADEMY

HITTING THE STANDARDS

The latest film in MUTV’s popular Lifeblood series delves into the coaching philosophy at our famous Academy. Here, U21s assistant coach Dave Hughes discusses his career, and the values which define it...

What was your first route into coaching?

I had a short career, retired with injury, and was always aware of the impact my youthteam coach had on me, as an individual, not just in a football sense. He was an inspirational character. And that always carried a great deal of weight for me, really. And so, when I retired, I loved football and I’d always wanted to be a coach. I did bits and pieces, then started my coaching badges and eventually secured a job. I now find myself at Manchester United, which is the pinnacle of youth development really. The history attached to it here is unrivalled.

What was the reason that particular youth-team coach inspired you?

You always felt he wanted the best for us. He was a really good teacher who had really, really high standards. He let you know if you didn’t hit those standards. He taught us about the game, but also about the importance of being a good person and a good role model for others.

Are those the values that you try to instil yourself these days?

It looks a bit different today but I think those values will carry young people a long way. They’re not just standards of successful

footballers. You could say the importance of discipline is one of the key factors of success in any walk of life. That’s life, you know? Humility and honesty, too. Those come before what football may stand for. And I think they’ve always been something which have been really, really important for me. And I would hope that the young people I’ve been fortunate enough to work with would see that’s been evident in the way we’ve tried to teach them.

While filming the Lifeblood documentary we noticed you were often speaking individually to the players. What’s the importance of those individual interactions, and are you thinking about the language you use? Simplicity is key. It has to be relevant and understandable. Development takes time and so the conversations I have with the players can be thoughts that are evident [to me] in some of the team meetings, but that forum might not be the right time to air them. So it’s about reflecting on it and thinking about when’s the best time to give that thought.

And in team briefings, it looks like the emphasis is placed on the players themselves to be the problem solvers...

Hughes believes United represent the pinnacle of youth development

“You get some individuals who are really good readers of the game, who spot danger before it happens. Then you’ll see really inventive, creative, innovative attacking players who thrive on instinct”

Yes. It’s their career. Individuals need to have the skillset to identify what that problem is and then have an understanding of what the solution looks like. It’s easy to say, but they’ve got to do that in a split-second.

Talk us through what those decisions are in a game…

I think if we looked at it in its simplest form, you’re looking at your opponent, the ball, space, time, team-mates and areas of the pitch. But what that doesn’t include is the added pressure that comes from playing in front of 75,000 people. I’m not sure how easy that is to quantify. It’s really, really difficult. And you’ve then got all of the other distractions that come alongside it.

So if it’s a pass that’s coming in, there are really instinctive things around – look at the bits we’ve just highlighted there – but then you also have to think about the speed and angle of the pass and what foot it’s coming in to. Is my first touch out and forward or do I need to take it away from pressure? Which foot do I need? Do I need to manipulate my body? Can I make the angle bigger or smaller? Is it a one-touch combination? Do I need to slow it down to draw someone in to play around them? It’s huge, really. And you get some individuals who are really good readers of the game, who see danger, spot danger before it happens. And then you’ll see really inventive, creative, innovative attacking players who sometimes can thrive on instinct.

We had a really interesting conversation recently. We asked [17-year-old midfielder] Jack Fletcher, “When you’re taking somebody on, what is it you’re looking for?” And it was powerful. He said, “Well, if he crosses his right foot over to tackle me, I’m going to take it away with my left. If he crosses his left foot over, I’m going down the outside. If he gets too tight and dangles a foot, I’ll probably try to nick it and travel.” So there’s all of these points, and we’ve not even considered the stage of the game.

What things impact those decisions?

If you’re 85 minutes in, are you 1-0 up or 1-0 down? What does it look like playing away from home, especially in Europe? All these factors

Judging the right time to speak to players is key to getting your message across well, according to Dave

Below: some shots from the latest film in the insightful Lifeblood series – check it out on MUTV

influence decision-making. Our job, essentially, is to appreciate that it’s really difficult and to then identify what is right and to reinforce that. And to identify what’s not right and work out how to address it and how to almost recreate that scenario at times again – whether in training or a game – so that the next time it happens, they make the right decision.

It’s really complex. Sometimes we’ll work in tighter areas so the guys have to make those decisions really quickly, quicker than the game might need them to be made. You’re condensing it into a tighter area so that when it comes into a match that’s a little bit bigger, they might just have that little split-second more time.

So our practices are relevant and close to the game and you’re trying to get to a point where individuals are making decisions for themselves, then understanding and reflecting in the moment about whether that was the right one or the wrong one.

The game is the test. So you practise and you go through the week with the game on the weekend and that’s the opportunity for the guys to test themselves against talented individuals in the opposition.

What are the principles of what you want from a training session?

There are multiple outcomes to any training session. It needs to be serious, but there needs to be high levels of enjoyment. And there needs to be a stretch and a challenge, but there needs to be some support around solving that problem. If the lads don’t solve it themselves really quickly, how do we guide them down that path as opposed to telling

“The game’s evolving. We have to make sure we’re equipping them with skills to survive and thrive in the game in 10-15 years, not just now”

them what that looks like? So there are always possession-based elements. There are always elements on quickening-up attacks. I think when you look at the club’s history and the culture, fast, attacking players is part of what this club stands for. And so developing talented individuals who can see that and execute it is really important.

And then I suppose, in simple terms, there’s giving them what they want and giving them what they need. I think if you spoke to the guys, they’d want small-sided games and a bit of finishing all the time. But what they need is to have an understanding of different sections and areas of the game. The game’s changing and evolving. We have to make sure we’re equipping them with skills to survive and thrive in the game in 10-15 years, not just now. ●

ACADEMY BRIEFING

strong start for U18s

Our U18s were scheduled to be in action today (19 Oct) away to Sunderland in the U18 Premier League. Check ManUtd.com or the United app for a report and reaction. Going into the fixture, Adam Lawrence’s side had won all of their opening five league games –against Manchester City (2-0), Liverpool (2-0), Newcastle (5-1), Middlesbrough (4-0) and Blackburn Rovers (9-0). Gabriele Biancheri leads the scoring with eight goals so far.

Under-21s

United have three wins and three defeats from our opening Premier League 2 fixtures, but it’s been the cup competitions making headlines thus far. Another EFL Trophy campaign began with a dramatic three-goal second-half comeback at Barnsley. Ethan Ennis began the turnaround before an inspirational double from substitute Jack Fletcher, the first a fantastic half-volley. More such heroics were needed at Doncaster as Louis Jackson bundled home after 96 minutes to draw an entertaining game and take it to penalties, where United won 5-3 to gain a bonus point. Travis Binnion’s team now play Huddersfield Town on 12 November.

National League Cup

The newest entry to United’s Academy schedule is the National League Cup, pitting PL2 sides against those from England’s fifth tier. All fixtures are played at National League stadiums, with those clubs keeping all the gate receipts. United beat Forest Green Rovers 3-2 in another highly engaging game, with four goals traded evenly by half-time before Victor Musa’s second-half winner. United still have Altrincham, Rochdale and Oldham Athletic to play in the group stages.

European ties APPROACHING

Our Under-19s will play FK Zalgiris in a two-legged UEFA Youth League second-round tie. Adam Lawrence’s side first travel to Vilnius to face the Lithuanian youth champions on Wednesday 23 October (5pm, UK time). Leigh Sports Village will host the decisive second leg a fortnight later on Wednesday 6 November (7pm). The Under-21s, meanwhile, begin their Premier League International Cup campaign against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday 30 October at Leigh. Check ManUtd.com or the United app for ticket and TV information.

United’s Under-18s picked up plenty of silverware last season, with the story of their success covered in the fourth instalment of the Lifeblood series

Discover more

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UNITED WOMEN ROUND-UP

BUILDING UP MOMENTUM

Goals, wins and clean sheets in the WSL and League Cup have made for a perfect start to the new campaign for Marc Skinner’s Reds…

LEAGUE TRIUMPHS

Having kicked off the new Barclays Women’s Super League season with a 3-0 victory over West Ham here at Old Trafford last month, Marc Skinner’s Reds made it back-to-back wins by beating Everton away from home eight days later. England international midfielder Grace Clinton, among the scorers at Old Trafford, netted the only goal of the 1-0 win after just four minutes. The Reds had the following weekend off, after a scheduled trip to champions Chelsea

was postponed due to fixture congestion on the Blues’ schedule, before a first league game of the season at Leigh Sports Village ended with another 3-0 win, this time against Tottenham. Summer signing Elisabeth Terland powered home a fine brace just before half-time, before captain Maya Le Tissier scored from the penalty spot to round off the win and a fourth clean sheet in four games in all competitions to begin 2024/25. The Reds’ WSL campaign continues today, with a final outing before the October internationals, away to Brighton (12.30pm).

KICKING OFF THE CUP

Skinner’s team also hold a 100 per cent record in the League Cup, after defeating Liverpool 2-0 in the first of three Group A fixtures. Skinner made eight changes to his XI from the win at Everton three days prior, but a fast start was in order again, with French forward Melvine Malard putting the Reds ahead inside 10 minutes at Leigh Sports Village. Summer signings Simi Awujo and Celin Bizet made their full United debuts, while experienced striker Rachel Williams completed the scoring after half-time. The win sees United top the group, ahead of ties away to Everton (22 Nov) and at home to Newcastle (11 Dec).

SEPTEMBER AWARDS

Following standout showings in two September matches, Clinton was named as our women’s team’s maiden Player of the Month for 2024/25.

PLAYER PROFILE : GRACE CLINTON

Our Player of the Month for September has enjoyed a brilliant start to her first term in the United side. Grace made the move to Manchester from Everton in the summer of 2022, and has since thrived during formative loan spells – with Bristol City in the Championship and Tottenham in the WSL – over the last two seasons. Form during the latter, in a PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year-winning campaign while at Spurs, also ensured the midfielder was a senior England international by the time she returned to the Reds and made her debut against West Ham last month.

Clinton celebrates her match-winner away to Everton, which came just four minutes into the WSL contest

Powerful forward Terland made a real impact in the victory against Tottenham

The midfielder’s goals against West Ham and Everton would have likely been key factors in the thinking of supporters who voted for the no.8 in the official poll on ManUtd.com and in the United app. Grace came out on top ahead of fellow nominees Leah Galton and Lisa Naalsund, who have also made strong starts to 2024/25. Galton, a winger who started both of last month’s matches at left-back, was the winner of our fan-voted Goal of the Month prize, for her powerful right-footed strike against West Ham.

BROADCAST SELECTIONS

Since our last United Review round-up, two of the Reds’ upcoming home fixtures at Leigh Sports Village have been selected for live television coverage here in the UK. The clash with Arsenal on Sunday 3 November – our first game after the national-team break – will now get under way at 12.30pm and be shown on BBC Two. Seven days later, Aston Villa’s visit is

a 6.45pm kick-off that will be screened nationally by Sky Sports. Tickets for both matches are available at tickets.manutd.com, where official members are eligible for discount at checkout.

NEWELL SIGNS CONTRACT

Teenage defender Lucy Newell proudly put pen to paper on her first professional contract with the club earlier this month. The future looks bright for the talented 18-year-old, whose solid displays for the Under-21s earned her our Women’s Academy Players’ Player of the Year award in 2023/24. Lucy, who has captained England’s Under-19s, was dual-registered with United throughout last season while competing at senior level for West Brom, a club where she progressed through the youth ranks. Newell was included in our matchday squad for the recent win over Liverpool and has been given the no.55 shirt for this campaign.

2Leicester H (WSL) 12pm

Phallon Tullis-Joyce has yet to be beaten in four appearances this term

Newell’s excellent progress has been rewarded with a first professional contract

Story behind the shots

Making the most of the international break, club photographer Ash Donelon (above) headed to the vacant home dressing room...

360-DEGREE VISION

Image taken:

On Tuesday 15 October, in Old Trafford’s home dressing room.

Ash says:

“International breaks are an interesting time for a club photographer, as they provide an opportunity to capture images that I can’t get on a matchday. For example, in the home dressing room before a match there are two large physiotherapy tables in the middle of the room that prevent me from getting a clean shot of the entire space, but when all the furniture is removed it opens up creative possibilities.

“I last took a 360-degree photo of the United dressing room back in 2018, but it’s been extensively renovated since then – so it was an idea I wanted to revisit. Previously the away team dressing room was right next door, but this has been relocated to the opposite side of the tunnel making the home area much larger than before.

“There are more lighting colour schemes to choose from now, and I used the red option for this shot as it complements the famous shirts hung up around the edges of the frame. To capture this image, I placed a 360 camera on a tripod in the centre of the room, then went outside and triggered the shutter remotely to ensure I wasn’t in the shot. I really like the end result, and hopefully fans will, too.”

Our mascot tackles the big questions from the Reds’ amazing history, one subject at a time...

Manchester United’s early history is a tale of ups and downs. Two league titles, one FA Cup and a move to the state-of-the-art Old Trafford helped us become known as one of England’s biggest football clubs by 1911. But the departure of the team’s great captain, Charlie Roberts, and manager, Ernest Mangnall, meant the first golden era had ended. The First World War began in 1914 and so too did a difficult era for United. Some would call these the ‘yo-yo years’.

But even in these unsuccessful times without trophies, Old Trafford witnessed some great players and matches. As the country’s best stadium, it was chosen to host the 1915 FA Cup final between Sheffield United and Chelsea, known as the ‘Khaki final’ because most of those in attendance wore their army uniforms. This was a major boost to United’s finances, which otherwise were in a bad state with competitive football soon paused due to the war. United were in debt by the war’s end, so

DID YOU KNOW?

FRED ASKS... WHAT HAPPENED

TO UNITED DURING THE YO-YO YEARS?

Signed after the First World War, winger Joe Spence was an integral figure during the Reds’ topsy-turvy years, going on to make 510 United appearances, the 11th most of any player in our club history

new manager Jack Robson was tasked with finding talented young players for cheap. He did well. Goalkeeper Jack Mew and defenders Jack Silcock and Charlie Moore were reliable at the back but our main star was a cheeky, energetic and thrilling winger called Joe Spence. “Give it to Joe!” the fans at Old Trafford would shout. He was the leading man, scoring nearly a goal every other game in those first post-war years.

However, manager Robson stepped down in October 1921 because he was ill. He died three

months later and United, still in shock, were relegated that season.

Down in Division Two, things were so bad that some people thought Old Trafford was cursed! But it wasn’t. United just needed to find some rhythm again. Replacing Robson was John Chapman, the first in a famous line of Scottish United managers. He signed a fearsome midfielder named Frank Barson, whose nose

John Henry Davies has a good claim to being the man who made Manchester United. He came across the club when it was still called Newton Heath. After finding the captain’s lost St Bernard dog, Davies learned of the team’s financial struggles and, as a rich businessman, he stepped in to save them. Over the next 25 years, he renamed us ‘United’, changed the colours to red and white and moved us into our iconic Old Trafford stadium. So, it was no surprise his death in 1927 started a few years of struggle for the club.

Soldiers at Old Trafford’s ‘Khaki final’ in 1915

pointed in several directions. Like Roy Keane, Barson loved a tackle, but could also pass well. He was also the captain of the team.

The United directors were desperate to get the team back up to Division One. In fact, club president John Henry Davies promised Barson ownership of a pub if he could get the team up. United were promoted that season, in 1925.

But Frank wasn’t a man who enjoyed the attention. After a few minutes in his new pub, receiving pats on the back, he decided the pub wasn’t for him. “I’m handing the place over to you!” he told his head waiter. And then he instructed the removal van to turn around and go back to his old house. That was Frank.

With the first yo-yo complete, United looked on the up. Barson’s team finished ninth – an impressive position for a newly promoted team – and even reached the FA Cup semi-final. Maybe the Reds were back.

But talk of a curse returned when manager Chapman was suspended by the FA in October 1926. And United soon slipped down again, involved in relegation fights year-on-year.

And 12 months on from Chapman’s suspension, the final nail in the coffin came.

Long-serving club president John Henry Davies, whose ambition and money had inspired United’s rise to the top of English football, died aged 63. Without him, the financial situation quickly worsened. United’s staff had to be amazingly creative. On one occasion, chief scout Louis Rocca signed a player for two freezers of ice cream! But it wasn’t enough, and even Joe Spence’s many goals couldn’t help.

He was a loyal servant to United, eventually finishing with 167 goals in 510 appearances. United yo-yoed back down into Division Two in 1931 with only seven wins from 42 games. And now United had nearly run out of money. Some fans tried to boycott a match and a new team was created nearby called Manchester Central who could have even replaced United in the Football League. But the players and staff fought on in true United spirit and, right when the club was on the brink, a new saviour arrived: James W Gibson. Soon, a new golden era at United would begin...

TODAY’S MASCOT

Seven-year-old Freddie loves the Reds – especially Kobbie, Rasmus and Alejandro! – and this afternoon he’ll get to walk out alongside some of his United heroes. Enjoy it!

United’s team of the early 1920s spent three seasons fighting to get back into the English top flight after relegation to Division Two in 1921/22, eventually doing so in 1924/25 with the help of burly midfielder Frank Barson (below)

THE (NICK) NAME GAME!

The Bees are at Old Trafford today – but will you get stung in our nickname match-up quiz? Give it a go by trying to match the five pictures below to the correct club crests. Good luck!

FRED’S PUZZLES

Our mascot has some teasers to entertain all you young Reds...

STARS IN STRIPES

Can you match these players to the clubs they have previously played for? Just like today’s opponents they wear red-and-white stripes...

ANSWERS

Amad – Sunderland; Christian Eriksen – Brentford; Harry Maguire – Sheffield United; Luke Shaw – Southampton.

Ipswich Town – The Tractor Boys, Juventus – The Old Lady,

Luton Town – The Hatters, Porto – The Dragons, Villarreal – The Yellow Submarine

AMAD CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN HARRY MAGUIRE LUKE SHAW

ENGAGE ● INSPIRE ● UNITE

CHAMPIONING CULTURE

Reds trio inspire Foundation participants with reflections on Black history

Amad, Andre Onana and Casemiro provided an unforgettable and inspiring surprise for pupils from four of Manchester United Foundation’s partner schools.

The United trio joined in with the young people in a series of educational workshops at Old Trafford, centred around Black History Month.

Participants got to work on various activities, which included celebrating champions of Black history and shining a light on impactful figures from yesteryear, both in wider society and those who have represented United. There was even greater inspiration for the youngsters when they came face-to-face with the first-team stars, as they made a surprise appearance.

“It felt amazing meeting the players, they gave me some good advice, in life and football,” said Kingsway Park High School pupil, Carlos. “They told me you have to have the right mentality to go far in life. It was like it was a dream... I’m going to remember it for the rest of my life.”

“It was fun to speak to everyone and it gives me a new outlook, I’ve learned so much,” added Dean Trust Ardwick student, Sharmeen. “It

helps me connect more to my friends and Black history.” High School Partnerships Co-ordinator Ryan Kessebeh further explained the impact that the players’ input had made on the young people: “It was good to get the players’ perspectives on Black history and to share their experiences of their culture, and also having our participants share what Black history means to them.

“It’s really important to be getting words of wisdom from your role models, it’s that extra one per cent that some of our participants may need to go and achieve greatness themselves.”

It proved to be a mutually beneficial experience for all involved, players included, as Andre Onana reflected: “I had a great time with them, we spoke about the people who inspired me, and we had some nice conversations.

“For them, I’m maybe someone who gives them hope and belief. It’s good to discuss and know that everything in life is temporary, so we have to look after each other and grow.”

This weekend’s game forms part of the Premier League’s No Room For Racism campaign, celebrating diversity in football.

Lord Herman Ouseley (1945-2024)

Everyone at Manchester United was saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Herman Ouseley earlier this month. Lord Ouseley was a tireless campaigner for racial equality in football, founder and chair of Kick It Out, and served as a Manchester United Foundation trustee. Through his incredible efforts to champion disadvantaged communities and tackle discrimination, he left an indelible mark on the landscape of the game and leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Everybody associated with the club sends their heartfelt condolences to Lord Ouseley’s family and friends.

Reds’ first-team stars Amad, Onana and Casemiro (right) delight Foundation partner school pupils by making a surprise guest appearance at the Black history workshop at Old Trafford

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

We were delighted when news reached us that the group of intrepid climbers attempting to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Foundation had reached the summit.

The climbers, including club legend Bryan Robson, Foundation CEO John Shiels and United We Stand editor Andy Mitten, embarked on a seven-day trek, with most of the group reaching the summit at 7.55am last Monday morning.

“The final leg of our journey, reaching the top of the mountain, was the hardest day of my life,” John said. “It’s taken a Herculean effort by 24 very special people to make this trek a great success, and we are confident that we are going to raise a lot of money to support the most vulnerable young people in our communities.”

What an incredible effort by all!

LASTING TRIBUTE TO A REDS LEGEND

Monday will mark the one-year anniversary since the passing of the great Sir Bobby Charlton. Sir Bobby’s impact on Manchester United needs no explaining, but his magic also spread to the community work of the Foundation, with the legendary Red a regular visitor to schools and projects.

That support was recently honoured by the launch of Sir Bobby’s Street Reds, in partnership with Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, in Moss Side.

The event saw over 60 young people from different backgrounds come together to take part in a football tournament. The children were later presented with trophies and gifted footballs, as a touching tribute to Sir Bobby’s belief that ‘the greatest gift a child could receive is a ball.’

Attending the event as a special guest was Charlton’s former team-mate, goalkeeper Alex Stepney. “This is an endorsement of what Sir Bobby did for his entire career,” he said. “When I joined Manchester United with the great Sir Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy, you became part of a family, there

was so much respect there, and that is what these kids are learning about, through Manchester United Foundation and Street Reds. It would mean so much to Sir Bobby.”

Instagram: @manchesterunitedfoundation

facebook.com/ manchesterunitedfoundation

Twitter/X: @MU_foundation

TikTok: @manutdfoundation

YouTube.com /manutdfoundation

The group of Foundation fundraisers put in a peak performance to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

SCAN HERE TO DONATE!

The community work of the United legend was fittingly honoured with the launch of Sir Bobby’s Street Reds (above) as another lasting legacy

20

STATS AT THE BACK LONDON CALLING

With Brentford being the third of seven London sides due at Old Trafford in the league this term, we take a look at how clubs from the capital have fared in M16

10

Today will be Brentford’s 10th visit to Old Trafford, placing them 51st on the list of most frequent opponents to our famous home.

14

This many London clubs have visited M16 to take on the Reds: Arsenal, Barnet, Brentford, Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leyton Orient, Millwall, QPR, Tottenham Hotspur, Walthamstow Avenue, West Ham United and Wimbledon.

1,022

The number of goals London clubs have conceded to the Reds across their 530 visits here. Let’s hope we can add to that total today...

28

How many times Arsene Wenger took up position in Old Trafford’s opposition dugout as Arsenal manager – the Frenchman making more visits to take on United than any other boss.

185

Spurs have visited here most often and so it perhaps stands to reason that they should be the London club to have conceded most goals to us at Old Trafford.

21.04 %

The percentage of United’s Old Trafford fixtures that have been played against London clubs prior to today’s game – that’s 530 out of 2,519 matches in all competitions.

100

We’ve faced Tottenham at Old Trafford more than any other club, bringing up the century in our most recent home game. Next on our list of most frequent visitors to M16 are Arsenal (96 matches).

1910

The year Old Trafford first hosted a London club, welcoming Arsenal here on Boxing Day for our 17th overall competitive game at this stadium. A crowd of around 40,000 watched Ernest Mangnall’s champions elect win 5-0.

76,013

The highest attendance here for a visiting London club was recorded when West Ham arrived for a Premier League game on 3 May 2008 (a 4-1 Reds win).

Helping our young people tell their stories.

FOLLOW ALONG

THE PREMIER LEAGUE

From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to the City Ground, here’s the lie of

After a two-week hiatus, the top-flight action resumed with a tasty derby at 12.30pm today, as Tottenham hosted West Ham. The Irons stunned Spurs by winning this fixture last season, and a repeat would lift them above Ange Postecoglou’s side. Also at 3pm, it’s Fulham v Aston Villa, Ipswich v Everton, Newcastle v Brighton, and Southampton v Leicester. Russell Martin’s Saints (left) have found life tough since their promotion, and a win would be their first of the season in the league. At 5.30pm, Arsenal will be out to secure top spot – at least temporarily – when they travel to Bournemouth (left). Should Mikel Arteta’s men claim the win, Manchester City will be seeking to bridge that gap at the top when they travel to struggling Wolves tomorrow (2pm), as will Liverpool when Chelsea arrive at Anfield at 4.30pm. That just leaves Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace on Monday (8pm) to round off the matchweek eight action.

1Liverpool76011321118

2ManchesterCity7520178917

3Arsenal7520156917

4Chelsea7421168814

5AstonVilla7421129314

6Brighton&HoveAlbion73311310312

7NewcastleUnited733187112

Read

Arsenal-18/0103/0512/041-115/0326/0414/1201/0427/124-227/1001/02 04/12 18/0523/113-115/0122/022-0

AstonVilla0-2-26/1004/1229/1222/0223/113-203/0515/0204/0115/0321/12 0-0 19/0405/0407/1218/0526/013-1

Bournemouth20/1010/05-15/0323/110-126/1204/0112/0401/0425/0501/0202/11 26/04 1-125/013-105/1215/1222/02

Brentford01/0108/0309/11-19/0405/042-125/0218/0526/1030/1118/0114/01 03/05 07/1221/123-101/021-15-3

Brighton04/0101/0425/0227/12-15/0216/1225/0108/030-012/0418/0509/11 2-1 03/052-229/113-226/0426/10

Chelsea10/1101/1214/0114/124-2-1-126/0426/1212/0408/0303/050-2 18/05 27/101-126/0202/0401/0220/01

CrystalPalace21/1225/0219/0426/0105/0404/01-15/0209/1108/032-20-107/12 0-0 30/1103/0529/1227/100-218/05

Everton05/0415/012-323/110-321/122-1-26/1003/0501/0207/1219/04 22/02 0-029/1218/0519/0115/0304/12

Fulham08/1219/1029/1204/1105/1219/0422/0210/05-05/012-105/0425/05 26/01 3-115/0222/1215/031-123/11

IpswichTown19/042-207/1210/0516/0129/1203/1219/101-1-02/110-219/01 24/11 21/1215/0301/0222/0225/0505/04

LeicesterCity15/021-21-022/0207/1223/1115/011-118/0118/05-19/0429/12 15/03 05/0425/1003/051-103/1221/12 Liverpool10/0509/113-02-002/1119/1025/0502/0414/1225/0126/12-01/12 05/01 26/020-108/0326/0412/0415/02

ManchesterCity2-226/0418/052-115/0325/0112/0426/123-24-102/0422/02- 15/12 15/0204/1226/1023/1104/0103/05

UNITED 08/0325/0521/1219/1018/0103/1101/0201/121-026/0210/110-305/04 - 30/1207/1216/010-310/0519/04

NewcastleUnited02/1126/1218/0102/0419/1010/0515/0325/0501/0226/0414/1204/121-1 12/04 -22/021-02-125/1115/01

NottinghamForest25/0214/121-126/0401/0225/0521/1012/040-130/1110/0514/0108/03 01/04 10/11-18/0126/1202/111-1

Southampton25/0512/0415/0204/0122/0204/1202/0402/1126/041-125/0124/1110/05

TottenhamHotspur0-103/1108/033-125/0508/1210/054-001/1210/1125/0122/1225/02

WestHamUnited30/111-205/0415/0221/120-318/0109/1114/014-125/0229/121-3

WolverhamptonWanderers25/0101/0230/1125/0510/052-602/1108/0325/0214/1226/041-220/10

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

AMAD4(2)1000(1)020107(3)1

ANTONY0(2)000110(1)0001(3)1

AltayBAYINDIR000010000010

CASEMIRO3(3)0001010106(3)0

TobyCOLLYER0(1)00010000(1)01(2)0

DiogoDALOT7000102010110

MatthijsDELIGT4(3)1000(1)010005(4)1

ChristianERIKSEN3(2)0001221006(2)3

JonnyEVANS1(2)000100(1)0103(3)0

BrunoFERNANDES70000(1)0201010(1)0

AlejandroGARNACHO4(3)100120(2)00(1)15(6)4

RasmusHOJLUND1(2)000001(1)1002(3)1

VictorLINDELOF0(1)0000000000(1)0

HarryMAGUIRE3(2)000101(1)1106(3)1

KobbieMAINOO7000000(1)0108(1)0

LisandroMARTINEZ600000201090

NoussairMAZRAOUI70000(1)020009(1)0

ScottMcTOMINAY0(2)00000000(1)00(3)0

Our most recent fixture, away to Aston Villa, saw Andre Onana make his 10th start of the season. The Cameroonian keeper kept a fourth clean sheet of 2024/25 in the trip to Villa Park, while it was his 17th shut-out overall for the Reds.

JadonSANCHO000000000(1)00(1)0

ManuelUGARTE1(2)0001010003(2)0

JoshuaZIRKZEE4(3)1000(1)01(1)0005(5)1

UNITED CAREER STATISTICS

ANTONY38(18)56(3)36(1)211(3)20061(25)12

AltayBAYINDIR001010000020

CASEMIRO51(8)57(1)37(2)214(1)20080(12)12

TobyCOLLYER0(1)00010000(1)01(2)0

Diogo

MatthijsDELIGT4(3)1000(1)010005(4)1

ChristianERIKSEN40(15)24(2)03(2)310(4)10057(23)6

JonnyEVANS139(18)411(5)020(1)126(8)23(3)0199(35)7

BrunoFERNANDES163(3)5417(3)87(4)242(4)1510230(14)79

AlejandroGARNACHO39(25)117(3)26(2)35(9)21157(40)19

DanielGORE0(1)0000(1)000000(2)0

TomHEATON0000200(1)0002(1)0

Rasmus HOJLUND 26(7)104(1) 1 0(2) 0 7(1) 600 37(11)17

VictorLINDELOF160(19)421(1)013(1)040(4)010235(25)4

HarryMAGUIRE129(16)613(4)311(1)034(6)300188(27)12

KobbieMAINOO31(1)35(2)2100(3)01038(6)5

TyrellMALACIA14(8)03(1)0408(1)00029(10)0

LisandroMARTINEZ38(6)13(2)04(1)012(1)01058(10)1

NoussairMAZRAOUI70000(1)020009(1)0

MasonMOUNT7(10)10(2)0201(2)01011(14)1

AndreONANA45050208010610

MarcusRASHFORD211(68)8427(9)915(9)1650(21)261(2)0304(109)135

JadonSANCHO42(16)93(1)11(2)011(6)20(1)057(26)12

LukeSHAW177(14)322(3)18(4)040(6)010248(27)4

ManuelUGARTE1(2)0001010003(2)0

EthanWHEATLEY0(3)0000000000(3)0

JoshuaZIRKZEE4(3)1000(1)01(1)0005(5)1

Staying with 17, Rasmus Hojlund reached this number of goals when he found the net in Porto. Coming from 37 starts (plus 11 as sub), it’s a promising return for the 21-year-old, who’ll be hoping his latest strike triggers a run like last winter, when he scored in seven out of eight games.

Should Diogo Dalot start today, he will be on 99 league starts for United – meaning he could hit a hundred when we visit West Ham next weekend. Diogo is set to become the seventh member of the current squad to reach such a century.

Ward, Toby Craig, George McCaffery, Ellie Decrop, Ian Nolan, Mark Froggatt

2024/25 FIXTURES

COMP DATE OPPOSITION KICK-OFFSCORE ATT FORMATIONLINE-UP

AUGUST

CS Sat10ManchesterCity(N)3pm1-1 ↓ 78,1464-2-3-1OnanaDalotMaguireEvansMartinezCasemiroMainooAmad

PL Fri16Fulham(H)8pm1-073,2974-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiMaguireMartinezDalotCasemiroMainooAmad

PL Sat24Brighton&HoveAlbion(A)12.30pm1-231,5374-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiMaguireMartinezDalotCasemiroMainoo Amad 1

SEPTEMBER

PL Sun1Liverpool(H)4pm0-373,7384-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiDeLigtMartinezDalotCasemiroMainooGarnacho

PL Sat14Southampton(A)12.30pm3-031,1444-2-3-1OnanaMazraoui De Ligt 1 MartinezDalotEriksenMainooAmad

LC Tues17Barnsley(H)8pm7-072,0634-2-3-1BayindirDalotMaguireEvansCollyerCasemiroUgarte Antony 1

PL Sat21CrystalPalace(A)5.30pm0-025,1724-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiDeLigtMartinezDalotMainooEriksenAmad UEL Wed25Twente(H)8pm1-173,0694-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiMaguireMartinezDalot Eriksen 1 UgarteAmad

PL Sun29TottenhamHotspur(H)4.30pm0-373,5874-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiDeLigtMartinezDalotMainooUgarteGarnacho

OCTOBER

UEL Thu3Porto(A)8pm3-349,2114-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiDeLigtMartinezDalotCasemiroEriksenAmad

PL Sun6AstonVilla(A)2pm0-042,6824-2-3-1OnanaMazraouiMaguireEvansDalotMainooEriksenGarnacho

PL Sat19Brentford(H)3pm

UEL Thu24Fenerbahce(A)8pm

PL Sun27WestHamUnited(A)2pm

LC Wed30LeicesterCity(H) (R4) 7.45pm

NOVEMBER

PL Sun3Chelsea(H)4.30pm UEL Thu7PAOK(H)8pm

PL Sun10LeicesterCity(H)2pm

PL Sun24IpswichTown(A)4.30pm UEL Thu28Bodo/Glimt(H)8pm

PL Sun1Everton(H)1.30pm

PL Wed4Arsenal(A)8.15pm

PL Sat7NottinghamForest(H)5.30pm UEL Thu12Plzen(A)5.45pm

PL Sun15ManchesterCity(A)4.30pm

LC 17/18 Quarter-finals

PL Sat21Bournemouth(H)3pm PL Thu26WolverhamptonWanderers(A)5.30pm PL Sun30NewcastleUnited(H)8pm JANUARY

PL Sun5Liverpool(A)4.30pm

LC 7/8 Semi-finals, 1st leg

FA 10-13 Third round

PL Thu16Southampton(H)8pm

PL Sun19Brighton&HoveAlbion(H)2pm UEL Thu23Rangers(H)8pm

PL Sun27Fulham(A)7pm

UEL Thu30FCSB(A)8pm FEBRUARY

PL Sat1CrystalPalace(H)3pm

LC 4/5 Semi-finals, 2nd leg

FA 7-10 Fourth round

UEL Thu13 Play-offs, 1st leg

PL Sat15TottenhamHotspur(A)3pm

UEL Thu20 Play-offs, 2nd leg

PL Sat22Everton(A)3pm

PL Wed26IpswichTown(H)8pm

FA 28-3Mar Fifth round

MARCH

UEL Thu6 Round of 16, 1st leg

PL Sat8Arsenal(H)3pm

UEL Thu13 Round of 16, 2nd leg

PL Sat15LeicesterCity(A)3pm

LC Sun16 Final (N)

FA 28-31 Quarter-finals

APRIL

PL Tue1NottinghamForest(A)7.45pm

PL Sat5ManchesterCity(H)3pm

UEL Thu10 Quarter-finals, 1st leg

PL Sat12NewcastleUnited(A)3pm

UEL Thu17 Quarter-finals, 2nd leg

PL Sat19WolverhamptonWanderers(H)3pm

PL Sat26Bournemouth(A)3pm

FA 26/27 Semi-finals

MAY

UEL Thu1 Semi-finals, 1st leg

PL Sat3Brentford(A)3pm

UEL Thu8 Semi-finals, 2nd leg

PL Sat10WestHamUnited(H)3pm

FA Sat17 Final (N)

PL Sun18Chelsea(A)3pm

UEL Wed21 Final (N)

PL Sun25AstonVilla(H)4pm

MountRashfordFernandesMcTominay Garnacho 1 CollyerPellistriSanchoJarredGillet MountRashfordFernandesGarnacho Zirkzee 1 DeLigtEvansMcTominayRobertJones MountRashfordFernandesZirkzeeGarnachoDeLigtMcTominayAntonyCraigPawson

FernandesRashfordZirkzeeCollyerMaguireAmadEriksen–AnthonyTaylor Fernandes Rashford 1 Zirkzee Garnacho 1 UgarteMaguireEvansCasemiroStuartAttwell Eriksen 2 Garnacho 2 Rashford 2 FernandesZirkzeeMazraouiDeLigtAmadGavinWard FernandesGarnachoZirkzeeRashfordUgarteHojlund––DavidCoote FernandesRashfordZirkzeeGarnachoMainooHojlundMount–SimoneSozza FernandesRashfordZirkzeeMountCasemiroHojlundEriksenAmadChrisKavanagh

Fernandes Rashford 1 Hojlund 1 GarnachoZirkzeeAntony Maguire 1 EvansTobiasStieler FernandesRashfordHojlundDeLigtLindelofAntonyZirkzeeCasemiroRobertJones

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

MATCHDAY TEXT SERVICE

Help tackle discriminatory or offensive behaviour inside Old Trafford by texting HELP to 84222* 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.

A-Z quiz

We’re on to letter ‘F’ in our alphabetical quiz series – the answers won’t necessarily begin with that, though! Good luck...

Which number did Diego Forlan wear during his Reds days: 21, 23 or 25? 2. 1. 4. 5. 10. 8. 9. 7. 6. 24

What nationality was former United player Quinton Fortune?

3.

Of all the French clubs United have played in European competition, who have we faced the most, last doing so in 2007?

After Arsene Wenger, which opposition manager did Sir Alex Ferguson face most often during his time at the Theatre of Dreams?

Radamel Falcao joined United on loan for the 2014/15 season, and then did the same at which other Premier League club in the following campaign?

Name the only club against whom Rio Ferdinand scored on more than one occasion for the Reds.

Darren Fletcher bagged a brace in that famous 4-3 win over Manchester City in 2009, ahead of Michael Owen’s winner, but who got United’s opener that day?

In which year did Bruno Fernandes move to Old Trafford?

Which Turkish club did Fred join after leaving United in 2023?

How many players made their United debuts in the 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening day of the current season?

Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt.

5. Wayne Rooney; 6. Harry Redknapp; 7. Chelsea;

Answers

1.South African; 2. 21; 3. Lille; 4. Liverpool;

8. 2020; 9. Fenerbahce; 10. Three – Noussair

MANCHESTER UNITED

24/25 HOME JERSEY

Noussair Mazraoui

Matthijs de Ligt

Harry MAGUIRE

Lisandro MARTINEZ

Mason MOUNT

Bruno FERNANDES

Rasmus HOJLUND

Marcus RASHFORD

Joshua Zirkzee

Tyrell MALACIA

Christian ERIKSEN Leny Yoro

Alejandro GARNACHO CASEMIRO

Diogo DALOT ANTONY Tom HEATON Luke SHAW

Andre ONANA

Manuel Ugarte

Jonny EVANS

Ethan Wheatley

Kobbie MAINOO

Harry Amass

Toby Collyer

MARK FLEKKEN

AARON HICKEY

RICO HENRY

SEPP VAN DEN BERG

ETHAN PINNOCK

CHRISTIAN NORGAARD

KEVIN SCHADE

MATHIAS JENSEN

IGOR THIAGO

JOSH DASILVA

YOANE WISSA

HAKON VALDIMARSSON

MATTHEW COX

FABIO CARVALHO

BEN MEE

YEHOR YARMOLIUK

BRYAN MBEUMO

KRISTOFFER AJER

JAYDEN MEGHOMA

NATHAN COLLINS

KEANE LEWIS-POTTER

MIKKEL DAMSGAARD

YUNUS KONAK

VITALY JANELT

RYAN TREVITT

MADS ROERSLEV

PARIS MAGHOMA

JI-SOO KIM

GUSTAVO NUNES

TONY YOGANE