Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur PL match programme, 07.02.26

UNITED Review

MICHAEL CARRICK

Last Sunday’s win over Fulham was another reminder of just how special Old Trafford is. Ben’s late goal was a great moment, and everyone was delighted for him. He’s extremely dedicated and has responded really well to everything that we’ve worked on with him in the last few weeks.

Additional-time winners at the Stretford End will always bring back a lot of memories of big moments we’ve had here before. Resilience will always be significant at Manchester United and I’ve been really impressed with the mentality and spirit that we have across our current group of players and staff.

We know that we need to continue improving together, but we can be really proud of how we’ve recovered from late disappointments and still found a way to win against both Arsenal and Fulham.

The character of this club is, of course, world renowned, especially in this week of all weeks, as we mark the anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster. I was at the club’s memorial ceremony yesterday; it’s always an honour to be present at such a sombre occasion. Today we will once again come together as a club to pay our respects to those who lost their lives.

“RESILIENCE WILL ALWAYS BE SIGNIFICANT AT MANCHESTER UNITED AND I’VE BEEN REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE MENTALITY AND SPIRIT WE HAVE ACROSS OUR CURRENT GROUP OF PLAYERS AND STAFF”

As we welcome Thomas Frank and Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford, I can only ask that you keep backing the team and create a similar atmosphere to what we experienced against City and Fulham. We’re building momentum now and your incredible support continues to be a really important part of that.

manchester united football club ltd

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

OLD TRAFFORD: 12.30pm

Momentum is firmly with the Reds ahead of another Old Trafford outing, but Spurs have proven thorny opponents in recent years…

Buoyant after last weekend’s enthralling victory over Fulham, United return to Old Trafford today aiming to defeat Tottenham Hotspur and record a fourth straight Premier League win. If the Reds are successful, it would make for our best run of form in the league for almost two years, and continue the bubbling momentum established by head coach Michael Carrick and his staff and players since the departure of Ruben Amorim last month.

But we must guard against complacency. We started this matchweek in fourth, within the coveted Champions League spots, but our own dramatic

turnaround is, in a way, its own cautionary lesson: things can change very quickly.

There’s no point beating around the bush: the Tottenham team visiting M16 today is not a vintage Lilywhites side. They entered the weekend in 14th place, and with an injury list touching double figures. But they weren’t exactly flying high ahead of last season’s Europa League final in Bilbao, and we all know what happened there. From his time with Brentford, we know Thomas Frank can be a wily operator. Plus, Spurs’ problems seem to lie primarily in north London, because only two teams have gathered more away points than them, at the time of writing. They also showed an admirable fighting spirit at home against Manchester

City last Sunday, levelling from two goals down thanks to a Dominic Solanke double.

We’re not short on heroic strikers ourselves, though, with Benjamin Sesko’s late winner against the Cottagers creating a noise so incredible we’re sure it could be heard for miles. “When I scored, I just didn’t know what was going on,” Sesko reflected, so stunned was he by the volume. And could Matheus Cunha – who’ll today be on the hunt for his third goal in as many games – have hit top gear at a better time?

Sesko (left) finished the job last weekend, but we know it wouldn’t have been possible without Old Trafford’s Red Army. Ears may only just be recovering from that release of pure joy here less than seven days ago, but we’re already thirsty for more – aren’t you? Bring your noise, bring your energy, and let’s get the lads over the line once again today. C’mon United!

Today’s meeting with Spurs provides the Reds with an opportunity to extend our winning run, but also allows for poignant reflection of the lives lost in the Munich Air Disaster

75

The number of appearances United head coach Michael Carrick made for today’s opponents as a player prior to his move to Old Trafford in 2006.

8

Spurs are unbeaten against us in this many matches, a run stretching back to 19 October 2022. Time to end that streak today...

90+6

Richarlison thought he’d won the game for Spurs with a stoppage-time goal last time we met in November, but Matthijs de Ligt (left) was on hand to provide an even later equaliser.

UNITED WINS 39

DRAWS 15

PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD V SPURS: SPURS WINS 13

4

Matheus Cunha (right) has been involved in four goals in his last five Premier League games, after scoring consecutively against Arsenal and Fulham. Could he add to those numbers today?

5.2

Tottenham loanee Joao Palhinha has the most tackles per 90 in the Premier League, which could make for an intense midfield meeting with our own Manuel Ugarte, who is just one place behind on 4.9.

Carrick faced the Reds three times while with Spurs between 2004-06

Palhinha’s impressive tackling stats have come from his 21 Premier League games for Spurs so far this season

Our last eight meetings with Spurs have seen the north Londoners record five wins and three draws

In

case you missed it… United Review recaps all the

latest news from around Old Trafford

BRUNO’S RECORD TILT

Yet again, Bruno Fernandes is putting together another stellar campaign for the Reds, with the two assists in last weekend’s win over Fulham taking him to 12 for this Premier League season. That haul puts him five clear of the next most-productive player, Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki. But, more interestingly, it leaves Bruno just eight shy of the current seasonal record, 20, which has been reached by two players: Thierry Henry (2002/03) and Kevin De Bruyne (2019/20). Fernandes is also just three off equalling United’s own Premier League record of 15, set by David Beckham in 1999/00. Keep going, skipper!

nominations for patrick

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu has been nominated for January’s Premier League Player of the Month award, following a strong start to the year, in which he’s revelled in a more attacking role. Dorgu’s brilliant, crashing strike against Arsenal is on the Goal of the Month shortlist, while Michael Carrick has also been nominated for the Manager of the Month award, with the results to be confirmed on 13 February. Carrick confirmed this week that Dorgu will miss “a few weeks” due to an injury he sustained in the win against the Gunners. We wish Pat a speedy recovery, and look forward to welcoming him back to the pitch as soon as possible.

DIOGO DROPS IN

Diogo Dalot is the latest star guest in the new episode of our Inside Carrington podcast series, alongside full-back legend Denis Irwin and hosts Liam Bradford and Helen Evans. It’s another fascinating listen from the popular podcast, in which Diogo (right) talks about life under Michael Carrick, the influence of Cristiano Ronaldo on his life, and the ups and downs he has experienced in a seven-year United career which means he is now our second longest-serving player. You can listen to the chat in full now via your podcast streaming service of choice, or watch on video via the club’s official YouTube channel.

Dorgu’s impressive form led to fans naming him our Player of the Month for January, and he’s now up for the PL award as he recovers from injury

RIP John virgo

All at Manchester United were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and commentator John Virgo, who died earlier this week at the age of 79. John was a Salford Red who always loved watching United – like so many from his neck of the woods – and was present in the Nou Camp in ’99 to see us complete our historic Treble. As a snooker player, he won the 1979 UK Championship, before going on to enjoy a second career via the popular TV show Big Break, alongside his endearing, avuncular commentary stints on the BBC’s snooker coverage. We send our condolences to his family and many friends at this sad time.

supporting the mmmf

The Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation launched their annual fundraiser last month, as the charity strives to continue its mission of maintaining and promoting the legacy of the lost Busby Babes. The MMMF supports children’s charities in Manchester, Lancashire, Munich and Belgrade, which will benefit from all the funds raised, and supporters are encouraged to dig deep, share the link below and keep the red flag flying. The campaign runs until the end of February, so please support the MMMF’s fine work if you can by visiting justgiving.com/campaign/mmmf-2026

KONE COMPLETES LOAN

Malian midfielder Sekou Kone has joined Swiss club Lausanne-Sport on loan for the remainder of 2025/26. The 19-year-old is yet to make an appearance for United’s senior team, but did win a place in the matchday squad on three occasions last term. His progress was checked last August, when he suffered a head injury in an unfortunate clash during our U21s’ National League Cup game against Tamworth, which was subsequently abandoned. He returned to action in December, and will now aim to gain first-team experience in the Swiss Super League. Several other players have also made temporary moves away from Old Trafford, including Gabriele Biancheri (Rotherham United), Toby Collyer (Hull City), Jacob Devaney (St Mirren), James Scanlon (Swindon Town) and Ethan Wheatley (Bradford City). We wish all our players good luck.

YOUTH CUP DETAILS

A time and date has been firmed up for our FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie away to Oxford United. The game will be held at Oxford’s Kassam Stadium on Wednesday 18 February (6pm), with ticket information and television details expected soon. Keep your eye on ManUtd.com and the official app for the latest updates. Led by Darren Fletcher (right), the lads have already eliminated Peterborough and Derby, and the young Reds are bidding to claim a record-extended 12th Youth Cup for the club before the season is out.

Like his beloved Reds, Virgo would entertain audiences whether on the green baize or on our TV screens

Kone is one of several young Reds making temporary club moves to gain valuable match experience

As we continue our remembrance of the victims of Munich, fans are asked to donate to a charity that supports their legacy

Ahead of today’s meeting with Tottenham, fans will gather once again beneath the Munich

in rememberance of all those that perished 68 years ago

Supporters

The Munich Air Disaster cut down a young, vibrant team in its prime, a side that looked destined to continue their

league champions in 1956 and ’57, and the accident occurred while they were returning from a successful European Cup quarter-final tie in Belgrade. This group of players were chasing their dream of conquering European football, a dream

Memorial Clock

which appeared within their reach. Tragically, the crash snuffed out those hopes in the cruellest way, leaving us forever wondering what might have been.

Prior to our Premier League clash with Tottenham this afternoon, a short ceremony under the Munich Memorial Clock will take place two hours before kick-off. Wreaths will be laid on the Old Trafford pitch, our players will wear black armbands, and The Flowers of Manchester will play out before kick-off. The families of those impacted by Munich will join us at the game as guests, and supporters in the stands will undoubtedly sing the praises of the team that helped make us the club we are.

There were genuine concerns that the club might not recover from the accident in 1958, but those who remained at Old Trafford were determined to help the Reds to rise again. Just as club chairman Harold Hardman famously pledged on the front cover of United Review, for the first game after Munich, against Sheffield Wednesday: ‘Although we mourn our dead and grieve for our wounded, we believe that great days are not done for us. The sympathy and encouragement of the football world and particularly our supporters will justify and inspire

us. The road back may be long and hard but with the memory of those who died at Munich, of their stirring achievements and wonderful sportsmanship ever with us, Manchester United will rise again.’ United fans have shown a determination over the past 68 years to ensure that along with the obvious sadness at the loss of the Babes, there has always also been a celebration of their greatness. With each anniversary, and through groups like the

FOREVER REMEMBERED

THE PLAYERS

Geoff Bent

THE

Crickmer

Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation, supporters have ensured the story of the Babes is passed onto the next generation. Today is about Michael Carrick’s Reds taking on Spurs and chasing the three points. It is also, however, another opportunity to pay our respects to all those lost in a plane crash on their way home from a football match. It is a tragedy that still resonates. They will never be forgotten.

THE JOURNALISTS

Alf Clarke (Manchester Evening Chronicle)

Don Davies (Guardian)

George Follows (Daily Herald)

Tom Jackson

(Manchester Evening News)

Archie Ledbrooke (Daily Mirror)

Henry Rose (Daily Express)

Frank Swift (News of the World)

Eric Thompson (Daily Mail)

FLIGHT CREW

Tommy Cable Captain Kenneth Rayment

OTHER PASSENGERS

Bela Miklos (travel agent)

Willie Satinoff (supporter)

Inside Old Trafford, fans, players, staff and families of those impacted by Munich will all pay their respects to those we dearly lost

CLUB STAFF

Walter

(club secretary)

Roger Byrne

Bert Whalley (chief coach)

Eddie Colman

Tom Curry (trainer)

Duncan Edwards

Mark Jones

David Pegg

Tommy Taylor Liam (Billy) Whelan

Explore more treasures

laSt home fixT ure...

Late winners in front of the Stretford End – it’s what Manchester United is all about, and not many have come later than the grand finale to last Sunday’s league game against Fulham. Michael Carrick believed the Reds would have plenty of questions to answer when the in-form Cottagers visited M16, but for much of the game that didn’t look the case.

A goal midway through the first half and another early in the second suggested we were on course for a routine win, following the nerve-jangling thriller against Arsenal at the Emirates. Old Trafford was in fine voice with an hour played, thanks to a headed opener from Casemiro, followed by a cheeky no-look assist from the Brazilian midfielder to set up Matheus Cunha’s net-busting strike –his second stunning goal in two games.

But the story of our meeting with the west Londoners was only half-told at that point. First came Raul Jimenez’s penalty, 20 minutes after a lengthy VAR check had

What seemed a routine league win turned into a dramatic late show – and how we loved the sound of the full-time whistle...

ruled out a snatched Jorge Cuenca goal for offside. Harry Maguire was deemed, maybe harshly, to have fouled the Mexico international with a sliding challenge.

The stuttered spot-kick that followed gave Senne Lammens no chance, and with five minutes of regular time still to play, you could feel tension in the stands.

That tension grew to groans soon after the clock ticked past 90, when Fulham’s Kevin cut in on his right foot and bypassed Lammens with a sweet curling shot to level things up. Marco Silva’s substitute wheeled away to celebrate with the away fans, seemingly taking United’s chance of

a third consecutive victory with him. While the opposition fans in that corner were still bouncing from the late equaliser, however, something else was already brewing at the other end. Now into the fourth minute of added time, Benjamin Sesko – earlier denied by the post with his first touch after being brought on as a second-half substitute – received a pass from Bruno Fernandes (who else?), with our captain already on one assist from Casemiro’s opener. The Slovenian striker took one touch and swivelled, before unleashing a finish to the top-right corner of Bernd Leno’s goal.

Casemiro heads in our 19th-minute opener to raise noise levels inside Old Trafford, with more excitement to come

Sesko enjoys his late winning goal, as the Reds make it three wins from three under Carrick

“When you get a moment of elation and the excitement like that, for me, there’s no better place, in front of the Stretford End”

– CARRICK

The sound inside the Theatre of Dreams was deafening. Tens of thousands of noisy Reds watched Sesko bound away towards the Stretford End, letting out his signature jump-and-punch into the air followed by a primal scream, releasing the emotion of a few weeks away from the starting XI.

The match, as Carrick had correctly predicted, presented a series of challenges: imposing ourselves on a lower-ranked side, dealing with injuries – including Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, who was so crucial to the head coach’s first two matches – and proving that the best of our fighting spirit hadn’t been reserved for the Emirates.

Once again, Carrick’s Reds passed each with flying colours, even though Fulham’s 58 per cent possession wasn’t quite the low-block obstacle many had expected United to encounter.

Sesko’s last-gasp intervention maintained our position inside the top four, our highest position of the

campaign so far, with Champions League football now firmly the objective.

The boss is determined not to get carried away, such is his style, but it’s undeniable: there was plenty for the home fans to smile about when leaving Old Trafford last Sunday.

manchester united 3

CASEMIRO 19, CUNHA 56, SESKO 90+4

FULHAM 2

JIMENEZ 85 (PEN), KEVIN 90+1

1 FEB 2026 | 2PM | OLD TRAFFORD | ATT: 73,932

United XI: Lammens; Dalot (Mazraoui 86), Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro (Ugarte 75), Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha (Sesko 74); Mbeumo (Yoro 90+6)

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

Booked: Casemiro, Maguire

Cunha soaks up the applause after doubling our lead in the second half

The moment that mattered: Sesko seals the points with a thumping strike deep into injury time

The dream start for Carrick continues as his side regain a spot in the top four

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PARTNER OF MANCHESTER UNITED

UNITED TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE

DXC supports the Reds on and off the pitch in connecting with fans and the community through technology. Discover more in the Manchester United App.

IT’S IMPORTANT BIG MOMENTS YOU ENJOY THE

Harry Maguire reflects on the early impact of Michael Carrick and his coaching team, while outlining the importance of building consistency for a strong end to the season, with Spurs next up today...

In the week leading up to the Manchester City game you told Sky Sports that Michael Carrick’s first message to the squad was to enjoy playing for Manchester United. It looked like every player on the pitch that day embodied that…

Yeah, of course [you can see that] when you sit back and look in hindsight of winning the game 2-0 against our rivals, it was a really comfortable victory. We should have really won the game by a lot more, but it was an enjoyable game and the atmosphere in the stadium was one of the loudest I’ve heard in recent years. The fans came with us; we put on a performance for them to be proud of and it’s just the start – we need to carry it on now.

How much can you soak in the atmosphere and days like that when, like you say, you need to focus and carry on now to the next match?

When you’re a footballer, it’s always move onto the next game. But when you get a little bit older and more experienced, you learn a little bit how to enjoy the big moments, and after a game, when you’re walking

around the pitch and you can feel the atmosphere, you can feel the fans with you. So, I probably learned a little bit more to do that when I got older and more experienced, because when you play football, you can get caught in a bubble. It’s really important you enjoy the moments, you enjoy playing for this club, you enjoy playing in these big games, because the rewards are so pleasing.

Michael Carrick was on the touchline as our new head coach for the first time in that game, and he seems a calming presence during games watching from the side. What is he like during the week at Carrington and behind the scenes?

He’s a real good guy. Obviously I’ve worked with him before, I know a lot about him. Tactically, he’s very good, he’s always been very good. I didn’t get the chance to play with him, but when he was first coach here under Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], he had great ideas and the sessions he put on were always great. He speaks really well and he knows the club inside out. He knows the messages he needs to get across to the players, and I think everyone bought into it in the first game, but I’m sure he’s not going to get carried away and I’m sure I won’t either. We’ve got to go on a run now and show consistency.

HARRY MAGUIRE H M interview

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You’ve had a little bit of time working with him now. What has training been like this time around? It’s been good, it’s been short, sharp and intense. There are messages he wants to get across in small areas. He’s not overloading tactical work, but he’s getting across the messages powerfully, so I’m really impressed. Not just with Michael but with all his staff that have come in. Obviously, I know Steve [Holland from England] really well; excellent coach. He’s going to bring a lot to this club in this period. So, we’re looking forward to working together and hopefully it can be a successful period for this team.

You mention Steve Holland – is it nice to see him in the United gear?

Yeah, it’s great. Obviously, I’m used to seeing him in the England tracksuit but he’s an experienced coach, a really successful coach, and you can tell by the way he handles himself around the building, around the lads, that he’s got a lot of respect from the people around him.

We’d like to speak about the other coaches that you’re now working with, including Jonathan Woodgate. What are your first impressions of him, and do you remember him as a player?

Yeah, of course, he was a fantastic player. Coaching, he’s come in and been refreshing. He brings great energy to the group, to the sessions. He’s been a centre-back himself and he’s giving me tips and

“I’m really impressed, Not just with Michael but with all his staff that have come in. we’re working together”

he’s going to definitely work a lot with the younger centre-backs like Leny [Yoro], Ayden [Heaven] and Tyler [Fredricson]. But, of course, even senior players like myself and Licha, we can learn from him. He’s brought great ideas and I’ve been really impressed.

You’ve got another centre-back on that coaching team as well in Jonny Evans… Jonny is great to have around. The way he handles himself and the responsibility he would take on his shoulders when he was a player, he can take that into coaching as well. Just little things like in the session the other day, I was finished and was walking in and could see that Jonny was doing extra work with Leny and Ayden. Things like that, as a young boy coming through and playing on the biggest stage, sometimes you have to learn and adapt on the pitch and on the stage, but you also can’t forget that you need to improve and you need to work. These are

Harry takes instructions from the head coach, whose fresh energy, ideas and new coaching staff have helped revitalise the team in recent weeks

HM“It’s going to be a tough game against spurs. we need to make sure we start on the front foot, play aggressive football and put on a big performance”

everybody. His authority, his confidence, he has some great ideas with tactics. The way he handles himself within the group, I’ve been really impressed with that. So, I think the coaching group overall is a strong unit. I like how many bodies we’ve got together, there’s a lot of them there, and it’s going to set us up for a strong finish.

Embracing his role as a senior player with pride and passion, Harry

hopes

he

can help influence the team’s fortunes and continue the encouraging work we’ve seen in the last few games

young, talented centre-backs and to have Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans coaching them now and giving them little tips, it’s fantastic for them.

You speak about Leny and Ayden who are obviously young centre-backs at a massive club. Do they come to you and Matthijs de Ligt, senior players, for advice?

Yeah, of course. They’re both really good lads wanting to learn. Tyler as well, he asks for a lot of advice and there’s a role and responsibility for us senior players to give them that. Also, I go up to them and tell them things when I think they’ve done well in certain aspects of the game or what they can do a little better in certain aspects of the game. There’s nothing more that I want than for them to be a partnership at this club for the next 10 years – it would be amazing to see.

Just finally on the new first-team coaches, Travis Binnion has come up from the Academy to work with the team now. Did you cross over with Trav at Sheffield United at all while you were both there previously in your careers?

Yeah, I knew Trav at Sheffield United. He was a real young coach then, coaching the younger lads. Trav’s obviously come up, Fletch [Darren Fletcher] brought him up, and he’s really impressed

It’s a different Premier League season that this coaching team have come into, a more direct season than we’ve seen in previous years. How have you found that?

Football goes in cycles, so you can speak about it a few years ago being more possession-based and controlled, but now it’s more direct. But in five years’ time, we’ll be sat here with something different, that’s the way football is. You’ve got to adapt, players have got to adapt, coaches have got to adapt, and hopefully as a team and a group we can do that.

We’re speaking ahead of our home game against Tottenham Hotspur. What sort of challenge do you think we can expect from a team we drew 2-2 with earlier this season, in a bit of a back-and-forth encounter?

It’s going to be a tough game. We’ve not had the greatest record against them in recent years, so it’s something we need to turn around and make sure that we start on the front foot, start playing aggressive football and hopefully we can put on a big performance like we did against Manchester City and get our fans right behind us, and make them proud.

It will be our annual game to mark the Munich Air Disaster. Can you put into words how important it is that we do that every season?

It’s a really important date in the calendar for this club. I can remember going to Munich and actually seeing the site. It’s always a significant day and one that we as players recognise the importance of, to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. ●

LOVE To See IT!

After a third successive win, secured in thrilling circumstances against Fulham last Sunday, the Reds are on a roll…

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT BRUNO

Though they left Old Trafford beaten in dramatic fashion, Fulham generally made a commendable fist of quietening Bruno Fernandes’s influence on last Sunday’s encounter, yet the United skipper still managed to provide two assists, including a sensational piece of play to tee up Benjamin Sesko’s winner. “Good goal from Man United,” lamented Cottagers boss Marco Silva. “Bruno made a big assist in that situation.” That took the Portuguese’s haul to six in five games since his return from a hamstring injury, and his 15th goal involvement in as many games. As the Premier League’s leading chance creator, Bruno already has a dozen assists this term, putting him in the running to set a new divisional record before the end of the 2025/26 season. The benchmark stands at 20 in a single term, set by Thierry Henry in 2002/03 and matched by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20. Given that all 12 of Bruno’s assists have come since October’s win at Anfield, his momentum has him on course to go close – although, whether he does it or not, with a Reds career haul of 103 goals and 99 assists in 312 appearances, his numbers remain utterly mindblowing.

LIMBS ALL OVER THE SHOW

“It’s what you turn up for, those moments,” smiled Michael Carrick (right), dust still settling all around him as he savoured the fresh memories of last Sunday’s last-gasp success. And he wasn’t far wrong. We had late Scoreboard End drama here in 2025 – just ask Lyon and Burnley, but the sheer pandemonium which gripped Old Trafford after Sesko’s clinical late finish evoked memories of the classic Stretford End denouement. Its last instance, incidentally, came a year ago today, when Harry Maguire turned home an FA Cup winner v Leicester City at the death. Suffice to say, the Slovenian’s nerveless settler was worth the wait.

Bruno heads back to the home dressing room after adding another two assists to his leading tally in last Sunday’s league victory

BIG BEN STRIKES AGAIN

“That was unbelievable,” conceded Sesko, of the choral onslaught which greeted his sixth Reds goal. “When I scored, I just didn’t know what was going on. What a moment. It was emotional. It was amazing.” For the giant summer signing, the effort marked his first outright winner for the club, following on from consolations against Brentford

and Brighton, a close-ranger against Sunderland and a brace which was ultimately cancelled out at Burnley. To be the main man on such an occasion can only expedite the youngster’s ongoing assimilation and, as Reds legend Gary Neville put it in his post-match reflections: “That will be so big for Sesko: to score a winning goal at the Stretford End.”

LAMMENS’ QUIET INFLUENCE

For all the endless chatter around United, it’s pleasing to have little to discuss about the club’s goalkeeping situation. What was a talking point in the two seasons after stalwart David De Gea’s departure in the summer of 2023 is now a moot point, such has been the minimal fuss with which Senne Lammens has assumed duties between the sticks. The understated Belgian, if fit, will ring up just his 20th appearance for the Reds this afternoon, but he already feels like a long-term fixture in the United goal. On the losing side just three times so far, Senne has underpinned the team’s collective upturn in form with his aerial dominance, incessant communication and reliable distribution, while showcasing a sensational array of shot-stopping capabilities – most recently with his catlike reaction last Sunday to turn away Joachim Andersen’s point-blank prod.

CLASSEMIRO

Speaking of understated performers, Casemiro stepped out of the shadows against the Cottagers with a priceless turn. Sesko may have sealed the points, but the veteran Brazilian midfielder –fresh from confirming his departure from Old Trafford at the end of the season –was integral to the Reds’ first and second goals. It was he who broke the deadlock during the first period, powering home a trademark header from Bruno’s lofted free-kick before, in less customary fashion, releasing Matheus Cunha to rattle home the second in emphatic fashion. Kudos if you spotted it at the time, but for most it only became clear during replays that Case had unleashed his compatriot with a perfect no-look pass. As Carrick, a fellow midfield master, put it post-match: “He’s desperate for a big finish. We all know it’s coming to an end this season but you wouldn’t have thought it today. It was a big goal and big performance.”

Luke Shaw

Sesko enjoys an emotional high as his Stretford End winner last weekend is met by celebratory roars from the home support

Lammens has justified his ascension to shot-stopper supreme with his recent impressive performances

Two key goal contributions from Casemiro last weekend proved that the Brazilian intends to depart Old Trafford with his head held high

SURF’S ( STILL ) UP

Dwelling on the man who so emphatically dispatched Casemiro’s assist past Bernd Leno, how about that rip-roaring Matheus Cunha finish? The Brazilian’s reward for his stunning winner at Arsenal a week prior was his introduction to the starting line-up in place of the injured Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and he duly delivered again. Just as he turned the Emirates into his dance floor with a mock surfing pose before a writhing away end, Matheus reprised the same routine in front of the Stretford End – only this time with company, as fellow forwards Amad and Bryan Mbeumo also hopped on their metaphorical surfboards. Cue memes and gifs galore as Cunha’s new signature move spilled into the online celebrations.

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

To fully echo last weekend’s events, let’s also finish on a celebratory note. How telling was it that the first player on the scene to congratulate match-winner Sesko was substitute Joshua Zirkzee? The Dutchman might not have started for the Reds since the final fixture of 2025, but his pure joy for Sesko – a rival for involvement in United’s attack – was unmistakeable, writ large over his face as the pair cavorted

in front of the Stretford End. Second on the scene, for the record, was fellow sub Ayden Heaven, himself yet to start since our draw at Burnley at the start of January. “The celebrations were big,” said Carrick. “You see everyone in that moment, the subs running down and jumping on Ben. They’re the [moments] you want more of.”

The togetherness fostered under Carrick’s charge is growing clearer by the week, with the entire squad pulling in the same direction: namely upwards.

Player F ocus

AMAD

What’s the story? Just as we foretold in last Sunday’s United Review, Amad has developed into one of the most rounded forwards in the Premier League. Blending defensive diligence with a natural inclination to terrorise opposing defenders, he was a constant pest for Fulham in all aspects.

How so? Shutting down Fulham’s preference for high full-backs by pinning back Antonee Robinson, Amad also repeatedly tracked back against Marco Silva’s side, pinching possession on six occasions – the most of any Red – while completing three take-ons – more than anyone on the pitch. Whether attacking or defending, the man’s a menace!

Next steps? The Ivorian’s post-AFCON form continues unabated and, as he said post-match following his star turn against the Cottagers: “We need to keep the standard very high.” Still aged just 23 and with his long-term future committed to Old Trafford, the demand is simple: more of the same, Amad!

Cunha surfs the wave of adulation from the home fans after dispatching his second goal in as many games

Sesko is mobbed by team-mates, including the subs on the United bench, after his dramatic final say in last weekend’s fixture

manchester born & bbred

Official Betting Partner

Tottenham hotspur

Thriving in Europe, Spurs still seek some domestic bliss after last weekend’s draw with City made it just four points won from their last six league games...

KEY DETAILS

Nickname: Spurs, the Lilywhites Founded: 5 September 1882 (as Hotspur FC) Ground: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (capacity 62,850) Last season: Premier League 17th; FA Cup R4; League Cup SF; UEFA Europa League winners Top achievements: English league champions 1950/51, 1960/61; FA Cup winners 1901, 1921, 1961 (right), 1962, 1967, 1981, 1982, 1991; League Cup winners 1971, 1973, 1999, 2008; UEFA Cup/Europa League winners 1972, 1984, 2025; Cup Winners’ Cup winners 1963

TALKING POINTS

If Thomas Frank needed a performance to truly kickstart his Tottenham Hotspur tenure, he got it last weekend against Manchester City. True, the 2-2 draw meant Spurs have now won only two of their past 15 league matches to stay 14th, but their pulsating second-half display to earn a point after trailing 2-0 at the interval provided proof that the Dane’s methods are taking root.

After conceding back-to-back injury-time winners against West Ham and Bournemouth in January, it would have been easy for the Lilywhites to wilt. They had 11 first-teamers in the treatment room, including starting XI regulars Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Djed Spence, and lost captain Cristian Romero to illness at half-time. By full-time, Archie Gray was an auxiliary right-back, with anchorman Joao Palhinha and Radu Dragusin –in his first start for 371 days – at centreback. Yet they refused to be beaten.

“I’m very proud of the players,” Frank said at full-time. “This team’s ability to respond to setbacks and show resilience is growing bit by bit. And we are, by the way, building it

with players dropping left, right, left and centre to injury.”

european dreams

Giving the home support reason for reverie was no less important. Only Wolves have picked up fewer league points at home than Spurs this term, which has gone a long way to causing some of the malaise that had attached itself to the Londoners. Returns have, though, been much better on their travels with 19 away points bettered only by Arsenal and Aston Villa.

Frank can also point to his side’s excellent Champions League form as evidence of what a young squad can achieve. Spurs finished fourth in the league phase, beating Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 to close out the group stage with one solitary defeat, away to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. Six clean sheets from eight European fixtures for the second-best defensive record was no mean feat, either. Add that consistency and diligence to the Premier League and improvements await.

“I’m very proud of the players... their ability to respond to setbacks and show resilience is growing bit by bit”

– Frank following last Sunday’s draw against Manchester City

Spurs celebrate Solanke’s brilliant improvised goal at home to Manchester City last weekend as Frank’s side battled back from 2-0 down at the interval

Dragusin made his long-awaited return to action against City

tactics board

The tactically flexible Dane recently abandoned a 4-2-3-1 that too often featured slow build-up play in favour of a 3-4-3 formation brimming with intensity. Partly that system change has been down to defensive absentees, yet even last weekend’s 4-2-2-2 half-time switch against City showed the coach’s ability to quickly convey instruction. Summer signing Xavi Simons has taken time to adapt to the Premier League but the former RB Leipzig schemer produced his best 45 minutes in a Spurs shirt as one of two central playmakers behind split centre-forwards as Frank matched up City man for man. Centre-forward Dominic Solanke’s recent return from injury, and to the goalscoring column, couldn’t be better timed with Richarlison out for the medium term. Finding the net has

been such a problem that centre-backs Romero and van de Ven, plus defensive midfielder Palhinha, are Spurs’ top scorers in all competitions this season.

Defender van den Ven, blessed with explosive recovery speed and a deadly eye for goal that has yielded goals from 38.9 per cent of his shots this season, should return from a knock.

Set-pieces were central to Frank’s Brentford and so it has proved at Spurs. Only Arsenal have scored more top-flight goals from dead-ball situations this term, with Romero particularly adept at attacking any delivery into the box. Gray has stepped into the right-back/wing-back breach manfully with Pedro Porro – the Premier League’s most regular crosser this season – and now Spence injured. The 19-year-old box-to-box midfielder and Destiny Udogie provide the width.

recent STARTING XI

v Manchester City (home), 01.02.26, Premier League

GOALKEEPERS

DEFENDERS

MIDFIELDERS

the manager

THOMAS FRANK

The 52-year-old Dane has endured an inconsistent start since swapping west for north London, but the former Brentford boss remains one of English football’s most fastidious coaches. Last weekend’s stirring second-half fightback was predicated on Frank’s half-time switch to a 4-2-2-2 and provided proof of his ability to inspire.

FORWARDS

Premier League With Pride brings together the ongoing LGBTQ+ work the League and clubs carry out across the year to deliver long-term change. To find out more on how the Premier League and Manchester United are helping fans develop a stronger understanding of LGBTQ+ inclusion, the importance of showing support and challenging inequality visit premierleague.com/withpride

Switchboard has been providing safe, non-judgmental, non-directive and confidential space for the LGBTQ+ community since 1974. You can call free of charge on 0800 0119 100 from 10am–10pm 365 days a year, email them at hello@switchboard.lgbt or use their website’s chat service.

Tackle machine

JOAO PALHINHA

No Premier League player has made more tackles since the start of the 2022/23 season than the 30-year-old Portuguese, a fact made all the more impressive given the former Fulham midfielder spent last term at Bayern Munich, before his season-long loan (with an option to make the deal permanent) to the north Londoners last August. Blessed with an uncanny ability to read opponents’ body shape and steal the ball from them, the Bayern loanee has recently impressed on the right of a back three while also having eight goal involvements in all competitions in 2025/26.

Fit-again forward

DOMINIC SOLANKE

Solanke is making up for lost time having missed much of the season through ankle surgery. The 28-year-old scored in successive Champions League fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt last month but it was his rampaging brace, and stunning scorpion kick in particular, to haul Spurs level last weekend against Man City that has forced the former Bournemouth forward back into the England World Cup conversation. A multi-functional operator capable of holding up the ball and stretching defences with his excellent mobility.

Busy midfielder

CONOR GALLAGHER

The timing of the former Chelsea midfielder’s arrival in north London could scarcely have been better timed after recent injuries to Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, but the 26-year-old has already become integral to Thomas Frank’s switch to a back three. After struggling for starts at Atletico Madrid this season, the January signing – capped 22 times by England – has added bite and ceaseless industry to the Spurs midfield and won the ball high before crossing for Solanke’s superb equaliser last weekend.

17-4

Tottenham’s position in the ‘home league table’, compared to their position in the ‘away league table’ – the 13-place gap ahead of this weekend’s fixtures being the biggest disparity of any side in the Premier League this season.

5

Away from the three players (left), Xavi Simons is another opponent to watch out for: the Dutchman made five passes breaking Man City’s defensive line last Sunday – no player has made more in a Premier League match this season.

5

The most number of goals scored by the Reds when we’ve faced Spurs, which we’ve done four times: a 5-0 win (1910), a 5-1 win (1965), a 5-2 win (2009) and a 5-3 win (2001). Does this mean we’re due a 5-4 victory against them?

FIRST, LAST AND ONE IN BETWEEN

The first of our 206 previous meetings with Tottenham Hotspur – only Arsenal, Liverpool and Everton have been more regular foes – came as forebears Newton Heath in the 1898/99 FA Cup first round.

In front of 15,000 fans at Spurs’ erstwhile Asplins Farm home, crack Heathens forward Joe Cassidy put us 1-0 up just before half-time only for Bill Joyce to bag a last-minute equaliser, to secure a Bank Street replay that the Londoners would win 5-3 despite a Willie Bryant hat-trick for the Heathens.

Late goals were also the order of the day in the teams’ most recent encounter in early November 2025. Bryan Mbeumo’s well-taken header gave the Reds a first-half lead, but two goals in seven minutes from Mathys Tel and Richarlison – his coming as the clock ticked into injury-time – seemed to have given Spurs the latest of winners. United, though, wouldn’t be undone as Matthijs

de Ligt headed home Bruno Fernandes’ inswinging corner to grab a point.

It was a tale of revenge for a mid-December 1965 First Division fixture in between. Two months earlier, a scintillating Spurs had walloped the Reds 5-1 at White Hart Lane, with Jimmy Greaves scoring a magnificent solo goal, but the deadly striker was absent for the Old Trafford return after contracting hepatitis.

On a quagmire of a pitch, United took full advantage of Greaves’ illness as Bobby Charlton lashed home a 20th-minute

It was a tale of revenge in 1965, as Law secured a rampant 5-1 win, and payback for a 1-5 loss two months previously

half-volley so good it meant commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme – seldom one to miss out on luxuriated description –could muster only a: “Oh, hoh, what a goal.” A minute later, Denis Law poached a second before Phil Beal put through his own net to give the Reds a 3-0 half-time lead. Cliff Jones got one back immediately after the interval as the Lilywhites pushed hard to get back into the game but David Herd’s breakaway goal soon restored United’s three-goal advantage. Law’s second secured a rampant 5-1 victory for the Reds, and payback for two months previously.

“If this had been a European Cup tie, people would have been hysterical about it,” said Football League secretary Alan Hardacre at full-time. “This is what the public wants. We saw the kind of football that would pull in crowds anywhere.”

And now for game no.207 between the teams...

Charlton’s 30-yarder left commentator Wolstenholme stuck for words, starting the rout of Tottenham at Old Trafford in December 1965

united in silent tribute...

Who are we looking at? The players of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, match officials and a 37,539 crowd, observing a two-minute silence in an act of remembrance for the United players, staff, football journalists and passengers tragically killed in the Munich Air Disaster of 6 February 1958.

When and where was this taken? At White Hart Lane, ahead of a First Division fixture between Spurs and City – just two days after the accident involving the United plane in Bavaria, Germany. The Football League called for this mark of respect ahead of all games on the first weekend since the tragedy, with scenes like this one repeated inside sports grounds up and down the country, across Europe and all around the world in the days and weeks that followed.

What’s the significance of this photograph? It shows two sets of players with personal connections to the stricken United party about to play in a fixture they’d probably rather not have to so soon after the aircrash. The death in Munich of journalist and former City goalkeeper Frank Swift – who was also chairman of their supporters’ club – meant the Blues (pictured in light shirts, on right) were mourning not only the friends they’d lost among the United players but also a City legend, one of their own. For Spurs midfielder Danny Blanchflower (third from left of the Tottenham players in black tops), there must have been a mix of deep emotions; his brother Jackie was lying badly injured in a hospital bed but had survived, while many of his sibling’s friends – so by extension his pals too – had not been spared. Manchester Evening News reporter Eric Thornton described the City squad as ‘grim-faced’ as they made their way from their hotel to the stadium, with many observers putting their subsequent 5-1 defeat to Spurs down to the emotional anguish they were suffering. United bore the tragedy, but the country shared the grief.

REMINDERS OF MUNICH

From personal mementoes to historic records, these items tell a story of lives lost, futures denied and a team whose legacy continues to resonate nearly seven decades on...

Items connected to the Munich Air Disaster carry a powerful emotional resonance, serving as lasting reminders of the darkest chapter in United’s history. Each object provides a reminder of a team cut down in its prime, of lives prematurely ended, ambitions unfulfilled and families forever changed. Items like programmes, pairs of boots, shirts or signed photographs remind us that the Busby Babes were not just footballers, but sons, brothers and friends.

Pictured here are other such items: an England cap belonging to United skipper Roger Byrne (above), a lighter gifted to Eddie Colman, and a newspaper front page bringing the latest tragic update on the air crash in Germany. These artefacts are not just interesting to look at but have stories behind them.

The distinctive blue England cap is one of the 33 won by United captain Byrne, who was a father figure to many of his ‘Babes’ team-mates despite being only 28 at the time of the disaster. This

cap, as displayed on the front, was collected for his 26th appearance for the Three Lions, against Denmark – a 5-2 victory at Molineux, in which two of his United team-mates scored the home side’s goals. Tommy Taylor fired a hat-trick and Duncan Edwards hit a brace as England moved closer to World Cup qualification. Five months later, that trio would be joined on international duty by fellow Red David Pegg, who won his only cap in a 1-1 draw with Ireland. The future was looking bright for the Babes at club and international level, especially for Byrne. At the time of his death, our left-back was being spoken of as the next England captain, viewed as the natural successor to ageing Billy Wright. Sadly, fate denied him that opportunity. Many believe another player was destined to soon join his United pals in the England ranks. Salford-born wing-half Eddie Colman, nicknamed ‘Snakehips’ for his graceful footwork and gliding movement, was a vital part of Matt Busby’s back-to-back First Division champions of 1956 and 1957. Calm in possession and an intelligent reader of the game, Colman had joined United as a schoolboy and quickly rose through the junior ranks. He won three FA Youth Cups, made his first-team debut aged 19, and had amassed 108

The Busby Babes line up for the final time in Belgrade on 5 February 1958, before the cruel fate of Munich created the darkest chapter in our club history

senior appearances by the time of the accident. This lighter was gifted to Eddie for his appearance for the Reds in the 1957 FA Cup final, a game we lost 2-1 to Aston Villa to deny the Reds a league and Cup Double. He died aged 21.

The third and perhaps saddest item shown here needs little explanation. Alongside radio and occasional television updates, the best way of getting details of the latest news was from papers like this one – Manchester’s Evening Chronicle clear from this ‘late night final’ edition, from 6 February 1958, that the true extent of the accident was still unclear. Here, the estimates are of 30 of the 44 aboard the flight having been killed, which is higher than the eventual list of 23 fatalities.

The full implications of the crash would soon become clear, but their reverberations are still felt to this day.

The England cap belonging to Roger Byrne – one of the 23 victims of the Munich Air Disaster – awarded for his 26th international appearance, a 5-2 win over Denmark in December 1956

Below The lighter gifted to United wing-half Eddie Colman – another to perish in Munich – for his appearance in our 1957 FA Cup final defeat

Above The front page of the Manchester Evening Chronicle’s late edition gives a harrowing early report of the disaster which befell the Reds as they returned from their European Cup quarter-final second-leg tie

UNITEDReview Maguire HARRY

UNITEDReview

thE REAL DuncaN EDwArdS

Later this year marks 90 years since the birth of the legendary Busby Babe, whose legend continues to flourish. Was he really as good everyone says?

But for the terrible events at Munich on that cold, unconscionable day in 1958, Duncan Edwards might well still be with us in 2026. Sat in the directors’ box with Sir Alex Ferguson for the recent 2-0 derby win, maybe, at the age of 89. Or speaking on the radio about the Busby Babes’ assault on the 1955/56 First Division title, 70 years on.

Alas, two weeks today will mark 68 years since the tragic passing of one of English football’s most legendary players. And the word ‘legendary’ is the right choice. Because the majority of people here at Old Trafford today will not have seen Duncan play. What we know of him largely comes from the stories and testimonies that have followed in the long, sad decades since he left us.

And, as with the Busby Babes in general, much of that dialogue is coloured by Munich. By what was lost. By fantasies of what he, and they, might have gone on to achieve in the years that were whipped away from them by the icy horror of 6 February 1958. By a determination to ensure Duncan’s talent was not forgotten.

But for those of us who did not see him play, that burning, tantalising question always remains: just how good was Duncan Edwards, really?

Perhaps there’s only one way to get close to the truth in 2026. And that’s to strip away everything that was said after Munich. Take away the rheumy-eyed retrospectives from those who have never stopped grieving Duncan, whether they knew him personally or not. Take away the inevitably difficult comparisons with greats of subsequent decades. Scrape

away the layers of the legend, and go right back to the 1950s, and those four-and-a-bit years when Duncan played as a professional for Manchester United. What did people say then? When football was the only consideration; when Munich was simply a distant place on a map that meant nothing to United fans. Well, in short, they said plenty…

Duncan (front row, centre) on tour with United’s all-star youth team during 1953/54

‘It is hard to be outstanding in such a brilliant company. But the lad who was able to do just that was Duncan Edwards, left-half. He was great’ – Willie Evans, Daily Mirror

WHISPERS OF GREATNESS

Go back to the newspapers from that period, and it’s amazing how many mentions there are of Duncan, long before he made his first-team debut for United in April 1953.

There he is in March 1951, in the national press, after being appointed captain of an England junior side due to take on Ireland. In December of that year, in a News Chronicle piece entitled ‘League Clubs Want This Dudley Boy’, which reports on a poor Birmingham v London county game which fell ‘a long way below expectations... only Duncan Edwards (Dudley) being up to England class’. From the beginning, the words consistently strongly hint at two specific qualities: that Edwards was incredibly versatile, and had clear facility as a natural leader.

His signing for United was reported in the Manchester Evening News on 4 June

1952, with Tom Jackson – who would also die in Munich – labelling him ‘a brilliant youngster’. The very first FA Youth Cup started soon after, and in United’s first match in that competition – a 4-0 victory over Leeds – Edwards was immediately positioned at the head of United’s outstanding reserves of youth talent.

Intrigued by a Matt Busby comment which claimed there was more than £100,000 of young class at United, Willie Evans of The Daily Mirror went along to check out the claim. He didn’t need much convincing. ‘Believe me, he’s right!’ eulogised Evans, naming Albert Scanlon, David Pegg and then, inevitably, Duncan.

‘It is hard to be outstanding in such a brilliant company,’ he gushed. ‘But the lad who was able to do just that was Duncan Edwards, left-half, last season’s England international skipper. He was great.’

Months before Edwards had signed professional terms, Busby handed him a first-team debut. It proved an inauspicious start – a 4-1 home defeat to Cardiff City – but even in the rubble of defeat, the 16-year-old was worthy of a word or two. The Evening News noted a ‘spectacular clearance’ which set up United on an attack which finished with Edwards driving a 25-yarder narrowly wide.

He had to wait more than six months for another go. But even then, the

Making a first-team debut at 16, Duncan’s unique footballing gifts were unquestionable

Edwards, with bulging, muscular thighs, pictured in August 1954 – still aged 17 but with a first full season as a senior Red to his name

Joining international team-mates Stanley Matthews (left) and Billy Wright (right) in training as his talents led him to becoming England’s youngest 20th century debutant

football world clearly believed his ascension to greatness was almost a foregone conclusion. In August 1953, writing in the Sunday Express, England’s most famous player chimed in.

‘Now for a young man of whom many of you outside the area of Old Trafford may not have heard... but you will before long,’ began Stanley Matthews. ‘He is Duncan Edwards, a boy who should be a certain international inside a few years. This young half-back has everything… size, power, skill and courage. It is worth going a long way to see his cross-field pass, with distance no object. Matt Busby must be overjoyed to have discovered such a prodigy... [he] will be in the news this season.”

How right Stan was: Edwards helped United batter Matthews’s Blackpool just two months later, in only his fifth senior appearance. Duncan received rave reviews for his contributions to a 4-1 win against a team stuffed with internationals, that had famously won the FA Cup earlier that year. ‘How this boy has taken to big-time soccer!’ cooed the MEN. Edwards was rarely out of the United team ever again. He had

just turned 17, and was already on the verge of superstardom.

THE ‘MIGHTY’ BOY

From here on, there flowed a constant stream of general astonishment at Edwards’ all-round capabilities and audacious ability to bend games to his will, despite his tender age.

Ahead of a trip to Newcastle in late December ’53, another clear theme emerged: strength. ‘What a glutton for work this 17-year-old is!’ said the MEN, and the 2-1 victory that followed in early January proved the point perfectly, with The Daily Mirror comparing him to then world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, and noting how he’d run England international Ivor Broadis ‘right out of St James’ Park’.

Later that month he became the youngest-ever player to represent England B (under-23s), in an XI where only one of the other starters was under 20.

Words like ‘mighty’, ‘bulldozer’ and ‘prodigy’ were repeatedly used, as Edwards helped United to another Youth Cup in 1954, and played in multiple positions for United’s first team. In a piece that year

on the optimum age for a professional footballer, then Manchester City striker Don Revie determined that the sweet spot fell between 25 and 30. But he couldn’t help but mention Duncan as ‘the exception’ to his rule.

Journalists were already imploring the England selectors to consider him for senior duty, and his debut came at just 18 years and 183 days, in April 1955 – a 7-2 victory over Scotland. He would remain England’s youngest debutant of the 20th century until Michael Owen’s emergence in 1998.

A YOUNG MASTER

Meanwhile, at club level, the full flowering of United’s youth talent was imminent, with Edwards leading the charge. What the Busby Babes delivered in 1955/56 is still one of the outstanding achievements in English football history: a title won by 11 points, in an era where two points were awarded for each victory. The side’s average age was just 22.

In 1956/57 they did it again, this time by a mere eight points, while also competing in the European Cup and reaching the FA Cup final. In the final full season before Munich, Edwards was simply at the peak of his powers, and salutes to his greatness littered the football press. At 20 years old, he was already a two-time English champion, an England regular, and the inspirational heart of one of the greatest club teams ever seen in Britain.

“He is the greatest player of his age I have ever seen,” admitted Busby. Tom Finney, meanwhile, another of the true greats of this era, already deemed him worthy of consideration to be named the greatest wing-half of all time.

But, of course, Busby didn’t always use Edwards in his favoured position. In the FA Cup quarter-final away to Bournemouth in March ’57, Edwards started at centre-forward due to the absence of striker Tommy Taylor, but then dropped back into central defence from the 10th minute, after Mark Jones was stretchered off. Despite the one-man deficit, the Reds came from behind to win 2-1.

When he did play in his preferred position, wing-half – analogous to central midfield nowadays – he was

Duncan (bottom left) celebrates the first of his two league championship titles with the Reds in 1956

nothing less than a titanic figure in United’s side. Arguably the Babes’ greatest performance came on 6 February 1957 – exactly one year before the crash – when they overturned Athletic Club’s 5-3 first-leg lead in the quarter-final of the European Cup.

After a remarkable 3-0 victory had been completed, the Daily Express ’s Desmond Hackett called Edwards ‘the boy of this man’s match’ who had ‘inspired this England Soccer armada’. The Daily Herald labelled him a ‘dreadnought’ who had ‘obliterated his inside-forward but still found time and place to charge up into the firing line’.

A LIFE TOO SHORT

Reading over the swathes of praise given to Duncan during his lifetime feels painful, as you approach his final months. But if you concentrate on what is being said and reported – and not the unbearable sense of impending loss –you see clearly what Duncan is in early 1958: already one of the greats.

At 20, he had been pipped to the 1957 Footballer of the Year award by Tom Finney, for example. He was in the final 10 for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year too. The only other footballers nominated were Finney (35 years old) and Matthews (42). After England beat Wales in October ’57, Desmond Hackett wrote that Duncan was simply ‘the most effective player in English football’.

It’s at this point that we’re tempted to go beyond Munich and pose those

‘This young half-back has everything... size, power, skill and courage. Matt Busby must be overjoyed to have discovered such a prodigy’

– Stanley Matthews

familiar questions once again. What might Duncan have done had he lived? Would he have captained England to the 1966 World Cup? How many European Cups might United have amassed if the Babes had not been cut down before their prime?

But let’s not. Instead, let’s just keep it simple and remind ourselves of the question we asked at the start of this piece: how good was Duncan Edwards, really? Well, the evidence we can draw from the period in which he played is overwhelming: this boy, this man, was very, very quickly considered one of

the most exceptional players to ever emerge from these isles.

Edwards was not only seen as a great in his preferred position – he excelled all over the pitch. He did not just draw fantastic performances from his own well of talent – he frequently lifted those who played alongside him too.

So in the year of his 90th birthday, let’s not think of what might have been. Let’s celebrate what was.

Because long before Munich’s lengthy shadow, the world knew – beyond any reasonable doubt – that Duncan Edwards was a great. ●

Duncan’s ascension

15 – Captain of England Schoolboys (pictured)

16 – League debut for United

17 – Youngest-ever player for England B

18 – Youngest England international since 1863

19 – First Division winner

20 – FA Cup finalist

Positions played: half-back, left-back, inside-forward, centre-forward.

Matt Busby at the unveiling of the memorial to Edwards, who was laid to rest in his birthplace of Dudley following his tragic death aged just 21

Edwards, arms outstretched, helps guard the United goal against Arsenal in February 1958 – his epic final match on English soil before the events of Munich denied the world seeing just how much he would have achieved

MUMBAI’S DERBY DELIGHT

One of our Indian supporters’ clubs jetted in last month to celebrate a huge milestone moment

Manchester United’s Mumbai supporters’ club made a memorable trip to Old Trafford in January, to mark 20 years since the group’s formation.

And their timing could scarcely have been more perfect, since the visit coincided with Michael Carrick’s first game as United’s new head coach, and a now-famous 2-0 victory over our crosstown rivals Manchester City.

For many of the Indian Reds, it was a first-time experience at the Theatre of Dreams. And that factor, aligned with the 20-year anniversary and United’s fantastic result, made for an “epic celebration”, according to one attending member, Taneesh.

“Being pitchside before kick-off, we met the legend Denis Irwin, and shared a warm chat about his glory days that left us starstruck,” he told UR. “Then a few hours later we soaked in the electric Stretford End atmosphere, where the sea of red was buzzing with chants and energy that gave us chills... it was pure ecstasy, as we jumped together, our voices hoarse from roaring.”

Fellow member Mangesh was equally dazzled. “Some places have a touch of magic about them,” he enthused. “My

heart was racing as I approached, and just one look at the stadium makes you spellbound.

“On top of that, United produced one of our best performances in a decade to outplay Pep Guardiola’s City. Now, I don’t want to take any credit away from Michael Carrick, but I can’t help but think that the Mumbai group was a lucky charm!”

Members of the Mumbai supporters’ club gather at Old Trafford ahead of last month’s meeting with City, with the ensuing result adding to the branch’s 20th anniversary celebrations as the group took in the breathtaking derby triumph after a pitchside presentation and mixing with some United icons

SEASON 2025/26

united to the core

As we remember Munich, who better to grace the cover of United Review than descendants of the late, great Harry Gregg?

For many Reds, Manchester United is a family affair. But for Danny Woodvine and his clan – who appear in the ‘handshake’ illustration on the cover of today’s United Review – that phrase simply doesn’t cut it.

Why? Because Danny is the maternal grandson of one of the most respected men in Manchester United history: goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who played 247 times for the club between 1957 and 1966. Gregg was also present on that fateful night in Munich 68 years ago, and some even call him ‘the hero of Munich’ because of the bravery he showed amid the carnage.

“In my house, Manchester United wasn’t just a football club; it was part of my family’s story,” Woodvine tells UR. “I grew up hearing about United not from the pages of a history book, but from my grandad’s life.

“I was probably about seven when I started to realise... but I didn’t really understand the scale of his links with the club. To me, naturally, he was just my grandad! It was only as I got older, saw the photos, heard the stories, that I realised how unique it was.”

As Danny began to grasp this huge connection in the early ’90s, United were on the rise under Alex Ferguson. Which meant there was only one realistic outcome. “I just became hooked!” he laughs.

“My first game was in 1995: Sheffield Wednesday at home. We won 1-0, David

“He remembered everyone who was part of that flight home... he always felt the need to talk about them, so their legacies would live on through him”

May scored. I was fortunate enough that the family had season tickets and I started to go regularly when I was in my early teens, and I still go to this day.

“My grandad always spoke about United as a family, and that’s how I see it too. I didn’t necessarily choose to support United; I was born into it, and I felt it as

my responsibility to carry on that connection with my own family.”

Danny does that nowadays by bringing his two daughters, Sienna and Ella, along with him to Old Trafford. But, inevitably, games at this time of year bring with them an extra sense of poignancy. And, as our closest fixture to the anniversary of

Danny, star of our handshake illustration (top left) and grandson of United legend Harry Gregg, is honoured to have a close connection to the club and is passing on that legacy to his daughters Sienna (pictured here) and Ella

Munich, today Danny and the family will be thinking about the many lives that were affected, not least Harry’s.

“He rarely came to England after he moved back to Northern Ireland in the late 1980s, but we would have a family holiday there every year,” explains Woodvine.

“I would spend time with him watching football, talking about United and the Busby Babes. But I never really asked him about Munich. With the media and a tragic

event like that, he had to relive it every year. I heard all the stories, but I always felt that I didn’t want to open the wounds for him to relive it in front of me. But he did open up to me later on in life, and it made me quite emotional.

“He was just so glad to talk about the players and the memories he had of them,” continues Danny. And it wasn’t just the players: he remembered everyone who was part of that flight home... he always felt the need to talk about them, so their legacies would live on through him.”

Gregg will forever be associated with Munich. But before his death in 2020, aged 87, he repeatedly stressed that he wanted to be remembered not as a hero, but as a footballer, a carpenter, a normal man from Coleraine. Who knew that Harry was also a keen musician, for example?

“When he was at Carlisle [United, as manager], we used to go to his house for Christmas,” smiles Danny, “and we would be all singing and dancing. Grandad was renowned for having an instrument or two – Paddy Crerand dubbed us ‘The Von Trapp Family’! He’d always be playing music, getting his banjo or his guitar out... He was an absolute legend on and off the pitch.”

Danny admits today will be an intense experience for all the family, as 6 February always is. But every visit to Old Trafford also delivers feelings of immense pride.

“I always have this fear that he’ll be forgotten,” confesses Woodvine, remarkably. “But it’s great that fans remember him, and then we can share in the memories that they have. United is completely embedded in the history of my family, and now I’m teaching all of it to my children and taking them to matches.” Forgotten? Harry Gregg? Not while there’s still ink in the printers that produce United Review, or blood pumping through the hearts of those who hold this club dear.

Danny’s daughters and nieces pay their respects to the legendary Babes and those that lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster

Descended from greatness, Ella –along with her sister Sienna – enjoys the regular visits to Old Trafford

Growing up and hearing Harry’s stories of United and the Busby Babes made Danny realise his deep association with the club, especially on days like today

A family man as well as a legendary Red, Harry shares a special moment with great-granddaughter Sienna

MATCHDAY

MESSAGES

Happy 18th birthday to James Huyton for today (7 February). Have a brilliant day and a great time at the game.

Happy birthday, Hannah Jones. Have a great time celebrating. Love, Michael.

Happy birthday to Lennie Harmsworth, who is 10 this weekend!

Happy 19th birthday, Christodoulos Markou. May all your birthdays be full of magical experiences such as this one. Best wishes, Andrikos, Harris and Danae.

Happy seventh birthday to Bobby Allen from Ireland. He’s United obsessed and sees himself as a future Reds no.10!

Wishing a happy seventh birthday to Noah Deasy Casey, and enjoy the game.

Happy birthday, Ilyass Bohid.

Happy 80th birthday to lifelong United fan Michael Flynn, here today from Co Laois in Ireland. Love from Martina, Angela and Christine.

Hello to Noah Lafferty, from Ireland. Have an awesome time celebrating your 12th birthday at your first United game.

Happy 30th birthday, Will! With lots of love, Mum, Dad, Freya, Jo and Scott.

Oisín and Grace McGahey and their cousin, Michéal, have travelled today from Northern Ireland and are big United supporters. Oisín is on his fifth visit but for Grace this is her first time.

Happy 15th birthday to Kian McConville and happy 21st to Anthony McConville.

Happy 21st birthday to Liam Carter. He and dad Richard have travelled to games from Fife for the past 12 years.

‘Happy birthday, Adriana Balicka! #26. What better way to celebrate than at the match. Hoping for a win to make this birthday unforgettable as we celebrate you. Love from Norway, your Nikolai.’

A big welcome to Mason Morelli, who is here for the match today with his daddy, Sean, his Granda Martin and Uncle Marty. Have the best day, wee man!

Happy 10th birthday, Ellis! Hope you’ve enjoyed your birthday. Love Mam, Dad, Colby and Mason.

Have a great birthday, Paul Enjoy the win and game. From all your family.

Welcome back to Old Trafford to Dara Leahy from Ireland.

Happy 11th birthday to our wonderful football-mad boy. Come on United, let’s get Jack a birthday win! Love always, Mum and Dad.

Sending big 10th birthday wishes to Finn Parkinson for 5 February. He’s watching today’s game at Old Trafford with dad Tom and is pictured with the great Alex Stepney.

Happy 50th birthday, Liam Donohue, and happy 14th birthday, Ava Donohue – enjoy the celebrations.

Happy 12th birthday, Poppy. We love you. Mum, Elliott, Paisley and Lottie.

Happy 11th birthday, Conor Sharkey. He’s very excited to be at Old Trafford for today’s game.

Happy 11th birthday for 24 January, Shea McCartan. He’s the biggest United fan you can imagine, with his bedroom covered wall to wall in posters, shirts and memorabilia.

A big welcome to Patrick Cox, who is attending his very first United game today. He has travelled from Northern Ireland with his dad, Niall, and his favourite players are Bruno Fernandes and Patrick Dorgu.

Lifelong Red and season ticket holder Matthew celebrates his big 40th birthday in February. Many happy returns.

Ashton, 14, pictured with dad, Carl, and grandad, Paul, are attending Old Trafford for the very first time, after the incredibly tough personal journey Carl has faced over the past 20 years. It’s wonderful to see three generations of family attending their first game, with Ashton, Carl, Paul and Ashton’s uncle, James (right) all here to share this special moment.

Happy 50th birthday to Garret, a lifelong Red here today celebrating with friends and family. Have a fantastic day. Love, Audrey and the kids.

Happy 13th birthday, Ruben O’Brien. Have fun at the match today! Lots of love, Mum and Dad.

Happy birthdays to Charlie, 14, and Harry Smith, 11, who are at the game today celebrating with a trip to their favourite place in the world!

We hope lifelong United supporter Gabriel Peter, 16, has the best time at the game today, here all the way from New York.

Wishing a very happy 20th and 21st birthday to Alex and Taylor

‘Happy fifth birthday to our little princess, Alyssia. Lots of love from Daddy, Mummy and Avery.’

Happy 46th birthday to Gareth Phin for 9 February. The best brother and the biggest United fan ever. Enjoy your day at the match and let’s hope it’s a win for the Reds! Love, your sister Joanna and all the family.

Happy 70th birthday to Martin Bland (5 February), a season ticket holder for 43 years, and happy 18th to his grandson, Kayden Bland (3 February), who are both at the game today to celebrate their big birthdays.

‘Happy birthday, my love. Enjoy your time at Old Trafford, soak it all in. Cheer for your favourite team the way I cheer for you.’

Dear Kyan: on behalf of Manchester United and the United Family, we would like to congratulate you and wish you the very best on your special Bar Mitzvah day. We hope you continue to be the passionate Red you are.

Happy 30th birthday, Eugene ‘Gino’ Tinnelly Wishing you a great result for the Reds today! Love from Belfast with Sean-Patrick, Dermot O’, Bernard O’, Cat, Christy, Big Nose and Peaky. United! United!

Happy 15th birthday to Louis Haslam, a season ticket holder in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand hoping for three points for the Reds today.

Wishing Lucas Dicken a fantastic 16th birthday! Enjoy the match and fingers crossed for Amad on the scoresheet.

Joseph Grech is a Red from Mosta in Malta. United forever!

Odhrán is currently receiving treatment for a brain tumour he was diagnosed with in January 2025. He is very excited to be here today to see his favourite team, United, play.

Happy 22nd birthday, Harvey. Love Mum and Dad.

‘I would have asked you over a beer but Jade said I had to do something nice. Anyway, will you be my best man?’

A big Manchester welcome to John Hamilton from Dublin. He’s here to celebrate his big 60th birthday with his pal, Conor. John is dad to three crazy kids and married to his lovely wife, Shirley. The lads are lifelong fans. Happy birthday John, and enjoy the celebrations.

Happy 21st birthday to Jay Patterson. Have an amazing weekend on your first visit to Old Trafford. Love from all the family.

Happy 60th birthday, Anthony Balch! All the very best.

Happy 50th birthday to you, Ananthaaragavan V Naidu. Enjoy your trip to Old Trafford all the way from Singapore!

Happy 40th birthday, Alistair Reid. From Vicki, Clarke and Caris.

A very happy 40th birthday to Trong Hoang for 8 February.

Big birthday wishes for today to Louise Bissett, here with her husband and children to celebrate.

Happy 20th birthday for 3 February to Jake Horsler – a United fanatic!

Welcome to your 26th United match, Leo McLeavy. Let’s make it a victorious one!

A very happy seventh birthday to United regular Ella Cherry.

Happy 13th birthday, Caden Francis. Have a great time celebrating.

Happy sixth birthday to a huge Red and Bruno’s biggest fan, Jesse Tyson. He’s a member and loved going to his first United game recently.

Welcome to your first Old Trafford game, James Haigney. He’s eight and over from Ireland with his dad, Kevin, cousin Cara, and Uncle Shane.

Happy birthday to Joey John Harris, from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire. An ardent follower of United – just like his dad!

Happy birthday, Charlie Mc.

Happy 81st birthday for 8 February to Kathleen St Leger, with love from all the family.

Happy 16th birthday for today to season ticket holder Rohan Ballagan.

Happy 50th birthday, Dan Wheeldon. Love from your wife, Sarah, children, and baby granddaughter, Harper.

12th

Darragh Berry and Noelle Jennings are celebrating their wedding over at today’s game. Wishing you many years of happiness together, folks.

A very happy 75th birthday for 9 February to Sandra Bates, a season ticket holder and lifelong Red.

Happy birthday to Luna Anne Kirkham, who will be 11 on 28 February. Luna likes to watch the Reds live and is looking forward to her next trip to Old Trafford.

Happy birthday today to Bea Palmer, seen here with granddaughter Ruby on a visit to the Theatre of Dreams. She will be in the South Stand today, cheering on the Reds with husband John. A win would be the best birthday present she could have!

Saoirse is a huge Manchester United fan, just like her brother, Andrew. Through Make-A-Wish Ireland, Saoirse’s dream has come true with the incredible opportunity to visit Old Trafford. Of course, her brother Andrew is right by her side, and he says she is the best sister in the world. Saoirse’s favourite player is Bruno Fernandes, and she proudly owns a United shirt with his name on the back, as well as a signed photo of Bruno that has a special place beside her bed.

Happy 50th birthday, Ian Williams. Have the best day ever! Love from all your family.

Happy 70th birthday, Dad (Paul). We love you. Lots of love, your family: Kelly, Carole, Georgia, Ruby and Harper.

Oscar and Esme Rooney would like to wish their father, Daniel Rooney, a happy 42nd birthday for 6 February.

James McCrudden, 13, is over from Ireland to support the Reds.

Happy 30th birthday, Eddie Shanks. Enjoy the party later! Love from Mum, Dad, Emma and Rachel.

A very happy 11th birthday to Elle, with love from Daddy.

Wishing Luca Melfi a happy 10th birthday!

Happy eighth birthday, Mason Wood. Have a brilliant day at today’s match. Lots of love.

Happy birthday, Dougie! We couldn’t be any prouder of you. Love Mum, Dad and Heidi.

Happy 50th birthday to Neil Tonge for 31 January. He’s a lifelong United supporter and has been a season ticket holder for more than 15 years. He follows the team home and away, and also helps out with the Red Army, which he’s incredibly proud of.

Wishing Dominic a happy 16th birthday. Lots of love from Moira and Mummy. We love you!

16th

a

day and

Happy eighth birthday for 3 February to Oscar Newton He’s football mad and plays in every position for his two local clubs.

Welcome to Frankie Carney and his family, from Ireland, for Frankie’s first-ever visit to Old Trafford to see his beloved Reds.

Happy

birthday, Ryan Have

brilliant

enjoy the match.

Happy

birthday Harry, ‘KOH’. Love Mum, Dad and Liam.

Paula would like to wish happy birthday to her husband, Dave (2 February), their son, Daniel (11 February) and granddaughter, Stevie, who will be three on 28 February. With love from all the family.

Campbell and Cora Given are two big United fans, and Campbell is here today for his first Old Trafford experience with dad and fellow lifelong Red, Patrick.

‘Glory, glory Man United! Happy 13th birthday to our two Reds, Ashton and Mason Purewal – you arrived 13 years ago and immediately stole the trophy... and the families’ hearts. Love, Daddy, Mummy, Simba, the Purewal family, and Mattu family.’

Happy birthday to our boy, Leland – love Mum and Dad. Happy 10th birthday, Daniel.

IN MEMORIAM

‘In memory of Hudson Hughie Martin, a United fan at the age of two. A little guy with a smile always on his face, he’ll be forever missed by Mummy, Daddy, older brother Kieran and twin brothers Ashton and Preston. He was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease aged seven months and we are out to create awareness for the illness that left him with complications, and the way he sadly lost his life so suddenly. Societi (societi.org.uk) is a charity working hard to raise awareness, while anyone who’d like to donate to Hudson’s funeral costs can do so via gofund.me/cca4923b2

Remembering Guru Patel, a devoted United supporter who passed away peacefully at home. Guru’s resilience while living with a disability was an inspiration, supported by the devoted care of his parents and brother. A lover of football, music and comedy, Guru’s passion for life and United will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.

Marie Coyle, born in Dublin on 13 September 1933 and a resident of Sale until her passing on 28 December 2025, was a lifelong Red. Marie was a member of the Executive Club for decades and well known to staff and former players in the Manchester Suite. She’ll be sorely missed by all who knew her. Marie neither minced words nor wasted time, and was a woman of great faith, service and generosity.

A devout Roman Catholic, even her priest acknowledged United was her One Love.

In loving memory of our beloved son, Kyle “Mossy” O’Brien, who passed away on 4 January 2026. Kyle was a lifelong Red who never missed a game and supported his team with pride, passion, and unwavering loyalty. Living with cerebral palsy never defined him – his love for the Reds, his strength, and his spirit, always shone through. Kyle was always recognised by his United blanket, which went everywhere with him. Our Kyle brought joy to everyone who knew him and will forever remain part of the United family and forever in our hearts. His spirit lives on at Old Trafford and wherever the team plays. Lovingly remembered by his parents, Brid and Kevin, his sisters, grandparents Margaret and David O’Brien, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Thinking of John Ahern in Farranree, Cork, who sadly passed away on 18 December 2025. A lifelong Red, his no.1 player was George Best, and he travelled to Old Trafford regularly from Ireland with his son, John. Condolences to Caroline, Catherina, John Jnr and Gerard.

Remembering Bill Fatai Williams, a steward at United since 1988 who sadly passed away recently. Rest in peace.

In memory of Adam Robert Hannigan, from Tipperary, 25.01.9223.11.25. Forever

33. Happy birthday, Adam. Your first away from home.

In memory of Simon Hanlon, a loving father, grandad, great grandad and husband, and a big Red. Our thoughts are with all his family and loved ones. RIP.

Sean Keaney, from Crosserlough, Co Cavan, Ireland tragically passed away aged 35 at Whitehaven beach in Australia on New Year’s Eve while saving lives in a swimming accident. Sadly missed by his family and friends, Sean was a massive United fan and went to many games at Old Trafford with his friends. ‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’

Duncan Gachagan (right of photo) was a lifelong United fan who sat in the Stretford End with his best friend and was surrounded by dear friends he had made through following the Reds. He was a season ticket holder for 15 years, and matchdays were the highlight of his week. He attended away games and cup finals, always flying the red flag high. Unfortunately, he left the world too soon and he will be dearly missed.

‘In memory of Don Hague, of row 11 in S126 in the South Stand. I started to watch United in 1956 and in 1966 my dad and I became season ticket holders. Don and I married in 1975, he then took over my dad’s season ticket and we’ve held them until today. Our highlight was definitely 1999 –one unbelievable week. With our birthdays being 26 (Don) and 27 May (me), we had some fantastic birthdays. From his wife, Carole.’

Season 2024/25

517k+

total free-of-charge attendances at sessions and events

1,324 signed and charitable items distributed

£2.3m raised by fans and fundraising

125 unique participants projects

41% female participation

Find out more mufoundation.org/ourimpact

41,289

MEMORIES OF A BUSBY BALL BOY

There are not many living people who can remember watching the Busby Babes play. But 85-year-old John Duncan can and, even better, he had the best seat in the house.

Duncan grew up on Talbot Road, just by the cricket ground, and became a United ball boy in 1953 through his school, Victoria Park. It granted him with a close-up view of an amazing period in club history.

“We had our own dressing room opposite the players,” remembers John, “and we’d wait at the top of the tunnel until we saw the captain, Roger Byrne, come out. We would walk out ahead and they would follow on.

“My little spot was behind the goal at the city end,” he continues. “The trouble with that was, if there were any shots coming at 100mph, I couldn’t get out of the way! Once Duncan Edwards hit one and it knocked me back into the crowd!

“If there were any shots coming at 100mph, I couldn’t get out of the way! Once Duncan Edwards hit one and it knocked me back into the crowd!”

United supporter

John Duncan tells us about his pitchside view of the Babes era

John would sometimes see Duncan away from Old Trafford too, usually on Sunday mornings in nearby Longford Park.

“They’d allow me to have a kickabout –only because they recognised me from the tunnel at Old Trafford,” he chuckles. There was Duncan Edwards, David Pegg... they were very friendly. Duncan asked me to look after his bike once!”

Inevitably, Munich came as a big shock, after John had spent so much time up close with his heroes. “I felt devastated,” he admits. “I don’t know why, but I couldn’t support United afterwards. I don’t mean I went off and supported another team – it just blocked me, dead. I only knew them to say hello to but, when they all died, I lost something.”

John was so affected that he left Manchester soon after, moving to Brighton to live with his father. But, thankfully, his passion for watching United returned in the 1960s when he obtained a season ticket, and he still watches every game now from his home in Worthing, Sussex. But memories of the Babes never fade.

“They played football that you can only sort of dream about,” he smiles.

“I just didn’t know how lucky I was.”

John (second from right) with his wife Christine, son Phil, and Phil’s partner Ellie; and (inset) taking a look at some United photos with grandson Charlie

John was honoured to have a close-up view of the Busby Babes and watching “football you can only dream about”

UNITED VOICES

PHIL MEALEY

The award-winning Early Doors co-writer and actor on over-confident Cup final cakes, the power of Pancho Pearson, Maguire’s integrity, and the United ties that bind…

“I’ve got two season tickets at Old Trafford, and when you’ve had one for 25 years you get a plaque on your seat. I reached that milestone about six or seven seasons ago – I’ve got two seats next to each other –my sister, Alison, actually sits with me, but despite this, it still says ‘Phil Mealey’ on the plaque on each seat. So, people in the stadium must think: ‘He must be 50 stone this fella – he must need a seat for each cheek!’ I started supporting United the usual way, through family. My brother Stephen was a massive United fan, and I started following them through him. He was killed in a car crash when I was 14. One thing I remember about him is that when we played Southampton in the FA Cup final in 1976, everyone was so confident that my mam got a cake that said ‘CONGRATULATIONS MAN UTD’ for when my brother came back from the match. But we lost 1-0. So, we ate the ‘CONGRATULATIONS’ bit and just had the ‘Man Utd’ left on the cake. My dad wasn’t that bothered about football – it was our Stephen who was really passionate, so my first game at Old Trafford was with him against Oxford United on 2 November 1974. We were in the old Second Division, and Stuart ‘Pancho’ Pearson got a hat-trick. I loved ‘Pancho’; his clenched-fist celebration [right] was fantastic. Another of my heroes was Bryan Robson. Robbo was really something special. He was one of those players – and Roy Keane was another – that play

Our Belgian stopper is one of several Reds who have caught Phil’s eye recently

with their hearts on their sleeves. You can see them on the pitch galvanising the whole team – and even if they have a bad game by their standards, it’s not a bad game by anyone else’s.

I co-wrote and starred in Early Doors with Craig Cash – which people are re-discovering on BBC iPlayer, which is great. My only arguments writing it with Craig were about football. He’s a City fan! But I got the line in about the character Tommy being a City fan and him going for 18 years: ‘Oh? Are the pies that good?’ or ‘I don’t like crowds... oh you should be safe at City, then.’ I managed to get a few City digs in!

Last December, we lost Lorraine Cheshire who played Joan in the show – she was a massive United fan. John Henshaw, who played Ken, is a big City fan. James Quinn, who played one of the coppers, is a Red. Susan Cookson, who played Tanya, is United. So, the show was quite evenly balanced, really.

I go with my sister to the match a lot –we’re close, anyway, but United is a lovely thing to share. We’re not an emotional family so in many ways the only time we hug is when United score! An example of that would have been when we beat Liverpool in the FA Cup in 1999. That would be one of my favourite United memories, but you could pick so many others too.

This season has been a rollercoaster. I liked Ruben Amorim, but it just shows you how difficult the Premier League is. What can you say about Michael Carrick,

“WE’RE NOT AN EMOTIONAL FAMILY SO IN MANY WAYS THE ONLY TIME WE HUG IS WHEN UNITED SCORE!”

though? The way he’s turned things around, they’re playing like United again. It feels a long time since we were playing like this. We are looking to go forward and to attack all the time. Flying forward the United way!

I absolutely love Mbeumo and I think Lammens is turning into a really good goalkeeper – these last three games he’s been fabulous. Harry Maguire needs a shout out too. The stick he’s had and all the stuff that’s happened to him – to play like he’s been playing? That’s character, isn’t it. The way he has conducted himself on and off the pitch, for a narrative of integrity Harry is right up there. As a Stockport lad it’s great to see Kobbie doing fabulous again too.

I saw George Best play... but that was for Stockport County. I’ve been very lucky to have seen Eric, Becks, Robbo and Giggsy play. But I never got to see Best, Law and Charlton play for United, so if I had a time machine...

For me, United is family. It connects me to my sister and to my late brother. When United score a brilliant goal, or win something, I always think of him.”

Phil’s show, ‘Early Doors – Behind the Bar & Beyond Stories’ is in Southport on 25 April, Shrewsbury on 1 May, Buxton on 10 May, and Lytham on 17 May. You can follow Phil on Instagram @philmealeyofficial

It’s great to see our swagger back under Carrick, says Phil, who enjoys getting a City dig into his TV scriptwriting!

Ole’s added-time winner in the 1999 fourth-round FA Cup defeat of Liverpool was one of those occasions the Mealey family was overcome with euphoria

STORY BEHIND THE SHOT

Last time out at Old Trafford, club photographer ASH DONELON (above) took the opportunity to add to his pre-match duties by quickly capturing the team mood and buoyant Stretford End support just seconds before kick-off against Fulham…

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

When and where: Sunday 1 February 2026, Old Trafford.

Ash says:

“Legendary war photographer Robert Capa once said: ‘If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough’, and it’s a quote I always bear in mind every time I pick up a camera. At home games, just before the coin toss, I have to go onto the pitch to photograph the mascots with the club captains and match officials in the centre circle. On Sunday, once I’d taken the mascot photo, I followed Bruno as he walked over to join his team-mates. I couldn’t hang around for long as I had to exit the pitch before the referee blew his whistle to start the match, so I quickly grabbed this shot before dashing towards the touchline. Being on the pitch in such close proximity to the players so near to kick-off was exhilarating, and the Stretford End adorned with banners provided the perfect backdrop for my shot. My role as a club photographer is to capture moments that help supporters connect with the team, and I hope photos like this achieve that aim.”

JUNIOR

Reds

(ANSWERS OVER THE PAGE)

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

It’s Valentine’s Day next weekend – so here are a few short poems to show our love for the Reds!

Roses are red, Grass is green Cunha’s goal at Arsenal Could be the best we’ve seen!

United are red, City are blue, We won 2-0 With one from Dorgu!

Roses are red, Violets are blue, We beat Fulham last weekend, And now for Spurs, too?!

Can you think of any others?!

Can you match these former Reds to the clubs they’ve managed?

PANCAKE M IX-UP

1. First name of former United striker _____ Sheringham

2. To win the ball, you can make a ______ 3. How many clubs are in the Premier League?

5. United play summer friendlies in a pre-season ____

1. A former Reds left-back from Brazil, Alex ______

The Reds play at Old ________

How many teams play in a football match?

Roy Keane – Sunderland;

Gary Neville – Valencia; 4. Wayne Rooney – Derby; 5. Robin van Persie – Feyenoord.

PANCAKE MIX-UP – 1. Diogo Dalot; 2. Senne Lammens; 3. Manuel Ugarte; 4. Luke Shaw; 5. Bruno Fernandes.

Teddy; 2. Tackle; 3. Twenty; 5. Tour; Down: 1. Telles; 3. Trafford; 4. Trophy; 5. Two.

Introduce young Reds to 30 club legends and their incredible stories, with fantastic illustrations from artist Stanley Chow.

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

Iconic and rarely seen images are now seen in full colour for the first time, to show United’s history as you’ve never seen it before.

Learn about our greatest teams, iconic managers, famous goals, dramatic matches and trophy triumphs in this illustrated story of the world’s most famous football club

RAISING MONEY TO SUPPOR T CHILDREN AFFECTED BY WA R

OPENING NIGHT SHOW

THURSDAY 12 FEBRUARY BOILER SHOP, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY GORILLA, MANCHESTER

MONDAY 16 FEBRUARY THE GARAGE, LONDON

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY RESCUE ROOMS, NOTTINGHAM

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY PATTERNS, BRIGHTON

WEDNESDAY 18 FEBRUARY E artH, LONDON

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY EMERALD THEATRE, LONDON &

THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY ALBERT HALL, MANCHESTER

THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT + WAR CHILD PRESENTS:

WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY YES, MANCHESTER

THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY MUSIC HALL AT ASSEMBLY ROOMS, EDINBURGH

UNBEATEN in 2026

Our women’s team have made a solid start to the new year on the pitch, and been busy off it too...

CLIMBING THE WSL

United are enjoying an unbeaten start to 2026 across all competitions and have climbed up to second in the Women’s Super League table in the process. After picking up a point from a 0-0 draw away to fellow top-three rivals Arsenal – despite completing the contest a player down after Jayde Riviere was sent off – the Reds have shown character and real quality on the way to back-to-back league wins over Aston Villa (4-1) and Liverpool (3-1). Those results have elevated Marc Skinner’s side to directly behind leaders Manchester City – 11 points adrift – but perhaps more crucially a point ahead of champions Chelsea and two above Arsenal (who have a game in hand) in the race for the three UEFA Champions League positions.

CUP HISTORY

While making ground in the league, United have also recorded progress in both domestic cup competitions, booking our place in the League Cup final for the first time. The Reds faced Arsenal away again in the semi-finals, but Elisabeth Terland’s first-half strike was enough to ensure there wasn’t to be a second January stalemate between the sides, and we’ll now face holders Chelsea in the final at Ashton Gate Stadium on 15 March. We’re due to visit the Blues before then though, on 22 February in the FA Cup fifth round, after we kicked off our campaign in the tournament with a 5-0 win over third-tier Burnley. Academy debutant Layla Drury completed the scoring that day, becoming the team’s youngest player and goalscorer at 16 years and 220 days.

The Reds celebrate a winning start to our Women’s FA Cup campaign as we overcame Burnley 5-0 in a fourth-round home fixture

A late first-half strike from Terland also secured Skinner’s side a place in next month’s League Cup final as we ousted Arsenal in the last four

Schuller, one of three new winter arrivals, marked her first start with our fourth in the 5-0 FA Cup triumph over Burnley

NEW FACES

Experienced striker Lea Schuller was also on the scoresheet against Burnley, opening her account for the club after completing a mid-season transfer from Bayern Munich, where she won four Bundesliga titles and netted more than 100 goals. The Germany international formalised her move on 1 January, alongside Swedish full-back Hanna Lundkvist, who arrived following two years with San Diego Wave. Lundkvist has already scored her first goal too, in the win over Aston Villa, and had the chance to play alongside Sweden team-mate Ellen Wangerheim. Talented young forward Wangerheim became our third and final signing of the winter window – which closed for WSL clubs on Tuesday – when she joined from Hammarby.

FAREWELLS...

Skinner’s squad is continuing to evolve and that process has also seen several permanent outgoings over the last month or so. Rachel Williams, who moved into the team’s all-time top 10 for goals and assists across her three-and-a-half years at the club, has returned to former club Leicester City. We also

wished fellow forward Geyse the best of luck for the future as she completed a switch to North American outfit Club America.

LOAN OUTGOINGS

On the loan front, defender Hannah Blundell – who returned to action earlier this season after giving birth last March – is spending the remainder of the campaign hoping to build up minutes elsewhere in the WSL, with Everton. Some of the Reds’ younger players will also spend the second half of the season gaining experience with clubs in the English second tier, with Mared Griffiths (Sunderland) and Lucy Newell (Crystal Palace) confirmed at the time of print.

CONTRACT NEWS

That’s not all as far as squad news goes. Influential Japanese midfielder Hinata Miyazawa (below) – one of only four players to feature in all 27 of the team’s games so far this season – signed a new contract with the club over the festive period, extending her stay in Manchester until 2029. Meanwhile, head coach Skinner confirmed one-year extension options had been activated in the contracts of Gabby George, Lisa Naalsund, Elisabeth Terland and Ella Toone, keeping them at United until the summer of 2027. Toone – United Women’s all-time record appearance-maker and goalscorer – is yet to play in 2026 due to a hip injury but recently told our Inside Carrington podcast that she hopes to be back out on the pitch before too long.

today (12pm), before our UEFA Champions League campaign resumes in midweek. The Atletico Madrid takes Thursday (8pm) before the return leg in Leigh on 19 February –head to tickets. manutd.com

on a big night.

florence’s

Manchester United Foundation can trace its roots back to an idea, nearly 19 years ago, to create a lasting legacy to the trailblazing, exhilarating and, most importantly, youthful spirit of the Busby Babes. Established to provide support and enrichment to the young people of Manchester and beyond, the club’s associated charity leans heavily on the ethos embodied by Sir Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy’s fabled team: give youth a chance and it will flourish.

Of course, the Foundation’s work goes far beyond support on the pitch, providing opportunity and enrichment across community projects and schools. Participant Florence is a student at one of those schools, Middleton Technology School, and will today represent the charity – as she did at yesterday’s afternoon service – when fans come together to mark the 68th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.

Florence has benefited from multiple elements of the Foundation’s delivery, including representing her school in the Premier League Inspires Challenge, which supports participants in developing personal, social, employability and life skills. And as a big fan of Manchester United Women and regular matchgoer at Leigh, it will come as little surprise to learn that she is always first to put herself forward to get involved with football tournaments hosted by the Foundation.

“I come from a family of proud United fans, led by my grandad who remembers the tragedy in Munich,” Florence tells us. “It’s a story that’s always been in my family and I know exactly what it means to the club and how important it is to remember.

“In my speech I wanted to talk about how the legacy of the Busby Babes inspires the Foundation’s work and how

We chat to the Foundation participant all set to address the crowds at this afternoon’s pre-match Munich memorial ceremony

that has also helped and inspired me. I love being part of the Foundation and I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given, in and out of school.

“It’s an honour for me to be able to speak at today’s memorial, representing the Foundation and the young people of Manchester. I’m a bit nervous, but mainly I’m just excited and very proud.”

Further afield, a group of six participants from the Foundation’s

community football offering, Street Reds, flew out to Munich earlier this week to take part in the commemorations at Manchesterplatz on Friday. The fourth trip of its kind, it rewards deserving participants with the opportunity to enjoy some amazing cultural experiences in the Bavarian capital, such as a visit to Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, while also representing the Foundation by laying a wreath at the memorial ceremony.

Foundation participant and Middleton Technology School pupil Florence (left, and below with mum Zoie and stadium tour guide Richard) will represent the charity by speaking at today’s Munich memorial, while participants from our Street Reds programme will again be in Munich, as they were last year, when Andy Cole joined the group (above)

pride... the student’s SPEECH

Hello everyone,

My name is Florence. I am a 13-year-old student at Middleton Technology School, a partner of Manchester United Foundation. I am here today to talk to you about how the legacy of the Busby Babes lives on to this day.

For me, legacy means something that stays alive forever. The Busby Babes showed what young people can do by playing with courage, sticking together, and believing in themselves. Even though their story ended too soon, their spirit is still here at Old Trafford today, 68 years later.

This story has been passed down through my family. My grandad was just 10 years old when he heard the terrible news of the Munich Air Disaster. He was at home in his kitchen when a neighbour rushed in to tell his family what had happened. Ever since then, Munich has meant more than just history to us. It is something we remember and carry with us.

As a young Mancunian, and a girl who plays football myself, I have felt the support of Manchester United Foundation. The Foundation was created as a legacy to the Busby Babes, and it continues that legacy by supporting young people across Manchester and beyond to achieve their dreams – just as the club did with those players who we come here to honour. The Foundation have helped me grow, given me confidence, and made me believe in myself on and off the football pitch.

Legacy is also about opening doors. As a passionate United fan, I am so proud to see fans and all areas of the club represented here today to commemorate what the Busby Babes stood for. Including the women’s team, who show that girls like me can dream big and be part of this story too.

And what legacy do I want to leave? That football is for everyone, and that we play with courage, unity, and hope. Just like the Busby Babes did.

Stay

Female participants from Dixons Brooklands Academy in Wythenshawe were delighted to welcome United Women’s Lisa Naalsund and Mared Griffiths to their football session last week.

The Reds pair visited the school in Wythenshawe, which has been partnered with Manchester United Foundation for almost two decades, to join a series of football activities and share advice on leadership with a group of student sport leaders. “It’s really important work that the Foundation does,” said Lisa.

“I spoke to one girl who had started playing football because she saw women playing on TV, which is really inspiring. Coming here to see community and togetherness is brilliant.”

One of the students, Angel, a regular at United Women fixtures, said: “It’s meant a lot that the players have visited us. All the fans have dreams to meet the players, and it’s nice to actually do that and meet the people who you watch all the time. They were really nice and inspiring.”

Naalsund joins the Dixons Brooklands Academy pupils in some activities while delivering some advice on leadership

Lisa was impressed by the strong community spirit on display

WHAT IS STYLE?

M16’s MOST VISITED

Spurs hold a Reds club record: they are the opposition team to have visited Old Trafford for a competitive game more than any other, today being the 101st occasion. So here are the clubs we’ve faced most at the Theatre of Dreams…

PREMIER LEAGUE

Get set for a busy weekend – with plenty more to follow next week...

The latest round of Premier League fixtures began last night, as Leeds faced Nottingham Forest at Elland Road – the teams precariously placed in 16th and 17th in the table ahead of kick-off – before today’s action begins here at Old Trafford. Shortly after full-time in M16, five fixtures will get under way in the traditional 3pm Saturday slot: Bournemouth v Aston Villa (can the visitors briefly jump into second?); Arsenal v Sunderland (will the Gunners take another step closer to a first league title since 2004?); Burnley v West Ham (a claret-and-blue battle between two teams in the drop-zone); Fulham v Everton (two teams split only by goals scored ahead of kick-off); and Wolves v Chelsea (a home win at Molineux would certainly

help United’s aspirations for a Champions League spot).

The televised tussle at 5.30pm sees Newcastle host Brentford Keith Andrews’ Bees go into the contest three points clear of their opponents, and dreaming of a first ever European finish. As for Eddie Howe’s Magpies, they’ll be out to bounce back from their League Cup semi-final exit in midweek, with Arsenal and Manchester City now confirmed as the finalists.

Moving on to tomorrow, the unique ‘M23 derby’ between Brighton and Crystal Palace starts at 2pm, before Liverpool v Manchester City at 4.30pm. Then there’s just over a 48-hour gap before another full schedule begins, with all 20 teams in action between Tuesday and Thursday.

Since making his United debut against Sunderland back in October, Senne Lammens has started every game for the Reds. The Belgian has impressed with his calm presence in goal and if selected again today will bring up his 20th appearance in all competitions. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is the only player to start all 24 Premier League games for the Reds in 2025/26.

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2024/25 SEASON

APPEARANCES & GOALS, 2025/26 SEASON

EDITOR Paul Davies

MANAGING EDITOR Charlie Ghagan

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

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

Five players listed in the Reds’ squad on the back of today’s programme have scored goals for United against Tottenham previously. Bruno Fernandes leads the way with three strikes, while Amad, Matthijs de Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee have each netted once against this afternoon’s visitors from north London.

2025/26 FIXTURES

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

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

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

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

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

HeavenShaw Amad 1Fernandes 1

HeavenShaw Dalot Ugarte

HeavenMartinez Shaw Casemiro

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

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

HeavenMartinezDalot Casemiro

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

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

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

FernandesDorgu

FernandesDorguMbeumoMount

Ugarte Dorgu

Fernandes 1

FernandesDorguMbeumo

Fernandes 1 DorguMbeumo

Fernandes Dorgu MbeumoCunha

FernandesDalot

FernandesDalot MbeumoCunhaSesko

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo 1 Cunha

FernandesDorgu Amad Mbeumo ZirkzeeMount Dalot

FernandesDalot Mbeumo Mount 1Zirkzee 1

Fernandes Dalot 1 MbeumoCunha Zirkzee Yoro Dorgu

Fernandes 2 Dalot Mbeumo 1 Mount 1 CunhaMartinez Yoro

Casemiro 1 Dalot Mbeumo Mount Cunha 1 Mainoo

Fernandes DorguMount Cunha 1 Sesko

Ugarte Dorgu 1 Mount Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Zirkzee

Ugarte Dorgu Zirkzee 1 Cunha Sesko Fletcher, J Yoro

UgarteShaw Dorgu Cunha 1 Sesko Zirkzee

Casemiro Cunha Fernandes Dorgu Sesko 2 Mount

stadium zone-by-zone

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

Which of these two players joined United from Tottenham first?

Which defender’s final Reds goal came against Spurs in last season’s Carabao Cup?

Who were United’s last Valentine’s Day opponents, in 2021?

BROM WEST HAM OR

After Michael Carrick, who was the next player to wear no.16 for United?

PEREIRA MARCOS ROJO OR

Before Bryan Mbeumo, who was the last Red to score the opening goal in a United win away at Arsenal, in 2019?

SANCHEZ JESSE LINGARD OR

Which of these players has netted more United goals against Spurs?

BESTDENIS LAW OR What is the most common winning scoreline for United in this fixture in the Premier League?

MANCHESTER UNITED TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Altay BAYINDIR (GK)

Diogo DALOT

Noussair MAZRAOUI

Matthijs DE LIGT

Harry MAGUIRE

Lisandro MARTINEZ

Mason MOUNT

Bruno FERNANDES

Matheus CUNHA

Joshua ZIRKZEE

Tyrell MALACIA

Patrick Chinazaekpere DORGU

L eny YORO AMAD

CASEMIRO

Bryan MBEUMO

Tom HEATON (GK)

Luke SHAW

Manuel UGARTE

Ayden HEAVEN

Benjamin SESKO

Senne LAMMENS (GK)

Chido OBI

Tyler FREDRICSON

Diego LEON

Kobbie MAINOO

Jack FLETCHER

Tyler FLETCHER

Shea LACEY

Bendito MANTATO

Godwill KUKONKI

Guglielmo VICARIO (GK)

Radu DRAGUSIN

Kevin DANSO

Joao PALHINHA

Xavi SIMONS

Yves BISSOUMA

RICHARLISON

James MADDISON

Mathys TEL

Destiny UDOGIE

Archie GRAY

Lucas BERGVALL

Cristian ROMERO

Dominic SOLANKE

Mohammed KUDUS

Dejan KULUSEVSKI

Conor GALLAGHER

Pedro PORRO

Djed SPENCE

Wilson ODOBERT

Pape MATAR SARR

Rodrigo BENTANCUR

Antonin KINSKY (GK)

Ben DAVIES

Micky VAN DE VEN SOUZA

Randal KOLO MUANI

Brandon AUSTIN (GK)

Callum OLUSESI

Rio KYEREMATEN

Jun’ai BYFIELD

Luca WILLIAMS-BARNETT

ROWSWELL