Echoes from Old Trafford - October 2015

NEWSPAPER POST

Volume 43- Issue 1, October 2015

“Martial is France’s biggest talent, in three years he’ll be worth €100m.

Hopefully he scores many goals for Manchester United.”

Eric Cantona

Manchester United Supporters’ Club-Malta Founded 1959, is officially recognized by the Manchester United Football Club.

In this issue

3  EDITORJAL ........................................................................................... 5  CLUB NEWS......................................................................................... 7  TEDDY’S CORNER ............................................................................ 10  SUCCESS IN THE USA – PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT ....................... 13  BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER ............................................................ 14  ROTTEN APPLE .................................................................................. 17  NEW SIGNINGS ............................................................................... 18  THE GOALKEEPER SAGA .................................................................. 20  WAYNE ROONEY .............................................................................. 22  CAN MANCHESTER UNITED WIN THE LEAGUE? ................................ 25  RANDOM RED THOUGHTS .............................................................. 26  CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ...................................................................... 29  THE ITALIAN JOB – WILL IT EVER WORK AT UNITED?......................... 31  1983 FA CUP FINAL .......................................................................... 33  RIVALRIES ....................................................................................... 39  ENGLAND’S EL CLASICO................................................................... 41  IN THE SPOTLIGHT........................................................................... 43  THE COMMITTEE – NEW FACES, NEW DRIVE .................................... 46  INTERVIEW – SAMMY MCLLROY ..................................................... 48  BULLDOG BREED .............................................................................. 51  THE WAR YEARS .............................................................................. 53  SEASON SO FAR .............................................................................. 59  MAJOR LEAGUE’S ROUND-UP .......................................................... 64  MIXED MANCUNIAN PLATTER.......................................................... 67  FIXTURES & RESULTS ...................................................................... 72  EDITORIAL ...........................................................................................

Official publication of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta editorial team Michael Calleja · Braden Galea · Clint Camilleri advertising executives Sean Galea · Joe Catania contributors Michael Calleja Braden Galea James Handyside Norbert Bugeja Jude Cauchi Fr. Ferrante Kenneth Abela Stefan Attard Iain McCartney Antoine Dalli Joseph Tedesco Alan Abela-Wadge Roderick Psaila Julian Tabone Robert Mizzi John Calleja Paul Anthony Michael Gatt Karm Galea printing Progress Press patron Sir Alex Ferguson club founder John Calleja club committee Joseph Tedesco Joe Catania James Handyside

President, Match Tickets Coordinator Vice-President, Assistant Advertising Executive Secretary, Tours Coordinator

Kevin Tabone Robert J. Muscat

Treasurer, PRO Assistant Secretary, Logistics Manager

Antoine Portelli

Assistant Treasurer, Venue & Facilities Coordinator

Charles Cauchi

Membership Secretary, Fund Raising Coordinator

Clint Camillieri

Media & Publishing Coordinator

Egidio Sciberras Souvenir Shop Mgr., Asst. Venue & Facilities Coordinator Sean Galea

Advertising Executive

Felix Galea

ICT Manager, Sports & Social Activities Coordinator Gozo representatives Joe Xerri · Stefan Attard translator Tiziana Caruana spiritual director Fr. Anthony C. Ferrante (Carmelite)

MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

Quarries Square Street, Msida MSD 1101 Malta.

Telephone: +356 21223531 E-mail: info@manutd-malta.com Website: www.manutd-malta.com

business partners

Based in Msida, Malta, we are a non-profit organization designed to bring the Manchester United experience to United fans here in Malta. We are the only Official Manchester United Supporters’ Club on the Maltese Islands. We are also the oldest Manchester United Supporters’ Club in the World.

THE VIEWS IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY THE CLUB. VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

1

Editorial

STEELY DETERMINATION

I

t goes without saying that there’s never a dull moment at Manchester United. From Rooney’s hat-trick against Club Brugge to Anthony Martial’s stunner against Liverpool – this is what United is all about – free flowing football and ‘edge of your seat stuff’. It may still be way too early in the season, but this might yet prove to be a successful campaign after all the negative criticism of this summer’s transfer dealings.

The new Adidas sponsorship deal brought about a rejuvenated feeling around the club.

United seemed to have benefited strongly from the new arrangement given the huge financial incentive the club received…fans thronged to buy the new kit, the stadium was renovated to ensure the new Adidas logo shined under the sun and the team was set to carry our hopes and dreams. Fans suddenly embraced United’s new ‘image’. Given that this is Louis Van Gaal’s second season in charge, there was no need for any major changes as we knew that Van Gaal would work hard to ensure minimal changes would be made and the squad would be strengthened accordingly.

Undoubtedly, the stellar signing of the season was Bastian Schweinsteiger. A World Cup champion and master of the midfield area, Schweinsteiger’s capture ensured United did not only add a midfield general who can boss the Premier League but a man whose influence and wisdom in the middle of the park will serve the club well in the UEFA Champions League.

The quiet and efficient Morgan Schneiderlin was also added to bolster the squad and in hindsight this was once again a shrewd move by Van Gaal. We know that Carrick and Schweinsteiger might not have the legs to last a full 90 minutes and in an age where fitness is ever more important, it is vital that someone young and versatile is also added to the midfield mix. Schneiderlin will surely prove to be a success as his deft passing ability,

intricate footwork and calmness have certainly left their mark on the Old Trafford faithful.

Matteo Darmian was apparently someone Van Gaal had been monitoring closely in Italy and the Italian has certainly taken Old Trafford by storm! Known for his pressing ability and overlaps, Darmian in a way reminds me of a young Gary Neville – bossing the full back position, taking no prisoners and marking closely when needed. Who would have thought that Darmian would have settled in so quickly?

This certainly goes to show that Van Gaal’s policy on recruitment is not only brilliant but well-researched. Signings can make or break a season, but so far it seems that the Dutchman has chosen players who can fit the bill well and ensure they adapt to his philosophy. His transfers are certainly bearing fruit!

A word must also be said about Anthony Martial. Signed for a world record fee for a teenager, fans worldwide held their breath as everyone waited to see how Van Gaal’s latest gamble would pan out. Thankfully, to quote Gary Neville: ‘When he signed we knew he was going to be an exciting signing but we didn’t think he would settle in so quickly.’

Surely no one doubted his technical ability but we were surely stunned to see how well he managed to bed into the squad. His stunner against Liverpool is surely up there with one of the greatest goals scored at Old Trafford and Martial’s signing has certainly proven to be the icing on the cake so far. Together with other newbie Memphis Depay could we perhaps one day see them developing a partnership reminiscent to the Cole-Yorke days?

The title of this editorial is called ‘Steely determination’ for one prime reason. It’s true that most fans agree that this is not the United of ‘old’ as the style of play has somewhat changed. We’re no longer playing a ‘British’ style of football but a Continental style is what

we’re currently viewing. United are clinical, determined and decisive – utilising the counter-attacks well and at times controlling possession ensuring their opponents tire quickly. This was also something Ashley Young recently mentioned: ‘It’s a lot about possession and keeping the ball, especially in the Champions League. You need to keep the ball against European sides because they’re good at retaining the ball. It’s also about winning the ball back when you lose it. I think we’re definitely suited to playing in the Champions League and I’m sure it will be a very successful campaign’.

Naturally, tactics play a big part in games and Van Gaal is shaping this group to ensure they can tactically adapt to any game situations.

From the 4-0 mauling of Brugge to the contained 1-0 win vs Spurs on the opening day of the season, we saw two different teams with different approaches. This is the Van Gaal philosophy – it’s not always about style but winning is what matters and that is why in my opinion, Manchester United have already won 5 out of the opening 7 games of the season.

Finally, it goes without saying that a few words must be dedicated to our Supporters’ Club.

Every voluntary organisation depends on the hard work of its members and every form of help is needed. Our Club needs vital people who can contribute in any way which is why we are always on the lookout for new blood.

Whether you are willing to contribute with the Echoes publication, help the Committee or give a helping hand in the club premises, speak up and involve yourself accordingly. The club is there for the fans to enjoy themselves on match-days but there is much more work involved behind the scenes. Enjoy the read and Glory Glory Man United!

The Editorial Team

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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Editorjal M

DETERMINAZZJONI TAL-AZZAR

’hemmx għalfejn ngħidu li qatt ma jkun hemm mument tad-dwejjaq fil-klabb tal-Manchester United. Mill-hat-trick ta’ Rooney kontra Club Brugge għall-gowl fenomenali ta’ Anthony Martial kontra Liverpool – dan hu l-United – football ħin kollu għaddej u li ‘jħallik dejjem bla nifs.’ Jista’ jkun li għadu kmieni ħafna fl-istaġun, iżda dan jaf xorta waħda jagħti prova ta’ kampanja ta’ suċċess wara l-kritika negattiva kollha ta’ matul is-suq ta’ trasferimenti ta’ dan is-sajf.

Il-ftehim ġdid għal sponsor tal-Adidas ġab mill-ġdid spirtu żagħżugħ fil-klabb. Il-United ibbenefika ħafna minn dan l-arranġament ġdid meta wieħed iqis l-inċentiv finanzjarju qawwi li rċieva l-klabb... ħafna partitarji xtraw il-flokk il-ġdid, l-istadium ġie rinovat biex ikun żgur li l-arma l-ġdida tal-Adidas tispikka daqs ix-xemx u t-tim tħejja biex iwassal it-tamiet u l-ħolm tagħna. F’daqqa waħda l-partitarji ngħaqdu mal-‘wiċċ’ ġdid tal-United. Billi dan hu t-tieni staġun b’Louis Van Gaal fil-kariga, ma kienx hemm bżonn ta’ bidliet kbar għaliex konna nafu li Van Gaal se jkun qiegħed jaħdem ħafna biex jagħmel żgur li jkun hemm bidliet żgħar u l-grupp ikun imsaħħaħ gradwalment.

Bla dubju, l-akkwist stellari tal-istaġun kien Bastian Schweinsteiger. Protagonist fit-Tazza tad-Dinja u ħakkiem tal-midfield, l-akkwist ta’ Schweinsteiger assigura li l-United mhux biss żied ġeneral fil-midfield li jista’ jmexxi l-Premier League iżda raġel li l-influwenza u l-għarfien tiegħu f’nofs il-pitch se jgħinu sew lill-klabb fil-UEFA Champions League. Il-kwiet u effiċjenti Morgan Schneiderlin ġie miżjud ukoll biex isaħħaħ l-iskwadra u mal-ewwel daqqa t’għajn din kienet għal darb’oħra mossa deċisiva ta’ Van Gaal. Aħna konxji li Carrick u Schweinsteiger m’għandhomx riġlejn li jifilħu 90 minuta sħiħa u fi żmien fejn is-saħħa fiżika qegħda dejjem tikber fl-importanza tagħha, huwa vitali li xi ħadd żgħir u versatili jiżdied ukoll fit-taħlita tal-midfield. Schneiderlin żgur se jkun prova ta’ suċċess għaliex il-kapaċità ta’ tqassim fin tiegħu, il-moviment kumpless ta’

saqajh u l-kalmezza tiegħu żgur ħallew impatt fuq kull partitarju leali f ’Old Trafford.

Apparentament Matteo Darmian kien ilu jiġi osservat sew minn Van Gaal fl-Italja u ċertament dan it-Taljan ħalla impatt qawwi fuq Old Trafford!

Magħruf għall-kapaċità ta’ pressing tiegħu u għall-mod ta’ kif iqabbeż il-ballun, Darmian b’xi mod ifakkarni f ’Gary Neville żagħżugħ – fil-kontroll sħiħ tal-pożizzjoni tiegħu fuq wara tal-pitch, mingħajr ma jattira plejers u jimmarka plejer b’mod strett biss meta meħtieġ. Min kien jaħseb li Darmian se jsib saqajh daqshekk malajr fl-iskwadra? Bla dubju, dan juri kemm il-politika ta’ Van Gaal dwar l-akkwisti mhix biss brillanti iżda tinvolvi riċerka tajba. L-akkwisti l-ġodda jistgħu jrebbħu jew itellfu staġun, iżda s’issa jidher li l-Olandiż għażel plejers li huma denji ħafna tal-kont minfuq u li jassiguraw it-tħaddim tal-filosofija tiegħu. It-trasferimenti tiegħu żgur qed iħallu l-frott!

Ta’ min jgħid ukoll kelmtejn dwar Anthony Martial. Akkwistat għal somma ta’ rekord dinji għal adoloxxenti, partitarji madwar id-dinja kienu fuq ix-xwiek hekk kif kollha stennew biex jaraw kif se toħroġ l-aħħar karta tal-logħob ta’ Van Gaal.

Fortunatament, biex nikkwota lil Gary Neville: ‘Meta ffirma konna nafu li se jkun akkwist eċċitanti iżda ma konniex qed nistennew li se jissetilja daqshekk malajr.’ Ovvjament, ħadd ma kellu dubji dwar l-ħila teknika tiegħu iżda ċertament konna sorpriżi kif irnexxielu jsib postu b’mod daqshekk tajjeb fl-iskwadra. Il-gowl fenomenali tiegħu kontra Liverpool żgur sab postu fost l-isbaħ gowls skurjati f ’Old Trafford u l-akkwist ta’ Martial huwa żgur prova taċ-ċirasa fuq il-kejk s’issa. Flimkien mal-akkwist il-ġdid l-ieħor Memphis Depay, jista’ jkun li xi darba narawhom jiżviluppaw il-koppja li tfakkarna fi żmien Cole-Yorke?

It-titlu ta’ dan l-editorjal huwa ‘Determinazzjoni tal-Azzar’ għal raġuni ewlenija. Huwa veru li l-maġġoranza tal-partitarji jaqblu li l-United

‘m’għadux li kien’ billi b’xi mod jew ieħor l-istil ta’ logħob inbidel. M’għadniex nilagħbu futbol bi stil ‘Brittaniku’ iżda qed inħarsu lejn l-istil Kontinentali.

Il-United huwa kliniku, determinat u deċiżiv – permezz tal-użu tajjeb mill-kontra attakki u billi jikkontrolla l-pussess b’mod li jiżgura li l-avversarji jgħajjew malajr. Din hija wkoll xi ħaġa li Ashley Young semma’ reċentament: ‘Kollox huwa ffukat fuq il-pussess tal-ballun u fuq li ma jintilifx il-ballun, speċjalment fiċ-Champions League. Jeħtieġ iżżomm il-ballun kontra avversarji Ewropej għaliex huma tajbin biex iżommu l-pussess tal-ballun. Kollox huwa ffukat fuq li tirbaħ l-ballun lura meta titlef il-pussess. Naħseb li aħna żgur jixirqilna nilagħbu fiċ-Champions League u ċert li se jkun staġun ta’ suċċess kbir.’

Naturalment, it-tattika għandha rwol kbir fil-logħob u Van Gaal qiegħed jibni dan il-grupp biex jassigura li jkun jista’ jadatta tattikament għal kull sitwazzjoni ta’ logħba. Mir-rebħa bombastika ta’ 4-0 fi Brugge għal dik modesta ta’ 1-0 kontra Spurs fil-ftuħ tal-istaġun, rajna żewġ timijiet differenti b’sistemi differenti. Din hija l-filosofija ta’ Van Gaal – ma ddurx dejjem mal-istil iżda r-rebħa hi dik li tgħodd u għalhekk fl-opinjoni tiegħi, Manchester United rebaħ diġà 5 logħbiet minn 7 fid-debutt tal-istaġun.

Fl-aħħar, ma nistax nagħlaq mingħajr ma niddedika żewġ kelmiet lill-Klabb tal-Partitarji tagħna. Kull organizzazzjoni volontarja tistrieħ fuq il-ħidma impenjattiva tal-membri tagħha u kull forma ta’ għajnuna hija meħtieġa. Il-Klabb tagħna jeħtieġ persuni vitali li jistgħu jikkontribwixxu bi kwalunkwe mod u hu għalhekk li aħna dejjem fi tfittxija għal demm ġdid. Kemm jekk lest tikkontribwixxi fil-pubblikazzjoni Echoes, kemm jekk trid tgħin lill-kumitat jew tagħti daqqa t’id fi ħdan l-istrutturi tal-klabb, semma’ leħnek u involvi ruħek skont x’jinteressak. Il-Klabb qiegħed hemm għall-partitarji biex jieħdu gost fil-ġurnata tal-logħba, iżda hemm ħafna iktar xogħol involut minn wara l-kwinti. Ħudu gost fil-qari ta’ dan l-editorjal u Glory Glory Man United!

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

5

MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

-2016

015 season 2 Name ip No.

Membersh

No. I.D. Card

Member

, uare Street Quarries Sq 1101 Malta.

SD M a, 22 3531 Msid m e 00356 21 Telephon @manutd-malta.co fo in l: ai E-M

since

LTA MADE D 1959 FOUN

alta manutdm om .c a ta lt l a m td-m nutd www.ma

MM A AL LT T AA

CLUBNEWS July 2015 ollowing a review of this seasons fixtures it was decided that a tour would be organised for the Arsenal and Watford games at Old Trafford in late February, early March next year. Depending on United’s league position come January, there is also the possibility of organizing a tour for the final home game of the season against Bournemouth. Further information would be announced exclusively to Club members in due course.

F

Friday 17th July was an important date in the Clubs’ calendar – the Annual General Meeting was held. During this meeting a number of amendments were made to the Club Statute – a copy of which will be sent to all members in the near future.

During the Annual General Meeting, Mrs Sheila Crompton, widow of former Manchester United goalkeeper Jack Crompton, was unanimously approved as an honorary member of our supporters’ club. Sheila becomes the first female honorary member and joins an illustrious list of honorary members of our club: Sir Bobby Charlton; Barry Moorhouse; Ken Merrett; Martin Ferguson; Ryan Giggs; Paul Scholes; Gary Neville.

Sir Alex Ferguson was once again unanimously approved as the Club Patron.

Following the Annual General Meeting the new committee for the 2015-2017 term was setup.

Since only 11 nominations were received no election was held. The Committee roles were assigned as follows during the first committee meeting held on the 22nd July.

Joseph Tedesco - President, Match Tickets Coordinator Joe Catania - Vice-President, Assistant Advertising Executive James Handyside - Secretary, Tours Co-ordinator Kevin Tabone - Treasurer, PRO Charles Cauchi - Membership Secretary, Fund Raising Coordinator Robert Muscat - Assistant Secretary, Logistics Manager Antoine Portelli - Assistant Treasurer, Venue & Facilities Coordinator Egidio Sciberras - Souvenir Shop Manager, Asssistant Venue & Facilities Coordinator Clint Camilleri - Media & Publishing Coordinator

Sean Galea - Advertising Executive Felix Galea - ICT Manager, Social Activities Coordinator, Sports Activities Coordinator As stated in the Club Statute, the attendance of committee members for meetings would be published in the clubs magazine. During the 2014-2015 season the Committee met for a total of 13 times (August 2014 – July 2015), below is the attendance of each member: Committee Member Attended Excused

Absent

Joseph Tedesco

13

0

0

James Handyside

13

0

0

Kevin Tabone

12

1

0

Clint Camilleri

12

1

0

Egidio Sciberras

12

1

0

Simon Poulton

10

3

0

Charles Cauchi

10

3

0

Vincent Vella

10

3

0

Joe Catania

9

4

0

Jackson Law

7

1

5

David Grech

3

9

1

On Saturday 25th July, the barman organized a pasta night prior to United’s glamour friendly against Barcelona which kicked off at 10.00 pm.

From Monday July 27th to Friday 6th August the Club was closed due to refurbishment works in the bar and kitchen area. The Club reopened just in time for the kick off of the new season on Saturday 8th August.

August 2015 he new Adidas replica shirts were available for sale from the clubs’ souvenir shop just in time for the second game of the season against Aston Villa. Members are entitled to a 10% discount on all Adidas apparel and accessories purchased from the souvenir shop on presentation of a VALID membership card. All other stock items are still being sold at greatly reduced prices.

T

On 7th August, we were shocked to hear the tragic news of the death of Neville Neville, at the age of 65 whilst on holiday in Australia.

Neville, father of former United defenders Gary and Philip, was a close friend and frequent visitor to our club and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. The Committee decided to open a book of condolences and this will be forwarded to the Neville family in due course.

by James Handyside

All those members who renewed their membership by the end of July were eligible to participate in a draw, which took place during the half time interval of United’s game against Aston Villa. Frankie Fenech, was the lucky winner and walked away with a new replica home shirt.

Joseph Bonello was the winner of a hamper of United goodies, drawn from all those who made a purchase from the souvenir shop during the one day sale held at the end of last season.

The first social activity for the 2015-2016 season, a sumptuous barbeque, was planned for Saturday 22nd August at Il-Cortile Farmhouse in San Gwann. However, this event had to be cancelled due to a lack of participation.

The funeral of Neville Neville took place in his hometown of Bury on 27th August. The Committee sent a red and cream rose floral tribute as a mark of respect, with the message “In Memory of a true gentleman and dear friend.

Rest In Peace Neville. Committee and Members Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta.”

This tribute was mentioned in some national UK newspapers including the Daily Mail and Daily Star and also the Manchester Evening News.

September 2015 n 17th September, former Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill paid a short visit to the Supporters’ Club. Mr. Gill, who currently occupies the roles of an UEFA Executive Board member and FIFA Vice-President, was in Malta for a number of UEFA meetings and took timeout from his very busy schedule to tour the Club premises. He was greeted by President Joseph Tedesco and a number of Committee members.

He reminisced over the “marvelous photos” in the Committee room, signed the visitor’s book and enjoyed some light refreshments before heading off to his afternoon meetings.

O

Despite the fact that no local service provider transmits the Capital One Cup matches and that the limited number of satellite stations transmitting the game being out of reception range, the club were still able to show the Ipswich Town game live using an internet link.

The match was in fact shown on the main screen in High Definition (HD) resolution with minimal interruptions.

The Club’s Facebook page (www.facebook. com/manutdmalta) recently reached yet another milestone, that of 2,000,000 (2 million) likes, making it by far the most followed page in Malta. The Committee together with all those present for the match against Wolfsburg marked the occasion by celebrating with a special cake.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

7

The Annual General Meeting.

MUSC Malta vs Reading SC Malta.

Face Book 2 Million Likes Celebration.

Billiard Tournament - Manuel Piscopo Winner, Carl Grech 2nd Place.

8

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

Former Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill visiting the Club.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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have your say on info@manutd-malta.com

Dear All, Back to school! Back to football packed weekends! Back in the Champions League!

Back at the top! 770 days had passed since we had the pleasure to go to bed with our mind at rest that Manchester United will be sitting proudly on top of the pile, at least till the following weekend. Some freak results for in-form City and Chelsea, which seem to be facing an out of the ordinary crisis thanks to the arrogance of the Special One, complemented by some decent results (and performances) against Liverpool, Southampton and Sunderland helped the Red Devils to put their heads just in front. Bar the points dropped at home against Newcastle and the defeat against the bogey Swans, things look relatively encouraging in my opinion.

Following last season’s narrow escape to snatch a top 4 position, with 15 players leaving the Club this summer plus 8 going on loan against 7 newcomers (including young Regan Poole from Cardiff), the realistic prospects for this season were those of a club in transition.

With Van Gaal’s complaints (correct I would

10

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

say) of an unbalanced team last season still echoing in our heads, the expectations from last summer’s transfer market were sky high.

The acquisitions of Di Maria and Falcao during Van Gaal’s first attempt to rebuild Manchester United proved to be a sour anticlimax.

Notwithstanding the hype they created, they both looked like incompatible aliens to the speed of the Premier League and to the Dutchman’s famous philosophy. Their return on investment proved to be a cash drainer for the Glazers, however today it seems that both their departures seem to be logical and sensible.

Rightly so, the fans were automatically expecting a marquee signing. The young and promising talents of Memphis and Darmian, the experienced but ageing German maestro Schweinsteiger, and Morgan Schneiderlin who impressed a lot at Southampton did not seem to quench the thirst. In parallel with the expectations, there was the never ending saga of our Player of the Year for the past two years in a row. Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero, brought in on a free transfer from Sampdoria, never looked like being the finished article to fill the boots of the immense David De Gea,

notwithstanding his 65 appearances for the national team.

The inexplicable ending to the Spanish icon’s dream move to Madrid, and moreover his signing of a new contract which could keep him at Old Trafford until at least 2019, could well be the best thing that happened to Woodward and Van Gaal this season. In my crystal ball, I can now see De Gea leaving the club comfortably next summer. I hope my guess is as good as Liverpool supporters’ “This will be our year” statements for the past 25 years! As the transfer market deadline was approaching, the more speculation was heating up and suddenly Pedro from Barcelona became the Holy Grail for the gossip addicts. In mysterious circumstances, the Catalan star all of a sudden signed for Chelsea and it was back to all doom and gloom again. In the final hours of deadline day, the name of Anthony Martial was surfacing on all websites. Admittedly, surely like millions of other Manchester United supporters around the world, I went straight to the Google search engine. I had never heard of the guy before and the price of 36 million pounds, potentially rising to £58m, raised a few eyebrows, including mine.

After witnessing his debut and his performance so far all the eyebrows are back in place and there are a few gobsmacked critics which cannot keep up with the words they have been swallowing in the past weeks. The raw talent of this 19 year old French international could prove to be a masterstroke in Van Gaal’s career at the club. He seems to have fitted like a glove in that dream tandem up front which our Manager constantly aspired to create. My only question is how did such a prospering young talent from France escape the claws of Arsene Wenger? Thank God for that!

Now it’s hunt for a Red October. By the day you will be reading this article we would know the score from the Emirates clash with Arsenal and will be preparing to face daunting opponents such as high-flyers Everton and Palace away, City at Home and CSKA in Moscow. October presents a really good test. Somewhere in the middle, we play Middlesbrough in the League Cup. Van Gaal is desperate to clinch a trophy this year and the squad he used against Ipswich in Round 3 gives a clear indication that the Manager is taking this competition more seriously than he did last year when we got hammered 4-0 against League 1 (at that time) Milton Keynes Dons after fielding a squad composed mainly of youth players. However Van Gaal knows the League Cup will not justify the investments of the past 2 years.

Progression in the Champions League is a must and as we always say, luck will then favour the brave. I believe that, bar any more tragedies similar to the one we had to face with poor Luke Shaw, the Manager deep down believes that we can actually challenge for the title this year. He won’t say it but he does.

He seems to have managed to instill back confidence and character in the team. The fear factor seems to be in the air again. During the month of September we have seen a team more adventurous than usual, still focusing on possession in midfield but creating more chances up front and hard to break at the back. Smalling looks like a colossus at the moment, with Darmian switching to the pace of the Premier League with natural ease. Blind is filling in expertly on the left hand side of our central defence. In my opinion Shaw was our best improved player for sure, but at this stage we can only hope to see him back in a red shirt again next season. As we speak, we still need Wayne to show us some spark up front. All in all, I think we are developing into a team which is hard to beat but we still lack that killer punch up front to hurt when it matters.

These are still early days and presumptuous judgments may be audacious. By the next article, we shall have more data to work out a more realistic forecast. Enjoy the football and in the meantime sit and relax for more comedies coming from the Bridge.

Yours United Teddy

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

11

Pre-Season 2015 – USA I

always like to consider a football season as a 3 course meal: the starter being the preseason, the main course being the season and the dessert being the season finale. Preseason is what most supporters wait for after being starved of football during the summer months. Pre-seasons have changed from the past. Before, it was just about getting the players and team in the best condition to start the season. Nowadays, it’s also about marketing. During pre-season coaches do their homework on how to improve the team, which signings are needed and how the new players are adapting, and in fact pre-season shows the weaknesses and strength of every team. An example is Chelsea who were always famous for parking the bus during preseason. It was a clear fact that they had a tricycle parked as their defence looked leaky and what was once strength had now transformed into a weakness.

It was evident during pre-season that with no summer signings and no improvement, once the season started, Chelsea would start conceding goals from everywhere. But now let’s consider what matters most: Manchester United’s pre-season.

Results: Club America .......................1-0 Schneiderlin 5’ San Jose Earthquakes. ..3-1 Mata 32’ Memphis 36’ Pereira 81’ Barcelona ..............................3-1 Rooney 8’ Lingard 65’ Januzaj 90’ PSG ............................................0-2 So these were the results of the games and the scorers but let’s try and look at the pre-season as a whole not as per individual games.

Until now, what we lacked was the good use of space when getting forward. Many might argue that the team lacks creativity, but who has seen Van Gaal’s teams in the past knows enough that his teams were never the most creative teams around. His teams play good possession play and the movement of the players is such that they move into space to move forward.

We have been lacking the good use of space especially in the final part. A player who has shown the ability to get into space and make a difference in the final third is Andreas Pereira.

During the pre-season, he has shown a good use of space, reading the game well and that was shown also in the headed goal he scored, something which Paul Scholes used to do a lot, without comparing the two of them because Scholes is a one in a million type of player and cannot be compared to anyone.

The defence was solid and organised no matter who was playing in the back four. The defence was very well supported by the midfielders and all worked well apart from the two goals

by Norbert Bugeja

conceded against PSG which were simply a lapse of concentration by the defence, so nothing really chronic to worry about.

How we scored: • Schneiderlin (header) assist Mata • Mata (rebound) Memphis shot • Memphis (stolen bad back-pass) • Pereira (header) Lingard assist • Rooney (header) • Lingard (shot) Blackett assist (after flowing move) • Januzaj counter attack We had three headers, one rebound, one Shot and one bad back-pass, and even though the number of goals in four games looks good, the amount of goals scored compared to the chances United created is still low. So the inevitable questions are: Do we have a goal scoring problem? Do we need to buy a pure striker? But to these questions another question arises: How did the so-called ‘Pure Strikers’ perform last season with the tactics used by Louis Van Gaal?

• Van Persie had 26 appearances and 3 as sub and scored 10 goals • Falcao had 17 appearances and 14 as sub and scored 4 goals • Wilson had 2 appearances and 14 as sub and scored 2 goals Chicharito was on loan last season but against Club Brugge he missed 4 sitters and did a John Terry on the penalty which was enough for Louis Van Gall to send him off permanently to Germany.

This thing is something recurrent when it comes to Louis Van Gaal employing a pure striker. Remember Kluivert: he used to play for Ajax, joined Milan, and also had a spell in England with Newcastle. His goal scoring record with Ajax is 39 goals in 70 appearances. When he joined Van Gaal at Barcelona, he was club top scorer with just 15 goals and that was rated as a successful season for a pure striker like him. His partner in attack was Rivaldo, who even though his diving antics are a disgrace to football, his skill as a footballer was unquestionable. So unless some adaptation is done by Louis Van Gaal, we will be highly optimistic to see a striker with Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s goal scoring record. But if the team wins silverware, personal accolades don’t matter much to any one of us.

The Memphis hype was something inevitable.

He was handed over the number 7 shirt: a shirt which left the supporters dreaming. After the great game against Club Brugge, dreams started to transform into reality. He’s got potential aplenty combined with confidence and ability. He was unhappy for missing a chance against Club Brugge, not happy for scoring, so the mentality looks to be right on the football pitch. During the pre-season, he’s shown glimpses of why United bought him, but will he be a number 7 which will restart the legacy after a break in the number 7 legacy, or will he be another version of Nani who had incredible potential but his head and feet seemed to lack communication?

So the pre-season came to an end and the season started. We have seen a lot of possession play and a win over our rivals. Louis Van Gaal must really enjoy playing against Liverpool. He beat them on every occasion.

The team this season looks fitter. We haven’t had the tsunami of injuries we had last season, so the work done has been good, the signings seem to be already gelling up in the system and also the new recruit Martial who wasn’t with the team in pre-season has already given us a great appetizer to start the season with.

He ran around Clyne and Skrtel, slotting the ball past Mignolet in a cool and relaxed way.

It was great to see Skrtel not knowing where to go and what has hit him. Great start but we require more of the same.

We still have a long season and like every season, we hope for the best. I know that we have been spoilt for trophies but one thing is important: a supporter’s job is to always support the team in good and bad moments and if there’s a club who deserves the title of Comeback Kings, it is Manchester United. No matter the difficulties and tragedies which struck United in the past, the team was always bouncing back to become the most successful team in England.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

13

Bastian Schweinsteiger

by Jude Cauchi

W

ho has ever thought that he would be the first German to wear the famous Manchester United shirt? When an official bid from Manchester United was accepted from Bayern Munich, many supporters could not believe their eyes but the reality was that on the 13th July 2015, Bastian Schweinsteiger officially became a player of Manchester United. Bastian Schweinsteiger is a player who has won almost everything in club and international football.

But who is Bastian Schweinsteiger? Where did he start his football career? The intention behind this article is to highlight the profile of the decorated German footballer.

Bastian Schweinsteiger was born on the 1st August 1984 in Kolbermoor, West Germany.

Bastian plays as a midfielder and is 6ft tall. In

his early days as a youth footballer, Bastian played with FV Oberaudorf and TSV 1860 Rosenheim, before he joined the youth team at Bayern Munich in 1998. The German showed a lot of promising signs with Bayern Munich and also the German Youth team, as he was one of the players who won the German Youth Championship in July 2002, and as a result he rapidly earned a place in the reserves.

He made his Bayern Munich debut in November 2002 at the age of 18 as a late substitute in the UEFA Champions League against RC Lens under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. The signs were very encouraging from the start for Bastian as he created an assist within minutes. The outcome of his performances earned him a professional contract the following month and in 2002-03 he helped Bayern Munich to win the German Bundesliga and also the German Cup. The following season, in contrast to the 14 appearances made in his first season, the German made 26 appearances and he scored his first Bayern Munich goal in September 2003 against Wolfsburg.

In 2005-06, the season did not start very well for Schweinsteiger as he was sent to the reserves by new Bayern coach Felix Magath. However, he quickly earned a place back in Bayern’s first eleven and once again helped Bayern to a league and cup double.

The career of the midfielder rapidly continued to improve in the following three

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seasons. Up until the end of 2007-08, the German had made 135 appearances and also scored 10 goals in all competitions for the decorated German Club.

In December 2010, Bastian pledged his immediate future to Bayern Munich by signing a contract with the Club until 2016. Who would have thought at that time that he would not be fulfilling his entire contract?

In 2012, Bayern Munich reached the UEFA Champions League Final as they defeated Mourinho’s Real Madrid in a penalty shootout.

Schweinsteiger’s penalty proved decisive as it made all the difference in a thrilling encounter between the two giants of Europe. However, the UEFA Champions League Final would end in tears as Bayern Munich lost the penalty shootout to Chelsea in Munich as Bastian missed the decisive penalty and Chelsea were crowned European Champions for the first time in their history.

Luckily for Bastian, the following season the German club made amends by winning a treble of Bundesliga, German Cup and also the UEFA Champions League. The majority of football supporters will remember Bastian’s back-heel flick goal against Frankfurt which sealed the

Bundesliga for Bayern in 2012-13.

Predictably in 2013, Bastian won the German Player of the Year award and was perceived by many fans, coaches and pundits as one of the best midfield players in the world.

Under Pep Guardiola, Bastian continued with his excellent performances and unfortunately for us Red Devils, his goal in the 2014 Champions League quarter-final at Old Trafford helped Bayern to knock United out of the competition, but they went on to lose against Real Madrid in the semi-final.

After 17 years at Bayern Munich, the 2014-15 season proved to be his last season with the club and Bastian scored on his 500th appearance for Bayern Munich.

The next career move for Bastian Schweinsteiger was to join Manchester United in July 2015. Apart from his pre-season debut in a friendly match against Club America on 17th July 2015, Bastian’s Premier League debut came as a 60th minute substitute in the first match at home against Tottenham Hotspur. United won the match 1-0 but the German was booked eight minutes into his debut. He made other appearances against Aston Villa, Club Brugge, Swansea, Liverpool and PSV as the season continues to progress.

Until the time of writing, Bastian is still searching for his first Manchester United goal.

With regards to his international career, Bastian has appeared in the European Championship of 2004 (Germany eliminated in the Group stage), 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup (Third place), 2006 FIFA World Cup (Germany lost to Italy in the Semi-Final), European Championship

2008 (Germany lost to Spain in the final), 2010 FIFA World Cup (Germany lost to Spain in the Semi-Final), European Championship 2012 (Germany lost to Italy in the Semi-Final) and 2014 FIFA World Cup (Germany won the FIFA World Cup against Argentina in a 1-0 victory).

After the 2014 World Cup triumph, Schweinsteiger was appointed the new captain for Germany following the retirement of Philip Lahm. Bastian Schweinsteiger continues to be an integral part of the German national team.

Moreover, with regards to his playing style, strengths and weaknesses, the German is most effective in the centre but can also play on the wing. His main strengths are his passing

ability, work rate, assists, and terrific long shots. He is also an excellent reader of the game. Unsurprisingly, he is called the ‘Midfield Motor’ or ‘the brain’ by his national coach Joachim Low. Additionally, his lack of pace and regular injuries mainly due to his age may be considered to be an Achilles heel for most teams in the Premier league.

On a positive note, Manchester United supporters are hoping that with his international experience, Schweinsteiger can help the Reds climb back to the top of English and European football. My impression is that Bastian is very excited to form part of our beloved football club and to us Manchester United fans this is very important.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

15

ROTTEN APPLE R

otten Apple is a common use of the term when this particular fruit is noticed to have turned bad, more so when accompanied by the possibility of other apples being similarly tainted. This has led to the metaphorical use of the term “rotten apple” to be attributed to an individual person who may have the influence to spoil a group with his own evil.

The English idiom goes: “A rotten apple spoils the barrel”. This is not an original comparison.

The seemingly original dates back in time even into the Roman era. In a Latin proverb (literally translated), it is said that: “The rotten apple injures its neighbours”. It is obviously an allusion to the mold that spreads from one apple to another. It is evident that the closer the “rotten apple” is to others, the easier it will be for the rest to be likewise plagued.

Very often, the apple looks bright and hale on the outside, even while the dreaded worm is wreaking havoc on its innermost.

Sadly, a seemingly worldwide “plague” that undermines or tries to undermine wellbeing or honest behaviour is the dreaded corruption.

Since this term does not enjoy a common global definition, it is referred to acts of corrupting someone or something that has been changed from its original status or form. Yet, corruption is widely and commonly spread, especially as a dishonest or illegal behaviour by certain powerful people who, even underhandedly, abuse the power or trust they legally or illegally enjoy. Mind you, this does not only apply to cases involving government officials or say, police officers. It has rotted even other echelons of society both religious and civil. Sadly enough, the rot is not openly noticed until it starts to appear on the outside of “the apple”. It is not so surprising, therefore, that even sport, which includes our preferred game of football, undergoes the same ill treatment. There have always been inklings of small, and maybe not so important, acts of corruption in this sphere, but it has reared its ugly head into the highest and most important groups. Again, it is only taken into account when “the rot” starts to

tarnish the outside of “the apple” and the harm is done, maybe irreparably. It definitely is a sad day when bestowed power or positions are abused for personal benefits! It follows that corruption very often includes many activities which include bribery or embezzlement. Way back in May, FIFA current and former football officials were indicted by US prosecutors because they were allegedly involved in corruption and bribery. Apart from the widely publicised arrests, it has even emerged that internal investigations were launched.

An act of bribery iss committed when money or any other forms off recompense is offered to a recipient to induce exchange for an alteration in behaviour or whatever hatever to the benefit of the giver. Therefore, re, bribery is the giving, receiving, offering or soliciting of items of value nce the in order to influence actions of an official fficial erson or some such person in charge of public lic or legal trust. Corruptor uptor and corrupted need not necessarilyy be son. the same person. ed What is required n to constitute an act of bribery iss either a corruptorr or a corrupted ed individual. Maybe corruption would sometimes be difficult to prove, but it is not impossible to prove its existence since it incorporates the abnormal desire for wealth, status and power. Embezzlement is somewhat close being a type of financial fraud. It is the unlawful withholding of assets with the specific aim of conversion or theft of the same assets, by one or more persons to whom the same assets were entrusted, aiming at their being held or to be used for specific purposes. Needless to say, both in the case of bribery as well as that of embezzlement, the perpetrator/s take great precautions to conceal their heinous acts.

byy FFr. b r. Anthony Anth thonyy C. C. Ferrante Ferrantte

Corruption is exemplified by a wide and diverse array of phenomena. Bribery, for example, is only one kind. Nepotism is also a kind of corruption. Other cases could be recalled: the corruption of the public financial system, the securing of a majority vote by fraudulent means thus corrupting the electoral process, the police officer who fabricates evidence convictions thereby corrupting a judicial process, medical officers who gang together and refuse to testify against a colleague they know to have been negligent in a botched surgical operation which led to a loss of life, the provision of banned substances to athletes to enha enhance their performance subverting there therefore the rules for fair competition, and the t list goes on and on.

Needless to say, al although all of these and others are obvious obvi cases of corruption, they do not n constitute cases of bribery.

It is dee deemed fit to distinguish between what is to be termed as legal g or moral. Let’s consider it this th way. There are many acts of corruption that are ac not unlawful. Bribery is n a case in point. Prior to 11977 it was not unlawful ffor US companies to o offer bribes to secure foreign contracts. Indeed in fore other countries such bribery was not unlawful until much later. This denotes therefore that corruption is not necessarily unlawful. This emerges from the fact that corruption is not simply a matter of law – legal or not. Rather, it is definitely a matter of being moral or immoral.

The various attempts at current influential definitions of corruption, together with the various attempts to circumscribe corruption by listing a pattern of offences, have failed.

They failed in large and wide simply because the class of corrupt actions comprises an extremely diverse array of types of moral and legal offences.

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www.twitter.com/manutd_malta VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

17

New Signings

What to expect?

M

anchester United has had another eventful summer in the transfer market with a number of high-profile additions and departures as Louis van Gaal continues to reshape his squad. United had finished in 4th place last season, the 2014/15 season being the first under the new manager. After the ignominy of finishing seventh the year before under David Moyes, Manchester United had managed to regain some respectability and, crucially, a place in the play-off round of the Champions League.

In his second season in charge, veteran coach Louis van Gaal will know that nothing less than a Premier League title challenge will be good enough for United’s Red Army this time around. In his first season, Van Gaal had already strengthened the squad. There were the arrivals of Angel Di Maria at left wing, Radamel Falcao, a striker with a reputation having scored almost 200 goals in various leagues plus another 24 in internationals, offensive midfielder Ander Herrera, defensive midfielder Daley Blind, left-back Luke Shaw, and Marcos Rojo at centre-back. They all looked

Morgan Schneiderlin

18 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

very good on paper. However, the Red Devils spent a large part of the first half of the season struggling to settle for a given starting eleven and a given formation, which also goes down to numerous injuries to key players.

by Kenneth Abela

£24 million for Schneiderlin. He has enjoyed a positive start to his Old Trafford career.

Van Gaal has however now pieced together a collection of new players to strengthen the squad and fill the positions left vacant by the departing players.

Bastian Schweinsteiger has shown that although physically past his peak at 30, he has a calming, authoritative presence in midfield. He cost £6.5m from Bayern Munich, is a World Cup winner with Germany and has an array of silverware to his name, including eight Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League.

Central Midfield Position Manchester United finally made positive steps to address the central midfield position.

With the veteran Carrick, the energetic Herrera and the unique talents of Fellaini, United are now well stocked in the middle of the park.

Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton midfielder and a French international, had been one of the Premier League’s best in his position for the previous two seasons.

Left wing position With the departure of Di Maria, the Boss strengthened the left wing position, adequately filled last season by Ashley Young, by bringing in Memphis Depay at £25 million from PSV.

“I was on vacation with my girlfriend and my friends,” the 25-year-old revealed. “My agent called me to warn me that Louis van Gaal will call me. I kept my phone with me all day.”

Manchester United agreed to pay an initial

Will Memphis make the grade? Depay was the Eredivisie top scorer with 21 goals. Yet outspoken Irish pundit Eamon Dunphy, a former midfielder who spent time with Manchester United as an apprentice, has sensationally

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Memphis Depay

claimed that Depay would not be good enough to get in Manchester City’s reserve team. He believes the Dutch winger is “a million miles away from being a top player”.

Against Liverpool, Van Gaal clearly felt his side needed greater pace and penetration down the left side, and off came Memphis while Young came in and duly delivered, winning the cleverly worked free-kick that led to United’s opening goal from Daley Blind. Although time will tell, Memphis has shown that at least in the UEFA Champions League, he is capable of producing.

Right-Back Position Louis van Gaal said: “Matteo Darmian is a rightsided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League.’’ His performance for Italy against Malta on the 3rd September showed what a classy player he is. While Blind and Shaw provided healthy competition in the left-back position, Darmian has shown to be

Matteo Darmian

a reliable, natural right-back, a position that was sadly lacking last season. Darmian has made a positive impact and was voted Man of the Match on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. The Italian right-back has been solid and assured, instantly adapting to life in the Barclays Premier League.

Keeper So David de Gea stays in Manchester after all.

It can be termed ‘the best signing of all’. His performance against Liverpool showed he is back to his old form. Sergio Romero, bought on a free transfer from Sampdoria, seemed at one stage to have been a solid replacement.

However, his performance in the loss against Swansea led to some justifiable criticism and United fans breathed a huge sigh of relief when De Gea did not join Real Madrid after all.

on while the 19-year-old Wilson is still to show that he is ready to make an impact at the top level. A burgeoning star was still needed to ease pressure off Rooney.

Anthony Martial’s deadline-day switch to Manchester United from AS Monaco attracted widespread attention. Manchester United realised as soon as Monaco tumbled out of the qualifying stages of the Champions League that this was their opportunity. They moved in very swiftly and paid big money - £36m, which is a record for a teenager in world football.

Is he what United need? Didier Deschamps, France Head Coach says that, “He is a player with a huge potential – has been called up by France!” His wonder goal against Liverpool showed that he can make the grade.

Forward Position This was arguably the area where Manchester United’s squad was most lacking in depth.

While Rooney should revel in moving back to his favoured position, there was little in the way of alternative options. Hernández moved

Prediction If Van Gaal can get the most out of his forwards, finishing atop the table is a reasonable possibility. At the start of the season, United were still ranked as only fourth favourites to claim the Premier League title, at 11/2, behind Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Sergio Romero,

Anthony MarƟal

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

19

The Goalkeeper Saga

by Stefan Attard

F

or us Mancunians, this has been perhaps the most exhilarating transfer window ever, going to the eleventh hour and beyond! Despite various media criticizing United for having no transfer strategy, I think that overall we had a good transfer window with the signings of Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger, Darmian, Romero, Depay and Martial. United also choose to let go of the likes of Di Maria, van Persie, Falcao, Evans, Lindegaard, Rafael and Hernandez.

The situation of our number 1 started gathering momentum from the latter half of last season after rumours of him refusing to sign a contract extension started to spread in the media, which was later confirmed by the manager himself.

Having scooped the Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year awards for the second season running, United were in danger of losing an integral player whose contribution was vital in securing the Champions League spot. Though refusing to let anything slip, it was quite clear that Dave’s mind was set on playing in his native country. On deadline day, Madrid decided to place their bid, which in the end after the late night drama (and beyond) ended up with the Spanish international staying at United.

The hard-fought transfer battle was won by Manchester United this time. Real were having none of this and issued a statement informing the world that they did everything possible to sign him and even accused Manchester United of lack of professionalism. One cannot help but ask why they left it until the last day if they really needed our world class goalkeeper? I cannot help but think that they expected David to issue a transfer request right at the end so that the club would have been under more pressure to sell him.

After it was clear that Dave would be staying at United, questions were still being asked by fans. Will he play again for United? Is he mentally ready? Will he leave on free in the next transfer window? Of course, many argued that Dave couldn’t afford to be our second choice keeper

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in the run-up to the European Championship 2016. All media focused on Spain’s no. 1 as he joined the national team, with everyone trying to interpret his body language. However, United had the last laugh as David signed a four-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until at least 2019. On a personal note, I am satisfied that we finally managed to get one over Madrid with regards to transfers, after the history of sagas which always seemed to end up with our players signing for the Spanish club. Soon enough, our no. 1 seamlessly slotted back into the starting line-up against our neighbours – a game which underlined the fact that United need De Gea playing every week. With the nervy moments experienced with Romero in goal, every United fan could now relax with the knowledge that United have probably the best keeper in the world protecting their goal. Of course, Real Madrid might still snatch our beloved keeper eventually. However, the fact that we kept him for at least another year, coupled with the fact that he will not leave on a free transfer, are two massive bonuses for United.

Victor Valdes: The arrival of Victor Valdes last season ensured that we have a top quality, experienced keeper as our number two. The ex-Barcelona keeper was given precious little game time with the manager opting to name De Gea in the starting eleven even in cup games. Having signed for United in January, the Spanish international only managed a couple of appearances with the Reserves and Under 21 teams, with the only appearance for the senior team being on the final league match after De Gea’s injury. Having played for Barcelona and winning a windfall of trophies, our goalkeeping situation was perhaps the section which United fans were least concerned about. Towards the end of the transfer window, after the first couple of matches, it was apparent that the goalkeeping situation was definitely an area of concern. With United unsure on De Gea’s future goalkeeping, the situation became even worse when the manager revealed his falling out with Valdes.

Of course, it is difficult to know exactly what happened behind the scenes, with Valdes hitting back at the manager’s comments by posting pictures of him playing for the Reserves and Under 21 team on social media. As with the case of our first choice keeper, Valdes’ situation was settled on deadline day after he rejected personal terms from clubs like Besiktas.

After having opted to name Sam Johnstone as our substitute goalkeeper in the first couple of games, whether Valdez plays again for Manchester United remains to be seen.

Sergio Romero: During the last week of July with the future of our main two keepers up in the air, the club announced the surprise signing of Sergio Romero. Van Gaal was the man who brought a largely unproved 20-year-old Romero to Europe from Argentina and made him his first choice goalkeeper at AZ Alkmaar. Romero turned out to be a good signing, with his contributions leading the team to win the Eredivisie in 2009.

After Van Gaal left AZ Alkmaar for Bayern Munich, Romero opted to join Sampdoria and helped them win promotion to the Serie A. Having won the gold medal during the Olympics, Romero also kept goal for Diego Maradona’s team during the 2010 World Cup. The Argentine international denied Van Gaal a place into the 2014 World Cup Final when he saved spot-kicks from Vlaar and Sneijder. The most capped Argentine goalkeeper of all time however struggled to attract attention at club level and after being released by Sampdoria, Manchester United opted to snatch the 6-foot tall keeper.

After his signing, Manchester United put Romero on a fast-track training programme to enable him to adjust to English football and keep him in contention for the starting line-up. Despite having a couple of uncertain moments, the free transfer signing only conceded just once in the first five games. Van Gaal did concede that it is still early to judge Romero’s performance, with the team allowing opposition teams precious little chances. With Valdes’ future still uncertain,

it looks like Romero is a decent cover for our undisputed number one.

Sam Johnstone: Having been promoted from the academy, Sam was loaned to various clubs (Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster and Preston North End) for much needed game time and experience. Indeed, during his latest loan at Preston he led the team to promotion to the Championship. At the tender age of 22, Sam has already represented England at Under 16, Under 17, Under 19 and Under 20 level. With the uncertainty regarding De Gea’s fitness and commitment to the club, Sam was given plenty of opportunities to impress during the pre-season. His good performances were awarded with being named as a substitute for league and Champions League games. After the situation of all keepers became clear after the transfer deadline, rumours suggested that Johnstone’s agent was furious that the club did not manage to negotiate a deal to assure the youngster of much needed game time. Until January, with the plethora of riches within the goalkeeper department, it is likely that Sam has to settle for Reserves and Under 21 games. Being a product of the academy, every Mancunian would love to see Sam as our future number

one. However, with the likes of De Gea and Romero further ahead in the ranks, Sam would probably have to impress in appearances while on loan to stand a chance of being our future first choice keeper.

Anders Lindegaard: Having signed for United, Anders’ United career has by and large been restricted to being our second choice keeper.

After the departure of Van Der Sar, Lindegaard was determined to make the no. 1 jersey his, in spite of media sources naming a number of keepers who were rumoured to have been tracked by United. Initially, there was a healthy competition between Anders and Dave for the no. 1 jersey, as Sir Alex rotated the two keepers almost on a weekly basis. After several months, the boss made up his mind and since then his choice certainly proved to be the right one, with Dave progressing and becoming a vital member in United’s team.

To his credit, unlike in the case of Valdes the Danish keeper understood his role of being a second choice keeper. With the signing of Valdes, the Danish shot-stopper was relegated to being our third choice keeper and this was perhaps the beginning of the end for his United career. I’m sure that a goalkeeper of Anders’

calibre and experience will be a good signing for West Bromwich Albion. We wish Anders all the best at the Hawthorns.

Keylor Navas: On transfer deadline day it emerged that Manchester United were only willing to let go of De Gea if Real Madrid offered Keylor Navas as part of the deal. After driving lowly Costa Rica to the 2014 World Cup quarter finals, as typically happens, Real Madrid signed the keeper from Levante. He was supposed to be competition for Casillas, but only managed to make 11 appearances in all competitions that season. After the Spanish international left, Navas succeeded in winning the usually fickle crowd of the Samtiago Bernabeu. Despite his good performances, it was clear that Los Merengues’ heart was set on De Gea. The fact that they were willing to offer Navas as part of the exchange deal emphasized how Madrid’s constant pursuit of superstars goes to great lengths, even if it means uprooting and sacrificing loyal servants who have served the club for a number of years. Though Navas is not a bad keeper by any stretch of imagination, for a massive club like Manchester United, it is difficult to imagine that how he would have replaced our world class goalkeeper.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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Wayne Rooney

by Alan Abela-Wadge

E

ngland’s all-time top scorer, Manchester United’s 3rd all-time top scorer, England’s th 5 most capped player ever, 5 time Premier League winner, 2 time League Cup winner, 3 time FA Community Shield Winner, UEFA Champions League winner, FIFA Club World Cup winner, PFA Player of the Year, 2 time PFA Young Player of the Year, 2 time PFA Fans’ Player of the Year, 3 time inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, Football Writers’ Player of the Year, 2 time Manchester United’s Player of the Year and many more personal honours.

That is our beloved captain, our leader, our juggernaut, our very own Wayne Rooney.

Back in October 2002, 5 days before his 17th birthday, this young Liverpool lad scored a wonder goal in the last-minute to seal victory against Arsenal. The goal ended Arsenal’s 30-match unbeaten run and that kid became a worldwide sensation. From that game onwards, everyone knew about Wayne Rooney.

During season 2003/04, everyone was calling

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upon Sven Goran Eriksson to call up Wayne Rooney for the European Championship 2004 and when he did, the whole of England was looking forward to seeing this teenage sensation going from strength to strength, maybe breaking the voodoo and delivering a trophy back home for the first time since 1966.

Rooney started the campaign in incredible form and scored 4 goals in 4 games. However, unfortunately lady luck didn’t smile upon England and Rooney got hurt in the quarterfinal match against Portugal with England being knocked out once again.

In the weeks after EURO 2004, whilst young Wayne Rooney was nursing a broken foot, the media went into overload and Rooney was entangled in a tug-of-war between Everton and Newcastle. Manchester United fans were watching from afar, wishing that Sir Alex Ferguson pounces on this sensation.

However, we never quite believed it when at the end of August 2004 news started to surface that Everton had rejected a bid of 20 million

for Wayne Rooney and Manchester United had joined the race. I still remember clearly when I spent a whole day stuck browsing the internet searching for the latest news and all of a sudden it was reported that Manchester United got a 30 million bid accepted for Wayne.

Before we know it, he was presented to the media as United’s new signing. For the first few weeks Rooney wasn’t available as he was still nursing his injury. However, when United went to Turkey to take on Fenerbahce and we saw that Wayne Rooney listed amongst the starters, no one knew what was awaiting us. In his debut, Rooney scored 3 times, two wonderfully taken goals and a beautiful free kick to seal a 6-2 victory for the Red Devils.

Fast forward 11 years and 233 goals later and we find ourselves in 2015. What an amazing 11 years it has been for Wayne Rooney: eleven trophy laden seasons in which he cemented himself as one of United’s greatest ever players. At the time of writing, Rooney stands only 4 goals behind Denis Law and only 16

goals behind Sir Bobby Charlton to become United’s all-time top scorer.

Apart from his prolific goal-scoring record, Rooney is a particularly strange phenomenon.

Everyone knows that he isn’t a striker in the form of Ruud van Nisterlrooy. Everyone knows that he isn’t as skilful as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Everyone knows that he isn’t a goal poacher in the mould of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, no matter what, a fit Wayne Rooney is always the first name on the team-sheet. Rooney started with Manchester United as a striker in a 4-4-2 formation in which he always played off the #9 (#9 being the main striker’s position and not the kit number). In that position, Rooney flourished and assisted as many goals as he scored. As time went by and more formations started being used, especially the 4-3-3 in the Ronaldo-Rooney-Tevez-Berbatov seasons, Rooney started to adapt to other positions.

Rooney always seemed content to sacrifice himself to bring out the best in others. In those trophy laden seasons in which Ronaldo grew into the best player in the world, we’ve seen Rooney play mainly on the left hand side of a trident strike force. In more recent past, we’ve seen Rooney being deployed in the #10 position in a 4-2-3-1 formation that means taking the position of an advanced midfielder off the main striker. Over the last two years we also saw Rooney play in centre midfield and guess what, he still delivered the goods and scored some good goals as well.

This season it seems that Rooney will be deployed more as a main striker. However, with the emergence of young Anthony Martial, we might see Rooney being utilized in a few different positions. It goes without saying, no matter where Rooney plays, he will still give his utmost best and ensures that the team benefits as much as possible.

Today, Rooney is England’s and Manchester United’s captain. As captain he has more

responsibility to help nurture the young talent and show them the ropes. He has been there and done it all and I’m sure that as Manchester United, we’re lucky to have such a captain leading our ship.

The golden question is: what does the future holds for the legendary Wayne Rooney? My guess is that as the years wind down we will see Rooney breaking more and more records.

First and foremost, Rooney has his eyes set on Sir Bobby Charlton’s record for United’s all-time goal scorer. That’s a record that

he might even break this season. Another record that Rooney is targeting is that of Peter Shilton’s for England’s most capped player. He’s currently only 18 games away and if England has a good run in Euro 2016 Rooney might be in for a chance to reach it.

After that, I’m sure that Rooney will focus more towards extending his playing career as much as possible.

A player of his physique, a player that has suffered his fair share of broken bones, hamstring and other muscle problems needs to be very careful in his advancing years.

Rooney is only 29 years old and as he starts progressing in his 30s, the most natural thing he can do is to start playing lower in the field.

We’ve seen many great players that started their career as forwards and ended up as defensive midfielders. Ruud Gullit is a prime example, Lothar Matthaus did it too and I know that Wayne Rooney can do it too. Rooney, with his vision and eye for pass can definitely play in his late 30s. However the question is, can he do it as a forward? I for one believe that our great captain, within 3 or 4 years will opt to play more in a holding midfield position.

If that’s the case, we’re in for a treat with his wonderful passing range.

No matter where Rooney will play in the future one thing is for certain, the hunger that an 18 year old Rooney had is still there today and will definitely be there for many years to come. Rooney’s hunger is the driving force of Manchester United and we are blessed to say that we are currently witnessing a legend leading our great football club.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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Can United win the Premier League this year?

by Roderick Psaila

T

he match against Southampton has just finished and United have registered a hard fought 3-2 away win. Make no mistake, not many teams will win at St Mary’s this season, so any kind of win against the Saints is a huge success. United started badly but after Martial’s brilliantly executed goal just after the half hour mark, United took control of the match and laboured to a 3-1 advantage. We only suffered in the last five minutes of the match, after Pelle` had reduced the deficit, which at the end proved futile. In his postmatch interview the Manager reiterated that it is difficult for his team to win the Premier League this year since the team is still “in transition”. Most of the pundits would agree with that as they have dismissed United’s chances of getting our trophy back this season.

That said, the win against Southampton took United to within two points from City, in second place. So albeit being early in the season, can United upset the odds?

A much improved back four Until the PSV match in the Champions League, I was convinced that in Darmian and Shaw, we had the best pair of full-backs in England.

They had given solidity to our defending and excitement in their forward venturing runs. Smalling has become one of the most aggressive defenders around and Blind, while not necessarily a born centre-half, can make up for his lack of pace with astute positioning and his passing ability from the back. One match seems to have changed everything.

Shaw suffered that horrible injury which will keep him away for the best part of the season, while Darmian was culpable of rare mistakes in both of PSV’s goals and seems to have lost his form. In fact, he was substituted at half-time in the Southampton match after again looking out of sorts. Still, I expect Darmian to soon re-discover his form and with Blind slotting in at left full-back and the returning Jones favourite to be given a run with Smalling in central defence, I believe that United can have the best performing defence in the Premier this season.

Bonus – The De Gea factor can win us ten to fifteen points over a season. After his muchpublicised failed transfer to Spain, David has

signed a new contract and has returned to the starting line up with a couple of stunning performances and the same sharpness which made him arguably the best keeper in the world.

Experienced and hard-working midfield With the recruitment of Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin, United have added experience, steel and much-needed energy in the middle of the field. Indeed, when Carrick was injured last season, the team lacked a midfield general and lost matches. This season, Carrick and Herrera do not even have a guaranteed place in the team, which highlights the improvement made, fuelled by competition for places. In my opinion, United have a midfield which can now boss any match and crucially provide suitable cover in front of the back four.

Wingers During this first part of the season, Depay has shown glimpses of what he can become.

As expected, he lacks consistency due to his young age, the impact of a new environment and playing at the most frenetic tempo of any competition in Europe. However, with Young always very willing to impress when utilised, that left flank seems to be in good hands.

On the right, Van Gaal has repeatedly given trust to Juan Mata, and this is the only area where I don’t agree with him. Mata is a very technical player and he would be the first name in my five-a-side team. He would also be an automatic choice in my team in Italy or Spain, where the pace of the league is slower than in England and more technical football is warranted. But for a fan used to watching Manchester United showcase numerous exciting wingers, Mata is a disappointment in that position. The way I see it is that he cannot dribble past his opposing full-back, as he is slow and often shifted from the ball when in possession. For all the possession he has, he rarely picks a forward pass but, more often than not, passes backwards or horizontally at best. To make things worse, he cannot defend properly and often loses the opposing full-back when the latter overlaps. I’m certain that many people do not share my view and I respect that.

The only reason why Mata is being picked by the Manager is perhaps to be the creative spark in the team. The statistics are damning in his

regards though and all fans would agree that United have really lacked creativity in most of their matches and our clear chances and shots on goal have been minimal week in week out. Hence, I see the lack of pace and threat on the right flank as the weakest link in our team. Since it’s unfair to criticise without offering a solution, what I would do is give a chance to young James Wilson on the right flank. He might be inexperienced but he’s quick as lightning, has an excellent left foot and his eye for goal is unmatched in the current Manchester United team. I think Wilson can be a revelation if given the chance.

Striking Department Rooney may be passing through a quiet patch at the moment, but he is still a guiding light for the team, and I’m sure that given a run in the number 10 position, he will soon start scoring regularly again. On the other hand, Fellaini is not a centre forward and I can only see him employed in that position in times of crisis, possibly in the last ten minutes of a match we’re drawing or losing.

Bonus – Tony Martial has arrived in Manchester on the last day of the transfer market. He was an unknown factor to many United fans and his exploits were a huge surprise. The stunning strike against Liverpool has made him an instant hero and will remain in our memories for a long time. The question is whether Martial is ready to deliver on a consistent basis for a whole season. The answer is probably no given his young age, although on the field of play he looks mature and controlled.

So, given the arguments above, can United win the Premiership this year? My answer is no, unless a Wilson, Harrop or Pereira are given the chance by the Manager and instantly produce the goods at the highest level, or else unless we manage to buy an exciting player or two in the winter transfer window, such as Sadio Mane for example.

Do you agree with my comments on Mata, Martial and the rest? Do you think that United can nick it? Let me know your thoughts – no matter how different from mine – using my email address roderickps@gmail.com

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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R

andom

ED THOUGHTS

H

ere we are. The beginning of 2015/16, a season which promises much for our beloved Reds, and with it, sure enough, comes the first edition of the Echoes for this campaign.

We ended last season by achieving the minimum we set out to get, that is 4th place and a two-legged pre-qualifier for a place in the group stages of the Champions League.

And therefore many were eagerly anticipating the transfer window (that thing which keeps us going during the long football starved days of summer!) to see how our squad will be shaping up to be prepared for eating at European football’s elite table. If you were to ask me to give a verdict on our transfer dealings this close season, I would say it was a mixed bag, and I will explain why. We got some good business done early in acquiring Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and Darmian in addition to Memphis who was pre-signed at the tail-end of last season. In my opinion they were all brought in for sensible, relatively low(ish) transfer fees (especially Basti for just £6m!) a n d t h e b o ss managed to get them in before we jetted off to the USA tour so as to have a proper pre-season with the rest of the squad. Towards the end of the tour we also brought in keeper Romero on a free transfer.

This was an obvious insurance move, with all the uncertainty surrounding De Gea. Whilst these five were coming in, there were plenty of outgoing transfers too. Some might say too many. The likes of Di Maria, Falcao, van Persie, Rafael, Evans, Hernandez and Lindegaard were all moved on by Van Gaal in what many interpreted as him getting rid of dead wood.

He has always stressed that he inherited an unbalanced squad. He said that he was aiming for a more streamlined and symmetrical squad where each position, from 1 to 11, as he likes to call them, are all doubly covered.

And so, following the ill-fated Pedro saga where we ultimately decided he wasn’t what

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we needed, we moved on to the much-hyped transfer deadline day. Nearly all the tabloids and broadsheets had you believe that the boss had a stellar signing up his sleeve (he did after all hint at a ‘surprise’ signing in one of his tour press conferences). The likes of Muller, Bale, Neymar and Reus were all touted, and as such there was always the risk of anti-climax if nobody of that ilk came in. As it turned out, the only new addition on deadline day was a certain Anthony Martial. A raw 19-year old that not many had heard of, but who actually was coming off a decent season with Monaco especially in Europe where he impressed the most against Arsenal. As expected, the media had a field day questioning the wisdom of splashing out an initial £36m on a largely unproven kid. Many will call it risky. In my

view it is a typical United signing, one that Sir Alex and David Gill would have been proud of. Because when you think about it, Martial has the golden word in the transfer market i.e. value. Potentially in years to come his value will rocket and the club would make a profit on him if the likes of Real Madrid, as they invariably do, come knocking.

It wouldn’t have been a typical summer without a long drawn out saga concerning us and Real Madrid. The De Gea/Keylor Navas farce (as it eventually turned out to be!) stole the headlines on deadline day. Luckily for us, De Gea ended up not only staying at Old Trafford, but eventually went on to sign a new four year contract. Going back to my mixed bag verdict on United’s transfer dealings, I come to this

by Silvio Scicluna

conclusion since on the one hand I’m happy with all the incomings, but on the other hand I and many others are left with the feeling that our striking department has been left lacking in quality and depth. And when you think about it, this season, when hopefully we will be competing on all four fronts, our squad is made up of less players than last season, when for the majority of it we only had the league and some FA Cup matches to compete in.

When the travelling squad for the USA tour was announced, many were surprised to see the name of Victor Valdes omitted, even more so when the expectation was that if De Gea was to leave he was a readymade replacement.

Eventually the boss explained that he was being left out for disciplinary reasons.

Apparently at times last season, Valdes refused to play for the Reserves even though he did play some matches in the second string. Valdes seemed to hint on social media at denying such accusation of refusing to play. Whatever the case, it was an unsavoury incident which some pundits indicate is typical of Van Gaal. For some reason however, Valdes was not shipped out in the summer and remains at the club, although I’m not expecting to see him anywhere near the first team squad if I’m being honest. On the pitch, the performances were good enough and preparation was done in terrific facilities. However, I felt that since we only played those four tour matches in pre-season and the players had their playing time managed to give minutes to all the squad, we did not start the Premier League season match fit.

If you remember correctly, in one of my pieces last season I mentioned that I was dreading finishing fourth since this involves having to prequalify for the group stages of the Champions League against a potentially difficult opponent.

Well, as it turned out my fears were unfounded as we were handed a kind draw against Club Brugge, which we dealt with quite comfortably.

The draw for the group stages, which like many fans I watched live with that exciting feeling which we so missed last season, started well

enough with us drawing PSV Eindhoven from the top seeds. However I felt it got progressively worse as we went on to draw potentially tough opponents in CSKA Moscow from pot 3 and the toughest pot 4 team in Wolfsburg. I immediately felt that it could prove to be a difficult group to qualify from, especially for a team like ours which is clearly a works in progress project and which hadn’t played in Europe since March last year. My fears were proved ominously correct with an opening 2-1 defeat at PSV. However this defeat in my opinion was largely influenced by the horrific injury suffered by Luke Shaw early on, especially with the rusty Rojo coming on at centre-back and moving Blind to left-back, breaking up the erstwhile solid Smalling/Blind partnership. The result made the next match at home against Wolfsburg an almost must-win.

And thankfully a 2-1 win arrived, but not after an initial shock of going behind after only four minutes. The result of the other match on the night meant that all teams were level on three points after two matches and all to play for.

Next up will be a double header against CSKA Moscow, from which we should aim for at least four points.

The opening of the Premier League season finally arrived and on the 8th August I had the pleasure of being present at Old Trafford for the game against Tottenham. As you can imagine, the whole experience was terrific, rounded off with a win, albeit this being 1-0 with an own

goal. As I mentioned earlier, the team was obviously not match fit enough and a similar performance followed in our second match away to Aston Villa, again winning by a solitary goal. So long as we were winning I was not that bothered, but the two matches that followed were disastrous. The goalless draw at home against Newcastle and the 1-2 defeat at van Gaal’s bogey team Swansea really exposed our early season shortcomings. Luckily, the team gave a brilliant second half performance in the next match at home against a very average Liverpool side to win 3-1 with that boy Martial coming off the bench to get the clincher 3rd goal. During the post-match interview, van Gaal opined that we played better in the first half! A comment that I have to admit I found a bit strange, as did most pundits. But when you think about it, we shouldn’t be surprised that the boss thinks in that manner. He is happiest when we keep possession, do not give any chances away to the opponent and take any chances we create to eventually score at least one more goal than the opponent and win! And in that first half we played how he likes even if it was still goalless. In the second half he was less happy, playing-wise, since we gave Liverpool too many chances for his liking. That’s Van Gaal’s philosophy for you.

We followed this up with a hard fought 3-2 win at Southampton: always a difficult fixture. This was the game where Martial showed that his goal against Liverpool was no fluke. Also, the

third goal of this match will be remembered for a long time. A long 44-pass move that left the Saints chasing shadows, finished off eventually by Mata (diagram inset). Brilliant!

A third win on the trot in the league ensued, when we comfortably beat beleaguered Sunderland 3-0, a result which, coupled with City’s humiliating defeat at Spurs earlier in the day saw us topping the table for the first time since we won the title with Sir Alex. Although there will be plenty more twists and turns until the end of the season, it shows the steady improvement our beloved Reds are showing.

The Capital One Cup has also got underway and for starters we were handed a home tie against Ipswich from the Championship. Manchester United got the job done with the minimum of fuss, with the highlights being a wonderful free-kick goal from Pereira on his full debut and Martial continuing with his amazing start with another good goal. In the fourth round we shall be meeting another Championship side in Middlesbrough, also at Old Trafford. Hopefully we will progress in this competition and, who knows, maybe go on and win it. We are due a trophy now and it would be a great confidence booster.

So, all in all, it has been a very eventful two and a half months for our beloved Reds since my last article. Then again, nobody expects anything different at the biggest football club in the world!

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by Braden Galea

T

he trademark anthem of the UEFA Champions League blares on the speakers at Old Trafford again this season. One year away from the top competition in Europe was way too long for the club and for its supporters.

Financially, the coffers were set back by close to £40 million. Emotionally, supporters took a while to come to grips with reality that there would be no Manchester United in the group stage draw in 2014/15. Something which was previously taken for granted was taken away from them with the 7th place 2013/14 Barclays Premier League finish, now banished to the quickly-flipped page in history books.

Summer in the United States looked promising, but fear of the unknown was still hanging on the minds of supporters as a play-off qualifying round draw awaited, potentially pitting Manchester United against another great European club. As the small Champions League plastic ball was opened and the name ‘Club Brugge’ was displayed, there was the inevitable sigh of relief. Not that Manchester United would have feared a better opponent.

It was more a case of risk minimisation to ensure that the ultimate goal of qualification was reached. Missing qualification was strictly off the agenda. With a bumper deal with Adidas having just kicked off that included provisions for reduction of sponsorship fees should European qualification be missed again, Manchester United absolutely could not miss this opportunity. After all, with a host of new signings taking to the field, you never know what may be the outcome.

The first leg of the play-off round was set to be played at Old Trafford. Starting off in front of the home crowd was not ideal, as an opponent goal conceded at home could swing the pendulum against United when it comes to the second leg in Belgium. However, it was a situation which could not be controlled by the club, and the team had to ensure that they avoid putting themselves in an uncomfortable situation. Yet, the match in front of a 75,312 crowd at the Theatre of Dreams could have easily transformed into a nightmare. From a Club Brugge free-kick, Michael Carrick scored a beauty of a goal that stunned the goalkeeper,

but only in the wrong net. Luckily, Memphis’ first competitive goal put the game level just five minutes later, and the Dutchman netted another one just before half-time. The game was all set to finish 2-1: just one goal for Club Brugge on their home soil and United’s dreams of reaching the group stage would have been shattered. Just before the final whistle, incoming substitute Fellaini headed in Memphis’ cross to afford Manchester United breathing space for the away encounter.

In front of a smaller 28,733 crowd in the Jay Breydel Stadium, captain Wayne Rooney was on fire, netting a hat-trick, after which Herrera buried any remaining hopes of Belgian optimists. The match finished 4-0 and Manchester United were officially into the group stage. The draw for the group stage was held in Monaco and United were pitted against PSV, Wolfsburg and CSKA Moscow in Group B. That meant two relatively short trips to Holland and Germany combined with potential jetlag for the arduous trip to the Russian capital. Everyone was saying it was an easy group for United. In all truth, no such thing as an easy group exists any longer in Europe’s elite competition.

Against one of the biggest developers of Dutch talent in the history of football at their Philips Stadion in Eindoven, after just 15 minutes, we all witnessed Shaw’s horrific injury after a sliding tackle by Hector Moreno. The match was stopped for eight minutes for Luke Shaw to be stretchered off the pitch without causing any more damage to the double break to his leg, yet no card came out of the referee’s pocket. Both teams looked shell-shocked from what they saw when play resumed. PSV old-boy Memphis scored against his former club and celebrated on the 41st minute. But the Mexican Hector Moreno, who ruined the 2015/16 season for Shaw and potentially put a dent in his development as one of the best left-backs for England, scored just before the half-time whistle. Near the hour mark, Narsingh added a second for PSV and realistically from the way play was going, there was no way back into the match for United. Shaw’s injury was a heavy weight on United players’ minds, and no points were collected from the first match.

It was then the Germans’ turn to travel to Manchester. The match was an inverted mirror image of the first match. This time it was the opponent that scored first through Daniel Caligiuri in the 4th minute. Everyone was saying that this was a must-win match for United if they hope to progress further in the competition. Even Van Gaal recognised that the team must at least win all home games if they want to play Champions League football in February 2016. So when Caligiuri handed a Mata cross in the box, and the same Juan Mata converted the resulting penalty, the majority of Old Trafford’s 74,811 crowd was fully backing a fight back. A delightful back-heel assist by Mata to Chris Smalling was the highlight of the match and the deciding factor in a 2-1 win. The way events turned out on the night, all four teams in the group conceded the same number of goals as the number of goals they scored after two matches played, and all teams were on three points.

A trip to Russia is next on United’s schedule.

CSKA Moscow is not a side to be taken for granted. Many consider them to be the weakest side out of the three opponents.

Ideally, Manchester United collects 6 points from the next two matches against the Russians, after which they would probably need just one point to qualify for the next round. United had faced CSKA back in 2009, when they drew 3-3 at Old Trafford and won 1-0 (Antonio Valencia scoring in the 86th minute) in Russia. CSKA had finished runnersup in the Russian Premier League in 2014/15.

United would do well to respect their quality and not underestimating their power, as the team boasts the likes of Russia’s Number 1 international goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev and serial goalscorer Seydou Doumbia. Their number 7, Zoran Tosic from Serbia had an unsuccessful spell at Manchester United back in 2009/10. Developing into a freekick specialist, he certainly has a point to prove against the team which brought him to England and hardly gave him a chance to prove his worth in the first team during a one year stint, before shipping him out on loan to Germany and later permanently to Russia.

The so-called ‘easy groups’ can easily end up being challenging for United. Memories of Basel from 2011 when United were knocked out of the group stage by the Swiss still hang on the minds of supporters. Back then, a group containing Benfica, Basel and Otelul Galati was also considered to be easy.

Learning from past mistakes, United should actively seek not to repeat them. Not to sound too pessimistic, the team certainly has the quality to win the group, obviously excluding the left-back position which is short-staffed.

An unfortunate turn of events in Holland and an enjoyable fight back against the Germans, combined with encouraging performances by Memphis, set Manchester United on course for a challenging, yet promisingly rewarding, four matches in the UEFA Champions League to decide the team’s destiny beyond the group stage. Ultimately, we are not just back in it, but we are in it to win it.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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The Italian Job - will it ever work at United?

by Julian Tabone

“

Italian players will never live up to the pace of the English game” I used to argue.

I may be biased but the statistics prove me right. The brotherhood of Italian players in the English top flight is not a large one. Only six players were registered during 2014-15 season and the days of Italian players swapping big Italian clubs to the likes of Crystal Palace (Attilio Lombardi) and Sheffield Wednesday (Benito Carbone) are long gone by.

Perhaps Gianfranco Zola was the only Italian player to play in the Premier League who managed to really get me off my seat.

My mates who still think that the Serie A is at similar heights to those enjoyed in the early 90s argue in favour of Gianluca Vialli, Ravanelli or Di Canio. I am never impressed, however.

The list of Italian players to wear the Manchester United shirt is not a long one either.

The first one was Carlo Sartori who actually came through the ranks at Old Trafford after his parents migrated to Manchester after WWII. He adjusted slowly to the game and made his debut in October 1968. He left 5 years later – having amassed a total of 55 appearances and 6 goals – to go back to Italy to sign for Bologna.

He is best remembered as the club’s very first foreign player but that’s where it stops.

It had to be 26 years later, in 1999, for another Italian to wear the Manchester United shirt.

Goalkeeper Massimo Taibi was plucked from nowhere (actually he was playing for Vicenza) in an emergency deal. Peter Schmeichel had just retired. His replacements, Mark Bosnich and Raymond van der Gouw, were both injured and someone had to step in. He had a baptism of fire at Anfield. He had terrible start, conceding a soft goal to Sami Hyypia but then made up for that with a series of inspired saves. United somehow held on to win 3-2 and, as so often happens, the debutant Italian was voted Man of the Match. That was that however.

He went on represent the club on just 3 more occasions. Against Southampton, Taibi made a gaffe, one of those goalkeeping errors for which you are not sure if should you feel sorry or feel mad for him. The match ended in a 3-3 draw but his blunders toured the globe. His fate was sealed at Stamford Bridge following a 5-0 thrashing. He never recovered from that and to date stands out in United folklore for being one of the worst signings ever.

The next Italian (even though he was born in New Jersey) was Giuseppe Rossi. He arrived as a 17-year old from Parma and he became an instant hit amongst those who follow the Academy and the Reserve Teams. We could

say he had an eye-for-goal and that he had something special. He made his debut in 2005 against Sunderland and right according to script he opened his scoring account to make it 3-1. He had to play and to do that he was sent out on loan to Newcastle. The fact that Glenn Roeder forgot all about him did not help and he subsequently moved back to Parma on loan. In Italy, his reputation was enhanced again and he came back to United even more determined. United fans kept monitoring him closely and had high hopes but when Carlos Tevez signed in 2007, it was clear there would be no place for him. He made a meagre 14 appearances before he left for Villarreal, where he did well initially before a series eries of knee injuries halted his impressive performances, erformances, which remains a pity.

good, Manchester United is not Torino or the Italian National Team for that matter.

Matteo Darmian has the qualities to become a proper Manchester United player. He can become a crowd favourite too. I do not want be carried away too soon and I prefer to remain cautious.

He may be the fifth Italian player to wear our shirt, but if he manages to establish himself, he will be the first one to do so. And I will be the first one to change my stance that Italian players can never adapt to the pace of the English League!

Federico Macheda was the next Italian player at Manchester United. His introduction uction needs no explanation. It was fairytale stuff – a lastminute winner against Aston Villa that arguably sparked life back into a title run-in. n-in. But that wn, we knew was as good as it got. Deep down, it would end that way. After 36 appearances and various loan spells, he can now be found at Championship side Cardiff.

There have been a number of other Italians who have played for the 8s, Reds’ Reserves and Under-18s, ni, including Pierluigi Gollini, le Alberto Massacci, Michele ci Fornasier and Davide Petrucci but all of them failed to make the e grade.

And now we have Matteo Darmian.

When I first heard of reports linking United to Matteo Darmian, I admit I first thought it was a joke. I had heard about him when England played Italy in the World Cup 14 months ago, but apart from that, he was a complete stranger to me. He could have been a tennis player for all I knew.

First impressions are good,, however. He is tall, fast, versatile,, steady and a typical Italian nononsense defender. He seems grounded too. He is committed to our cause and happy to be at Old Trafford. And we tend to like that.

The fact that he is being compared ed to Gary Neville, Patrice Evra or Denis enis Irwin is a bit far-fetched though. h. It is still early days but whilst the signs gns are

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e printing High volum & irements onery requ ti a st r u o y for all email: emailpclips@gmail.com tel: (00356) 2131 0010 mob: (00356) 9999 0068

1983 FA CUP Final

by Robert Mizzi

hands firmly on the cup when Ray Wilkins scored one of the best ever goals in an FA Cup final to give United the lead with an astonishing curled shot with his left foot.

United’s centre halves, Moran and McQueen were not having the best of finals though and Stevens was allowed to control inside the box and equalise for Brighton with just 4 minutes to go.

As the match went into extra-time, none of the teams could break down the opponents’ defence but United supporters’ hearts stopped beating as Smith came face to face with Bailey in the dying moments and the United keeper made the all-important save. This instance was made famous thanks to the radio commentary by Peter Jones “...and Smith must score”; the quote was subsequently used as a title for a Brighton fanzine. Bailey’s save forced a replay which was played the following Thursday.

The 1983 FA Cup Final 21 May 2015

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Manchester United: Bailey, Duxbury, Albiston, Wilkins, McQueen, Moran, Robson, Muhren, Stapleton, Whiteside, Davies

he 1983 FA Cup Final saw our beloved Red Devils come up against an unexpected opponent in the form of Brighton & Hove Albion. United had finished 3rd in the First Division and were considered firm favourites to win the FA Cup after a hard fought semifinal win against Arsenal which was played at Villa Park. Brighton had just been relegated to the Second Division and they were clearly considered as the underdogs.

As we all know, however, predictions count for very little in an FA Cup final and after a balanced start, Brighton took the lead on 14 minutes when Smith nicked in behind Kevin Moran and guided his header past the stranded Gary Bailey. The first half ended with United trailing 1-0 and despite having more possession and creating a few chances, Brighton were very much alive and making a mockery of their underdogs status.

United started the second half full of intent but Brighton’s defence, despite missing their skipper Foster, was holding out. Their resistance could only last until the 54th minute though, as Frank Stapleton equalised from close range and became the first player ever to score in two FA Cup finals for two different teams. I would rather not quote his other goal in an FA Cup final for obvious reasons (at least for those old enough to remember the 1979 final!). United seemed to have their

1983 FA Cup final Replay 26 May 1983

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he replay started with Brighton trying to take the game to United and Bailey had to be alert and make a couple of saves before United took the lead on 25 minutes. Alan

Davies set up Captain Marvel who drove his left footed shot past Moseley. United never looked back and took control of the match with the United fans in full voice. Whiteside headed home from a Davies cross to give United a two-goal cushion on 30 minutes and despite Brighton’s brave attempts to claw their way back into this final, United managed to add a third before half time.

McQueen’s header was met at the far post

by Robson who tapped in United’s third and his personal second, effectively closing the contest. United’s fans were rightfully ecstatic.

United controlled the second half with relative ease and managed to add a fourth goal when Robson was brought down in the box by Stevens, with Muhren stepping up to make it 4-0, driving his penalty hard and low to the keeper’s left . The FA Cup was heading to Manchester United for the 5th time and it was indeed a proud moment for all United supporters after having had to endure a bitter defeat to our old enemies Liverpool in the League Cup final a few weeks earlier. My only regret about this final, which I still hold to this day, is why my teenage idol did not step up to take the penalty and have the chance to score a memorable hat-trick in an FA Cup final.

Bryan Robson did go on to achieve his own type of hat-trick when he captained United to two further FA cup wins – in 1985 and 1990.

Manchester United: Bailey, Duxbury, Albiston, Wilkins, McQueen, Moran, Robson, Muhren, Stapleton, Whiteside, Davies

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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‘I would love it if we beat them!’

The Newcastle-Man. United rivalry re-visited.

by Michael Calleja

I

t might be strange for some United fans to consider our relationship with Newcastle as a ‘rivalry’ but for a brief period of time in the late nineties and the turn of the millennium, our fixtures with Newcastle were always a moment to cherish and savour.

no longer a selling club’ were splashed in front of a disillusioned Keegan who in turn had to justify the sale of their mercurial talisman. Cole of course, would go on to achieve legendary status at United. Newcastle’s loss was certainly Manchester’s gain!

Newcastle United’s debut in the Premier League was back in the 1993-94 season. United had just ended a long 26 year drought by winning the Championship and had faced off to Newcastle in August of ‘93. A competitive game had ended 1-1 with Ryan Giggs scoring for United and a certain Andrew Cole levelling the score for the Magpies. Kevin Keegan (who at that time was the Manager of Newcastle) was slowly but surely building a side capable of challenging any team in the Premier League. The reason why Sir Alex Ferguson would purchase Cole 2 years later was purely because of his goal scoring record which had propelled Newcastle to the top echelons of the League table.

The 1995-96 is generally viewed as the season in which Newcastle United ‘lost’ the league. This however does not neglect the fact that Manchester United’s late surge in the campaign was nothing short of remarkable and almost ‘miracle’-like in nature. Trailing Newcastle by 12 points in December, United had to make up for all points dropped by embarking on a mercurial run of victories which ensured the title would be going right down to the wire. With Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel in fine form, Fergie’s Fledglings won many crucial games by the score of 1-0.

Newcastle United players would later admit that they would enter into the dressing room after the game only to find out United had won by the odd-goal – courtesy of none other than Eric Cantona. This would continuously deal a psychological blow to the Toon Army and Keegan in particular who decided to attack Ferguson personally – a fatal decision indeed!

The 1994-95 season would see further improvement by Newcastle who had already made a blistering start to the campaign. It was already evident that they would be challenging accordingly but United had managed to stop their majestic run with a 2-0 win (goals scored by Pallister and Gillespie). By that time, Blackburn had slowly begun to set the pace but Newcastle had already laid down the gauntlet. The real ‘rivalry’ would truly take a different form in January 1995. With Eric Cantona facing a huge ban, Sir Alex had opted to find a new striker and his gaze had turned to Andy Cole. Rather surprisingly, Kevin Keegan had authorised the sale of Cole (with Newcastle in turn receiving Keith Gillespie as part of the deal) amidst scenes of uproar at St. James’ Park. Cole was a hero on Tyneside and fans had vehemently opposed the sale of their star striker. Signs of ‘We are

With United breathing down Newcastle’s throats, a crucial game in Leeds had ended with Gillespie scoring the Magpies’ winning goal.

Kevin Keegan, live on air stated: ‘Honestly, I would love it if we beat them, love it!’ This was made in reference to Sir Alex’s statement a week earlier that teams always gave their 100% against Manchester United and not Newcastle.

Keegan took it personally falling into Sir Alex’s ‘mind-games’ trap further heaping pressure on his own team. United had already dealt a fatal blow in Newcastle’s title aspirations by beating them 1-0 at St. James’ Park (Cantona you guessed it with the crucial goal!) – but this

compounded everything! Whilst Newcastle drew 1-1 with Tottenham on the final day of the league campaign, United comprehensively beat Middlesbrough 3-0 to clinch the title.

Never again would both clubs go so close to winning a league campaign. Fans might argue that the 1996/97 season was rather similar but in fairness, United had clinched the league well in advance of the last league game. The 1995/96 season however, remains a remarkable campaign in every sense of the word and still a favourite with many supporters of this great club!

It would be incorrect to state that the rivalry somewhat ‘died out’ after 1996 but Newcastle would never again reach new heights. They did mount a serious assault for the league campaign in 2001/2002 under Sir Bobby Robson but by then both Arsenal and Liverpool had run-away from the chasing pack. The ever present signs of regression were palpable on Tyneside and coupled with bad management and mediocre players, Newcastle suffered the indignation of relegation in the 2008/09 season. A proud club which had gone mightily close to upsetting the Mancunians had finally collapsed and found itself relegated to the Championship.

Games between both sides still evoke plenty of emotions and St. James’ Park is always such an awesome venue for a game of football.

What makes this fixture so meaningful to United fans is the fact that Newcastle United have such a passionate following ensuring that Manchester United never receive any ‘hospitable’ welcome. The Keegan-Ferguson saga is still well remembered by both clubs so whilst both institutions might continuously harbour separate ambitions throughout the season, this fixture is still never devoid of competitiveness, tension and above all genuine sporting rivalry!

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MANCHESTER UNITED – LIVERPOOL FC ENGLAND’S “EL CLASSICO”

The origin of the rivalry During the Industrial times, Manchester was well-known for its manufacturing industry and Liverpool was renowned for the importance of their port. When the Manchester ship canal was built, ships could bypass Liverpool and go directly to Manchester. This resulted in job redundancies for Liverpool, and prosperity for Manchester. Hate between the two cities developed, which trickled onto football. The ship on the Manchester United crest fuelled even more bitter hate, as the Scousers took the ship image as an insult. This is strongly believed to be the start of the hate and rivalry between the two cities and the two clubs.

Football Achievements Both United and Liverpool have enjoyed periods of supremacy in football. Liverpool dominated from 1975 to 1990, winning eleven championships and four European cups. Manchester United dominated from 1993 to 2013, winning thirteen championships and two European cups. Liverpool feel bitter at still not having managed to win the Barclays Premier League.

FA Acknowledged Honours - Comparison FIFA Club World Cup............................................................................Man Utd 1 Intercontinental Cup ..........................................................................Man Utd 1 European Cup / UEFA Champions League .........Man Utd 3 UEFA Cup................................................................................................................Man Utd 0 Cup Winners’ Cup ...................................................................................Man Utd 1 UEFA Super Cup .........................................................................................Man Utd 1 First Division / Premier League .......................................Man Utd 20 FA Cup .........................................................................................................................Man Utd 11 League Cup ........................................................................................................Man Utd 4 Community Shield .................................................................................Man Utd 20

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Liverpool 0 Liverpool 0 Liverpool 5 Liverpool 3 Liverpool 0 Liverpool 3 Liverpool 18 Liverpool 7 Liverpool 8 Liverpool 15

Record Scores 12th Oct 1895 Anfield Liverpool 7 - Newton Heath (Man Utd) 1 5th May 1928 Old Trafford Man Utd 6 - Liverpool 1 Highest Aggregate Score 28th March 1908 Man Utd 4 - Liverpool 7 Great Managers Man Utd: Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson Liverpool: Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley Players Haters Gary Neville, who taunted Liverpool fans by celebrating in front of them at Old Trafford, and by his TV comments as a pundit Steven Gerrard, who has a souvenir jersey of every club he played against, but does not want to have one of Manchester United

by John Call Calleja

Statistics (Manchester United) League..............................................................................65 wins ..................44 draws .................. 55 defeats League Cup .................................................................. 2 wins ...................... 0 draws ......................3 defeats FA cup....................................................................................9 wins ...................... 4 draws ......................4 defeats Others ........................................................................................1 win ........................ 3 draws ......................2 defeats Total .................................................................................... 77 wins .....................51 draws .................64 defeats League HOME .......................................................W41 ....................................D25 .......................................... L16 AWAY ......................................................W24 .................................... D19 ......................................... L39 Black Marks 1) Occasional shameful chants about the Munich Disaster and the Hillsborough Disaster 2) 1996 Cup Final: Liverpool fan spits at Cantona and swings a punch at Ferguson, as Manchester United go up the steps to receive the Cup 3) 2006 Cup match at Anfield: Liverpool fans throw objects, including human excrement at United fans First cup final 21st May 1977: Liverpool were crowned Champions, but Manchester United denied them the Double by winning the cup with the score of 2-1. Man Utd scorers were Stuart Pearson and Jimmy Greenhof, with Jimmy Case scoring a temporary equalizer for Liverpool.

Cantona 1st Oct 1995: Returned after an 8 month suspension and scored the equaliser (2-2) with a penalty in the 71st minute Transfers (First and Last) First: Tom Chortlon from Liverpool to Man Utd on 1st August 1912, exact fee not known, but believed to be under £1,000 Last: Phil Chisnall from Man Utd to Liverpool on 1st April 1964, fee £25,000 First and Last match First 28th April 1894 ............................... Liverpool 2 - Newton Heath (Man Utd) 0 Last 12th September 2015 ........... Man Utd 3 – Liverpool 1 Louis Van Gaal’s Record vs Liverpool 4th August 2014 - Friendly - Man Utd 3 - Liverpool 1 (Rooney, Mata and Lingard) 14th December 2014 - Premier League - Man Utd 3 - Liverpool 0 (Rooney, Mata and Van Persie) 22nd March 2015 - Premier League - Liverpool 1 - Man Utd 2 (Mata x2) 12th September 2015 - Premier League - Man Utd 3 - Liverpool 1 (Blind, Herrera, Martial) I hope you find the above facts interesting and add to your knowledge about Man Utd’s “El Classico” history.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

John Calleja.

by Michael Calleja

T

his month’s special interview is with MUSC Founder Mr. John Calleja. We took some time to interview him and acquire some interesting insight into the history of this Supporters’ club and United in general.

Echoes: Hello John and thank you for taking time to participate in this interview. You started following United in 1947. This was a time before the Busby Babes came into being and a period right after the war when telecommunications were slow and arduous. What made you choose United above all other clubs?

John: Thanks Echoes! First of all, it is worth pointing out that Matt Busby became manager on the 22nd October 1945. He won the FA Cup in 1948 and the first league title followed in 1951/52. After that, we ended in the runners-up spot four times out of five so we did pretty well in those early stages. During and after the war my cousin got engaged to an RAF pilot, who, by coincidence, was a Manchester United player apprentice. Right before being conscripted, he was a United fanatic, and talked to me so much about United. I was instantly hooked. One day, he helped me write a letter, to Matt Busby and to my surprise I got a reply, with some photos, autograph sheets and a couple of programmes.

It goes without saying that from that day on, United became a religion for me. My cousin’s husband then returned to England after the war, became a part-time scout for the club and later lodged apprentices at his house.

Echoes: You published an announcement

in the local newspaper in December 1958 to found a supporters club. Did you expect any success? What were your thoughts and feelings at the time?

John: When I organised the first unofficial meeting in December 1958, I must confess that I had high hopes of success. I was certainly determined to set up the club, especially with the help I received from Matt Busby and Jack Crompton. Busby himself was in fact very enthusiastic on having the first Manchester United Supporters’ Club outside of England. I am proud to say that the first foreign supporters club was formed in Malta!

Echoes: A story which springs to mind is a training session which you yourself were allowed to conduct in the presence of Jack Crompton! It’s amazing to think that there was so much level of trust...what did Sir Matt Busby say to you during that time? And more importantly, how did the players react?

John: Well that was certainly quite a memorable event. It was a training session which took me completely by surprise! The players’ reaction was actually very positive and they seemed to enjoy it although Sir Matt did not see the session. Later on, he did tell me that I had left a good impression on his trainer Jack Crompton and encouraged me to keep on at it. It was quite an occasion!

Echoes: Can you recall any memorable or humorous stories of those early pre-Munich

days? Perhaps something you experienced when in Manchester?

John: My pre-Munich memory is that for a period of five days, I met, shook hands and talked daily to all the players and saw them train regularly. I had made special friends with Eddie Coleman, who was even kind enough to invite me to dinner at his home. I remained in touch with his parents, till they died. Having said that, one of my greatest memories came after Munich. United had just beaten Real Madrid in the semi-final of the European Cup (1-0), and I was invited to post match drinks.

The reception room was crowded with VIPs, I was in a corner with Jack Crompton, when I saw Busby walking towards us. He came straight at me, shook my hand and said “ John, I’m very happy that you could come, I hope you enjoyed the game”. There were so many VIPs, and yet Busby found time, to have a word with me, such a great, yet humble and caring man!

Echoes: You were lucky enough to witness the Busby babes in action. Were they really players from another planet?

John: Absolutely. The Babes came from a Super planet, individually and as a team, none greater.

Echoes: What was Sir Matt’s and the Mancunians general impression of Malta and its people? Were they surprised to see you travelling all the way from Malta with such enthusiasm and vigour?

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John: Busby actually mentioned me in the Official Club Programme and I was interviewed by the now extinct Manchester Daily Chronicle.

The Mancunians were so curious about Maltese interest in United and I was asked so many questions about our club and our supporters. So they were genuinely impressed!

Echoes: You certainly set the ball rolling but what was the biggest challenge you faced in the early days of foundation? Is it true that a certain amount of money collected had to also be given to the parent club back in Manchester?

John: Among the major challenges was the fact that we had no premises. Bear in mind that we could not see United on TV (we rarely did, and it would be one week after). Added to that were the usual financial difficulties we faced. Nevertheless, we had managed to organise activities and I used to order souvenirs and programmes for members, to maintain interest. I remember that the fee was two shillings and sixpence, of which one shilling and sixpence were forwarded to the parent club back in Manchester. In those days, we were known as Branch 4, till the parent club was closed because the Secretary/Treasurer disappeared with the money (including our own). From then on, we became an autonomous club, the only one, to be officially recognised as such, by Manchester United.

Echoes: The ‘Echoes from Old Trafford’ magazine cost Lm 5 in those days which was considered to be a fortune. How did the then committee go about publishing the issue? What major challenges did they face in ensuring the publication was of a great standard?

John: To be honest, we had a couple of sponsors but like any other voluntary organisation, we also forked money out of our own pockets, to keep the club afloat.

Echoes: United first landed in Malta to take part in an exhibition game on the 12th of May, 1961. You must have been over the moon but nervous at the same time...seeing the entire entourage here on our shores....

John: I was certainly over the moon, yes, but very nervous and tense hoping for everything to turn out to be fine which it was! Relief!

Echoes: The tour was certainly a success but what did Matt Busby and the Board of Directors make of it? Did they praise our population’s enthusiasm towards the team?

John: Well, Sir Matt Busby and directors were very really appreciative, and described the visit as FANtastic (hence the emphasis on word: FAN). It was a great trip and one which also brought the local population closer to United.

Echoes: Like it or not, Manchester United and Malta’s connection will forever be enshrined through the 1967 fixture vs Hibernians. Can

you talk us through the wave of euphoria that had gripped the island at the time?

John: I did not see the match which took place at the Empire Stadium (a 0-0 draw) as at that time I was at Leeds University, but I was present for the match at Old Trafford which ended in a 4-0 win. (David Sadler and Denis Law had each grabbed a brace).

Echoes: What are your abiding memories of the game played? Did United really suffer on the playing surface or was it also a case of Hibernians proving their mettle? I believe Hibs did boast the likes of Eddie Theobald who had attracted interest from foreign clubs.

John: Hibernians had a good team, but I don’t think the Stadium surface was really an issue.

I will remind you of a quote which was stated

by Sir Matt himself: “a good team is capable of playing well, anywhere”.

Echoes: United experienced a serious slump in the 1970s culminating in an awful relegation in 1974. Was the mood in the camp one of despair or was there optimism that things could be better?

John: Well, the 1974 relegation season was certainly very painful but in that year we had a record number of members (till then) so this goes to show that interest in United and the club certainly never wavered.

Echoes: For those fans who never experienced the swagger of the late 70s United, what was that team (boasting the likes of Gordon Hill and Steve Coppell) like? It is said that ‘The Doc’ once remarked that you’d never know if the team would win 5-0 or lose 0-5. Was this unpredictability one of the reasons we could never mount a serious assault on the league?

John: Tommy Docherty was on the dot, with his statement. I couldn’t have summed it up any better!

Echoes: To this day, Tommy Docherty’s sacking is still the subject of much debate and controversy. Can I ask what your honest views on the matter were (and still are?)

John: In my opinion, the Board of Directors and Sir Matt were right to terminate Tommy’s contract. I think they certainly had no other option. It certainly was a pity because I’m sure the Doc would have been successful. In a typical Docherty statement, he recalled “I am the only manager, to be sacked for falling in love.” When asked where he would be going, after United, he replied. ‘when you leave United, there’s only one direction, and that’s Down.’ This showed how much he revered the club and it’s a pity he ended on the wrong note.

Echoes: Throughout the 80s, United were becoming ‘almost rans’ and in essence, we had become a ‘cup team’. What was the prevalent mood around the club at the time? Did you ever think that we’d never win the league (such was Liverpool’s domincance and superiority)?

John: We need to remember that all teams pass through such a phase, and United are certainly no exception. It was inevitable and take into account the fact that Liverpool did have a very good side, so we needed to be at our best.

Echoes: That league duck was finally broken in 1993. Did the local supporters club experience a mini-revival during this period?

John: Yes! The 1993 League ended a long wait and we were all delirious. I recall the great celebrations which took place at the club so I have fond memories of the occasion!

Echoes: United visited Malta in 2000 when they played against Champions Birkirkara.

What are your memories of that tour? I particularly remember the hysteria that had gripped so many local Maltese....

John: I remember the Birkirkara game was part of a training camp United undertook.

It goes without saying that we at the club were in the seventh heaven! I am grateful that we had the opportunity to see them at such close quarters.

Echoes: From Premier League success to European and World Domination....United’s meteoric rise could only be attributed to one person...Sir Alex Ferguson. How do you sum up his time at United?

John: I have many fond memories of Sir Alex Ferguson, but I remember when I met him for the first time, on his first training session. I recall him telling me “you’re the first Maltese I met at Old Trafford, but I heard about you and your club in Malta.’’ I was certainly very honoured! Indeed he loves Malta and the Maltese so it was no surprise that he’d develop a liking to our country.

Echoes: United are currently going through a period of transition. Having experienced the difficulties the club faced after Sir Matt Busby’s resignation, what do you make of the current period of the club? What mistakes in your opinion should be avoided in order to avoid a repetition of the past?

John: Transition is always difficult, when you follow in the footsteps of such greats as Busby and Fergie. I cannot really identify mistakes.

This is a difficult process as a new manager is a closed box, and only time and results, will justify the selection.

Echoes: And finally, can you talk us through the MUSC Crest? Who was the inspiration behind its design and what can you tell us about its history John: Interesting question! The MUSC Crest is a replica of the official United one, as it was then (1950s), placed on a Maltese Cross background. I believe the logo to be very fitting, and to be honest I hope it never changes as it is a reflection of our history and a tribute to the people who always found time for the club.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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The Committee MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

New Faces, New Drive

T

hroughout its’ history, our club has relied on hundreds of members who served on the committee on a voluntary basis. Members who have, in the good times and in the not so good times, ensured a continued commitment towards the day-to-day running of the club, and more importantly, its pride in being a pioneer among football supporters’ clubs, not only in Malta but also the world. The term of four committee members came to end this year. All four opted not to continue serving the club within the committee due to personal and work commitments. We take the opportunity to thank Vincent Vella, Simon Poulton, David Grech and Jackson Law for their unconditional service throughout the years they served in the committee. As always, it was not a difficult task to find four new replacements for the new committee and the AGM received four nominations, those of Notary Robert Muscat, Antoine Portelli and brothers Felix and Sean Galea. Robert is no new face at the club, being a life member, and also having been in the 50th Anniversary sub-committee. Antoine has also been involved in the club in the recent years and has been vital in ensuring the upgrades to the club house have been done timely and professionally. Felix and Sean are regularly seen at the club and they both showed interest in serving on the committee. In the first of a two part series, we shall be getting to know these four new members more closely.

In this issue we get to know some more about Robert and Antoine.

Robert Muscat:

Robert’s Triplets. and Corfu, which we visit every year. I also visit Manchester often. Favourite player so far to play for United is Cristiano Ronaldo.

C. What drew you towards the local Supporters’ Club?

• I have been a member for a number of years and garnered many good friendships and was then asked to help with the 50th Anniversary celebrations and the passion continued to grow!

D. What perception did you have of the club after one or two seasons?

• It is surely one of the most professional clubs around, which boils down to the commitment of the committee and to the club members.

E. What made you contest the election?

• I took a step back in all my social commitments when the triplets were born to dedicate as much time as I could to the

A. Can you tell us something about yourself (your personal life, age, marital status, work), and how you came to support Manchester United?

• I am a Notary Public by profession, 45 years old, married to Davinia Cutajar and have triplets aged 5. I have supported Manchester United since I was 7 years old at the time of players like Steve Coppell, Lou Macari, Paul McGrath, Sammy McIlroy and Gordon Hill.

B. Give us a few likes and dislikes : favourite sport apart from football, best second team after United (if you have one!) favourite food, food you hate, pastime, film, best country visited, place you would never return to, best ever holiday, worst holiday, favourite United player, best/worst ever United experience.

• I like classic cars and also have a couple of cars which have been restored by my dad, a couple of motor heads and myself along the years. I love travelling and make it a point to travel often, even now with the kids.

Favourite destinations so far are Scotland

46 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

Robert with Paddy Crerand.

family. Now that the kids are settled, I felt I could return to the club and offer some of my time to the club.

F. Since the AGM election, what role/s have you been given?

• I am assistant secretary.

G.Where do you feel the club can improve its service towards its members?

• I believe the club has always provided top notch service to its members. However I feel that the club will encounter new challenges in the near future with all the technological developments, which will make it hard to keep the younger members interested in attending the club in future. It will be a challenge to keep the number of members attending the club premises in the long term and therefore the club premises, and the facilities offered may have to be re-thought in the not so distant future.

H. Regarding United, how do you think we will fare this season?

• It is hard to say. We have seen changes going on for the last two seasons and still think we are in a transition. I believe a top four finish, maybe a Cup win, and securing Champions League football remain a top priority. Anything else above that is a bonus and most welcome!

I. Had LVG impressed you so far?

• Not really.

J. The Glazers never dared to interfere with Sir Alex’s running of the team. Are you seeing some differences now?

• No. K. Are you content with the way things stand?

• As a supporter who has witnessed 25 years of success year in year out, I cannot be content with the way things stand at the moment.

We are used to winning trophies and always expect more.

Antoine with ex-Committee member Vince Vella in Manchester • The best country I ever visited is Japan in 2004 and it was my favourite holiday I had until now.

• My favourite players were Cantona and Paul Scholes.

C. What drew you towards the local Supporters’ Club?

• The vibe during the games and always wanting to be close to something related so closely with Manchester United.

D. What perception did you have of the club after one or two seasons?

• My second home.

E. What made you contest the election?

• I wanted to help making the club bigger and better.

F. Since the AGM election, what role/s have you been given?

• Facility and venue co-ordinator and assistant treasurer.

G.Where do you feel the club can improve its service towards its members?

• The Club already improved a lot with the introduction of Facebook, so at the moment it is a bit difficult to say.

H. Regarding United, how do you think we will fare this season?

• I hope we win the league this season.

I. Had LVG impressed you so far?

• Unfortunately, not much.

J. The Glazers never dared to interfere with Sir Alex’s running of the team. Are you seeing some differences now?

• Yes. K. Are you content with the way things stand?

• I’d like to see better L. Will we win a trophy this year?

• It’s definitely not going to be easy, but I hope so.

L. Will we win a trophy this year?

• I certainly hope so.

Antoine Portelli:

A. Can you tell us something about yourself (your personal life, age, marital status, work), and how you came to support Manchester United?

• My name is Antoine Portelli, from Hamrun, 29 years old and I am self-employed.

B. Give us a few likes and dislikes : favourite sport apart from football, best second team after United (if you have one!) favourite food, food you hate, pastime, film, best country visited, place you would never return to, best ever holiday, worst holiday, favourite United player, best/worst ever United experience.

• My favourite sports are football and martial arts.

• I don’t have any favourite teams apart from Manchester United.

• My favourite food is pasta, fish and meat.

Antoine with friends in Manchester.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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Sammy McIlroy Interviewed by Paul Anthony

S

ammy McIlroy joined Manchester United in 1969. He was the last signing of the Sir Matt Busby era and went on to make 342 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 57 goals in the process. Paul Anthony met up with Sammy at his home in Warrington and started by asking how his United career began:

well. Everyone at the club seemed in such a happy mood and Sir Matt was unbelievable because he came and met every apprentice.

Bobby Charlton came to shake hands once and talked to us about what kind of club it was and it was absolutely fantastic.

Paul: You joined United in 1969, how did it come about?

Paul: There were a lot of similarities between yourself and George Best. The fact that you were the last of the Busby Babes, did that add any pressure onto you?

Sammy: The old legendary scout Bob Bishop started looking at me from nine years of age.

He sent me on a trial and on August 2nd on my fifteenth birthday he set me up with the club. It was amazing because the previous year the team had won the European Cup and the place was absolutely buzzing. Coming from Belfast and seeing what was happening in Manchester at the time, I was homesick as

Sammy: At the time I didn’t think about it at all. I was thinking more about the game and my career. I was not trying to copy anyone else. He was my idol and one of the reasons I wanted to come to Manchester United. He was a fantastic bloke. For me, there’s only even going to be one George Best, despite all the comparisons. What I used to see him do with the ball, he was unbelievable.

Paul: In terms of your ccareer, you made your professional debut against Manchester City, and you scored? score Sammy: Yes, it was w a 3-3 draw. At the circum time as the circumstances turned out, it was a surprise that I was included in the first team an and I only got to know just before ki kickoff. I never heard noise like that in the stadium, it was unbelievable. un City had a decen decent side. Once the game started, it was a fantastic starte game. game P Paul: In terms of the way that you just got w to know you were in included in the first te team before kickoff, did that help you in that di you weren’t nervous for yo a couple c of days before the match?

Sammy: S ammy I was upset I didn’t play in th the Reserve game. Frank O’Farrell di did the right thing by letting me know at 11 o’clock in the morning mornin just before kickoff.

Paul: Wha What was your fondest memory of playing p for Manchester United in that th team?

Sammy: O Obviously the debut

48 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

I will never forget. I did a run of five games and scored four goals. Everything was going great. In a match against Southampton, which I believe were first at the time, we won 5-2 I believe. At the time, I couldn’t wait for the next game and that excited me. At that time I was so excited about playing. It was just like dreamland training with George Best and Bobby Charlton.

Paul: In terms of your United career, you had lows in it as well like relegation battle and lost cup finals against Southampton and Arsenal.

Sammy: Wembley is a shocking place to lose.

In 1976, when we lost against Southampton in the cup final, that was a massive failure.

Southampton were so experienced and handled the occasion better than we did and we lost 1-0. Against Arsenal we clawed it back and within 30 seconds we conceded another one. People talk about those four minutes when we lost that final more than they talk about the game when we beat Liverpool. In the match against Arsenal we were losing 2-0, we clawed it back to 2-2 and everyone thought it was going to extra time. You look back and there are a lot of ifs and buts. As you said, in those thirty second it was the worst feeling in the world when we lost the cup final.

Paul: What about when you thought about leaving Manchester United?

Sammy: At the end of the day, that was one of the most stupid decisions I made in my life, no disrespect to Stoke. I was upset with the

way Ron Atkinson said it to me was that they accepted the fee of £375,000 pounds.

Paul: Was that a record fee?

Sammy: I think it was at the time. I was devastated as I could have battled on and stayed.

Paul: Then of course you were part of the elite club that played for both United and City.

Sammy: Yes after Stoke got relegated, the manager at the time told me to get myself a new club. I signed for City and it was great to come back to Manchester. I remember I scored on my debut at Coventry and our next game at home was against Leicester and I got booed by a section of the supporters. There was a section that did not come to terms with me switching from United. Achilles problems started after I left City. It was just a wrong move. When we got beat 3-1 against United in the derby, there were United fans singing my name. That was the only derby I played as my Achilles problems started. At the time after a match my Achilles would end up the size of an apple. After every match I was out as I waited for the swelling to go. I still had to have it strapped and it was a complete nightmare. I had to have three operations on it to get it right.

Paul: In terms of the United team nowadays, you are still working at the club doing postmatch stuff, has the team moved on since Alex Ferguson and David Moyes?

Sammy: That’s a good question. I think we have got a fine manager in Louis Van Gaal with a lot of European experience. There has been a lot of new players coming in through the door.

Many people have said to me that they want to see attacking football. But those days are now gone because of the way Louis Van Gaal plays. We are now going more to the 4-3-3 and 4-5-1. We are making ourselves hard to beat before thinking about winning. The state of play is definitely changing.

Paul: In terms of the money being spent on players, how much do you think George Best would have been worth now?

Sammy: You have asked the wrong person there. You could not get the ball off him. People say to me what I think about the wages. Wages don’t bother me because that it how things are going. It’s not about the players because if someone offers £200,000-a-week, you wouldn’t expect them to say no. Back in the days we were better off than the working men.

In the 70s we were very close to achieving bigger things with the players that we had.

Paul: On behalf of the Malta lads, thanks very much indeed. Hopefully we’ll see you in Malta very soon.

Sammy: I hope so, I used to go there in the 1970s and I loved it. I couldn’t believe how many Maltese fans of United there was.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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Bulldog Breed S

ir Leonard Spencer Churchill (30 November 1874 – 24 January 1965) was a British politician who was twice the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th century. His many interests included literature and painting.

Way back in the 1940s, an American visitor reported that: “Everywhere I went in London people admired [Churchill’s] energy, his courage, his singleness of purpose.” It is rightly avowed that he embodied the British fighting spirit and surrender was not in his repertoire, leaving to posterity a legacy of pride and courage. People have been of the opinion that Britain owes much of its national pride and triumph to the “stubborn old man” that people referred to as “the British Bulldog”.

This led me to ruminate about the dog that is commonly defined as ugly in its appearance. I am convinced that the old adage “Do not judge a book by its cover” could be aptly applied to this creature too. It looks like this dog belies its “sourmug” nickname. Although the English bulldog’s appearance seems to be somewhat intimidating, it is a gentle breed described as a very affectionate and dependable animal which is known for its courage, loyalty, tenacity and determination whilst being very persistent and not liable to giving up easily.

According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), a bulldog’s disposition should be “equable and kind, resolute and courageous, and demeanour should be pacific and dignified”. Time does change everything in its wake! When you look at the short, droopy face of an English bulldog, it could not be possibly imagined that the creature could actually bring a bull to its knees! However

that was exactly what the breed was adept to do.

It is recorded that in the Middle Ages, butchers would use the bulldog in helping them to catch bulls earmarked for slaughter. The bulldog’s short flat face and its powerful jaws would latch onto a bull’s neck and force it down, literally, to the ground. That is no longer the case. The bulldog breed is now renowned for being rather loveable and loyal but still very tough and tenacious. These attributes may have led

to England, the US Marines and Yale University (among others) to have chosen the bulldog to represent their characters.

No wonder! Humans can have the same characteristics in their personality. Persistence, determination and perseverance are synonyms for tenacity. A person that has been noted for courage, determination and tenacity has often been referred to as having “the bulldog spirit”.

Tenacity is considered a valuable asset when venturing into challenges. Undoubtedly, being a successful football player requires real gifts,

by Fr. Anthony C. Ferrante

but even the most gifted will not make it to the top without the tenacity required to make the long, tough road from Academy. Then, it is imperative not to quit - keeping doggedly on until the ultimate goal is reached.

A Bulldog is loyal and faithful. Because of a slight similarity, these two virtues are often confused one with the other. Yet, the smallest of differences can have the largest impact.

This I find to be true in the case.

Loyalty can be defined as the commitment to a person or to an entity due to something that may have been experienced mainly in the past, making it rather tied up with the past. In contrast, faithfulness produces a passion-infused dedication to the future. It could be argued that one could be based on a certain kind of fear while the other moves forth into freedom and gratitude.

Loyalty is therefore due to a backward-looking, nearly servile, obligation, while faithfulness reaches beyond and above out of joy for what was, what is, and what will be. Incidentally that is why I would love to, amiably and without reserve, refer to so many persons that graced and served Manchester United Football Club as belonging to the BULLDOG BREED. Thinking of it, we can all belong to the “Bulldog Breed”. We must have Faith in Jesus Christ, instead of simply being loyal to the Christian culture that our parents may have created and led us to, or loyal to any religion whatsoever!

May we live and lead out of our faithfulness testifying worldwide the massive difference between loyalty and faithfulness, calling people out of the one so that they may fully experience the freedom of the other. Coupled with courage and tenacity, we shall overcome.

2,000,000 Thank you VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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MANCHESTER UNITED THE WAR YEARS – 1939/40

by Iain McCartney

M

anchester United had finished the 1938-39 season 14th in the First Division.

An ordinary season for what was an ordinary

team, one managed by secretary Walter Crickmer who had been in charge since November 1937 following the departure of

Scott Duncan. Highlights? There were few, if any, whilst the 5-1 defeats at Derby and West Bromwich (in the FA Cup) and the 7-1 reversal at Charlton painted a far from positive picture.

Certainly, it was the first season back in the bigtime following promotion as Second Division runners-up in 1937-38, but the 1930’s, and the flirtation with the Third Division, were a decade that many would be glad to see the back of. So, hoping for a change in fortune and a prolonged stay in the top league, the 1939-40 season was eagerly anticipated, but there were dark clouds on the horizon.

That 1939-40 season kicked off with a very favourable 4-0 victory over Grimsby Town at Old Trafford on August 26th, with a team that read: Breedon, Redwood, Griffiths, Warner, Vose, McKay, Bryant, Carey, Smith, Pearson and Wrigglesworth, the goals coming from Bryant, Carey, Pearson and Wrigglesworth in front of a 22,537 crowd, a good few thousand less than average. Four days later, United were in London, taking a point from Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but a huge dark cloud hovered not just over Britain, but all of Europe as tension grew towards some form of involvement against the actions of Hitler’s Germany.

As August blended into September, everything changed, with the United players noticing a huge difference to London when they returned on September 1st to face Charlton Athletic at the Valley the following afternoon. They were to find the city in almost complete darkness, with no taxis available to convey them to their hotel, having to use the tube in order to get to Marylebone and getting lost in the maze of tunnels connecting the various lines. The following afternoon, Charlton’s ground was far removed from its usual match day atmosphere, with Barrage balloons flying overhead and just over 8,000 inside to see the home side win 2-0. A defeat that left United in tenth place with three points, neither of which were to matter, as Britain declared war on Germany twenty-four hours later following the German invasion of Poland.

Almost immediately, the Football League called a halt to the season, as suggested by the Government, with sport and entertainment VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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in general now considered as being of minor importance. With players having the prospect of being drafted into the forces and into work

in various industries deemed necessary to the war effort, football was of minor importance.

Old Trafford was requisitioned as a temporary military depot, whilst the R.A.F. took over the Cliff training ground at Lower Broughton.

There was, however, a quick reversal in the banning of sport due to the threat of an aerial attack, as it was felt that people needed something to take their minds off the looming horrors of war, a morale booster, anything in fact in an attempt to keep everyday life as normal as possible.

Within a fortnight, United were back in action, facing Bolton Wanderers at Brunden Park, drawing 2-2 in front of a 4,830 crowd.

This fixture was only possible following meetings with the police and due to the proximity of Bolton

to Manchester, with subsequent friendlies - September 23rd Oldham Athletic (H) 3-1; September 30th Manchester City (H) 2-3; October 7th Stoke City (A) 2-2 and October 14th Blackpool (A) 4-6, requiring similar permission.

Whilst the majority of clubs were also playing friendly fixtures, the Football League was looking further ahead, albeit without any real guarantee as to what the future actually held and taking into consideration the restrictions in travel, when it decided to operate various League programmes on a regional basis and United were soon to find themselves thrown into the War Regional League – Western Division, along with, Manchester City, Chester, Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool, Port Vale, Everton, Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers, New Brighton, Stockport County and Wrexham.

When the new competition got underway, restrictions were again placed on crowd levels, whilst reporting on the games was also kept to a minimum so as not to alert the enemy of large gatherings of people in one place. None of the twenty-two ‘League’ fixtures attracted over 8,000 spectators, but those who did attend often witnessed a goal laden ninety minutes.

The last Saturday in November saw Port Vale thrashed 8-1, outside left Billy Wrigglesworth notching five of them. Such a score line

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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wasn’t simply a one-off, as the following three fixtures produced sixteen goals – 4-2 at Tranmere, 7-4 at Stockport and 5-1 at home to Wrexham. Consecutive ‘League’ games against Tranmere,Rovers, Stockport County and New Brighton on March 30th, April 6th and May 6th, produced score lines of 6-1, 6-1, and 6-0. Strangely though, the latter put six past United twelve days later.

One fixture, against Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 16th is worth looking at, not for the score line – nothing more than a solitary goal victory, but a look at the team line ups in the United programme shows a familiar name at number four for the visitors – none other than a certain Matt Busby.

Crowd restrictions were lifted for the League War Cup ties, with just over 21,000 attending both the home and away legs against Manchester City. Strangely, United lost 1-0 at home, but goals from Pearson and Wrigglesworth managed to see them through on aggregate. A 2-1 win at Blackburn looked promising, but the Rovers won the tie with a 3-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Throughout the war years the playing personnel changed considerably, not just at United, often from week to week, due to many players enlisting in the forces. If there were training camps or military depots nearby you were laughing, as ‘guest players’ soon became the norm with

United no different from any other club.

Up until January 20th, Crickmer fielded something of a regular starting eleven, with Butt of Blackburn Rovers something of a regular inclusion, but if an example is required as to the use of guest players then the prime one is arguably the final league fixture of the 1939-40 season, played incidentally on June 1 st, when United fielded what could be considered as one of their best ever forward lines when they fielded the following front five - Matthews, Herd, Burdett, Doherty and Carter. Stanley Matthews, Peter Doherty and Raich Carter were a match for anyone you would have thought, but in a red shirt, they failed miserably as Everton won 3-0.

So, the first war time season drew to a close

with Manchester United finishing 4th. Would there be a second as the war in Europe was gathering momentum? Only time would tell.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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The Season So Far..

by Michael Gatt

L

ooking at the table, so far so good. At the beginning of the season, we were labelled as being a team in transition and that our ambitions would be to make the top three.

However, with United having five positive results out of the last six matches, things look more positive.

It’s been two years since United fans were able to get emotionally involved with how England’s title-chasing teams are doing because our team hasn’t been one of them in that time. As a general feeling, during the 2014/15 season, for example, it made little difference if Chelsea were losing as they were already so far ahead. Not now, though. The champions who finished 17 points ahead of United in 2014-15 are already eight behind Louis van Gaal’s side after only seven games.

And I admit for once, I was itching for Chelsea and Manchester City to lose points on every occasion, just as the days when United used to fight for top honours. The benchmark club

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

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will always be Manchester City as in the past seasons they have won the league and in my opinion they are the most consistent team in the league.

City’s second successive loss and United’s third straight league win, and the third in which three goals were scored, meant the Reds returned to the top of the table for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson departed as manager in 2013.

Considering the disastrous start we had last year, the first game of the season has become an important date for United. As Van Gaal put it, it will set up the season. An own goal by Kyle Walker against Tottenham followed by a solitary goal from Januzaj against Aston Villa were enough for United to register two 1-0 wins in the first two games of the season.

We then had a good aggregate win in the Champions League against Brugge, considering we were behind in the first few minutes of the first leg. In the return leg, the team played exceptionally well, where we beat the Belgians four nil and Rooney’s hat trick and quality of his goals stood out that day.

Perhaps the biggest disappointing result of the season was the draw at home to Newcastle.

It was important for United to get off to a good start, and dropping two points against the bottom side of the table was a major disappointment.

I feel that we played Swansea at the worst possible moment. They had an excellent start to the season including outplaying Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and it made for a now too familiar result with Swansea. They have beaten us in the last four games, and slowly they are becoming our bogey team! The day started well, and United went in the lead with a great strike from Herrera, but Swansea which played really well that day struck back twice and Romero had no chance with the goals they scored.

After losing against Swansea, the morale of the team was low, and to make matters worse there was also the international break. We then played Liverpool, and we were all unsure of how the team was going to perform, but it was a typical ‘Van Gaal’ performance with United, as usual, dominating midfield and possession and luckily we scored three good goals.

That week, being transfer deadline day, United made a surprise move for Monaco forward Anthony Martial, who has had an amazing start to his Manchester career. I think that he has transformed the Reds, in that he has given pace and power to United’s attack, and more importantly giving the team more balance so that the likes of Mata, Rooney and Memphis could play to their strengths.

Against Liverpool, we won 3-1 and Martial made a massive impact that day. At PSV, where we outplayed our opponents and had Luke Shaw

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picking up a broken fibula and tibula in his leg, the game was a bit irrelevant from that aspect.

Luke Shaw showed some great promise, and it was a travesty for him to pick up that injury at a time when it seemed that he was destined to reach the top and be a regular for England. It is a big blow for United as Van Gaal mentioned that Shaw would have had a great season.

Wins against Southampton, Ipswich (League Cup), Sunderland and Wolfsburg followed, where United played well and good attacking football was witnessed too. The team all of a sudden, is starting to click slowly and steadily.

It is also good to point out that United had a very important game against Wolfsburg and credit to the team as we managed to come back from being a goal down after four minutes.

That game, we played some fantastic football, and the only worry was that in the last twenty minutes the team looked fatigued and with the mental pressure of being a must win game. It must be noted that Wolfsburg are no pushovers, and they came second in the previous year in the Bundesliga. They also have some top-notch quality players and I think the team did well that day.

Playing 4-5-1 in away shirts, Sunderland came to avoid defeat at a venue where they’d won once in the league since 1968. Since then, they have often frustrated United and for almost the entire first half, they repeated the feat.

It happened in Brugge, at Swansea and against Liverpool and again on Saturday, when Juan Mata controlled another splendid ball from Daley Blind and selflessly set up Memphis Depay for his first league goal in Red. Captain Wayne Rooney then got his first league goal of the season in front of the Stretford

End just after the break. It was his 171st for United and equalled the mark of Denis Law, the original king of the famous stand.

I would also like to mention Juan Mata, who has had an excellent start and is a catalyst this year.

United are improving steadily. Fans know the football is far from vintage, but nor was it every week under any previous manager. The first-half performance against Sunderland was lethargic, as United dominated possession but barely threatened to score. But it’s more than enough for now and there’s a tentative feeling that the team is heading in the right direction under Van Gaal.

United found the going tough against Arsenal.

I don’t think they should be downhearted. Van Gaal got his tactics wrong by not deploying

Valencia in the right-back position. He has always had the upper hand against Sanchez in the past and I was gutted not to see him in the line-up. As predicted, Darmian was no match for Sanchez and he ran the show that day. United will take on board the criticism but I like to judge a team over time and I believe we have what it takes to recover.

United have played the three bottom-placed teams in the league so far, yet only two of the top seven. Unlike his predecessor Moyes, Van Gaal has been blessed with relatively gentle starts in both his seasons at the helm. October will be a massive month when United travel to Everton and play City at home on the back from an away Champions League game against CSKA Moscow. Fingers crossed so that we can come out of October with a bang. If we managed this, our season looks promising.

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Major League’s Difficult start for defending champions Chelsea and Juventus

by Antoine Dalli

I

s it possible that a side that literally dominated last season’s Barclays Premier League endures a difficult start to the new season and is currently nearer to the relegation zone than to the higher echelons of the division?

Apparently this is possible or at least defending Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea are currently making this possible. To begin with, Chelsea lost the 2015 FA Community Shield 1-0 against FA Cup holders Arsenal thanks to an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 24th minute strike.

In the Barclays Premier League, Jose Mourinho’s side were off to one of the most uninspiring starts in many years as they collected just eight points from their opening eight outings, losing against Man City (0-3), Crystal Palace (1-2), Everton (1-3) and Southampton (1-3) in the process. Even worse, this is already more than the number of defeats (three) Chelsea suffered during their entire 2014/15 campaign.

As things stand at present, Chelsea lies in a disappointing 16th place, no fewer than

64 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

10 points behind front-runners Manchester City. Even in the Champions League, Chelsea currently lie second from bottom in Group G with just three points from their opening two fixtures.

In summer, Chelsea secured the services of a number of new players including Asmir Begovic (Stoke), Radamel Falcao (Monaco), Pedro (Barcelona), Abdul Baba Rahman (Augsburg,) and Robert Kenedy (Fluminense). However, the new signings have yet to leave an impact.

However, Manchester City recovered in style as they trashed Newcastle to the tune of 6-1 on the eighth day.

Overall, one expects a balanced title race with Manchester United and Manchester City starting as favourites. Arsenal and Chelsea might also have their say.

Manchester United were also very active on the transfer market. But contrary to Chelsea, many of their new signings have hit the ground running. No wonder that Louis van Gaal’s men qualified to the Champions League proper and are currently joint runners-up with Arsenal in the Barclays Premier League standings, just two points behind Man City. Perhaps one of Man United’s biggest shortcomings is their lack of options up front.

Arsenal has remained almost unchanged. Their main frailty remains their lack of consistency and their failure to close games they should win hands down. The Gunners endured a tough start to their Champions League campaign as they lost both their opening two fixtures against Dinamo Zagreb (1-2) and Olympiacos (2-3). Arsenal could be the dark horses of the season but to go all the way and end their 12-year wait for the title, they need to remain consistent till the end.

Manchester City were off to a blistering start, winning all their first five fixtures, before they were floored by Juventus in a Champions League Group D encounter at the Etihad Stadium and by unfancied West Ham also at home, and by Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Like Chelsea, Juventus were off to a disappointing start to their Serie A campaign as they lost three of their first seven outings, collecting only eight points in the process.

Unlike Chelsea though, the Bianconeri rose to the occasion by beating both Manchester City and Sevilla in their first two Champions League Group D outings. Although Juventus are currently 10 points behind leaders Fiorentina, they still have enough quality within their ranks to win a fifth straight Scudetto as this season’s title race promises to be a balanced affair.

Apart from Juventus, Inter, Milan, Roma, Lazio,

Round Up Napoli and Fiorentina might all have their say in the championship race. Fiorentina and Inter have been the most consistent so far but all the rest have what it takes to dethrone Juventus.

insult to injury, Barcelona were hit by a serious of injuries to key players, including Rafinha, Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta, which have hindered in no small way their progress so far this season.

Real Madrid were by far more active than Barcelona in the transfer market as amongst other transfers they concluded the signings of Luiz Danilo, Carlos Casemiro (both Porto), Francesc Casilla (Espanyol), Lucas Vazquez (Espanyol) and Mateo Kovacic (Inter). Under Benitez, Real Madrid is playing less spectacular football but the team is getting commendable results. Like Celta Vigo, Los Blancos are not only unbeaten in La Liga, but also hold a 100 per cent winning record in their first two Champions League Group A outings.

resounding victories against Olympiacos (3-0) and Dinamo Zagreb (5-0).

Needless to say that such a blistering start augurs well for Bayern Munich, which has already built a seemingly unassailable seven point lead at the top of the table. Going forward, one expects Bayern Munich not to have any particular rivalries to claim their 26th German title – their fourth in a row. Moreover, the Bavarians are touted to be amongst the top favourites to reach next May’s Champions League Final in Milan.

In Spain, it is very likely that either Real Madrid, now under Rafa Benitez, or Champions League holders Barcelona will win La Liga, albeit quite surprisingly Villarreal currently lead the standings with 16 points from seven games.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Celta Vigo are currently runners-up, one point short of Villarreal. Doubts persist as to the Catalans’ hunger for more success considering the treble they completed last season. Moreover, due to the ban imposed by FIFA banning Luis Enrique’s Barcelona to sign new players before 2016, the Catalans have remained unchanged with the exception of Arda Turan (Atletico Madrid) and Aleix Vidal (Sevilla), who will be eligible to play for Barcelona as from January. To add

Bayern Munich are literally running away with the Bundesliga as they won all their first eight games, scoring 28 and conceding just four in the process, including a 5-1 comprehensive win against nearest pursuers Borussia Dortmund. Even in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s men have maximum points from their opening two fixtures, courtesy of

In similar vein, Paris Saint-Germain are dominating the French Ligue 1, collecting 23 points from the first available 27. Come May, one expects Laurent Blanc’s side to win their fourth straight title, albeit making it to the latter stages of the Euro laden Champions League is perhaps a more ambitious target for them.

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MixedMANCUNIANPlatter

by Karm Galea

On a bath and Eric Cantona Source: Sk Football A decision that changed the landscape of Manchester United was made by Ferguson when he was in a bath with Pallister and Bruce.

The decision to sign Cantona was based on a conversation between his two players and himself, as is described in Ferguson’s new book “Leading”.

Smalling scored the fastest goal in Premier League history as a substitute last season against Burnley after five minutes and nine seconds. He then scored again to earn the second record which got him the Guinness mention.

On Rooney and his love for Toffee Source: MailOnline Rooney had cost United a hefty sum of money but could have been had for a fraction of that sum had he (Rooney) not been so much in love with the Toffees.

While the young Rooney was rising through the ranks of his hometown club, he refused Ferguson’s approach twice aged 14 and 16.

As the story goes, Jim Ryan, then United Director of Youth came back from one of the academy games at the 14 years level where he had seen the boy Rooney. He was raving about him. Ferguson tried to get him in the one-week window at the end of the season, where one can entice or approach a boy from another club to come and join another academy, but

It is now well known knowledge that the transfer of Cantona came about during a telephone conversation between Leeds and Manchester United on the possibility of Leeds signing Denis Irwin. After a definite “No” from United, the conversation moved on and eventually it came out that Leeds were trying to get rid of a certain Cantona. It worked out well for both parties and Cantona was transferred to United.

It transpired that after a game against Leeds in 1992, Ferguson was in bath with the players, which was very unusual for him. He listened to the players’ analysis of the match. Bruce and Pallister were raving about Cantona, the striker Leeds had signed from Nimes. Bruce was particularly complimentary about Cantona’s abilities and somehow this planted a seed in Ferguson’s mind which eventually landed the Frenchman.

The rest is history, but it’s uplifting to recall that Cantona, during his 5 seasons at United, won 4 Premier League titles and the FA Cup twice.

On Smalling and the Guinness Book of Records Source: Metro It may not be the most sought after football record but Smalling will surely take it. The defender was entered into the record book for scoring the most Premier League goals by a substitute after coming on in the first half.

On Memphis and not Depay Source: Mirror Memphis refuses to use his surname on his shirt and as such has his name emblazoned on it.

He says this is because his father left the family when he was four and this has nurtured a bitter and frayed relationship. Memphis’ father is Ghanaian and his mother is Dutch. But his father denies that version of events and has begged his son for forgiveness, continuing that he never abandoned Memphis and was always there for him.

The claims made by Memphis’ father have taken the story into a whole new context, which we are yet to hear or read about.

On Ryan Giggs and his reputation Source: Face of Football Some are thinking that Anthony Martial was snapped up on the spur of the moment but reality shows otherwise. Martial has been scouted by United for over a year and it was Giggs who recommended Martial’s signing to van Gaal.

the approach failed. At age 16, Rooney was approached again with the same result as the lad did not wish to move away from Everton.

Giggs and his scouting team had attended plenty of Martial’s matches for Monaco in Ligue 1 last season. LVG went ahead and believed the word of advice from Giggs, splashing a staggering transfer fee. Hence, Giggs’ reputation is on line with a great degree of

Then Rooney manipulated his own future with that pearl of a last minute goal against Arsenal: a moment which was synonymous with his eventual meteoric rise and which made United steelier in their approach to get him.

Eventually United got their man as the money on offer was not something to be scoffed at.

Rooney is now in his 12th year at Old Trafford, amassing 235 goals (with more to come by the time of printing). That was something Ferguson never saw coming as he himself declared that at the time of purchase, Rooney was thought about as being more of an outstanding footballer, and that was the reason United wanted him. Ferguson didn’t reckon the Toffeeman was to become an absolute outand-out goal-scorer. The evidence was not there at the time of purchase.

expectation lying on Martial’s shoulders to deliver as early as possible. To compound matters, the Frenchman has been handed the Number 9 jersey.

It was later revealed that Chelsea, Tottenham, Barcelona and Manchester City were left devastated by the signing as they were very interested in acquiring Martial’s services.

VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015

67

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and-a-half year contract in February 2014, he will be earning £73million during that period at Old Trafford.

On Schweinsteiger and how much he really cost Source: Metro It was widely reported that United had signed Schweinsteiger for a fee of £14million. However,

Van Gaal also revealed that he will not be overly concerned if Martial does not get off to a flying start in front of goal. He very much believes that Martial is a player for the future and wants to see him adapt to the pressure of playing for United in his early stages.

On Rooney and his hatchet Source: The Telegraph The relationship between Rooney and Ferguson broke down when Rooney was played out of position to accommodate van Persie.

Apparently, the hatchet has been buried when Rooney commented on the situation of rift between the two. He said that he would like to make it known how the situation is between them now. They had their differences which he commented on as being normal between strong characters, but he still regards Ferguson as the greatest manager of all time.

Rooney still sees a lot of Ferguson at home games and at away European games as Ferguson travels with the squad. It’s not like they didn’t like each other. They just had some differences. That’s all.

Van Gaal continued that in the crazy world of football dealings, there is a market and a market price. United cannot have any influence on the price. United needed a striker, Martial is the best of his age, so United had to get him.

To wait a year would mean somebody else might get him and he would be £10million more expensive.

Bayern Munich claimed that United paid just £6.5m to acquire the midfielder.

On Old Trafford and “You only came to see United” Source: Mirror Survey figures reveal that 800,000 overseas visitors (tourists) watched a game while visiting

Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have all been reported to have kept tabs on the Frenchman over the past few years. According to Le 10 Sport, Man City were desperate to get the player and were ready to bid up to £44million for Martial. Monaco had told them that the striker was not for sale, which led to City backing off. Martial then joined Manchester United.

On Schneiderlin and the income of his girlfriend Source: The Sun

On Berbatov and memory lane Source: The Sun The Tottenham striker was wanted by Manchester City, who had tabled an offer of £34million for his services after a splendid two seasons with Tottenham where he scored 48 goals. So when permission was granted for Berbatov to speak to Manchester City on Britain last year with Irish and Scandinavian tourists topping the list.

Old Trafford received 109,000 international visits, the biggest draw together with the Emirates. My guess is that while the Emirates visits were coupled with London visits (while in London, why not visit a football ground?), the Old Trafford visits were specific and targeted to witness the Theatre of Dreams transfer deadline day, the last place one would expect to see Berbatov was walking along with Ferguson when he should have been down the road at City.

On Martial and LvG’s philosophy Source: Mirror Van Gaal told Manchester United that had they Schneiderlin’s new contract a United sees him earning almost £100,000 per week. His girlfriend, Camille Sold has also landed herself a new job at the Manchester Adidas store, at £10 an hour and that works out to be £15,000 a year. She earns less in six years than her boyfriend gets in a week.

Eventually Ferguson snapped him up.

On Rooney and his miserly salary Source: Metro Rooney’s salar y is estimated at £260,000-a-week. Given that he signed a five-

Camille is often seen at the store wearing a United shirt with the number ’28’ and her name emblazoned on it. Fans say that Schneiderlin and his lady have proven to be very popular and down-to-earth. not complete the big money signing of Martial now, he would have become far more expensive.

Camille is 21 years old and an undergraduate studying management and marketing at Strasbourg, which is her home town.

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On FIFA 16 and United legends Source: Metro

On Schweinsteiger and his nickname Source: Manchester Evening News

George Best and Ryan Giggs have been unveiled as new legends on FIFA 16. The pair won 40 trophies with United.

On Manchester United and the youth-product debuts since 2010/2011 Source: Squawka An investigation highlighted the difference in rising transfer fees and the number of players being developed by Premier League clubs.

Bastian has earned himself a simple nickname off his United team mates that highlights how highly regarded he is.

During the time-frame used, United lead the way having fielded 14, nine of those have come in the two seasons since Ferguson retired. In comparison, Arsenal fielded 10, Liverpool 8, Chelsea and Manchester City 6.

On Ferguson and when he was stunned Source: Mirror Ferguson was stunned to discover Wayne Rooney was being paid twice his salary as Manchester United manager. He protested with the Glazer family and reached an agreement with club owners that no player would be paid more than him.

On Schneiderlin and the strange thing he did Source: Express Morgan Schneiderlin has revealed he passed his United medical at 4am in the morning to make it to the US tour.

He is simply known as ‘Mr. Calm’ due to his composed performances on the pitch.

Ferguson and Raiola did not see eye-to-eye.

There was immediate antipathy between the two. From then on, Raiola ingratiated himself with Pogba and his family and the player signed for Juventus.

United received around £800,000 compensation after losing their player and Ferguson, who has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with football agents, placed the blame on Raiola.

On Ferguson and his interviews Source: Mirror Ferguson says that in his 26 years at United, the most important job interviews he ever conducted were for the role of his assistant.

Schneiderlin was away with Southampton in Austria when the deal with United was confirmed.

On Schneiderlin and what he reveals Source: Mirror Schneiderlin has revealed that Evra is still so highly regarded at United that he has reached the status of an idol.

When the Glazers and David Gill agreed to a big increase in Rooney’s salary in 2010, they wanted to know how Ferguson felt about it.

He told them that he did not feel it was fair that a player should be paid more than him, who was the architect of United’s golden era.

Schneiderlin insists that Evra’s impact at United is comparable with the club’s greats, like Beckham, Giggs, Cantona and Scholes.

It is being said that Evra has taken a paternal approach to Martial in the French camp. Martial has not only received advice from Evra but also a gift which happened to turn out to be Evra’s boots while at Manchester United.

Joel Glazer was in total agreement with this but wanted to know what should be done, whereby Ferguson replied that it was simple enough and that no player should be paid more than him.

Ferguson had seven assistant managers during this time at United, namely Archie Knox, Brian Kidd, Steve McClaren, Jim Ryan, Carlos Queiroz, Walter Smith and Mick Phelan.

On Ferguson and the reason Pogba left United Source: Metro In 2009, it was announced that United had snapped Pogba from the Le Harve youth academy, whereby Pogba moved straight into United’s Under-18. Two years later he was promoted to the first team.

After Brian Kidd left in 1998, Ferguson got more serious about the interviewing process, which became more meticulous. Several applicants were looked at. It narrowed down to Steve McClaren and David Moyes.

Pogba was under a three-year contract, and it had a one-year renewal option which United were eager for him to sign. Suddenly, football agent Mino Raiola appeared on the scene and the first meeting regarding this contract was a fiasco.

Moyes was about 35 at the time and was managing Preston North End. He was very tense during the interview and that manifested in the seriousness of his face. McClaren was the opposite - bright, breezy and enthusiastic.

At that time, McClaren had more experience in the top flight than David, and that swung Ferguson’s decision.

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FIXTURES 2015-2016 FA Premier League:

30/08/15

De Gea – Valencia – Darmian – Carrick –

08/08/15

Swansea City 2 – 1 Manchester United

Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin

Champions League Group Stage

Manchester United 1 – 0 Tottenham

Romero – Darmian – Shaw –

– Martial – Rooney – Memphis

15/09/15

Hotspurs

Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind –

Sub(s) - Jones – Schweinsteiger –

PSV Eindhoven 2 -1 Manchester United

Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –

Mata- Schneiderlin – Rooney – Memphis

Young

De Gea – Darmian – Shaw –

Smalling – Blind- Mata –Schneiderlin –

– Herrera

Scorer(s) - Memphis – Mata – Rooney

Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata

Rooney – Memphis - Young

Sub(s) – Carrick – Fellaini – Young

Sub(s) : Herrera – Schweinsteiger –

Scorer(s) – Mata

Champions League Qualifying Round 1st Leg

12/09/15

18/08/15

– Herrera – Martial – Memphis – Young

Valencia Scorer(s) : own goal

Sub(s) - Fellaini – Rojo – Valencia Scorer(s) - Memphis

Manchester United 3 – 1 Liverpool

Manchester United 3 – 1 Club Brugge

30/09/15

14/08/15

De Gea – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –

Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –

Manchester United 2 – 1 Wolfsburg

Aton Villa 0 – 1 Manchester United

Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schweinsteiger

Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin

De Gea – Valencia – Darmian –

Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –

– Fellaini – Memphis – Herrera

– Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj

Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata

Smalling – Blind- Mata –Schneiderlin –

Sub(s) - Martial – Schneiderlin - Young

Sub(s) - Fellaini – Hernandez –

– Schneiderlin – Martial – Rooney –

Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj

Scorer(s) - Blind – Herrera – Martial

Schweinsteiger

Memphis

Scorer(s) - Memphis (2) – Fellaini

Sub(s) - Jones – Pereira – Young

Sub(s) - Herrera – Schweinsteiger – Young

20/09/15

Scorer(s) - Januzaj

Southampton 2 – 3 Manchester United

Scorer(s) - Mata – Smalling

De Gea – Darmian – Rojo – Carrick –

Champions League Qualifying Round 2st Leg

22/08/15

Smalling – Blind – Schneiderlin – Martial

26/08/15

League Cup 3rd Round

Manchester United 0 – 0 Newcastle

– Rooney – Memphis

Club Brugge 0 – 4 Manchester United

23/09/15

United

Sub(s) - McNair – Schweinsteiger –

Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick

Manchester United 3 – 0 Ipswich Town

Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Schweinsteiger

Valencia

– Smalling – Blind – Mata – Herrera –

De Gea – Valencia – Young –

– Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin –

Scorer(s) - Martial (2) - Mata

Rooney –Memphis – Januzaj

Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata

Sub(s) - Hernandez – Schweinsteiger –

– Herrera – Fellaini – Rooney – Pereira

Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj Sub(s) - Carrick – Hernandez – Valencia

26/09/15

Young

Sub(s) - Memphis – Jones – Martial

Scorer(s) - --

Manchester United 3 – 0 Sunderland

Scorer(s) - Rooney (3) – Herrera

Scorer(s) - Martial – Pereira - Rooney

PLAYER’S APPEARANCES 2015-2016 Blind

7

0

1

4

0

TOTAL APPEARANCES 12

Mata

7

0

1

4

0

12

4

Smalling

7

0

1

4

0

12

1

Depay

7

0

0 (1)

4

0

11 (1)

4

Darmian

7

0

0

4

0

11

0

Rooney

6

0

1

3

0

10

5

6 (1)

0

0

2

0

8 (1)

0

5

0

0

3

0

8

0

Carrick

5 (2)

0

0

2

0

7 (2)

0

Schweinsteiger

NAME

PREMIERSHIP

Schneiderlin Shaw

FA CUP

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

LEAGUE CUP

OTHER MATCHES

GOALS 1

3 (4)

0

1

2 (2)

0

6 (6)

0

De Gea

3

0

1

2

0

6

0

Romero

4

0

0

2

0

6

0

Herrera

2 (2)

0

1

2

0

5 (2)

2

Martial

2 (1)

0

0 (1)

2

0

4 (2)

4

Januzaj

2

0

0

2

0

4

1

Young

1 (4)

0

1

1 (2)

0

3 (6)

0

Valencia

1 (3)

0

1

1 (1)

0

3 (4)

0

Fellaini

1 (1)

0

1

0 (2)

0

2 (3)

1

Pereira

0

0

1

0 (1)

0

1 (1)

1

Rojo

1

0

0

0 (1)

0

1 (1)

0

Hernandez

0 (1)

0

0

0 (2)

0

0 (3)

0

Jones

0 (1)

0

0 (1)

0 (1)

0

0 (3)

0

McNair

0 (1)

0

0

0

0

0 (1)

0

72 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015