page s - wordpress.com › 2011 › 05 › issue-3.pdfpage 33: april round-up page 35: meeting the...

Putting the football world to rights

www.football-united-blogs.com

FUB is a Manchester United themed website which offers regular articles, latest news, interviews, podcasts

& competitions

FootballUnited Blogs

@FootballUB

Like many fans I settled down in front of the television last Sunday night to watch United, the BBC drama retelling the story of the Mu-nich air crash, which as we all knew killed 23 people including eight Manchester United players. The programme has come in for criti-cism from some corners, most notably from the families of those depicted in the 90 minute show. Sir Matt Busby’s family were rightly dismayed by the performance of Dougray Scott who played the United manager. Consid-ering, like Busby, Scott hails from Scotland himself, I found his accent would have been more appropriate had he been playing a sinis-ter Spanish matador. The whole demeanour of Scott came across quite uncomfortable view-ing, an assertion that appears to be favourable with most fans who watched the programme. That said, it would be wrong for me to be overly critical of a programme which I actual-ly found both emotive and fascinating (for great want of a better term). As with many fans, due to my age I never experienced life after the crash, so reading books and accounts of the incident and aftermath is really all I have to fall back on. However after United I do feel like I understand it a little better. By no means was it a documentary (and it never advertised itself in that way), I do believe the sentiment of the tragedy was spot on. Whilst many have criticised some ill-informed inci-dents in the programme I revert back to what it said at the beginning, based on true events. The word ‘based’ says all that needs to be said on the matter.

I was most impressed with the performances of both David Tennant and Jack O’ Connell who starred as Jimmy Murphy and young Bobby Charlton respectively. I found the mo-ment that Tennant/Murphy was told about the crash by the club secretary one of the most spine tingling scenes within the whole show. Prior to the programme, like many United fans, I was nervous as to how the BBC would portray the incident, after all they’ve got it badly wrong with Munich broadcasts in the past. However on this occasion I was pleased with the outcome. United was hugely emo-tional, a quick glace on Twitter during the show compounds this with many fans openly admitting they cried throughout most of it. An action I shared. Possibly, however, the emo-tion rendered most forcibly was one of pride. After what Manchester United overcame in the years that followed that fateful day, I feel proud to be a fan. Not just a United fan, but a supporter of football in general. Unfortunately the night following United’s airing the ugly side of our sport reared its ugly head once again at Ewood Park. Within minutes of Blackburn and our classy neighbours kicking off, City were joined in unison singing about the Munichs. Oddly on this occasion it wasn't just a small, disgusting minority either. Anyone who watched the match would have heard the singing quite explicitly through their own television sets. The songs were sickening. Even more so when you consider the effect the crash had on Man-chester as a whole. City lost one of their own

Welcome to the Football United fanzine

Editorials

As this is an exclusively online magazine we do not offer printed copies. However if you would like to receive a PDF file of the magazine, so you can print it off yourself, please send an email to: [email protected] and we

will happily email a copy over to you.

Contributors Liam Scott Chris Bennett Alan Monger Brett Burgers Keith Woodford Paolo Tony Park Will Davenport Alex Wardrop Tom Clare

A special thanks to Olly Murs Ambuj Gupta The Chelsea Blog

in Munich and yet still feel it appropriate to sing these songs. I’m not sure whether it’s stupidity or sheer uneducated fools. I’m under no illusion that United fans are perfect either. Not so long ago a group of reds were rightly criticised for their Hillsborough chants during the club’s FA Youth Cup victory over Liverpool at Anfield. I find both Hills-borough and Munich chants equally sickening and offensive. I came in for some stick not so long ago when I compared the two but in my eyes (which I don't expect everyone to agree with), singing about either is quite simply wrong. Innocent lives were lost on both occa-sions, whether it was players or fans, people still died. As a result of my day to day job I’ve had to watch the footage of what happened at Hillsborough a few times over the years. Those who say the fans deserved it, or some rubbish

like that are very, very wrong. If you’re read-ing this believing that those who lost their lives in Sheffield deserved it I urge you dig out the live footage, you might change your mind. I don’t live in a fantasy world where I believe all the bad things in football will be eradicated from the game. Of course that wont happen. But I would like to see those who partake in these type of chants severely reprimanded by the authorities. Will it happen? Probably not, but it doesn't stop me from hoping. A deroga-tory Carlos Tevez chant is one thing, a chant about people who have lost their lives is an-other. Here’s to hoping that football fans focus their attention to what is happening on the pitch.

Steph (editor)

@stephdoehler

Contents Page 3: Editorials Page 6: Hot Topic Page 7: Captain Legend? Page 8: United Against The World Page 11: Tweets From The Terrace Page 12: Bye Bye Berba? Page 13: The Gossip Tree Page 14: Blast From The Past Page 16: Olly Murs interview Page 18: Micky Owen PI Page 19: The Great De-bate Page 22: Overseas Reds Page 24: Youth Watch Page 26: Views From The Stretford End Page 28: Simply The Best Page 31: The Ones That Got Away Page 33: April Round-Up Page 35: Meeting The Enemy Page 38: It’s All In The Mind Page 39: May Predictions Page 41: Legends—Allenby Chilton Page 44: Pretenders To The Throne Page 46: The Final Word

All material unless otherwise stated, is copyright to the Football United Fanzine. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editors, however you have the right to reply to the following email address:

[email protected] The Football United Fanzine is completely independent of Manchester United Football Club. The Football United

Fanzine accepts no responsibility for services offered by advertisers.

Page 5

I ended my last editorial with two wishes. One, for us to start April better than we did March, which we succeeded in with four victories in a row. I also wished to still be talking about United winning the treble this season, which I’m not, following our FA Cup semi-final defeat to City. I was of course disap-pointed, as we all will have been by that game, but hopefully you all got some nice Easter eggs to cheer you up. I got a Manchester United birthday cake the day after the City game and made sure I ate Berbatov and Scholes first. I felt it was fair punishment for Berbatov miss-ing a sitter and Scholes seeing red. Let’s hope that Stoke can rustle up another 5-0 victory on the 14th of this month when the final is played at Wembley. If Bir-mingham can do it against Arsenal, Stoke can do it against City. All in all April wasn’t a bad month though. Those four victories I men-tioned obviously included back to back wins over Chelsea in the Champions League, taking us through to the final four. No Terry or Anelka comedy mo-ments this time, but still no Champions League win for the blues either, so hap-py days. We then also managed to take an advantage over Schalke in the semi final with a 2-0 victory in the away leg. I felt it was one of our best performances of the season and gives us a great chance of making the Wembley final. We have also not conceded a single away goal in the competition this year which is a brilliant achievement. A big final month of the season there-fore ahead of us, with the second leg against Schalke at Old Trafford and a title run in featuring clashes with title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal who we are

currently 6 points and 9 points clear of respectively, with four matches to play (if you can still call Arsenal title rivals!). We can no longer dream of partying like its 1999 but I will definite-ly be happy to party like its 2008 by completing the league and Champions League double. If we can get past Schalke we will obviously have the not so easy task of defeating Barcelona or Real Madrid in the final. Hopefully, if we make it, we can get a better Wembley result. It could be a repeat of the 2009 final which United lost to a wonderful Barcelona side or it could be a Ronaldo reunion with the familiar Mourinho factor. Either is a highly exciting pro-spect, but we do of course actually have to get their ourselves first. We have been criticised all season from all angles yet here we are, top of the league and the only English team still standing in Europe. Everyone it seems is so desperate for us to fail. I for one just hope we can finish the season with some silverware so we can stick two fingers up to all the other fans, the media and the FA who no longer allow opinions or emotions from our players or manager. The hate (jealously in the most) will just make it all the sweeter if we can finish strong. The final league table never lies and if we have been so poor this season, what does that say about all the teams who finish below us? I’ll leave you with that thought. Enjoy the rest of the magazine and the all-important final month of the season. Let’s hope it’s a great one for United. Rachel (Deputy Editor)

@Rachel_jj2011

Editorials

It should mean more to them than money. Let’s be honest, most can no longer be called profes-sional footballers. Being a professional footballer used to be about being the elite of the world. For very few, they live the alternate life and spend every day playing the game we all hoped we could. And, for their talent, they don’t have a bad life out of it. Flash cars, house, totty on the arm, not to mention the spare couple of quid they have lying around after paying for all of that- in some cases that includes the totty too. On top of this they have sponsorship deals, image rights, appearance fees, all flooding into bank de super-stardom. And ok, this isn’t about the money they pick up, albeit an overly exuberant figure, why shouldn’t they, most outfield players only play until they’re, at a maximum 36, goalkeepers until they’re 40ish- why not set themselves up for life- it’s what we’d do, right? Actually no, this is something bigger than all of that. As was covered in the last issue, the ticking time bomb that is our nation’s greatest sport. Incorrect decisions might be one reason to think the game is at the point of implo-sion, but this is a much more pressing issue. Footballers thinking they are above the laws and traditions of the game they are paid to play. So why do they think they are above the game? And what can be done to stop it? Hot topic to initiate discussion- Rooney shouting exple-tives into a camera during a live broadcast. Lets get my view out there straight away so there’s no confusion- no amount of heat of the moment, wasn’t directed at any-one in particular, but swearing is part of the game, will cut it. What Rooney did WAS WRONG. He knew it and the club knew it because let’s face it, the apology made afterwards wasn’t written by Rooney himself was it?! And yet, in defiance of the rules, Rooney and Manches-ter United began a quest, to have the penalty reduced, stating that it was clearly excessive. Which can only lead me to one real conclusion on the individual- Wayne, if you know what it means to be ‘clearly excessive,’ why are you swearing into a camera- isn’t that also ‘clearly excessive?’ The topic seemed to divide the footballing masses into three groups, those who agreed with the penalty, those that didn’t, and the non United fans that thought he should of being hung from a yardarm. So why the big issue with what he did? Footballers swear, everyone

knows it. Unfortunately for parents watching the game with their children, it’s quite difficult to explain to the aspiring footballing sprog watching with you, that Rooney was actually shouting about his pet duck! “What ducking what,” when he was 3mm away from the lens. Doesn’t leave much to be lost in the crowd chants does it? And whether Rooney likes or accepts the fact, he is to many youngsters, a role model. So the FA saw sense, which Rooney’s penalty should now serve as a big shout out to all Premier League players. We all know swearing happens on the pitch and it is accepted. The test will come when the next muppet tries it. If the FA are able to clearly define in their punishments what is classed as on fieldand off field I think the etiquette improvement will be there for everyone to see. If they don’t and their decision making is as fluctuant as referees match to match variance, the newspapers, managers and players won’t be able to help themselves lining up to take a pop at the system - much to the destruction of the sport. My other thoughts on this are the example on disci-pline that rugby gives. Teams disciplining their own players before the leagues or competition organisers have to get involved. Why? Because there is a better sense of fair play in rugby, which runs not only through the individual teams, but through the leagues. The idea that Rooney would have been first banned by Manches-ter United, and the FA’s ban reflect the punishment the club have handed down. Could you imagine the impact clubs self-regulating themselves would have? How many matches would Chelsea of banned Torres from - for diving in the first leg of the Champions League quarter final? (Not that it would have made any difference to his effectiveness). If clubs took a bit of responsibility and stopped worrying about player revolts, fan revolts and re-sults, the sport would be a much more enjoyable, less controversial, fairer game. Something that it once used to be. First and foremost, the FA, Premier League, all of the Clubs, United included, must remember…football: sport first, business second.

By Liam Scott

Page 6

Recently, as you are probably aware, Bryan Robson was diagnosed with throat cancer, however, the prog-nosis is good and he should make a full recovery. It is generally considered by all that saw Captain Marvel (and even by those who didn't, myself includ-ed) that he was, and still is, a legend in every sense of the word. A player that his colleagues and fans alike looked to when the going got tough, the player that would run through a brick wall to win a football match and invariably get an injury in the process, only to recover to reach the same standards he had always set himself. To borrow an opinion from a mate of mine, Robbo is the second best player he has ever seen in a United shirt, the best being, well, Best! This got me thinking about United legends and what makes a legend? What separates a legend from the good players? For other clubs, it would be their highest appearance maker or highest scorer, maybe the captain that led them to their first league title or to the FA Cup final. But not at United. The beauty of this club is that such a variety of players are considered legends that you cannot set criteria for a player to meet and then be considered one. As I have researched this in more depth I have come to realise that a legend for one supporter is not neces-sarily a legend for the next, going back to my mate mentioned earlier, he does not count Bobby Charlton in his top 20, whilst other fans from this era have him in their top three or five. However, speaking to around 30 other supporters, covering every season from 1962-63 to the present day and asking them to pick three legends, there are a lot of names that crop up, but only two seem to be constant amongst all, Best and Robson. Now, George Best needs no introductions from me, so much has been written about him I would only be covering old ground. Whereas Bryan Robson is a very subjective opinion, when looking at stats alone, these point to no more than a good player. Eight major honours (two being league titles in which Robson was sadly, a fading force), whilst impressive is relatively

low compared to other United players who have been lucky enough to play in much better teams, for exam-ple: Phillip Neville has 11, Nicky Butt and John O'Shea have 10 each. Robbo wore the red shirt in an impres-sive 461 competitive matches which still only puts him 15th on the list of all-time appearance makers. His goals, 99 of them, whilst an impressive haul for a midfielder still only rank him 22nd on the all-time list, albeit the majority of the 21 ahead of him are either strikers or have played many more games for the club.

Luckily, stats don't even tell half the story! Robson achieved all the above despite suffering a list of inju-ries that would cripple mere mortals, how he man-aged to play into his late 30's will baffle medical pro-fessionals for generations. These achievements were also in a very mediocre team, cup runs were plentiful but the holy grail of the league eluded the team, always in the top four (barring three seasons in the late 80's and early 90's) but never lasting the distance, much like the Arsenal team now just with the ability to win the odd FA Cup and European Tro-phy.

An all action, leave everything on the pitch, run through brick walls to win the tackle type of player, the man the fans and players alike turned too when things weren't going well. If any of us got the chance to play for United, we like to think we'd show the desire and passion that Bryan Robson did. The type of passion that we ask from all players that only very few possess, that win at all costs attitude that only the very best have. Unfortunately for Robbo, but luckily for United, his replacement was a certain Mr Roy Mau-rice Keane who ensured that we did not miss his influence on games as much as we could have done. Still, this has far from diminished the fans memories, still recognised as a legend despite being the out-standing player in a distinctly average team. I just wish that we could have seen Robson in his prime, alongside the likes of Scholes, Keane and Giggs, alongside a team that was able to match up to his ambitions. Ah well, for now, get well Bryan Robson, Captain, Leader Legend!

By Chris Bennett

In the eyes of a lot of non-United supporting fans, United are treated differently by officialdom, be it the FA, UEFA, referees, the media, whoever. And you know what, they're probably correct. However, whilst the ABUs bang on about bias being shown towards United, history actually shows that United are more often than not the perse-cuted party. To illustrate, just looking at the two bans incurred by Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney since I wrote last month’s article in FUFanzine would appear to back this view up. Literally within hours of finishing my article came news that Sir Alex had been given a five match touch-line ban for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson after the Chelsea game. He'd said "You want a fair ref, a strong one anyway.... when I saw who was reffing it I feared the worst" His fleeting use of the word 'fair' before he quickly adjusted it to 'strong' was jumped on by the FA who deemed him to be questioning the integrity of Atkinson. A good job really that he didn't go the whole hog and call him incompetent, biased and pret-ty useless. Compare Fergie's comments with subsequent utterances of three other Premier League managers: "I’m too disgusted to speak about it. These things can have an impact on the Premier League. Justice has not been done. The decisions punished us severely. You do not want things going against you, but it hap-pened...The referees job is to make right decisions" Arsene Wenger in the wake of Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Sunderland.

"When I saw he was reffing, with his record against Stoke I was worried." Tony Pulis talking about Mike Dean. "You need to have personality, courage and character. Not always do referees have these kind of skills" Carlo Ancelotti after the Chelsea v United UCL QF 1st leg. None of Wenger, Pulis or Ancel-lotti has been charged by either the FA or UEFA for their comments. Funny that. One rule for Fergie, one rule for the others? Appears to be so. Quickly onto Rooney's ban. He swore. He shouldn't have. He apol-ogised. End of matter? Um no. Actually a two match ban handed down for "abusive, indecent or insulting words or behaviour" (NB nothing in there about swearing into camera). Therefore, clearly an FA statement of intent to "clean up the game," to strengthen the Re-spect campaign. So, in the interests of fairness ALL subsequent in-stances of "abusive, indecent or insulting words" being picked up on camera are now going to bring forth a two match ban, yes? You'd have thought so. But no. Already we have seen the likes of Peter Crouch in particular quite clearly stepping over the newly estab-lished parameters but with no penalty. So, United have been shafted twice in quick succession. It's nothing new though. The issuance of bans, plus the actual length of bans once issued, has down the years invariably

shown an anti-United bias by the FA. Back in 1950 for example, Charlie Mitten of United was banned by the FA for the 'crime' of having gone to play for leading Colombian side Santa Fe of Bogota, who in the time of the maximum wage, offered riches too great for the 'Bogota Bandit,' as he came to be known, and many other players to turn down. At the time however, Colombia was outside FIFA, and any player based there was consid-ered an outlaw. One year on, the South Americans were re-admitted by the sport's governing body – but only on condition that the so-called rebels were sent home. So Mitten returned and was handed a six month ban, a £250 fine and a transfer by United to Fulham for his 'misdemeanours.' Two other English players, Neil Franklin and George Mountford, both formerly of Stoke City, and who had actually joined Santa Fe before Mitten, were also banned on their return. Six month bans for them too? Uh no, four months for them. Incon-sistency, but a sign of things to come.

Last issue Alan Monger quashed the notion of the FA favouring United, as regularly perceived. Today he looks at this notion from a historical

perspective. Sit back and enjoy...

feature in the same sentence. September 2009 Javier Mascherano clearly elbows Jer-maine Beckford in Leeds v Liver-pool Carling Cup match. No action at time, video evidence ignored. No ban. January 2010 Ferdinand re-ceives retrospective three match ban for elbow incident against Fagan in match v Hull. Ban in-creased to four games after 'frivolous' appeal. March 2010 Steven Gerrard gives two fingers up to referee Andre Marriner, and also mouths an obscenity at the same time to him during Liverpool's defeat to Wigan Athletic. FA take no action. January 2011, Steven Gerrard visibly mouths “fuck off Manc twats” to the camera after being sent off in FA Cup tie at Old Trafford. No action by FA, despite viewers' complaints. March 2011 Rooney swears at cameraman who has invited him to kiss the camera after completion of a match-turning hat trick vs West Ham. FA administer two match ban. Enough of disciplinary matters. History shows that United have suffered at the hands of the FA or the old Football League in so many other ways. Let's go back to the mid 50's. The European Cup began in the 1955-56 season, but the English authorities had adopted a sniffy attitude towards it and had told Chelsea, the previous year's English Champions, not to compete and they duly complied. The fol-lowing season

fine. September 2003 Rio Ferdi-nand forgets to take drug test (though did provide a negative test within two days). Subsequently receives 8 month ban plus £50k fine. He offers to take 'hair follicle test' which would have given re-sults for the past 6 months, dating before his original test date, but the FA declined his request. Both the FA and FIFA sought to have the ban increased to 12 months (half the possible maximum). In 2004 Adrian Mutu, Chelsea, tests posi-tive for Cocaine use. 7 month ban plus £20k fine. 2011 Kolo Toure suspended by Man City after test-ing positive for carrying a 'specified substance.' FA have still not officially banned him some two months later. August 2003 Liverpool pair Ste-ven Gerrard and Neil Mellor both sent off against Galatasaray in pre-season Amsterdam tournament. No ban for either, tournament outside of FA jurisdiction. August 2006, Scholes and Rooney sent off against Porto in Amsterdam tour-nament. Both receive three match bans, with appeals against bans rejected by the Football Associa-tion. FA seemingly from nowhere 'acquire' jurisdiction. January 2006 Robbie Fowler scores for City against United, and celebrates excessively in front of United fans. No questions asked, no complaints from United. No action by the FA in respect of possible incitement of United fans. The following week, Gary Neville runs from halfway line back to his own goal and celebrates Ferdinand's last minute winner in front of Liverpool fans. Carragher bleats, FA impose £5,000 fine for 'Improper conduct.’ 2008 Patrice Evra receives four match ban for altercation with Chelsea groundsman during post match warm down. FA ignore separate witness statements stat-ing Evra was racially abused, quot-ing inconsistencies. Delicious irony that the FA and 'inconsistencies'

Twenty years or so later, it was George Best's turn to consistently feel the wrath of the governing bodies. Each mistake by him (throwing mud at a referee was a good one) brought forth longer suspensions than any other con-temporary player received (5-6 week bans compared to the norm of 2-3). Maybe our sometime way-ward genius would have been treated the same by the stuffy beaks at the FA had he played for another club, but I doubt it. History suggests merely being a United player is usually ample enough to raise their hackles. As exemplified further by Eric Cantona's ban for events at Selhurst Park on 25th January 1995. No need to go into details here, suffice to say that United immediately, and in accordance with FA wishes, suspended Can-tona for the remainder of the 1994-95 season (effectively handing the title to Blackburn Rovers), and fined him £20k. In most people's eyes United's swift action was seen as sufficient punishment and cer-tainly United felt that the matter had been dealt with fully. The FA however had other ideas and in-creased the ban up to 8 months and fined him another £10k. It was almost as if they were saying "hang on, we can't have United being ‘happy' with this outcome, let's screw them a wee bit more." At this point let me say that the Cantona 'Kung fu' attack was pret-ty much without precedent, so the ban can't really be compared to any other likewise incident in terms of how (un)fair the FA were. Unlike the following examples where if you look really closely a trend can be seen to develop.... Actually I lie, you don't really have to look THAT closely, the inconsist-encies are about as obvious as the results of Tevez's argument with a kettle. 2003 Man City's Christian Negouai misses drug test, having been 'stuck in traffic.' No ban. £2k

Alan has been a United fan ever since his dad took him to watch them play Spurs in 1972. He was a Stretford Ender in the days

when you could turn up and pay 20 minutes before KO. He also had a ST in North Stand before work took him abroad. His best memory was the trip to Barcelo-

na for the 1999 Champions League final. His favourite play-ers are Eric Cantona and Ryan

Giggs.

Matt Busby decided that United WOULD play in it, telling his Chair-man: "football has become a world game...this is where the future of the game lies." Opposition still came from the Football League, who wrote to United forbidding them to enter. Busby however was ada-mant: "at our next board meeting I again proposed that if the Football Association were willing to accept and back us we should enter. This was duly forthcoming... " Whoa, hang on, the FA supporting United in something? ..... Yes, but possibly only to counter the Football League's stance. And only briefly. Roll on two years and this is clearly shown to be a minor aberration on their part. In the aftermath of the Munich disaster, and as a mark of sympa-thy and respect, United were ex-tended a special invitation to com-pete in the 1958-59 European Cup by the European Union, despite not being English champions. Real Madrid, the winners in 1958, were fully supportive of this invitation (NB they had actually proposed that the 1958 competition be scrapped once the disaster had occurred), yet the English authori-ties prevented such participation. The Football League had immedi-ately objected, and whilst the FA initially gave their blessing, they subsequently did a complete about turn, Stanley Rous, the Secretary, penning a letter to United saying "as by its name this is a competition of Champion Clubs, Manchester United F. C. does not qualify to take part in this season's Competition. Consent is therefore refused". Shab-by, heartless and completely disre-spectful treatment by BOTH the Football League and the FA to United, and to the memories of those who lost their lives in Mu-nich. So England’s football authori-ties showing a complete reluctance to afford any spirit of bon accord to United is nothing new. And yet they expect, nay demand, so much

in return. Fast forward to 2000 for exam-ple, and the FA in the hope of im-proving their chances of being awarded the 2006 World Cup, applied extraordinary pressure on United to participate in the inaugu-ral World Club Championship in Brazil. Taking place as it did in the month of January, so United had to pull out of the FA Cup that season, a decision they've never been allowed to forget, forever being accused of devaluing the Cup by not participating in it. As Sir Alex said: "Perhaps we should not have been too surprised to find that the men from the FA and Government who orchestrated that pressure somehow faded into the back-ground, and behaved like mere bystanders once the media fastened on to the issue and it became clear that the absence of the trophy hold-ers from the oldest knockout compe-tition in football was being treated as a national scandal. All the quiet promises of official backing evapo-rated and we were left on our own as the convenient villains of the piece." With the massive benefit of hindsight United would probably have been best served by telling them to stuff it. After all, the subse-quent years' maltreatment we have received at the hands of the FA could hardly have been any worse. One last example of United being shafted by the FA, and particularly relevant as we prepare for our Champions League Semi Final against Schalke. Can you imagine one of our top players not being

allowed to play in the forthcoming semis because England are under-taking a rather meaningless sum-mer tour and have selected him to go on that? No? Well, it happened in 1958. Bearing in mind that the Munich disaster occurred as the team flew home from a successful quarter final in Belgrade, thus setting up a semi-final against AC Milan, the two games taking place in May 1958, a rather heartless (again) FA decided to deny a cer-tain Robert Charlton the oppor-tunity of playing in this two legged tie, instead selecting him to go on their short tour of Canada, a tour that preceded that year’s World Cup. Barely believable, but true nonetheless. Finally, the FA are keen to push the Respect campaign, and rightly so. What I would say to them how-ever is that respect is earned not just given. Get your own house in order, get rid of all of the inconsist-encies and then maybe, just maybe, you might actually merit some respect yourself. At this present time, and indeed for quite some time now you just don't. Fact.

@almanuman

Page 10

Home leg pending, who would you like to see United face in

the CL final?

@TheMancunianRed: Barca, you want to beat the

best and I want to see Messi live again and also want the world to see us

attack Barca.

@JackColeman7: I wouldn't want to face

Ronny in a major final but at the same time I fear Barca would murder us.

@SpookeLuke:

Unquestionably Real. Bar-ca, are far too strong for United currently. Our

chances of overcoming the former are much greater.

@gallifrey24:

Barça for sure in the final. to avenge our defeat in

2009 of course.

Is David De Gea the right person to replace Van der

Sar?

@dilynux: Would prefer

Stekelenburg. Bit cheaper, more experience (WC), well with ball at feet,

Confident.

@aquelious: Yes. Quality keeper, if

inexperienced. With Rio, Vidic etc in front of him, he will learn from the best.

@redracoon1:

No he's not! He still hasn't proven himself but then again it will be difficult to replace VDS anyway. Not

convinced.

@jharbert7: Da Gea certainly one of the

most talented young keepers in Europe,

but #mufc need someone with a bit more experience.

Was Wayne Rooney inappropriate to

swear at the camera or was it just

emotion taking over?

@AlexWylie:

Emotion taking over. It was a huge goal and I know that I would

celebrate in exactly the same way.

@mazymixer:

It was inappropriate and deliberate. Not great to watch MOTD with your

kids and for them to see it straight at camera.

@Spalletti:

WR can't do anything without criticism. Don't

like the kid, but think he is being treated unfairly.

@HoldAndGive: Didn't think it was

emotions or inappropriate. I actually thought it was a well delivered satirical

comment #mufc

@AlGordon1980: Emotions, that win may get 19th & he knows it.

Inappropriate of MOTD to replay just to let Lineker, etc be judgemental. IMO

Page 11

http://twitter.com/#!/starkravingred

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23mufc

http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23mufc

Despite having arguably his best season at United since his arrival from Spurs in 2008 the speculation surrounding the future of Berba continues to linger in the air around Old Traf-ford like an over cooked Gyuvetch. He’s been linked with rumoured moves to Real, Milan, Fenerbache and more recently Bayern Munich, Genoa and Juve. I preface the question of whether to pay a blind bit of notice to the speculation by reminding everyone of the ‘Tevez saga.’ A very popular player on the surface of it, a very successful player on the surface of it, a very important United player on the surface of it. Specu-lation surrounding the future of Tevez at United was rife for a long time. The player kissed the badge, gestured to the fans with an overtly apparent appreciation of a mutual devotion and then buggered off for a wheelbarrow full of money. We all know Kia Joorabchian was without ques-tion the person most responsible for the whole messy affair, but what is an agent’s job if it’s not to make his client the most mon-ey? In the end none of the things that most fans think are im-portant seemed relevant to whether the deal went ahead or not. It all came down to cold hard cash.

Now to Berba. Many fans have always appreciated his languid style coupled with his

undoubted footballing ability and he has won over his fair share of doubters recently with his goal scoring exploits. Howev-er, there are still fans who right-ly or wrongly suggest his body language is that of a player not giving it his all or 110% in foot-ball speak. He has recently, with the phenomenal break through of Chicharito, been used as an impact substitute or been pushed to the fringes dependant on your philosophy. Now please, understand I am only putting this in very simple terms. My personal opinion is that Berba is an integral part of the squad, if not starting eleven, and I would be for want of a better word gutted if he were to be sold in the summer. Bearing in mind what hap-pened with Tevez, a player who with the greatest of respect for Berba, appeared a more commit-ted and popular player, left. It would be silly to assume that whatever the fans think or how-ever popular he is in the dress-ing room - he recently won a rather dubious award for being the most popular player amongst active players in Europe - or however many goals he’s scored when the season is over, he is anything more than a commodi-ty to the PLC. The rumours are rumours, however continued speculation tends to have a root somewhere.

Then the weed grows. Whether the manoeuvres behind the scenes are being made by Berba-tov’s agent Emil Dantchev or by someone acting on behalf of United to test the water as to who might be interested if he were to be made available we’ll never know. But put simply Berba is at a pivotal point in his career, having just turned 30 and just had, on paper, his best sea-son in the Premier League he is more than likely never going to be in such a strong position to a) Improve his terms at the club b) Make a big money move. Dantchev has obvious financial gain from both. As for Berba, a man who always speaks highly of plying his trade here, I’m sure would love to stay at United, but he may not have a say in the matter. We do know one thing and it’s that United don’t like being made to feel like they are being held to ransom. His agent recently stated his intent to see out his career at United, but statements like this, as we have seen historically, are nothing more than the early posturings of contract negotiations. Personally, I think he will leave in the summer. I don’t think there is any sentiment in football for players like Dimitar. The business of football can’t com-prehend what happens inside fans when Berba brings down a 60 yard hoof from Van der Sar whilst performing a steadying pirouette. I really don’t want him to go. The brief glimpses this season I’ve seen of Chicha and Berba with Rooney in behind (add Nani and Tony V on the wings for good measure) have been enough to bring on heart yearning palpitations.

By Brett Burgers

It’s hard to keep up with the number of Manchester United related rumours we hear each month. Here Steph takes a look at some of the transfer stories

that have come up in April.

* United are closing in on a £25m deal for Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. The Sun * Javier Hernandez is Jose Mourinho’s top summer transfer target. caughtoffside.com * United are preparing a summer move for Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery. caughtoffside.com * United have held initial talks about a £17.5m move for Atletico Madrid’s David de Gea. Daily Star * United will take advantage of impend-ing cut backs at Everton by bidding for Jack Rodwell. Various * Bayern Munich will make a summer move for Dimitar Berbatov. Various

* Valencia midfielder Juan Mata could move to either United or City this sum-mer. Metro * United are monitoring the form of Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio. talkSPORT * Spanish legend Raul reveals that talks were held between him and United dur-ing lasy year’s close season. Daily Mirror * Patrice Evra has vowed to sign up for yoga classes following the recent perfor-mances of team mate Ryan Giggs. The Sun * Oliver Bierhoff has urged Manuel Neu-er to sign for United if he has the chance. Sky Sports * United will go head to head with Liver-pool for the signing of defender Phil Jones during the summer transfer win-dow. The Sun * Manchester United have opened talks with Sporting Lisbon for £10million-rated keeper Rui Patricio. Daily Mirror * Sir Alex Ferguson will try to exploit growing turmoil at Inter Milan by mak-ing a concerted attempt to sign Wesley Sneijder at the end of the season. Daily Mail

Having supported Unit-ed since the 60’s I hadn’t been to a Euro away until the opportunity arose in the 1977/78 season. Hav-ing won the FA Cup in the previous season (and hav-ing thwarted a possible treble for the Scousers), the 77/78 season saw great optimism amongst United supporters and qualification for the Cup Winners Cup. During the 70’s it wasn’t uncommon for United to take 15,000 or more fans to domestic away games and like many lads around my age there was a desire to ex-tend our adventures into Europe. The draw for the Cup Winners Cup matched us with St. Etienne, who were enjoying the most successful period in their history. I decided, along

our accommodation and set off in pursuit of tickets for the match. I still have no idea how many United fans went on that trip but the city centre was buzz-ing with supporters drink-ing and singing but gener-ally in good humour. Hav-ing settled in a pub for a couple of beers we started to ask around about ticket availability. We were di-rected to a pub where a French guy was selling tickets for the home end. Having been told that tick-ets for the away section were near on impossible to find we decided that the home end tickets were our best option. After a bite to eat and a couple of drinks or more we set off to the game with a little trepidation not knowing what to ex-pect. Entering the

with three friends of the time, that this would be our first foray into Eu-rope. Having decided that a ferry and rail would be our best means of travel we set off not knowing what to expect. After a relatively une-ventful journey to Paris we started to meet up with more United fans who were making the same journey. The train south to St. Etienne was a lively one and a fair few beers consumed.

It became apparent that many on the trip, includ-ing myself and mates, were travelling to the game without tickets, but which nobody thought would be a problem. We arrived in St. Etienne just after midday on the day of the game. We booked into

stadium it became appar-ent that a fair number of United fans had also ob-tained tickets for the home end. What followed I can only say was abso-lute mayhem. Groups of French supporters started attacking any United sup-porters that they could. Many of them were armed with knives and the French police quickly in-tervened firing tear gas into the crowd to disperse the trouble. Fans started to spill onto the pitch and United sup-porters were trying to make their way to the away section. A few Unit-ed supporters were

injured, many were eject-ed from the ground and the rest, including myself, made it into the away sec-tion. The match was com-pleted in a very volatile atmosphere and ended in a 1-1 draw. After the game I returned to my hotel and met back up with my ma-tes. We decided our best option was to stay at the hotel and have a couple of drinks there and get a good night’s sleep in read-iness for the journey home. When we arrived back in England the pa-pers were full of the pre-vious nights “riot.” The initial reaction of UEFA was to expel United

from the competition, however thankfully were allowed to continue after an appeal but with the proviso that the second leg was played at a ground more than 200 miles from Old Trafford. United played the game at Plym-outh’s ground and won 2-0. Unfortunately we were eliminated in the next round by Porto. I have been to many Eu-ro aways since that game but it was a baptism of fire to say the least!!

By Keith Woodford Keith is a lifelong United

supporter born in 1955 and grew up in the era of Best, Law &

Charlton.

What have you made of the season so far? To be honest I think in all the years I’ve supported United this has been the strangest. We’ve been unbeaten for most of it and I don’t know how to be honest, I think every United fan would agree. We haven’t played the best. It’s almost like, for me, three or four United players have been playing well every game whereas the rest haven’t. It always seems to be the same players playing well, and the same who aren’t. At this time of the season we always talk about consistency but it hasn’t really been that way this year. I don’t know what it is really, I don’t know if we’re lacking quality in the squad. But I’m sure if you’d said to Sir Alex and the players, and the fans that we’d be top of the league five points clear with eight games left of the season we’d take that every year. We’re always there or thereabouts and the fact that we’re top of the league without really playing well this season means we’ve got a great chance. Looking at the fixture list there are really only a couple of games that pop out, that’s Chelsea and obviously Arsenal. I think if we can come togeth-er we can definitely win the league – Rooney’s coming back to form, Hernandez is chipping in the goals and Berbatov too of course. But I do feel that we’ve had a really odd season but let’s hope we can get to the end and across the finishing line.

You mentioned Rooney, what did you make of the con-tract saga with him earlier this season? I think it hurt the fans obviously that Wayne wanted to leave but he had a point in terms of the squad. I’m sure that Sir Alex and the board know that they need to strengthen. Giggs and Scholes can’t go on forever, we all know that. I think we need to replace those players with quality and we haven’t done that in recent summers. We’ve bought players in who are looking good, Valencia is looking brilliant, Hernandez is looking brilliant, Smalling’s been great as well. These players have been great additions but we’re still lacking another world class midfielder, maybe even two. Scholes is still doing it for us but he can’t play forever. Wayne was at a point when he felt the club was lacking ambition – not ambition in terms of the club not wanting to win and be the best club in the world, I don’t think he was saying that – but compared to other clubs around the division like Chelsea and Man City of course, they’re going out and buying big players. We aren’t really buying anyone, we’re just buying the odd young play-er. But I think that’ll change in the summer, I’m quite confi-dent that Sir Alex and the board will bring in some quality players again and strengthen the squad for next season and we’ll be back with that kind of squad from 2-3 years ago with Tevez, Ronaldo, Rooney and these sort of players when it was really exciting to watch. I think the Wayne situation was

a massive shock to everyone, no-one expected Wayne to leave but now he’s signed and he’s playing well, he’s com-ing back into form and he’ll have many great years at United. You’re one of the few United fans who have been lucky enough to play on the Old Trafford pitch, I bet that was a fantastic experience. How much did you enjoy it? Being from Essex I know I’ll never be accepted in some United circles because I’m not from Manchester so you always feel like you’ve got to try and convince the United fans that I truly am a massive fan but y’know, I’m very lucky really that I got to play at Old Trafford. It’s been a life long dream to play there. Professional football was some-thing I wanted to get into and I’ve played at Old Trafford twice, for club and country, it’s amazing. To play with the treble team, the likes of Teddy Sheringham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole at United Relief was amazing. It was great and I can say it was a dream come true. Come on then what was better, getting a number one single or playing at Old Trafford? Old Trafford. Really? Without a doubt, it’s not even a hard question. Getting a number one was fantastic and it will always be amazing but when you’ve grown up breathing, living and just want-ed to play football everyday to actually finally get to play at the biggest club in the world, at the best stadium, on the best pitch was brilliant. I’ve grown up watching them and I think of all the great players who have come out on that pitch, it was amazing.

Page 16

You do quite a bit of work with the MU Foundation, can you tell us a bit about that? Yeah we did a bit last year, I did various different events for them. It’s great to be involved to help the kids of Manches-ter United, it’s truly fantastic. I’m always open to John Sheilds, the chief exec, if he ever needs me he knows to get in contact. For me it’s great to get involved with Manches-ter United and there’s only certain things you can do to try and help out the club in some way, shape or form. The door is always open if they need me. I did a performance for their open training session and all the money for that was going to go to the Foundation. Obviously I didn’t get paid for that, it was to help out the club. As you’ve said you have played and sang on the Old Trafford pitch, have you met many of the players? I met Wayne Rooney last year at the Player of the Year awards which was wicked. I met and trained with Giggs for Soccer Aid. Van der Sar came up to me and I did some autographs for his kids, which was truly weird! I’ve tweet-ed Rio a couple of times and he’s replied so that’s good. I performed at Darren Fletcher’s wedding last year which was a really great night. Being a United fan and being asked by Darren Fletcher to do it was wicked, I was really hon-oured. Anytime I can get up to see United train or play, I’m always there so it’s great. Finally, who’s your favourite player in the current squad? (long pause), erm…I’d have to say…I’ve got allegiances so I’d have to say Fletcher. What I love about Fletch is that he works like an absolute horse, he works, works, works. He’s got great ability and he’s become one of the sought after players at Old Trafford in midfield and he puts a good shift in. He’s been brilliant for United. I really think he’s been one of our best performers. He’s been really consistent when we’ve played. He’s been out lately but he’ll come back strong for the run in. And if we win the treble, well, it’ll probably be the best we’ve won. With the players we’ve got it would truly be a shock to most fans to go all the way. I think most United fans would be happy with just winning the 19th league title.

Being an Essex-boy, what made you start supporting United? Basically it was all down to when Leeds won the old First Division, just before the start of the Premiership. My dad is a United fan and he bought us kits for the season so I started supporting them. They were also one of the first teams you could be on computer games as well so I sort of fell in love with them. It finally hit home around 95-96 when Beckham scored against Villa I think. Here was this blonde haired guy coming through from Essex and people were talking about him. Then he scored the goal at Selhurst Park from the half way line. I fell in love with Beckham and United even more. It was easier for me to go to school where people supported the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, Tottenham and I was able to turn around and say “Well I support Man United and they’ve got David Beckham.”

With some players coming towards the end of their careers, the likes of Van der Sar, Scholes and Giggs, which particular players would you like to see replace them? I think for Giggs the one player that everyone’s talking about that plays left sided is Gareth Bale. He was someone United were interested in when he left Southampton to go to Tot-tenham and we didn’t quite pull it off but now I think Bale would be a fantastic addition to the team. I’d love to see the number 11 shirt never to be worn again but I don’t suppose that will happen. I think for Bale it would be a massive opportunity for him. He’s the kind of player who could go on to prove he is the best left winger in the country and if he comes to Man United he can achieve that. Scholes – you’re never going to replace this player but for me personally there’s three players, Modric would be fantastic. Wesley Sneijder at Inter Milan and also Schweinsteiger at Bayern Munich would be a great signing as well, so those three for me. It would be great to get an English player to play Scholes’ role but I don’t think there is anyone as good as him in the league. I still think Jack Rodwell would be good but we need somebody who has flair. Van der Sar, again, you’re never going to replace him. But there are some good keep-ers across the country. Y’know what I think, there’s some-thing about Shay Given. A lot of people haven’t spoken about Shay and I know obviously crossing Manchester to come to United might be a problem, I don’t think it’ll ever happen, but he’s a fantastic goalkeeper. He’s got great experience, we could still get a good 5 or 6 years out of Given.

You can get a get a copy of Olly’s debut album Olly Murs on Play.com

@ollyofficial

Page 17

Murs vs Giggs Soccer Aid 2010 “It was great and I can say it was a dream come true.”

After plying his trade in Europe’s shanty town, Liverpool, Micky Owen spent most of his investigative career embroiled in English and Spanish gambling cartels. That was until Sir Alex Ferguson found him, floundering on a park bench at St. James’s Park and offered him a contract to protect the integrity of the players & staff of Manchester United Football Club.

It was a normal Friday evening like any other. I was at the card table sipping on a Gin and Lucozade. It wasn’t my night, so I decided to call it a day. I waved farewell to Mike Ashley and Alan Pardew who were playing craps together in the corner, they were al-ways playing craps. Two guys, one cup, enough said. I nodded to Roman Abramovich as I left; he was sitting in a lower position at the ‘premier table’ throwing money at the game but not winning anything. As I stepped outside there was a screech of tyres break-ing…It was the SAF Mobile! I instinctively knew something was wrong. Wazza and Ravel Morisson didn’t even hang out round here. Micky Phelan wound the window down and Sir Alex poked his head out, he was chewing so hard I thought he was going to dislocate his jaw! He thrust some print outs from the tinterweb in to my hand and gestured for me to read. The article was discussing the recent ‘Respect’ cam-paign launched by the footballing authorities and in it they were lambasting managers who had bought the game into disrepute by inappropriately commenting on referees. I agreed with the sentiment, especially when names such as Wenger, Redknapp, Coyle and Warnock were mentioned …But STOP THE PRESS!!! The article went on to accuse Sir Alex himself of being one of the main perpetrators of this heinous crime…This was tantamount to treason. “Michael, Michael?” Sir Alex shouted behind me as I limped off into the night, but I didn’t have time to say goodbye, some-thing would have to be done and fast. After calling in a few contacts I received word from Andy McNab via a long piece of string with a paper cup on each end that he knew of the whereabouts of the evidence that would undoubtedly clear Sir Alex’s good name. McNab had worked with the S.A.S on a similar case (when Alan and Chris were still at Black-burn) so I knew I could trust him. I’d rented my all terrain wheelchair to Hargo for the weekend so had to make my way on my bionic legs, sometimes re-ferred to as ‘crutches’. Sir Alex had already put the press off the scent, issuing a statement that I had “aggravated my groin in training and would be out for another 2-3 weeks.” In no time at all (about 12 days), I arrived at the address in Cheshire McNab had painstakingly found for me. Something terrible was afoot, I could see

Cathy Ferguson, Sir Alex’s wife inside the property…cooking! I let myself in via a patio door round the back and made my way to the study to find the box files I was looking for. With my instinctive nature inside the box, I soon found what I was looking for. The colour coding and alphabetised system also came in handy. But then, the lights flicked on! I turned to see Sir Alex standing over me and with an almighty hairdryer he said “Looking for this wee Micky”?! He put the almighty hairdryer down, explaining his hair had really needed a good drying and placed down beside it a document entitled ‘Timetable of voluntary work for The Samaritans’. Sir Alex explained that he had been shouting me the other night to see if I want-ed a lift round to his house, where we were now, so he could explain to me what was going on, but I’d disap-peared before he could get my attention. Being a life long volunteer for The Samaritans Sir Alex had been scheduled to work on Saturdays through April and ‘man the phones’. The Glazers, being very uncharita-ble folk, had refused Sir Alex compassionate leave and suggested that revealing his caring nature may be seen in the media and with rival clubs as a weakness and had suggested he find an alternative means of operating the phone lines on match days. As a final twist, Sir Alex introduced me to their dinner guest that evening and fellow Samaritans volunteer…Martin Atkinson. They had come up with the whole covert plan together. Martin added, “Sometimes I can’t switch off from my voluntary charitable work and give decisions to the less privileged players and clubs who need a helping hand against United!” We all heartily laughed. Case closed. Due to its sensitive nature this article will self de-struct on completion of its reading…………Oh you’re still reading? Ok I’ll try and get that function sorted for next time. If you’ve downloaded it as a hard copy, then just burn it. If you’ve saved it to your hard drive then chuck your laptop in the nearest incinerator, Thank you. I will not rest until the integrity of Manchester Unit-ed is upheld. Keep ‘em peeled!

Image courtesy of www.deemointernational.com

By Brett Burgers

There is two sides to every argument, right? Steph and Paolo are going head to head in the first FUFanzine Great Debate: Should United fans forgive and forget Wayne Rooney’s early

season contract saga?

Page 19

I still remember the moment when Fergie confirmed that our star player, Wayne Rooney, wanted to leave Manchester United, the biggest club in the world, be-cause they didn’t match his ambition. That’s probably the only thing I would never expect a United player to say. Lacked ambition? Surely there was more to the story than meets the eye. I wouldn’t surprise me if we never hear exactly what happened during those few days between Ferguson’s press conference and Rooney signing a new contract, maybe we’ll find out in Rooney’s fifth autobiography released when he retires. Though, in truth, I’m not entirely sure I really care what happened. I know a lot of United fans have strug-gled to forgive Rooney over the last few months, how-ever I am not one of them, and here I will explain why. We choose which football club to support, normally from a young age, and we follow them for the rest of our lives. For many of us, supporting a football team (especially one like United) consumes us each and every day. Quite simply, we live our football club. I am one of those people, Manchester United possess this strange quality which can either make or break my weekend (and sometimes my week). The joy I have from watching them is unrivalled. I am sure I share those feelings with fellow fans. Wayne Rooney, though, isn’t a United fan – he’s a United employee and therein lies the difference.

So often we, and here I’m referring to football fans across the world, are sucked in by our players. We believe they feel like we do about their clubs. Maybe some of them do, the likes of Giggs, Neville, even *dare I say it* John Terry, but most players, those bought into the club, are unlikely to harbour those feelings. Case in point, Mr. Rooney – once a blue, always a blue according to the t-shirt he wore when playing for Everton. His feelings weren’t going to change just because he had a new boss and it’s unfair for us to expect them to. Fernando Torres looked to be Liver-pool through and through, even before his move to England, now he’s struggling to score goals at Chelsea. Essentially speaking it is our fault that we have this firm belief player’s love the club as much as we do. One of the only things I’d criticise Rooney for is his dishonesty about the situation, don’t claim to love us if

you don’t – simple. We all knew it was Ronaldo’s dream to one day play for Real Madrid and as much as it hurt losing him, I think every United fan could understand it. Yes, Rooney’s situation is a little different but I’m not sure it’s fair to expect pure dedication from a player who we not only purchased, but grew up supporting a different team. However, I’ve digressed somewhat here, in essence I think it’s time for our anti-Rooney fans to move on, get over it and realise that as long as he is a Manchester United player, we should be supporting him. For the Rooney bashers out there let me ask you a simple ques-tions…you’re not happy with your current employer so tell them you’d like to leave but before you can look for another job they offer you a nice big pay rise and tell you everything will be ok – does it make you a bad person if you remain with the same company? You might sit there thinking this is a completely different situation but how is it? Rooney’s job may be a little flashier than ours but it is still his job nevertheless. Since the debacle Rooney’s form is on the up – he is scoring goals, playing well and pretty much pulled us back from certain defeat at Upton Park almost single-handedly. Finally we are talking about his one field actions once again (even if that does include an elbow and some profanities). At this pivotal time of the season let’s get behind each and every one of our players, yes even Darron Gibson, and show them why we are the biggest club in the world. Until Wayne Rooney leaves United whether it be via transfer or retirement, we must support him. I have never agreed with the notion of booing one of our own and whilst it is a select few who still bare grudges against the player, Wayne Rooney is one of us for the time being – whether you like it or not.

From a very young age I can remember sitting at family lunches and football would always be brought up. Being an Italian meant that the likes of Zoff, Rossi and Maldini were always brought up in the conversa-tion. My Nonno (Grandfather) would always say that these men played with pride, they played because they wanted to play for the club and did it with passion. Money was not an issue. Later on, I was told about players like Best, Charlton and Law. Players who wanted to be at United, players who played with pride. I am sure we can all agree that since 2009 it has been a hard time for United fans, taking into account Ronaldo leaving, the Glazer situation and missing out on the league by one point. During this hard time we needed a leader. Someone who was going to stand up for us on the field, someone we could rely on to bring us suc-cess. Wayne Rooney seemed to be that man. He was brilliant in 2009/10 and we all expected the same from him in 2010/11 season. When the news broke about Rooney wanting to leave I couldn’t believe it. I was furious with the player and the situation we were in. It felt as we had been kicked when were down. Our leader had turned into a Judas and money got the better of him. The one player we all knew would take this club forward had turned his back on us. What is worse is that he fed us garbage about “wanting to stay till his late 30’s and emulate Giggs and Scholes.” What a load of nonsense that all turned out to be. We should have known that when he so easily turned his back on Everton he would do the same to us. I suppose the reason for my anger is that before his “I want to leave United... oh you will pay me more mon-ey? I will stay now” saga I was proud to say that Rooney could one day be a United legend. In 30 years time I would tell my grandchildren of the great Best, Charlton, Cantona and Rooney. Now I will tell him how the ‘hero’ of Old Trafford stabbed us in the back.

How can he expect the fans to ever be on his side again after he lied? Yes he is staying now, but he has shown his true colours. Maybe the only positive this could have brought for us is that the Glazers might be forced to give Sir Alex Ferguson money to buy news players. Even with that said, it still not justification for

manipulating us like a bunch of sheep. I genuinely don’t know where Rooney’s loyalty is anymore, and at this stage I feel as if he doesn’t deserve to wear the shirt - a shirt worn by greats that would frown down upon him for his actions.

I have seen some articles justifying Rooney’s “transfer in, transfer out” by saying he is an employee of Manchester United and he is right in asking for more money. The only problem here is that playing for United is not a job, it is a privilege. If you can’t see the difference you don’t understand, and will never under-stand what the club is about. The rise of Hernandez has confirmed by desire in wanting to see Rooney leave. Here is a lad who really wants to play for United. Never mind the glamour and money, he genuinely wants to be a United player. His body langue on the field and his comments off the field confirm that. I remember when United accepted an offer from Spurs for Ole.The only thing left was for Ole to sign. He never did, and said “I would rather play for United reserves than Spurs first team.” He did play in the reserves and the rest is all history. These are the char-acteristics I look for in a United player: pride, passion a desire to be a Red and the money issue coming last. If a player doesn’t show these attributes, in my opin-ion, they would be better off sipping cocktails in Spain or Italy. Let’s hope for the best and see Rooney leave in the summer and to be replaced by a local Salford lad who will be the backbone of the team!

As we all know Manchester United are one of the most widely supported clubs across the world. Each issue the fanzine will interview an overseas fan and

discuss their experiences of supporting the club.

Introducing Ambuj Gupta from India

What made you start supporting United? This is a question that I am asked frequently by anyone who knows that I am crazy about United. And rather than giving the stereotype answers like “they play beautifully,” “they win” or “they have good players”; I say “even I don’t know.” I mean, it was like an infatuation. The moment I started watching football, I knew United is my team. The first United match I saw was the UEFA Champions League match against Porto in which Ronaldo scored from a nearly impossible distance in the 6th minute. Since then, I have read innumerous books, articles related to United and watched the old United matches, like the 1999 FA Cup semi-final, Munich final, the official United history and everything I could lay my hands on. How well known are United in India? United are perhaps the most followed team in India, followed by Arsenal and since the arri-val of Abrahimovic, Chelsea. Barcelona and Real Madrid are also a common name in India. We have United cafe -bars over here. Indian telecom company, Bharti Airtel, recently agreed a 5 year deal with United and so now we expect United soccer schools to open up shortly. For most of the ‘fans,’ United = Rooney. You will find a lot of them sporting United jerseys but on being asked to name even ten United players, they go quiet. When Iactively started blogging about United I had to face various people accusing me of being a

glory hunter etc. Yes, most of the Indian fans follow United just because they win but then for others, it’s just an obsession. How big is football in India compared to your other big sport, cricket? India is basically a cricket obsessed nation. You will find the streets deserted if a cricket match is going on. People here live and breathe cricket. But ever since the arrival of the Premier League and perhaps growing use of internet, the popularity of football has grown leaps and bounds. Now you will find more and more people talking about football, mainly EPL and La Liga. How do you go about watching their match-es? Most of United matches are shown on the TV channels. Though, different tournaments get telecast on different channels. Like for Carling Cup, there is a different channel, for the FA Cup there is another. Watching Champions League matches or mid-week Premier League matches is a pain. They start early morning at around 1:30 AM and end at 3:30 AM because of the difference in time zones. But then, any-thing for United. Is it expensive to watch United in India? Nah, I don’t think so. A basic cable connection is enough. Though if you decide to go to the United cafe -bar, things get a bit expensive.

Overseas Reds

Does supporting them have an impact on your life with regard to work and leisure time? Alot! When I am not doing anything, I am on my mobile phone, accessing internet, getting regular United updates, reading the articles on various blogs etc. I avidly follow the Football United Blogs (especially the 60 second round-up) along with various others like 7Cantonas, writtenoffmufc, therepublikofmancunia etc. I also write about football on a website www.sportskeeda.com where most of my articles are United related and my co-writers often pull my leg for my obsession with Unit-ed. Have you ever been to Old Trafford? Not yet. But it is now like a dream to come over there and feel what it is like to be in the stands, shouting at the peak of your voice, supporting, taunting. Heaven. Do you support any team in the Indian leagues? The condition of football in India is very poor. You can put the blame on poor administration, corruption or the supremacy of cricket. But still, there are a few football teams in India like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal. But no, I don’t support any Indian football team. What's been your favourite United moment? Since I started watching United, my favorite moment has to be Michael Owen’s winner against Manchester City in the Premier League and Wayne Rooney’s winner against the same opponents in the Carling Cup. Also, when Ronaldo was here, every moment was special. You just couldn’t take your eyes off the televi-sion set. The guy would do impossible things with the ball. Also, I know how joyous the year 1999 was for United fans. I have seen the Mu-nich match tape over and over again and I could still feel the chill running down my spine whenever I hear the words, “Beckham into Sheringham and Solskjaer has won it….” Who is your favourite United player and why? Considering the plethora of stars that United have produced over the years, it’s impossible for me to pick up a single player. From the current players, Gary Neville (yeah I know he is retired now) is my favorite. The guy gives his all whenever he wears the United shirt and

never gives up and that is what United is all about, never giving up. From the youngsters, Anderson is my favorite. Although at the mo-ment he is not performing up to the mark but he has enormous potential to become the best midfielder in the world. He just needs to be a bit more consistent. Also, Macheda is another youngster I simply adore. I just wish he re-turns to Old Trafford from Sampdoria at the end of the season. Though I haven’t watched him play live, Roy Keane is one player I ad-mire. I was reading his quotes the other day and I couldn’t help but smirk when I read this: “Patrick Vieira is 6 foot 4, and he starts having a go at Gary Neville, so I said come and have a go at me. Simple as that. He's trying to intimi-date my players and I’m not having it." I mean, he was a fantastic leader, the kind of player that we don’t see much often now days. Indian players have yet to force their way into the English Premier League, why do you think that is? The only reason is the poor administration and the lack of facilities. Just the other day, I read about a 15 year old Indian boy who was selected to play in American Soccer League but the boy had no money to buy decent foot-ball kit. The website I write for took the initia-tive and started a campaign to collect a partic-ular sum of money for him. The nation is simp-ly obsessed with cricket and a very little atten-tion is paid to other sports. Even then, there are a few who have performed well. Sunil Chhetri is in MLS team and played against United when they visited USA for the pre-season.

http://www.sportskeeda.com

Name: Jesse Ellis Lingard Born: Warrington, 15th December 1992 Position: Midfielder

When I first started watching the Manchester Unit-ed youth teams the first thing I noticed was how big the opposition were in comparison to our lads. Sides like Blackburn, Wolves, West Brom, Birmingham, Derby and particularly Manchester City were full of giants! “Check his birth certificate!” I wish I had a pound every time some wag from the sidelines yelled that one out…but it was true, visiting teams seemed to select players not on their foot-balling ability, but on how big they were!

While at U/18 level our boys had developed suffi-ciently to compete, at the lower levels it was men against boys. The bigger, more physical lads of Leeds or Huddersfield used their strength to win games…and believe me, even at 15 years old every visiting team wanted to beat Manchester United. Of course we have always had a different philoso-phy, focusing on technical skill, passing, movement and teamwork. An ethos reinforced by Rene Muelen-steen and now integrated across our Academy.

So back in 2007 I had the shock of my life when I saw three boys take the field who looked about ten years old. Brad Byrne, Larnell Cole and Jesse Lingard lined up for the U/16’s after being promoted from the year below. Comedians would have had a field day…most people on the sideline did! Yet when the game kicked off, all three boys just got on with it…passing the ball the Manchester United way, asking for the ball, moving into position.

I would like to tell you that football won that day…but the smaller boys were completely knocked out of their stride and Leeds won comfortably. I asked a few people afterwards and it became clear that United valued all three lads very highly. “Just wait until they get older…they will come into their own!” Although Brad moved on to another club, both Larnell and Jesse proved that skill can win over brawn. So when I was at Stamford Bridge a couple of weeks ago for the FA Youth Cup semi-final, I allowed myself a wry smile as Larnell Cole ran the Chelsea midfield ragged and Jesse Lingard scored a peach of a goal to put the Reds back in the game.

Their time had most definitely come!

Born to a Jamaican father and English mother, Jesse Ellis George was in born in Warrington some sixteen miles west of Manchester. A pupil at St. Margaret’s Infant School, his natural ability with a football was evident from an early age despite his size. Crewe Alexandra offered him a ten-year deal, however, after being ‘spotted’ at a youth tournament at Great San-key, he originally joined Liverpool for a year when he was six years old.

Twelve months later, Lingard, who had taken up his mothers name after his parents separated, joined Manchester United, the team he had always support-ed and he started progressing through the junior

ranks. At the same time he played local football for Beechfield JFC and later Fife Rangers turning out in the Solvay Hilden League. Meanwhile the United coaching staff were not phased by Jesse’s lack of physical presence, as his technical ability and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ were the types of qualities they wanted. Jesse was named ‘Player Of The Year’ in his last year at William Beaumont Sports College and was soon a regular in the United U/16 side. In 2007/08 he was offered a scholarship and joined his MUFC teammates at Ashton-on-Mersey School.

At the beginning of the term he impressed the England U/16 manager Kenny Swain enough to be invited for the schoolboy trials at Burton but was overlooked for the final squad. For most of that campaign Lingard was a mainstay of the U/16’s, often captaining the team, a clear sign of how well he was regarded within the set-up. Then as the season drew to a close, he was sur-prisingly called up into the England U/17 squad to participate in the Nordic Tournament in Sweden. Jesse featured in three of the national sides four matches and while he was not able to help England win the competition, it was invalu-able experience.

The 2008/09 campaign saw Lingard continue his development in the U/16’s while the more developed lads such as Tunnicliffe and Morrison moved up into the U/18’s. Although slight, Jesse had a complete range of passing, good vision and wonderful temperament. He made his Acad-emy bow in the final league game against Black-burn Rovers on the 6th of May, scoring the Reds first goal in a 3-2 victory.

2009/10 saw Jesse move up into the U/18’s and he became an integral part of Paul McGuin-ness’ team, making 20 appearances…albeit most of those were from the substitutes bench. It was also from the dugout that he made his FA Youth Cup debut, replacing Davide Petrucci in the 5-1 away win over Burnley. In a recent MUTV interview, Eamon Mulvey (Technical Skills Development Coach), talked openly about the clubs policy to focus on tech-nical development and be patient with boys such as Lingard and Cole. That patience has certainly paid off as Jesse has been an invaluable member of this years successful FA Youth Cup team that has reached the final where they will play Sheffield United over two legs. Jesse has made three starts, scoring that all important goal at Chelsea and it is hoped that he can add to his tally before the season is out. He has also been a regular in the U/18’s all term, vying for his place in a very competitive midfield. While Tunnicliffe brings the steel and Pogba the prescence…lads like Jesse bring the free flowing football of pass and move…the Busby way. In fact, Matt Busby once said…if you are good enough then it doesn’t matter how old you are! When Busby introduced Eddie Colman into the first team I seem to recall him also saying…if you are good enough then it doesn’t matter how big you are! Step forward Jesse…you are following in some great footsteps!

By Tony Park Tony has been a season ticket holder for 20 years. He has been following the youth side since the late 1970’s. Tony is currently co-writing a book on the

history of the United youth team.

Here we are, the business end of the season. Squeaky Bum Time as the now famous saying goes and we got to witness two games of foot-ball that could not be more different if you made them wear helmets and use an oval shaped ball. First of all we had Fulham. The thing that struck me about this was the weather, strange-ly enough, beautiful sunshine enabling me to break out the floral shorts for the first time since I care to remember. However, for a hugely important game that was just as much a 'must-win' as the following two games, it lacked the nervousness and tension that the teams of old have created, there was no going behind, no wasted opportunities and as a contest was over when Valencia scored our second just after the half hour, and boy you could tell. There are not many games I have attended at Old Trafford that have been instantly forgetta-ble, Bursaspor earlier in the season was possi-bly the first due to sheer lack of anything hap-pening but this game is now part of the not-so illustrious club. Against a Fulham team that were clearly there just because they had to be, the team and fans seemed to make the most of the sun, topping up our tans and waiting for the Grand National result to come in. Then came Chelsea, with all that money they took from that big Russian crook (and they'll never win three in a row), in the Champions League, with a vital away goal brought back to Old Trafford you could sense the confidence. However, for such a big game the atmosphere was terrible in comparison to the heights it has reached for similar games in recent years. After two minutes you knew it was going to be a

constant battle with 'Steptoe,' the steward from our block, ordering people to sit down, thus ruining the momentum our block had gathered, and if you read my first article, you know how strongly I feel about the whole crowd momen-tum issue. After a while a large proportion of the stand decided to ignore him and stand regardless, allowing the 'prawn-sandwich' brigade to up and leave, some with 25 minutes left on the clock! Oh well, these prawn sandwichers also missed the sheer euphoria or watching Park bang one in past Petr Cech to virtually seal the tie. So, with two home games played, my heart hasn't been put under half as much stress in the previous seasons with late winners and come from behind wins. Which means one of two things, the team has learnt how to get ahead early in games and stay there, or, there is a lot of drama to come in the final weeks of the sea-son. I'll take a guess at the latter and get my cardiologist on speed dial! As with last month’s article, I have one final word, aimed at the stewards who earn their money parading the concourses and stairwells at Old Trafford. We're Man United, we'll stand if we want!

By Chris Bennett Chris has been a season ticket holder for two years and a regular matchday goer for eight. His favourite former players are Eric Cantona and Denis Irwin. Although his favourite current player is Paul

Scholes he is, in his own words, developing a man-crush on Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.

The Stretford End, officially named the West Stand, has long been known as United’s premier area on matchday. Here, two season

ticket holders discuss their recent experiences.

By Will Davenport Will is 24 and been going to Old Trafford for ten years, however this is his first as a Season Ticket holder.

Despite being from the Wirral, on Merseyside, his whole family are United fans and his uncle, Peter Davenport,

played for the club from 1985-89.

I’m not going to lie. That really hurt. A fantas-tic day spoilt by a lapse in concentration. It just didn’t seem fair yet we got what we deserved. The Wembley Manchester Derby Experience was an odd one to say the least. Driving down to London, it was astonishing to see the amount of coaches travelling both United and City fans, even more astonishing to see a car with a Unit-ed AND a City scarf hanging out the window! As for the game itself, I’m still at a loss as to why we simply never came out for the second half. The momentum that you usually feel when we’re attacking and chasing a game just wasn’t there. It all felt a bit flat really. Walking away from the stadium, it was hilarious to find nu-merous City fans taunting us with “You can shove your treble up your arse!” True, we can, but at least we’ve won one you bitter bastards.

So the unlikely treble dream may be dead but we’re still fighting on all fronts. By the time this goes to print, we will be in the middle of our Champions League semi-final with Schalke. Everything is set for a memorable night at Old Trafford as we look to book our place in our 3rd European final in four years; a simply incredi-ble achievement if we can pull it off. Make no mistake, what we are on the brink of achieving doesn’t happen often and it’s even more special considering we have been written off all year by pundits, journalists and opposing support-ers. It’s hard to blame them for writing us off though. Who would have thought we’d be here after dropping points at Fulham & Everton, blowing a two goal lead at home to West Brom and going through the Wayne Rooney saga?

Speaking of Rooney, how good has he been lately? His hat-trick at West Ham was season-defining in the same way that Macheda (v Aston Villa), Hargreaves (v Arsenal) & Kettleneck (v Blackburn) were in previous title-winning cam-paigns. My friends & I often talk about those moments. Moments which feel absolutely huge and make you feel unbeatable. Here’s to a cou-ple of them in the upcoming games against Arsenal & Chelsea.

Enough has been written about Wazza’s goal celebration at Upton Park and subsequent two match ban by the Football Association. It was a mind-boggling decision and had more than an air of skulduggery about it. All of these things will just make any success we have this season all the sweeter. The same can be said about losing to the bitters. While I love the FA Cup and value it highly as a trophy, it would pale into insignificance if we can get to #19 and make it back to Wembley at the end of May. For this team to do that would surely rank as one of Fergie’s greatest achievements. The atmosphere against Chelsea was brilliant. We need to keep that level of noise up for the remainder of the season, home and away to help the lads finish the job. It feels like we’re on the verge of something special and I think that’s why the anti-Glazer chants have quietened down somewhat. Everybody seems to be focus-ing on the team and what they can achieve. I think this is a good thing. I also believe this kind of support is down to the “them versus us” atti-tude that United have created. We’re all rallying around the lads and showing that nobody is going to stop us winning this title. So Martin Atkinson, David Bernstein, Man-chester City; enjoy your moments in the spot-light. It won’t last. We’re Man United. And we’ll never die.

On 22nd May George Best would have been 65 years old. Many argue he was United’s greatest ever player. Sadly most of us who work on this magazine were not fortunate enough to witness him play first hand.

Rachel has written a moving tribute to the Northern Irish winger.

Simply The Best

“I think I’ve found you a genius,” Manchester United scout Bob Bishop’s telegram pro-claimed to United manager Sir Matt Busby when he discovered George Best at the age of just 15 in Belfast. He wasn’t wrong. The wing wizard was phenomenal with the ball at his feet and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best ever footballers. He could beat players, score goals and use both feet in a way that few, if anyone else, could. Republic of Ireland and Leeds midfielder Johnny Giles described Best as “the most naturally gifted player I have ever seen. He had the lot: balance, pace, two good feet, he was brave, strong and a good header of the ball. Pele wasn’t as gifted as George Best and I would definitely put George above Johan Cruyff because he had more heart.” Best would have been 65 on the 22nd of the this month if he hadn’t unfortunately passed away on the 25th of November 2005 due to multiple organ failure in relation to his ongo-ing alcohol problems. To celebrate the birth-day of a United legend I have taken some time to have a look into his life.

Best grew up in Cregagh, Belfast. His local club Glentoran had deemed him too small and light to become a footballer but Manchester United thought differently. He was given a trial and signed up before making his debut for the club in September 1963 at the age of 17 against West Brom. He got his first goal for the club in his second game in December of that year against Burnley. The youngster went on to make 26 appearances for the club that season, scoring six goals. United were howev-er pipped to the league by Liverpool, but would win the title in Best’s second season which ended in 1965. He played 59 games that season, scoring 14 goals, 10 of which came in the league. He won the league again with Unit-ed in 1967. That season he made 45 appear-ances, scoring 10 goals, all of which came in the league. He scored over 20 goals in each of the next five seasons for the club.

The season he really shone was however 1967-68. United failed to win the league but Best made 53 appearances and scored an impressive 32 goals. That season United be-came the first English team to win the Europe-an Cup with a 4-1 victory against Benfica. The game entered extra time with the team’s level at 1-1. Best then scored United’s second be-fore they added two more. His pace saw him

beat the last defender before he took the ball around the keeper to slot home. A goal worthy of winning any cup final. That year he was voted European Footballer of the Year and the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year. The victory was particularly special for the club having come just ten years after the Munich air crash tragedy that had killed eight of Sir Matt Busby’s brilliant young team. Denis Law, another United legend, who played alongside Best has stated of the Irishman “from 1964 to 1969 he was the best player in the country.” He was the club’s top scorer for six consecutive seasons and was the top scorer in the league for the 1967-1968 season. Sir Bobby Charlton, who also played with Best has said “anyone who witnessed what George could do on the pitch wished they could do the same. He was on a par, at least, with anyone you can name.” It’s been said that they have a saying in Northern Ireland “Maradona good. Pele better. George Best.” Even Pele himself named George Best as the greatest player in the world. Sir Matt Busby also once said “he was able to use either foot, sometimes he seemed to have six.” You don’t get much bigger praise from such great names in the football world.

Best quit United in 1974, aged just 27. He had made 470 appearances for the club and scored 179 goals over the 11 seasons he had been there. He spent the rest of his career at various different clubs including teams from South Africa, Ireland, USA, Scotland and Aus-tralia. In England he had brief spells at Ful-ham, Bournemouth and Stockport. He also scored nine goals for the Northern Ireland national team from 37 appearances. Best has

OH HOW I MISS GEORGIE BEST By John White

Well young Georgie was living in Burren Way on the south side of Castlereagh, And the folks around there thought for football he was an awesome sight, One day that skinny kid will make it I heard someone say, Coz he’s out kickin’ ball against the gable wall halfway through the night. And his teacher thought he was crazy as he described his lunchtime lob, For Georgie knew it was gonna be the same old line or two, Georgie do this and Georgie do that or you’ll never get a job, The words were different but they still did not get through. One day this man approached him, said son Bob Bishop is my name, I’ve been watching you play, you’re the best boy in the side, So I’d like you to travel to Old Trafford and have yourself a game, And Georgie asked him if his mate Eric could go along for the ride. All the world loved Georgie Best, for he was the Belfast boy, Men, women and children, of Georgie they were in awe, And when he played for United, Georgie gave the fans so much joy, Coz he played alongside the greats, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law. Bob Bishop thought he could make it and that’s good enough for me, So United watch out coz the Belfast boy’s comin’ to town, Matt Busby said when they got there someone would pick them up at three, But all Georgie could think of is don’t let the family down. It was hard when the two boys got there, all they had was one another, And after only a few weeks, Georgie and Eric grew homesick, Lying alone in bed at night Georgie longed to be with his mother, When he left Manchester some said there goes a kid whose only got one trick. But Matt Busby called his dad and said Georgie could make it in the side, He said your son is a genius, and I’ll make sure he’s just fine, So Georgie went back, and his mum and dad were full of pride, Don’t worry said Georgie you’ll see, I’ll make it this time. But now George is no longer with us, for he’s playing in heaven’s team, As he skips through the clouds putting defenders to the test, Georgie’s playing with the greats, every schoolboy’s dream, Oh, how I miss Georgie Best.

many memorable goals, arguably none more signifi-cant than the one in the European Cup final. One of his greatest goals was for American side San Jose Earthquakes in 1981 against Fort Lauderdale Strik-ers, intricately weaving his way through a multi-tude of defenders in the box before netting. Most impressive of all, Best also managed the quite astonishing achievement of netting six goals in one game for United against Northampton Town in the 1970 FA Cup fifth round. The football world was rocked when Best died, even if it wasn’t a huge shock. His difficulties with alcohol had gone on a long time, ultimately leading to his death. It had impacted his career as well as his personal life. Denis Law said “It’s sad as hell but I don’t think we saw the best of him. He went on the blink at a time when he could have got even better.” Alex Ferguson also paid tribute to him explaining “he was a fantastic player. Everybody at United re-garded George as being one of the greatest of all time. It’s very sad because he was a wonderful per-son, who was very likeable.” Sir Bobby Charlton stated after he died “he made an immense contribu-tion to the game, and enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play. It is a very sad day.” Only being 25 myself, I obviously wasn’t around when George Best was playing. I asked my dad, a lifelong United fan, if George Best was really as good as they say and he simply replied “absolutely.” I guess we will never know how much more Best could have achieved if his career hadn’t gone into decline following his departure from United. He lived a flamboyant lifestyle that led to his alcohol-ism which was always going to impact on his ability to remain a top player. I’m not however here to criticise the mistakes he made in his life but to acknowledge and celebrate his ability and success at United. He might not have won the most trophies of all United’s players but he is a massive part of our clubs history and had a hand in helping the team back to the top. A fantastic, exciting footballer who lived life to the full. Happy birthday George, a genius with a football, the very best.

Over the years there have been a number of players who we hoped would sign for our club. Some of them have come pretty close, some agonisingly so,

but for a variety of reasons it was not to be. Here Steph takes a look at a selection of footballers who could have so easily been donning the famous

red shirt of Manchester United and plying their trade at Old Trafford.

Ronaldinho There is no more logical place to start than with the Brazilian who, at the time, was set to become one of the best players on the planet. In 2003 French side, PSG, finished a lowly 11th position in Ligue 1 thus failing to qualify for European competitions. Ronaldi-nho, understandably, declared he wanted to leave the club. United had been linked with the player for some time and no more so than during the summer of 2003, having just sold David Beckham to Real Madrid. Unit-ed faced stiff competition from Spanish giants, Barce-lona, who has just appointed Jan Laporta as the club president. Lapora brought in Brazilian Sandro Rosell to the Barca board. Rosell had previously been Nike’s representative in Brazil and made a number of signifi-cant contacts including Ronaldinho and his agent brother. When both United and Barca made their interest known in Ronaldinho PSG officials had both Rosell and United Chief-Executive, Peter Kenyon, at neighbouring hotels in Lyon (unbeknown to one another). PSG officials, quite literally, walked between the two hotels as the clubs continued to outbid one another. The price found its way up to €30m (£20m) before Rosell pulled out of the running. Kenyon soon met the asking price and he returned to Manchester on the premise that the deal was done. A few days later PSG received United’s official offer from Kenyon via fax, stating €28m as opposed to the originally agreed fee. Francis Graille, PSG President, wasn’t impressed with Kenyon and offered Ronaldinho to Barca for their offer of €27m. Kenyon called Graille directly and made a last ditch offer of €30m however he Frenchman felt insulted by Kenyon and refused his offer. The Manchester United squad were on a plane to America at the time for a pre-season tour and they believed that the transfer was almost finalised. By the time they landed they discovered Ronaldinho was due to sign for Barca. Ferguson was furious at Kenyon and the latter moved to Chelsea two months later. We can all wonder what Ronaldinho might have achieved

with United but it wasn’t all doom and gloom…instead of signing the Brazilian United moved for a different player, a Portuguese teenager, you may remember him – Cristiano Ronaldo.

Michael Essien

Maybe not the most obvious but Essien actually had a trial at United as a teenager. In 2000, 17 year old Essien, travelled to Manchester for a week’s trial in which he trained with the youth side. A move never materialised due to issues with Essien’s work permit and instead the player moved to French side, Bastia, before transferring to Lyon. As we all know Essien is now employed by United’s rivals Chelsea, following his £24.4m transfer in 2005. Of his time at United, Essien says: "I remember being there and thinking 'Wow, this is the biggest club in the world’.”

Page 31

Do you collect Manchester United programmes & memorabilia?

Then why not join the Manchester United Collectors Club?

You will receive six, 20 page newsletters per year covering every type of

memorabilia.

For further details send a SAE to -

IAIN MCCARTNEY, 7 CARTHA ROAD, LOCHVALE, DUMFRIES DG1 4JB or email: [email protected]".

Paul Gascoigne Perhaps the biggest what if? Not just for what Gazza could have achieved on the pitch had he joined United but what may or may not have happened to him off it. By 1988 Gazza was looking to move from Newcastle United, where he had begun his career. Both United and Spurs has put offers in for the player and Gazza had told Ferguson he would joined United. Ferguson went on holiday safe in the knowledge that Gazza would be a United player for the start of the 1988-89 campaign. However he was soon met with the news that the midfielder has signed for Spurs after the London side had offered to purchase a house for Gaz-za’s family. Gazza sought a move to Old Trafford in 1995 when he was playing for Lazio however by this point Fergie wasn’t interested. Both Gascoigne and Ferguson have since talked of their regret at not forming a football partnership.

Alan Shearer

Shearer was first linked with United in 1991, when he was still playing at Southampton however the for-ward vowed to remain at the club for the season. United moved for the player again the following sum-mer, however were outbid by Blackburn Rovers, who paid £3.3m for him. United tried to sign Shearer once more in 1996 following his impressive display at the European Championships. Newcastle were also in the frame and Blackburn accepted bids from both clubs. It is thought that Shearer was set to move to Man-chester however Keegan persuaded the striker to sign for the Magpies following an 11th hour plea. Shearer has since revealed that he would have moved to Unit-ed first time around whilst as Southampton but they took too long to get the deal done. “There was inter-est from Manchester United, but I was told I had to wait three or four weeks for them to get the money together. I felt if they really wanted me then they would come and get me immediately.”

Zinedine Zidane Admittedly United weren’t actually close to ever sign-ing the greatest footballer of his era but Eric Cantona revealed that Fergie did have the opportunity to sign the Frenchman in 1996. Cantona recommended Zidane to United officials in 1996, prior to his move to Juventus. “Yes he was in Bordeaux, he was young, he was free and I recommended him of course. They went to see him in a few games and maybe he wasn’t in his best form. I think so because Ferguson knows football perfectly.”

Page 32

April form: WWWWLDWW 10 points taken from a possible 12 in the Premier League

A trip to Wembley And one step in the door of the Champions League final

Rachel takes a look at United’s performances in April

02/04/2011 West Ham (A) - Premier League – 4v2 - win Goals - Rooney (65, 73 and 79) Hernandez (84) Attendance - 34, 546 Two first half penalties saw West Ham take the lead at Upton Park. Noble tucked both away to give United an uphill struggle for points. Vidic was also fortunate to escape a red card. Rooney however gave United hope 25 minutes from time, converting a free kick from just outside the box. He then scored again to bring United level. A great touch in the box saw him take the ball away from the West Ham defenders before he hit a powerful shot into the goal. Rooney then completed his hatrick and United’s comeback with a penalty. Hernandez scored with 6 minutes remain-ing to top off a glorious turn around from the reds.

06/04/2011 Chelsea (A) - Champions League quarter final 1st leg - 1v0 - win Goals - Rooney (24) Attendance - 37,915 United took a precious one goal lead into the second leg courtesy of a very much in form Wayne Rooney. The goal was brilliantly worked, with Carrick finding Giggs with a pinpoint long pass out to the left wing. Giggs took a won-derful first touch which saw him beat Bosingwa. He then played a perfectly weighted ball into Rooney who stroked the ball past Cech and into the goal with his first touch. Chelsea had their own chances with Drogba hitting the post, Evra having to clear off the line from Lampard and Van Der Sar making a great save from Torres. Chelsea could also have had a penalty late on. United however more than matched Chelsea throughout and defended very well, par-ticularly with Ferdinand back.

09/04/2011 Fulham (H) - Premier league - 2v0 - win Goals - Berbatov (12) and Valencia (32) Attendance - 75,339 United made 8 changes to the team that faced Chelsea 3 days before this game with Rooney serving the first game of his two match ban. The changes didn’t however stop them taking the lead 12 minutes into the game through Berbatov. Nani assisted the Bulgarians 22nd goal of the season having initially beaten two players himself, although there was certainly a hint of offside. Valencia doubled United’s lead

before half time with a close range header following a de-flected Nani cross. Fulham improved in the second half but United finished the game comfortably extending their lead at the top to 10 points.

12/04/2011 Chelsea (H) - Champions League quarter final 2nd leg - 2v1 - win Goals - Hernandez (43) and Park (77) Attendance - 75,000 United had a goal disallowed for offside before Hernandez gave United a lead on the night just before the interval. John O’Shea played a great pass to Giggs on the right wing who broke into the box and played an inviting ball across the goal for Hernandez to smash in from close range. Ramires was sent off in the second half for his second bookable offence, making Chelsea’s fight back even harder. The ten men did however find an equaliser through Drogba who had come on at half time for the ineffective Torres. Chelsea had barely finished celebrating when United scored again to all but end the tie. Giggs found Park who slotted the ball past Cech to book United’s place in the semi finals.

16/04/2011 Man City (N) - FA Cup - 0v1 - defeat Attendance - 86,549 United started the game the brighter with Joe Hart making a great stop from a Berbatov shot following some slick United passing. Berbatov then fired over the bar from point blank

range. City improved as the half went on, creating chances of their own with Balotelli testing Van Der Sar from distance. Neither team could however break the deadlock in the first half. A mistake from Van Der Sar then Carrick led to City however taking the lead early in the second half. Yaya Toure took advantage, stealing the ball before slotting it between Van Der Sars legs and in. City pushed hard for a second before Hart pushed a Nani free kick onto the bar. Paul Scholes was then sent off with 20 minutes to go making United’s task even more difficult. United unfortunately could not find an equaliser with their ten men.

19/04/2011 Newcastle (A) - Premier League – 0v0 - draw Attendance - 49,025 United started well with Tim Krul making a good save from a close range Hernandez shot following a nice ball over the top for Rooney to cross. Newcastle then showed some attacking threat, creating some good chances in an open start to the game which was dominated by Newcastle. United continued to look off the pace, giving the ball away too easily and creat-ing very little. The first half ended goalless. United improved in the second half and Giggs should have put them ahead with 20 minutes to go. Both teams had penalty shouts, with Hernandez harshly booked for diving in stoppage time. Neither team could find a breakthrough with a draw a fair result given how well both had defended. The draw took United 7 points clear of Arsenal having played a game more.

23/04/2011 Everton (H) - Premier League - 1v0 - win Goals - Hernandez (83) Attendance - 75,300 United rested some key figures in preparation for the up-coming Champions League game but still dominated the first half. They had lots of possession but continued to fall short in the final third. This was a combination of good defending from Everton and poor final balls from United. Everton chances were few and far between and it did feel like they had come to Old Trafford for a draw. With less than ten minutes to go it looked like United were going to draw a blank for a third game running despite hitting the post and Howard making some good stops. With 83 minutes played however, Valencia whipped in a cross to the back post which was brilliantly headed in by Hernandez. It was the Mexicans 19th goal of the season and what a crucial goal it could prove to be. United played out the last few minutes without con-ceding, taking them one step closer to the league title.

26/04/2011 Schalke - (A) - Champions League semi final first leg - 2v0 - win Goals - Giggs (67) and Rooney (69) Attendance - 54,000 United completely dominated the first half of the game, creating chance after chance. Unfortunately Schalke keeper Neuer was in excellent form, keeping out Rooney, Park, Hernandez and Giggs on more than one occasion. United were somewhat wasteful as well, missing chances that could have given them a vital away goal. Schalke had a few chances of their own but none really tested Van Der Sar. The second half saw more great saves from Neuer as well as Giggs

missing a great chance when free in the box. Hernandez did get the ball in the net early in the second half but it was deemed offside. Finally, after more pressure, United took the lead through Giggs. He ran onto a delightful Rooney through ball and scored past Neuer. Rooney then doubled the lead barely 2 minutes later. Hernandez passed to Rooney who calmly slid the ball into the goal. Evra almost made it 3 late on but United finished with a two goal advantage to take back to Old Trafford in the second leg.

Player of the month The fan vote was a close one this month with Rooney and Hernandez getting 25% of the votes each. Giggs however won the poll with 29%. He has been sensational this month as he has been all his career. He became the oldest player to ever score in the Champions League with the crucial first goal against Schalke. He has also been involved in a large portion of Uniteds other goals this month. He assisted Her-nandez’s goal against West Ham in the league and even more importantly all three Champions League goals against Chel-sea in the quarter final. Not bad for a 37 year old. No one would deserve some silverware this season more than Unit-ed’s most loyal servant. Although I expect he is running out of room for all his medals. He is irreplaceable.

Goal of the month Rooney’s second goal against West Ham and Giggs’ goal against Schalke received 16% of the fan vote each this month, but Rooney’s goal against Chelsea was deemed goal of the month with 35%. The goal was not just beautifully worked but it also gave United a crucial away goal in the tie which we know can be so important at this stage of the Champions League. It also won the game which showed we can win at Stamford Bridge again. Carrick, who has taken a fair bit of stick this season, played a great ball out to Giggs on the wing. The Welsh wizard then took a wonderful first touch to take the ball beyond Bosingwa. His pass in the box was then perfectly placed for Rooney to stroke home.

Having already faced Chelsea three times in the space of six weeks during March and April, United are gearing up to a climatic Premier League

finale facing the reigning Champions on the 8th May. The Chelsea Blog gives us an insight into life as a Chelsea fan plus why the Torres bashers

need to lay off him.

We have to start with the Champions League, what did you make of the two legs? I think it would have been nice if we’d played for more than half an hour over the two legs. In a weird way though, losing the first leg made it easier to take when we went out because I’d more or less accepted that was how it would go. Chelsea have been afforded quite a bit of luck against Unit-ed in recent games prior to the European matches, would you agree with that? If I have my arguing head on, I might go for the ‘black is white’ approach to that but yeah, it’s fair to say we’ve had a few be-nevolent refs. I’m one of those fans who think these things do tend to even themselves out though and whilst the oppor-tunity to come away from the first leg with a 1-1 might have made that difference for us in the Champions League, we probably did owe you a decision.

It's been an up and down sea-son for Chelsea, you started so well, what instigated the col-lapse in November? Most supporters would point to Ray Wilkins’ departure and whilst that definitely had an effect, I think there’s been sever-al contributing factors. We’d had a clear out in the summer and left ourselves without enough depth, so injuries to key players had a greater impact. That clear out probably should have started a couple of years earlier, with say, just a couple going at a time over a longer period, giving us more time to phase new players in. As it is, we’ll probably be facing the same situation again at the end of this season because age again, has been a factor this season. What position would you be pleased to finish in now? The ideal now would be second but realistically, I’d have to be happy with third. Looking at your current crop of players, where do you think

Chelsea need to invest in over the summer? Width is a problem for us in that we don’t have any and obviously we need to look at players like Drogba, Malouda, Lampard, Anelka, Ferreira, amongst oth-ers. That’s not to say we need to buy a new player to replace each one because we have players like Sturridge, Borini, McEachran, Kakuta, etc we should be consid-ering for places. Cover for Cech is a must though. Fernando Torres - discuss... Isn’t he the Spanish defender you fielded in Europe? Joking aside, clearly it’s not going his way yet but the service he gets is

questionable. Most of our play-ers are pretty poor on a regular basis and have been since he arrived, so the bloke hasn’t had much to go on to be fair and he hasn’t exactly had luck on his side either. I’m confident he’ll come into his own again next season. What are your feelings to-wards Roman Abramovich at present? They haven’t changed. Whether he really does get over-involved or not, only him and the manag-ers know but when you spend so much of your own money on something, is sitting back and just looking at it without touch-ing enough? That doesn’t mean I agree with it, or think it’s in our best interests but am I going to start slating the man who saved us on the eve of obscurity? Would you agree with what Fergie said about Chelsea be-ing obsessed with winning Europe? Yes and no. I mean, we hear so much about Roman’s ‘obsession’ yet the man never speaks so it’s all assumption but the flip side I guess is that having invested so much of his money and repeat-edly missed out in Europe, it’s bound to frustrate Roman – and therefore, the club. Seven managers during his tenure, surely Chelsea just need a little stability? Nice idea, won’t hold my breath though. In your opinion, should Carlo Ancelotti remain at the club next season? That’s probably the hardest question you’ve asked. On the one hand, I wasn’t his greatest fan when he came but fair play to him he brought us the double, so he got something right. Having

said that, I’ve often wondered just how big a part having Wil-kins around contributed to Ance-lotti’s initial success. I have real issues with our manager’s re-volving door though and whilst I’m not convinced he’s the right manager for us, I’m also not convinced there’d be anyone better available right now either. Who do you think will be Chel-sea's main rivals next season? Obviously United because unless Arsenal do get investors in and Wenger out, I can’t see anything changing for them. Liverpool – I don’t care whether Dalglish is there or not, I still don’t see them as serious challengers - he’s a bottler anyway, the slightest sign of a crisis and he’ll bail. As for City, it really does take more than just money thrown at a club (as we know from experience) and Mancini isn’t special enough. Moving onto the rivalry, it's certainly more based on the fact both clubs are challenging for honours rather than pure, would you agree with that? I’m not sure everyone would agree – our inheritance has nev-er helped – but yeah, I think it’s about honours. To be honest, there’s loads I’d say I hate about United although the truth is probably that it’s more jealousy than hatred. What have been your high and low points as a Chelsea fan? How long have you got? Lows have to be relegations and it goes without saying promotions counteract that. More recently though, Mourinho’s first title has to be up there with the highs and of course, Avram Grant’s ap-pointment sums up the lows perfectly. And what about your best and worst moments from Chelsea/

United matches? I’d have to say taking an unbeat-en run off you with a 5-0 win was pretty satisfying, as for the worst, well let’s just say the idea of JT taking penalties still gives me nightmares. Taking away from your feel-ings about United as a rival, what do you think of the club? Are you trying to get me lynched? Ok, as a club I have a lot of respect for United. You don’t get to be as successful as United without getting stuff right and that’s something United do con-sistently. Whether it’s quietly bringing in unknown players and turning them into household names, keeping their players grounded or just keeping their players! Obviously the Glazers have been a thorn in United’s side but Fergie’s been left alone to do his job for like 90 years or something and it’s been to the club’s benefit. As for the support-ers, hmmm, ‘not arrogant just better’ right? Enough said. United won at the Bridge for the first time in 2002 last month, what is it about that fixture that Chelsea have dom-inated for so long? Sheer bloody-mindedness prob-ably! I don’t know, for a long time we had the mentality for it, the fire in our bellies especially against United. We’ve lost that

this season.

You can win one trophy next year - which one? One? Well that’d be a bonus in itself. Obviously the Champions League would be a dream but I’d love the Premier League. Predictions for the Old Traf-ford match? Oh, I think since it’s the league, it’s fair to predict a shit ref – I just hope he’s on our side again.

You can visit the Chelsea Blog should you so desire at:

www.thechelseablog.org Or follow on Twitter for some good,

old fashioned football banter @TheChelseaBlog

When Manchester United’s home shirt for next season was leaked on the internet last month we invited the fans to vote on whether or not they liked it and we can now reveal the results based on the 234 fans who took part:

58% of you LIKED the shirt. 42% of you DISLIKED the shirt.

Despite the results most fans were in unison when stating they wouldn't be purchasing the new shirt as a protest to our owners. Many fans were also unimpressed that Unit-ed were to release a new home shirt three seasons running. Money matters, remember!

OldTrafford Book is the first football social networking site in history. They are a non-profit organisation who hope to bring together Manchester United fans from all across the world.

www.oldtraffordbook.com

Follow them on Twitter @OldTraffordBook

Page 37

One of the most frequent questions I get asked is “what was it like to be a professional footballer?” When supporters peer into the goldfish bowl, the lifestyle appears to be fantastic, the rewards seem immense and the adulation phenomenal. If we are to delve deeper, however, I can categorically state the professional footballer’s life is a tough one, where, for the majority of time, expectations and pressures are huge. To counteract this most people would cite “but they are paid so well.” Very true, however what we seem to forget that these modern day gladiators are flesh and blood like you and I, where similar emotions and feelings are primary factors of their daily existence. To cope with the constant performance expectations and public exposure, the mental skill sets of a modern day player need to be high functioning. There are many issues to be overcome that supporters seem to forget, or bypass. A few of these in the modern climate are de-selection, strained rela-tionships with the manager or coaching team, motivation problems, arrival from another club and confidence. These are faced on a consistent basis by the majority professional footballers. In dealing with the concepts noted above, a player needs to be exceptionally mentally strong and committed to a cause. People often speak about differing club cultures, philosophies and aims. The goal at Manchester United is a simple one! Win, win, and win! In this respect, I believe Sir Alex Ferguson has a very fixed idea of what constitutes a player. If you have a winning mentality, you are ok. If your winning mentality dips, or you don’t demonstrate what he is looking for, you are quickly discarded! To consistently operate under these de-mands, your mental toughness needs to be well established. For me, the most prominent identity of our football club is the ability to dig deep and find extra when required. Factors like this are not always associated with common mental themes within text books, such as imagery, decision making and motivation e.g. but deeper concepts such as sprit, cour-age, character and belief. In reflection, this is how much of our success has been fostered since Sir Alex Ferguson came to the helm in 1986. Sure, it is important to have high func-tioning psychological skills, but the resolve and never die attitude is a unique part of the recipe that separates “us” from the rest. This demand to be mentally tough and dig deep, performing at your maximum levels, week in, week out over a season is huge at our club. Some players I have encountered seem to

ooze confidence; however this is not the case for the majority. Confidence, many people cite is “everything” however this can be greatly affected by results, negative media coverage and the criticism of supporters. Often, I have observed play-ers that sometimes believe their own press and start thinking they are better than they are. One of the key principles of Sir Alex Ferguson’s psychological methodology has been to keep everyone grounded and make sure that results are treated with caution. As many players will tell you, winning runs can just as quickly turn into losing runs, if attitudes and psycho-logical approaches to games are not taken seriously. The regular working domain (i.e. the training ground) can be a brutal and harsh environment. It has been well docu-mented that a football dressing room is full of ridicule and mickey-taking, affectionately known as “banter.” Quite often apprentices are subjected to acts that cause embarrassment or things which take you out of your comfort zone (e.g. sing-ing or telling jokes in front of first team players). I guess to overcome this is to demonstrate a mental toughness in a way. Only later on have I fully understood the rationale behind doing it. If you struggle with things like this, how are you going to cope at Anfield or Stamford Bridge, where abuse and personal attacks are buoyant? In conclusion, the psychological approaches to playing football are often the most overlooked. For me, it is the most important fundamental aspect of elite sport. If your mindset isn’t right, your performance will ultimately suffer. From research I have conducted, it is not necessarily typical psy-chological skills however, that may separate the elite from the average. Cognitive skills at the top level, such as imagery e.g. are high functioning and are readily being employed. Sport psychologists need to be aware of this. This leads me to suggest whether our culture somehow develops mental artillery that somehow other clubs don’t develop. This is the artillery of digging deep, overcoming adversity, showing character, demonstrating mental toughness and ultimately having a deep rooted belief to win football matches, even when odds are stacked against you. As my old youth coach Eric Harrison used to tell us, “what is there to be frightened of, we are Manchester United.”

Former United player, Alan Tonge, offers an insight into the psychological demands of a professional footballer.

Alan signed for the club in 1988 and turned professional in 1990. He made his professional debut in a friendly against Histon. Alan moved to Exeter City in 1991 before having to

retire from the game in 1994 after a serious back injury. He is now a Sports Lectuer in Manchester. You can follow Alan on

Twitter @alan_tonge

Ryan Giggs & Alan

After an improved April, Alex has returned for the final time this season to cast his predictions over our matches in May. If they come right we’ll all be smiling by the end of

the month and celebrating our 19th league title!

Sunday 1st May – Arsenal (Away) This is a massive game for both sides. Arsenal will know that this will provide them with the perfect op-portunity to stall any title momen-tum that United have, and also give the Gunners a huge boost of confidence going into the last three league games of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson has had the upper hand over his old sparing partner, Wenger, over the last couple of years and it probably wouldn’t surprise many if that run continued. Arse-nal’s form at the Emirates this season has been poor by their standards. Their quest for ‘the perfect goal’ can be breath-taking and frustrating in equal measures. The Liverpool equaliser in ‘Fergie time’ (and some) is a perfect example. Fergie will no doubt place Rooney up front flanked by Nani and Valencia, with Park in the mix as he always performs well against the bigger teams. Prediction – A draw would be enough but I’m going

for United 2-1

Wednesday 4th May – Schalke 04 (Home) When the draw for the Quarter and Semi Finals for the Champions League were made I, like many others, hoped that United would draw Schalke. Languishing mid table in the German top division, it seemed like a no brainer. When they were drawn against Inter, it seems logical that a trip to Milan would surely be on the cards. Cue an incredible night in the San Siro, where Schalke were a goal down within 3 minutes but finished the night 5-2 winners, against the reigning champions. 5 away goals, stunning. From that point Inter were out. Schalke have a good team, with some very good players. Klass Jan Huntelaar seems to have settled down after his disappointing shows at Real Madrid and Milan. Keeper Manuel Neuer has been linked with a move to United for some time. But for me, the player that stands out the most is Raul. 135 European matches, 70 European goals, the guy is a legend. Prediction – United to run out comfortable winners 3-1 on the night and progress to the final.

Sunday 8th May – Chelsea (Home) Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League by a very impres-sive United display and will surely by looking to have a better showing in this league encounter. The last few league matches between these two sides have often ended in some form of controversy, mostly swaying the games in Chelsea’s favour. With the potential for so much to be riding on this game, United will be looking to continue their fine form and capture a priceless win over the reigning Premier League champions. There is also the added thought that Fernando Torres may not yet have scored for Chelsea, and the Old Trafford fans are sure to make it an interesting occasion for him. Prediction – A point a piece in this encounter, 1-1

Saturday 14th May – Blackburn (Away) Blackburn have had a rather topsy turvy season. A high profile takeo-ver, the sacking of Sam Allardyce, the appointment of Steve Kean as his successor, the countless high profile names they were linked with in the winter transfer window, and yet they still manage to put in a performance every now and then as well. The emergence of David ‘junior’ Hoilett has been a huge plus for the Rovers faithful. The young Canadian has arguably been Rover’s best player in 2011 and is a potent threat down the wings. The problem they have is they no longer have the Shearer/Sutton style front line that guarantees them goals. This would explain why they have been dragged into the relegation battle this season. United should be too strong for them though, as they search for the points to secure title number 19.

Sunday 22nd May – Blackpool (Home) Blackpool’s first season in the Premier League has been a rollercoaster one to say the least. Flying high early in the season, Ian Holloway’s men have come crashing down to reality as the season has progressed, and are now fighting for survival. Should they go down, they will be fondly remembered as a team that play very attractive football. United fans will have a fond-ness for them as they did the double over Liverpool this season. Charlie Adam has been their outstanding player and there will be a lot of interested parties in him during the summer, potentially even United. Fergie lavished glowing praise on him after United’s 3-2 win earlier in the season. I think this will be party time at Old Trafford for United, but Blackpool may still need to get something from the match, so it makes for an inter-esting last day fixture.

Saturday 28th May – Champions League Final (Wembley) I have predicted that United will reach the final of the Champions League, but we won’t know this until the start of May, and obviously we won’t know the opponents either. Personally, I would love for Real Madrid to reach the final to give us an opportunity to face Ronaldo. He has been a fantastic player for Real, but I personally believe he was better at United. If Barcelona make it through, then we have the opportunity to avenge the 2009 defeat when United really didn’t perform. Prediction – Can United win it? YES. Will United win it? This is one prediction I will not tempt fate with. Fingers crossed everyone!!

You can follow Alex @aquelious

Set your place at the podcast table as the FU team spoon feed you a bellyful of mouthwatering United issues served

up with a soupcon of wider debates.

What's with the Delia reference you ask? It's one of our secret ingredients...tune in weekly for discussions to get

your teeth into.

www.football-united-blogs.com

http://twitter.com/#!/aquelious

Which player did Manchester United sign from Liverpool, and then after making his first team debut, had to wait a more than six years before he played in the first team again? It is a trivia question that is often asked during football quizzes and for the most part, has Manchester United fans scratching their heads in bewilderment. Allenby Chilton was born on 16th September 1918 in the Sunderland suburb of South Hylton. Like most kids, Allenby’s energies were spent on the sporting front. Sprinting, boxing and playing football. As he grew his abilities in the boxing ring and out on the foot-ball pitch improved significantly. On the football front he began playing at centre half for Ford School as a nine year-old. By the time that he was four-teen he was deemed to good enough to represent the Sunderland Boys team – but not at centre half. As Allenby re-called in an interview with Charles Buchan’s Football Monthly magazine in April 1955: “The centre half berth was more than adequately covered, but I was considered worthy of inclusion in anoth-er defensive position – full-back. In the Sunderland Boys team at that time, about eight of us were actually centre-halves with our schools teams. As dis-placed centre-halves, we were lucky to step into positions where there hap-pened to be a shortage of talent.” On reaching the age of sixteen, Chilton moved to the Seaham Colliery club and they played in the tough Wearside League. It was a league littered with ex-professional players and it was here that he gained invaluable experience

playing against, and alongside, many of these players who had years of experience playing in the Football League. His game improved and progressed immensely and it wasn’t long before he was the Colliery’s first choice centre half. It was also no coincidence that scouts from the Football League clubs were noticed watching Seaham’s games. It seems strange that given the abundance of top class clubs in the North East, his club would arrange for him to have trials at Liverpool. It has been said in the past that Liver-pool actually turned him down but that is far from the truth. He did play as an amateur in the Liverpool ‘A’ team but at that particular time he was certainly not enthusiastic over the prospect of living in the Liverpool area, and was not too inclined to leave his home in the North East. George Kay, who was the then the Liverpool manager, saw what a good prospect the 20 year old Geordie was and tried on several occasions to get Chilton to sign as a professional. After a Central League game at Preston, Kay made one last effort with the young Geordie, but was once again rebuffed. Also watching that game on that day was Manchester United’s assistant manager Louis Rocca. He too saw the potential in the lanky Liverpool centre half. A few days later he made contact with Chilton and talked to him about joining Manches-ter United as a professional. Whatev-er he said did the trick for Chilton agreed to sign for the club if Rocca

could get Liverpool to release him from the amateur forms that he had signed with Liverpool. This was done without any fuss and in November 1938, Allenby Chilton began a career at Old Trafford. Chilton’s Old Trafford career began in the Reserves in the Central League. He was understudy to the first team centre half, George Vose. United cemented their position in the top flight that 1938/39 season by finish-ing in 14th position. However, war clouds were gathering once again throughout Europe and this was a big fear with the British people. On 2nd September 1939, United played against Charlton Athletic at the Valley and Chilton made his first team debut for the club in, United losing 2-0. Sadly, the following day, Great Britain declared war on Germany. The Football League season was abandoned after just three games and the results expunged from the rec-ords. For this reason, appearances made, and goals scored in those three league matches have never contribut-ed to a player’s appearance or goals scored record. For the young 22 years old Chilton, it was to be a little over six years later before he played in a first class match for United again. When the War ended in 1945, he returned to Old Trafford at the age of 27 to continue his football career. The big change he saw upon that return was that Matt Busby had taken over as manager. Totally different than

Some of you may have come across the fantastic work by Tom Clare before. He has written extensively about Manchester United history—the players, the events and much more. Tom has been kind enough to resubmit some of his articles for the magazine and over the coming issues

you’ll find his overview of some of the best captains Manchester United have been fortunate to be led by. Today we’re looking at Allenby Chilton, club captain between 1953-55.

how things had been pre-war, Busby was the first of the “track suit manag-ers” and loved nothing more than to be out on the training ground with his players. He played his first official competitive match since his debut in 1939, on 5th January 1946 at Peel Park, Accrington, in an FA Cup 3rd round match that ended in a 2-2 draw. Slowly but surely the senior players had returned back from the War and there was a more than useful team in the making. Jack Crompton was now in goal, Johnny Carey was at full back, and had also been made the club captain. As the 1946/47 season drew to its climax in May, four teams: United, Wolves, Stoke City and Liverpool, were all in with a shout of winning the Championship. It ended with Liverpool pipping the other three by 1 point on the final day of the season with United finishing runners-up on goal difference. Johnny Morris the former United inside forward used to tell an old story about Allenby Chilton that relates to that part of that particular season. “Because of the poor start, Matt (Busby) called a special meeting with the players one Friday morning. He called us all into the dressing room instead of training and said "We can't go on like this. We've got to sort it out. What are we going to do about it?" So Allen Chilton says to Matt, "You sit in the corner and be quiet, and we'll sort it out." In the team talk, Chilly got onto one or two players - I won't mention names - but he told them, "If I was picking the team, I'd leave you in

t'bath!" Allen was like that. Next day we were playing at Wolves, who were near the top of the league and we beat them 6-2. That's when we knew we had a good side. Of course, Matt got all the credit." The 1948 FA Cup final at Wembley is often described as a classic of a football match. United’s opponents were Blackpool. It was a feast of attacking play from both sides, and that doyen of reporters, Geoffrey Green, remembers it thus: “Blackpool have recognised Chilton as the possible weak link in the Manchester chain. Obviously (he) is going to be ham-mered at every possible moment….” And so it turned out. United were under early pressure. "After only a quarter of an hour, Manchester had their first real shock when Mortensen, gathering a long pass down the mid-dle, swept past Chilton. Mortensen was just clear when a despairing tackle from behind by the centre-half brought him down. The referee.... decided it was inside the penalty area and Shimwell duly shot past Cromp-ton." In fact, photographic evi-denceshows quite clearly that the foul took place well outside the area, the first contact being made in the D, and Mortensen's momentum only taking him over the edge of the area as he fell. Another example of what Busby called Chilton's "shocking luck." Nev-ertheless Chilton, and United, recov-ered to secure a 4-2 victory.

It was Chilton’s first major honour for United. In 1948/49 they finished runners-up to Portsmouth by 5 points, in 1949/50 they finished 4th 3 points behind Portsmouth again, who retained their Champions status, and in 1950/51, were runners up to Arthur Rowe’s Tottenham Hotspur team who finished 4 points in front. It seemed as though they were never destined to win the First Division Championship. Things were starting to happen Old Trafford that were going unnoticed as the new decade started. Busby and Jimmy Murphy had sowed the seeds of a youth plan when they took over the reins at Old Trafford in 1945. By 1950/51, the signs were there that

some of the youngsters were starting to emerge as first team contenders. However, in 1951/52, United were to win the First Division Championship for the first time in 41 years and for only the third time in the Club’s history. Crompton, Carey, Aston, Chilton, Cockburn, Rowley, Pearson and Mitten, were still the mainstay of the team, but players like Roger Byrne, Billy Redman, Don Gibson, Tom McNulty, and Jeff Whitefoot had started to come through. Johnny Berry had been signed from Birming-ham City and Johnnie Downie from Bradford Park Avenue so the team had started to get younger. Chilton’s consistency was unbeliev-able and he made it so difficult for Busby to leave him out of the team. He was an iron man – the epitome of the solid stopper centre half. Waiting in the wings to displace him was a young giant of a Yorkshireman, Mark Jones, a former England schoolboy international. In the autumn of 1953, Stan Pearson had an illness and the club captaincy was passed over to Allenby Chilton. Chilton was a very strong character and a strict disciplinarian. With so much youth and precociousness about, Busby knew that Chilton would keep the young boy’s feet firmly on the ground. Chilton wasn’t averse to using the back of his hand to make a point known. Out on the field, players like himself, Jack Row-ley and Henry Cockburn were able to mind the younger players that were coming through. They made sure that opponents didn’t take liberties with the kids in the team. These three players could see what the future of Manchester United was going to be like, and they did an invaluable job for the manager in that they were able to help school these youngsters in the right way.

Scanlon & Chilton in training, 1954.

For Chilton and Rowley, season 1954/55 was to be their last at Old Trafford as time finally caught up with them. Busby had tremendous replace-ments for them in Mark Jones and David Pegg. Both of them were now ready for regular first team football. On 19th February 1955, United met Man-chester City in an FA Cup fourth-round tie at Maine Road, United lost by 2-0. Chilton was sent off mid-way through the second half of the game for using foul and abusive language towards the referee. Chilton vehemently denied this and said that his words were directed at the City player. For Rowley, it was his last first team game for the club that he had served so well. The following week, United were beaten 2-4 at Wolves, and that game also turned out to be Chilton’s last for United. He would have been suspended after the Wolves game, but Mark Jones came in and it was inevitable that the lovable York-shireman would keep his place from then on. There was a bright new era dawning at Old Trafford. It is amazing to look at Chilton’s record with Manchester United. Not-withstanding the fact that he lost al-most seven years of his career to the War, he still managed to amass some 391 appearances and in a period of 9 years, he missed just 13 games. Chilton was so highly thought of not only by both Matt Busby and Jimmy Murphy, but by fellow team mates and fans alike. After leaving United, Chilton went to Blundell Park as player/manager of Grimsby Town. He retired from playing for Grimsby in October 1956 after 63 league games) but continued as manag-er until April 1959, when he retired from the game, ostensibly to become a publican in York. Within a month, however, he had noticed the vacant manager's job at Wigan and decided to go back into football. Chilton managed Wigan Athletic for less than a full season (1960-61) and was sacked after 27 games in charge, of which the Latics lost only 5. He re-mained in the game a little longer, first as a scout (1961-62) and then manager (1962-1963) with Hartlepool United. His first match with Hartlepool as manager was against Newport on 18 August 1962, his last against

Gillingham on 1st April 1963. Chilton died on 15th June 1996 in Southwick, aged 77.

BATTLE OF MANCHESTER

MAGAZINE OUT NOW

A magazine put together by our very own editor, Steph, was released prior to the

Manchester derby in Febru-ary. Written by both sets of fans, including articles with Pete Boyle, Andy Mitten and David May amongst others. There are still a handful of copies of this limited edition magazine available for just £3

to fans in the UK. If you would like a copy please pay

via Paypal to: [email protected]

If you live outside of the UK please use the above address

to discuss postage.

Tom was born in 1945 in Chorlton, Manchester. He grew up in the era of the Busby Babes and his book Forever A Babe Tom tells

the story with passion and describes the events that helped shape the club. On leaving the

services in 1985 he had a season ticket until the treble season of

1999, at which point he emigrated to Houston, Texas. His favourite

player of all time is Duncan Edwards.

Manchester United author, John White, is

looking for Irish fans to help him for his latest book: Irish Devils, How The Irish Fell In Love With Manchester Unit-

ed.

John wants as many Irish fans as possible to send him their stories of how they fell in love with our great club.

You can contact him at:

[email protected]

John White books: * The Official Manchester

United Quiz Book * The Official Manchester

United Book of Lists * The Official Manchester

United Miscellany * The Red Devils Quiz Book * The Official Manchester

United Almanac

Available at all good book stores.

CALLING ALL IRISH REDS

Jose Mourinho Hardly a conversation about Sir Alex’s replace-ment takes place without the mentioning of the self enunciated ‘Special One’ Mourinho and with good reason. Mourinho’s record speaks for itself having won domestic titles in Portu-gal, Italy and most importantly, for his creden-tials as a replacement, in England. He has of course won the Champions League twice, an honour only bestowed on a select few. He without doubt has a winning mentality and it’s not really rocket surgery to suggest he is the main contender in most people’s eyes, so there is not really much to add that we haven’t all heard before.

Pep Guardiola After successfully shaping Barcelona into argu-ably the best footballing team in Europe over the last couple of seasons, Guardiola has a strong case. He has pitted his wits against Mourinho and been more than a match. Argu-ments over his lack of experience are undoubt-edly with some foundation, having only man-aged one team. Barcelona were already win-ning titles before Guardiola took over and he is a Barcelona man i.e. having played his career there he’s entrenched within there history and therefore naturally knows how the club func-tions. Ferguson was only in his early 40’s when

he took over at Old Trafford and like Ferguson at United, Guardiola stamped his identity on Barcelona from day one. Something that would need to be done at Old Trafford when Sir Alex steps down.

Louis Van Gaal He was, according to reports, actually lined up to replace Fergie in 2002 and with his experi-ence around Europe, managing in Holland with a very successful Ajax team, it’s to some not a surprise. He is in the Champions League club having won it in 1995 (with Ajax) and has won domestic titles with Barcelona and Bayern. But it is his footballing philosophy most appreciat-ed when turning Ajax in to a massive force in the 90’s that he get’s most of his plaudits. The problem with Van Gaal is that now at almost 60 years old, he isn’t potentially a long term re-placement for Sir Alex, however if you’re good enough, age shouldn’t really be an issue, should it?

David Moyes Probably surprisingly for some ear marked by Sir Alex himself as a manager who he believes would be a strong replacement for himself. With only a second division title under his belt and having only managed two clubs, he’s hard-ly got a glittering C.V. But almost everyone is

The true gravity of the situation, replacing a manager who after 25 years (and rising) has created a football club in his own image, may only be truly felt when

Fergie’s wife finally stops “throwing him out the door at 7am.” There are a few managers’ names that surface when this subject rears its head, unfortunately though there is only one Sir Alex and whoever tries to fill his

shoes will need to be more than ‘just’ special…

By Brett Burgers

aware of the work he’s done at Everton despite their lack of funds and the comparisons Fergu-son has made with Moyes’ principles and his own make him a contender.

The ex-players club…

Laurent Blanc An outside bet having won the French domes-tic title in his first job at Bordeaux and being all round acclaimed for his managerial style. Showed in the wake of the embarrassing World Cup for the French national team, by excluding the ‘trouble makers’ that he has an exceptionally strong mentality. He claims he learned a lot under Ferguson at United.

Mark Hughes Widely regarded as a solid premier league manager, if not spectacular. He has certainly learned from the best at United. However, has yet to win a single trophy as a manager and therefore would represent a huge risk. Sir Alex maybe tellingly once said he, “never in a mil-lion years” expected Sparky to go into manage-ment.

Steve Bruce Again, a good manager, not necessarily a top one. With no silverware in the cabinet as of yet, would take a rather large leap of faith to employ Brucey as the successor to Fergie. Also, having made a few rather ill judged decisions during his early managerial career, ‘swapping clubs like playing cards’, he’s hardly decorated himself in glory.

Darren Ferguson Have to mention him because he is a manager with a relatively good reputation, despite a difficult time at Preston. Being Sir Alex’s son is probably the only real factor that gives him an outside chance of stepping up. But this would be a very bad choice, the comparisons alone, similar to Nigel Clough taking over at Notting-ham Forest, would be detrimental to the devel-opment of the club.

And finally…

Rafa Benitez AS IF!!!!

It’s been a crazy month. Eight matches which have generated a pretty positive feeling as we move into

the final month of the season. And what a season it’s been. Many football fans (including our own sup-

porters) wrote us off at the start of this season. We’ve lost count of the number of times we heard

“United haven’t got a hope of winning anything.” Well bollocks to them! This time next month we

could be talking about another historic double. At worst, we’ll probably be talking about a certain rec-ord being broken (are you watching Merseyside?!). Enjoy the month ahead, it’s set up to be a cracker.

Issue 4 is out on Wednesday 1st June 2011

page s - wordpress.com › 2011 › 05 › issue-3.pdfpage 33: april round-up page 35: meeting the...

Documents