It’s important to retain a sense of identity; a Mancunian identity.
Latest News Tom Cleverly Up Front Amy Miles Louise Cliffe
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Roll of Honours Editor in Chief Darren Lamb Chief Sub Editor Sean McGuire Sub Editors Louis Lamb Lierre J. H. Matthews Design Managers Omar Thompson Sale Print FX Photography Natalie Lamb Lydia McKay Ben Harrison
We would like to give a warm welcome to all of our readers of this month’s magazine. Red Army has and always will be ‘for the fans, by the fans’ and as we continue deeper into the 2012/2013 season together, we would like to express how deeply we value your support and contribution to Britain’s biggest Manchester United magazine. Red Army has revolutionised the traditional match day magazine by taking a bold step into the digital world of football support and reaching out to our fellow Manchester United fans in all corners of the globe.
Contributions Adam Mills Joe Schurhammer Paul Liptrot Peter Hall Steph Doehler Nathan Thomas Ryan Peasland Ben Harrison Advertising Enquiries 0161 962 1999 advertise@redarmy.co.uk
We have become pioneers of the new age magazine by combining technological media and creating everyday interaction outside of the match day itself. For achieving this we would like to give a special thank you to all our partners, as without your support Red Army would not be where it is today as the number one Manchester United magazine.
Website Manager Jason Pickston
Every issue contains special offers to gain discounts on many restaurants, hotels, travel costs and major stores which all contribute towards making your trips to the Theatre of Dreams an enjoyable and affordable experience.
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Circulation Enquiries 01298 212 000 Published By Red Army Media Ltd. 156 Northenden Road Manchester M33 3HE. Company Reg. No. 08243731 www.redarmy.co.uk
Our readership is growing with every issue and this is all down to you the fans, whose articles, comments, IM’s and tweets have helped to spread the word of Red Army and inspired us to develop new and innovative ideas, helping supporting our great club to become one of the most exciting experiences as a football fan.
Each edition is also packed with exclusive celebrity interviews, in-depth analysis, feature articles, news and trivia. Our publication aims to reach out to fans of all ages with every variety of interest covered and as always it is absolutely free! Red Army’s monthly magazine can be picked up outside Old Trafford for all you match-going fans. For those who cannot make it to every home match, Red Army Magazine is available online at
www.redarmy.co.uk Darren Lamb
@redarmyfanzine issue 8 RedArmy 3
redarmy.co.uk
becausetheywerejiltedforbetterlooking, rich lovers.They are the jealous type, you know–thekidsatschoolontoydaywhowere unimpressedwiththeirthumb-wrestlersothey decidedtobreaktheirfriend’setch-a-sketch. Theygrowuptodislikeanyonewhohasgot somethingbetterthanthem,beithouse, car, girlfriend, football team. Theytrawltheinternetwithusernamessuchas munich58orihateunitedandwatchendless Manchesterunitedvideosandgoonthousands ofManchesterunitedforumswaitingfora chancetopostacommentthattheyhavebeen savingforages.somethingalongthelinesof‘go backtoThailand’or‘Fergusonpaidthereferee’. Youknowthetype,sickvoyeurswhohavea strangeobsessionwithManchesterunited’s morality.Theydothisbecausetheycannot justifyintheirmindswhyManchesterunitedare sogood,theybelievewhole-heartedlythatthere mustbesomekindofinjusticeorcorruptionfor thistohappen.Theystarttobelievetheirown lies,andbeforetheyknowittheydescendinto the psychoticrealms of clinical delusion. AllManchesterunitedfanswhohaveendured yearsof jibesfromdelusionalsupporters rangingfromrefereesbeingManchesterunited supportersto‘Fergietime’,from‘lucky’one weekto‘cheats’thenext.Thesemake-believe allegationshavebeentheiropiumtohealthe painandsufferingofManchesterunited’strophy winningovertheyears.itistheirhallucinogenic toescapefromtherealityoftheirhistoryless, trophyless,poorlyrunfootballteams.it’s their‘explanation’towhyManchesterunited beattheirteamsinstoppagetimeandtheir conclusiontohowateamcanwinamatch without playing their best football. TheABu’smovementgainedmomentumand soontheycoalescedintandemwiththeFootball
WhenPaulGascoigne startedtoshedatear, irealisedthatfootball wasmorethaneleven menverseseleven menonafootball field.
Associationtode-constructthepersonalitiesof everyManchesterunitedplayerone-by-one. Maybe it was the Burning effigy of David Beckhamout-sideuptonParkin1998that madeManchesterunitedfansstarttolosetheir warmthtowardsthenationalteam.Maybeitwas GlennHoddlestatingthatAndyColeneeded5 chancestoscoreagoalthatmadeunitedfans starttoaccepttheenglandnationalteamwith cold hands. iwouldsaythatalltieswerelostwithengland as a supporter in in 2001 when england playedAlbaniaandthereweresevenoutfield Manchester united players on the pitch: Gary Neville,Wes Brown,Nicky Butt,Paul scholes,DavidBeckham,AndyColeandTeddy sheringham.infacticouldprobablyconfirm thiswhentheenglandfanssang“standupif you hate Man u” during that match. TheF.A.describedthisepisodeas‘amusing’. TheysuggestedthattheWestHamfansburning aneffigyofDavidBeckhamwasjustshowing passionandpatriotism.TheyratedGlennHoddle asabetterjudgeofAndyColethansirAlex Ferguson.
YOUR BABES WINNER
since these incidents there has been no inclinationformetositbesideanotherenglish supporterandcheeronenglandalongside him.ThereisnoincentivetowatchABu’sjeer Manchesterunitedplayersinanenglandshirt. Yes,thesameManchesterunitedplayersthat areengland’sonlychanceofeverwinning anything in the foreseeable future. NowletusremindourselvesoftheFA’sstance onthesituation.Letustakeyouthroughthese yearsofFootballAssociationbrutality.Letus remindourselvesoftheroughjusticethatthe world’sbiggestclubhasendured.Theteam thatbringsalltelevisionrevenueintothis country,theteamthathasputthePremier Leagueonthemap,thefirstteamthatdared torepresentenglandintheeuropeanCup. Theteamhasproducedmoreenglandplayers thananyotherteam.Thefootballclubthat hasproducedengland’stopgoalscorerBobby Charltonandtheverysameteamthathas providedenglandcaptainsBryanRobson, DavidBeckhamandRioFerdinand.Letussee whatgratitudetheF.A.likestoshowthethree timeeuropeanCupwinnersandcompareitto thoseteamswhobelievetheF.A.goeasyon Manchester united.
issue 6 RedArmy A
SEAN M GUIRE C
Our Cheif Sub Editor talks about Manchester United’s season so far
We Arguably Have The Strongest Quartet of Strikers Since 1999 We are already a third of the way through this campaign and Manchester United’s explosive start to the season has seen them climb to the summit of the Premier League. Having already been to tough places such as Everton, Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea, it is safe to say that United’s position is not a superficial one. What makes United’s current position more impressive is the fact that they have conceded the first goal a staggering ten times already this season. However, despite our defensive frailties, what we have seen is the re-emergence of the Manchester United that we know and love. Quite simply, out-scoring the opposition. The main reason the Reds have made a flying start to this season is the fact that we arguably have the strongest quartet of strikers since 1999 when Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solskjaer all chipped in to fire United towards their historic treble. That year Manchester United shipped in goals for fun and as usual they had to do things the hard way. They came back from losing positions 14 times that season, and with United chalking up 8 comebacks already this season,
6 issue 8 RedArmy
the similarities are becoming strikingly similar. This year’s foursome of Van Perise, Rooney, Hernandez and Welbeck have all the qualities to match the strike-force of 1999, and perhaps match their achievements as well. One thing is for sure, going behind in games will not faze Sir Alex Ferguson, because United’s greatest triumphs have always happened in the most difficult of circumstances. In the Premier League alone United have come back from losing positions to win or draw a staggering 112 times. It is in their DNA., United without setbacks, crises and adversity is unimaginable. It is an obsession, an addiction, Manchester United need to be set back to remind themselves of how great they are. Our great club needs to feed off adversity to survive, just like we need food and water; and after this year’s catalogue of setbacks, we can only wait to see how great this season will eventually turn out to be, because the last time four strikers fired United to victory in a series of comebacks, something big happened.
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issue 8 RedArmy 7
Sample sample sample sample sample sample sample sample sample. Sample sample sample samel!
By Nathan Thomas www.stretfordendarising.com Altrincham FC’s Moss Lane football ground may not boast the most eclectic mix of half time music (The Beautiful South and U2 on seemingly constant repeat), it does however play stage to an array of fine young talent when United’s U21’s make the short trip from Carrington to play their games on chilly Manchester evenings. Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of United’s second string back in 2008, I have noticed a gradual rise in the overall quality of the players that United are producing. The Norwegian always had a great ability to analyse a game, this enabled him to slip seemlessly into proceedings when brought off the bench. It is a gift which has proved a vital string to his coaching bow, as shown by his recent League win with Molde FK – a second in successive years.
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I have noticed a rise in quality of the players that United are producing. However, United’s recent success at youth level, at both U21 and U18 level has not been a one-man job. Paul McGuiness, son of former United player and manager Wilf, has guided the likes of Ryan Tunnicliffe, Larnell Cole and Jesse Lingard to the brink of first team football. The aforementioned three are regulars at Moss Lane and Lingard’s impressive form at youth level was recently rewarded with a loan move to Leicester City.
He was joined at Leicester by fellow youth team player Michael Keane, who was mightily impressive against Chelsea in the League Cup earlier in the month, however injury prematurely ended his time at the King Power Stadium.
of this world. Fortunately, muscle mass is something that can be built, the talent that these young charges possess is evident and the club are clearly making great attempts to ensure that the potential they possess is realised.
Both Keane and Lingard’s progression has been something that I have followed closely since they emerged into the U18’s squad some years ago. Both are clearly technically very astute, with Lingard in particular possessing a sharp footballing brain with an aptitude for great off the ball movement, however their slight frame was always something of a concern. But as Paul Scholes has shown us, size isn’t everything.
The last time (prior to 2011) a crop of United youngsters won the Youth Cup was in 2003. It is interesting to note that although most of the members of said team would go on to make themselves a decent career, none would go on to play for United in any sustained capacity.
Talent Both have clearly spent time in the gym since they formed the ‘lanky whipper-snapper’ contingent of the 2011 Youth Cup winning squad, but they both still have some way to go before they can cope with the physical strains of Premier League football. Prior to September’s League Cup game against Newcastle you’d have been forgiven for thinking that the young lad warming up for the game was the team mascot, given that he looks so slight in comparison to the Rooneys
Although the halcyon ‘Class of 92’ were something of a one-off this statistic will have griped with Ferguson, a man who prides himself and his management of the club on a base of young, local talent. With Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba both making acrimonious departures from the club, this means arguably the two most talented of the 2011 crop have already left for pastures new. Loan moves for the likes of Keane and Lingard and a couple of first team appearances for Tunnicliffe shows that the manager is determined that these lads will get their chance.
Keep up to date on all Team News at: www.redarmy.co.uk/news
Worst United player ever? Think I’d have to say Bebe. And in all truth he’s not good enough to play in the reserves let alone the first team. Favourite Current Player? Rooney. United greatest 11? Schmicheal, G Neville, Stam,Vidic, Evra, Beckham, Scholes Keane, Best, Rooney, Cantona Preferred formation? 4-4-2
What’s your role at M.U.S.T.? I spend my time keeping everything online up to date. And spreading the word about MUST to as many reds across the globe as I possibly can. Giving fans the chance to own a small part of our club is something that would mean something great to every red on the planet to have a say on what United’s future is all about. Favourite ever united match? Well I’m stuck between the 99 Champions League Final , Moscow final in 2008 , 4-3 win against City with that famous Michael Owen goal. Worst ever united match? Last season’s 6-1 loss to city. The berties beating us on our own patch hurt enough but for them to turn up and destroy us was even harder to stomach. Favourite United player ever? David Beckham
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Favourite song? The Red Flag Flying High Favourite ever goal? Can’t choose between Giggs’s FA cup goal vs Arsenal in 99 and Rooney’s overhead kick vs City. Really tough call as they’re classic goals but completely different goals. Favourite non United player? Lionel Messi. Past Player you wish we would of signed? Thierry Henry , he would have been the player Van Persie is turning into now. What trophies will United win this season? Fingers crossed the Premier League but Fergie will be in the hunt for another European Cup to add to the collection. www.joinmust.org
Want your say? Email us at: editor@redarmy.co.uk
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Manchester United Official Home Shirt Boss Black Chonograph Watch £275 www.hugoboss.com Armani Code Aftershave
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Marc by Marc Jacobs grey grained leather tote £315 Harvey Nichols
By Ryan Peasland
Ferguson Seated in History
Further to the renaming of the North Stand to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, the club have unveiled a statue of the the United manager. The 9ft bronze tribute will join Sir Matt Busby and ‘the United Trinity’ outside Old Trafford in honour of his 26 years of success. The club will also be unveiling new artwork and installations in the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand concourses which will illustrate the manager’s achievements.
The King to return?
Another Old Trafford legend, Eric Cantona, has been talking about the possibility of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson. The Frenchman, who is director of football at the New York Cosmos, said he hoped that the Fergie would go on forever but when the question was raised, he answered in true Cantona fashion: “Why not? Like diving from here to the sea, watching, speaking to the fish, octopus, crabs, journalists.”
Senchenko vs Hatton
Red Army would also like to wish Ukrainian boxer Vyacheslav Senchenko good luck in his fight with Ricky Hatton on the November 24. Mad United fan, Senchenko, will be looking to make it a miserable comeback for City fan Hatton and said: “On top of our boxing rivalry we will be supporting two different clubs”, before tipping the reds to regain the title.
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Solskjaer Molde’s Champions... The baby-faced assassin has struck again. The United legend, who is tipped at 10/1 to take over from Alex Ferguson, said: ““I’m lucky to have very good players, and we always had faith that we’d succeed”
Our favourite tweets from the players & fans Chicarito Hernandez @CH14
I dont care if they don’t give me the 2nd goal, for me I score a hattrick to my teammates to win the game.The matchball is coming home!
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Rio Ferdinand @rioferdy5
I’ve not mentioned a Liverpool player in that 1st half + the Liverpool fans get their Yfronts in a twist! #PipeDownLads #lemon
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Chicharito’s super-sub appearance saw him take the match ball home in a 3-2 win against Aston Villa, despite the second goal being credited as an owngoal. The Reds were down and out at 2-0 but Little Pea’s Inspirational cameo fired United to all three points.
Gary Neville @GNev2
Whatever happened to the pitch/ dressing room being a Sanctuary. Gone are the days where you stand together and allow heated moments to pass! ***********************************************************
FAN TWEET OF THE MONTH!
James
@writtenoff_mufc
Joe Hart confirmed as man of the match..... for Sweden ***********************************************************
With this month’s winner, Amy Miles, featured in this issue - the next compeition is already under way! Who wins for the next issue? You decide!
issue 8 RedArmy 13
By Sean McGuire
There have been times in English football when a once in a generation
There haveemerges been times on in English football and suddenly This type of comparison reared itself player the fringes the wholehas football club when a once in a generation player againexcitement in recent weeks. After last month’s starts toemerges simmer with on the fringes and suddenly the whole World Cup Qualifiers, Roy Hodgson football club starts to simmer with excitement described Tom Cleverley to Barcelona’s Cesc at the here prospect of watching Fabregas. WiganRoberto manager Roberto are some players this whonew work hard Then WiganThen manager Martinez talent in blossom football Think Martinez stated that Cleverley the only trainingon to the perfect theirfield. game. There stated that Cleverley is the onlyisEnglish Gascoigne, thinkpractice Scholes,relentlessly think Rooney Englishwith player the technical are others who to – player the with technical ability toability play to think gifted.the There someabilities, players then who playHolland for Holland or Spain; theteams two teams maximise bestare of their for or Spain; the two who who work in training perfect contested the the last last World World Cup Cup fifinal. nal. therehard are others whotohave just their got. game. contested There are others who practice relentlessly to When people people involved involved in in football football start start to to When maximise the best of their abilities, are compare English English players players to to the the best best nations nations Some of these players burst on thethen scene compare others whoan have just got.that their future in the the world, world, we we usually usually have have our our ‘once ‘once in in with such explosion in Some of these players burst on the scene generation player’. player’. These These are are the the players players greatness is plain for all to see. Some of aa generation with such an explosion that their that light light the the road road to to footballing footballing progression; progression; these players make a subtle risefuture to the top that greatness is plaintakes for allmore to see. of these are are the the players players who who close close the the gap gap and their talent timeSome to emerge. these these a subtle rise to theplayer’ top between England England and and the the top top nations. nations. These Whatplayers makes make a ‘once in a generation between and their the talent takes timetake to emerge. playersplayers open the door the next is often ability to more naturally the These open thetodoor to theroom. next What makes a ‘once a generation Tom Cleverley’s movement, gait and head English game to the in next level. This player’ usuallyis room. often thecomparisons ability to naturally take thenations English turning has Paul Scholes written all over it. sparks with diff erent game to thehave nextthe level. This usually His control is Gascoigne-esque tikkawho often best players in sparks the Tom Cleverley’s movement, gait and his head comparisons with differenttalent nations often takka tempo of passing comparable world. Paul Gascoigne’s waswho seen as turning has Paul Scholesiswritten all overto the have bestto players in the world. Paulearly midfi ofisthe world’s best football team. morethe suited the Italian game in the it. Hiselders control Gascoigne-esque and his Gascoigne’s talent was seen ashim more suited His rise to the top has been a isslow and nineties, which ultimately saw playing tikka-takka tempo of passing comparable tofootball the Italian game in considered the early nineties, which steady one.elders His has served his time loan in what was to be the to the midfi of the world’s beston football ultimately sawinhim in what at Watford, Leicester and Wigan and now he best league the playing world atfootball the time. team. was considered to be the best league in the is a Manchester United and England regular. world at the time. Thatrise once in atop generation player theand United Paul Scholes’ expansive career has seen His to the has been a slow Paul Scholes’s careerdescribe has seen exscouts one. haveHe tried toserved unearth, ex-World Cup expansive winner Socrates steady has histhat timedynamic on loan World Cupaswinner Socrates Scholes midfi elder that many Manchester United Scholes the only Englishdescribe player good at Watford, Leicester and Wigan and now he as the only goodWayne enough to fans believe is missing our teamregular. and enough to English play for player Brazil and Rooney is a Manchester United from and England play Brazil and Waynethe Rooney often that footballer has yetplayer to fill the United boots of has for often been labelled ‘Whitehas Pele’ That once in a who generation been labelled ‘White Pele’ his been style of Robson, Keane Scholes that could already be for his style ofthe play which hasfor often scouts have triedand to unearth, dynamic play whichashas beenBritish. deemed as not here elder right under our noses; and atUnited the age of deemed notoften typically midfi that many Manchester typically British. 23, Tom Cleverley can only This type of comparison has reared itself fans believe is missing from get ourbetter. team and again in recent weeks. After last month’s that footballer who has yet to fill the boots of World Cup Qualifiers, Roy Hodgson Robson, Keane and Scholes could already compared Tom Cleverley to Barcelona’s be here right under our noses; and at the Cesc Fabregas. age of 23, Tom Cleverley can only get better.
T
issue 76 RedArmy 15 43
You voted. She Won. We took the pics.
YOUR BABES WINNER
Congratulations on winning our Red Army Babes competition Amy! Has it sunk in yet? Not at all, I feel like I am floating on cloud 9 still, I am so thankful. What made you enter the competition? I saw the competition on Facebook and my family members also being Manchester United fans encouraged me to go for it. I thought why not, it could be a massive achievement. It got quite competitive and intense with the number of votes, but, it was all part of the fun. Your shoot with us was great! Have you always wanted to a be a model? I recently won the Face of Plymouth 2012 so I had a taster of what it was like to be a model. I loved every second of it, although, I am also in my final year at Plymouth University, so, I am concentrating on my business degree. Being from Plymouth, how did you become a Manchester United Fan? My Brother Neil and sister Gemma have always supported Manchester United and so looking up to them, I have to from a young age. We hear Plymouth girls like to party, would Red Army survive a night out?! If they were with me then yeah! Haha I would look after them and show them a good time.
I bet you get a lot of chat up lines on nights out, what would be the cheesiest you have had? I probably get my bottom pinched more then I get told chat up lines haha but I would have to say ‘I hope you know CPR? Because you take my breath away’. How about the best? This is one I have fallen for so I have to say it is the best; ‘Do you have the time?’ I then reply with the time and they continue to say ‘No, the time to write down my number?’ Haha Smooth! So, Aside from being a Manchester United fan, what other features do you look for in a guy? I do not exactly have a certain type but someone who is confident, and has a great sense of humour. Good fashion sense helps along with nice eyes, but most importantly someone that can make me smile without having to do anything. Oh and muscles are a bonus! What would you say is your best feature? I would say it is my eyes as you can do a lot of talking with one’s eyes although I’ve been told it’s my smile, I guess both can be quite inviting. You received an amazing amount of votes in our Facebook competition, is there a special message you would like to give to the fans that voted? Without my fans I wouldn’t be here, so I’m thankful to each and everyone who took the time to vote, I am so overwhelmed by the support and feel extremely proud. We noticed one of the fans commented on your photo saying ‘next step for you is to conquer the world’ …what do you see as your next step? I have some presenting coming up as part of my role as Face of Plymouth so, I’m looking forward to that but I like to have my finger in every pie so, I will continue to model, dance and study. Once I have graduated I want to travel and perhaps build connections to model and perform around the world, before settling for my typical nine to five.
issue 8 RedArmy 19
UPFRONT
By: Steph Doehler
Robin Van Persie – don’t get me wrong, I was very happy when the news came out on 15th August that United and Arsenal had agreed a fee for the Dutchman. But was he what we really needed? And when I say needed, I mean really needed, as in absolutely crave. I shall go to my grave waxing lyrical that Fergie still has not replaced Roy Keane, but that discussion is for another day, back to RVP. Before he even joined United we all knew what a cracking player he is, injuries notwithstanding. Furthermore, it is probably fair to say United haven’t been known for signing top class players for quite some time – and by that I mean footballers already at the top of their game, already reaching their full potential.
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Arguably the last time it happened was in 2002 with the acquisition of Seba Veron, and look how that one turned out. Some sceptics moaned about Van Persie’s arrival. Perhaps they had forgotten that we lost the title in May on goal difference, and let’s be honest, a player of his calibre is never going to make United any worse off. So here I sit, scribing this article days after United’s 3-2 victory over Villa, Van Persie having scored 11 goals in 15 appearances so far this season. Hands up who thought him joining United would be quite this good… What he brings to the squad, as a whole is fantastic. For perhaps the first time since 1998/99 United have four genuinely talented forwards. However
RVP
UPFRONT
THE DUTCHMAN
what he brings to the supporter is maybe even better. A renewed hope. Whilst City and Chelsea went off and strengthened their squads over the summer something was still missing from United as the season looked to kick off. But hearing the news that he would be joining the Old Trafford ranks saw United fans across the globe sigh with relief. City wanted him, they offered him everything to join them, and he said no. It was refreshing to learn that there are still players walking this planet who don’t think solely through their bank accounts. And it would be fair to say that the man hasn’t let us down. A quick scan on the message boards over at Red Café highlighted some of the positives. “Robin Van Persie is everything I dreamt of and beyond it.”
“Best ball striking technique since Scholes?” “Worth.Every.Penny” Strong words and fully justified too. There was a time when we would moan if Rooney wasn’t the first name on the team sheet, now I’m checking for Van Persie’s name even before his strike partner, such is the impression he has had in just over a quarter of the league campaign. Not to take away from the excellent all-round play Rooney offers, but the goals are certainly the Dutchman’s forte at present. Can he continue in such a rich vein of form? Can he remain injury free for the duration of the season? Only time will tell. The initial signs certainly look good and there is absolutely no doubt he adds that spark firepower that was lacking at times last season.
issue 8 RedArmy 21
When Manchester United’s wait for the league title stretched to 26 years in 1992, many felt that English football’s Holy Grail was a step too far for Alex Ferguson’s men. Having capitulated in that season’s run-in and allowing Leeds United to snatch the last ever division one title from right under their noses, it was evident that the Reds were not quite ready to be champions. It was hard to pinpoint exactly what United needed to sit on the coveted perch that Liverpool had their talons on for so long. After all, Fergie’s men had won the F.A. Cup, The European Cup Winner’s Cup and the League Cup in the previous three years.
Then by chance, a phone call from Leeds Manager, Howard Wilkinson Towards the back end of the 1991/1992 season, goals had severely started to dry up. The Reds clearly needed a proven goal scorer if they were to win the inaugural Premier League and so Alex Ferguson swooped for Dion Dublin of Cambridge United. As fate would have it, Dublin broke his leg on his full Old Trafford Debut against Crystal Palace in a horror tackle that would rule him out for the season. This meant that the manager had to find himself a new talisman if his Premier League ambitions were to be fulfilled. United made inquiries about David Hirst of Sheffield Wednesday and Dean Holdsworth of Wimbledon, however neither deal came to fruition and the quest for a new striker continued for Alex Ferguson. Then by chance, a phone call from Howard Wilkinson, the manager of reigning champions Leeds United would inadvertently spark the biggest love affair between a player and the fans at the Theatre of Dreams.
Wilkinson rang the United boss to inquire about Denis Irwin. After Fergie immediately refused any proposed bid for United’s Mr reliable, he then threw the name of Eric Cantona into the conversation. Sir Alex Ferguson had famously overheard Gary Pallister and Steve Bruce raving about the enigmatic Frenchman whilst having a post-match bath after playing Leeds two months before and Fergie saw this serendipitous phone call as an opportunity to make one of football’s most audacious transfer bids. On November 26th 1992 Manchester United shocked the footballing world by signing Eric Cantona. Not only had Fergie landed the best player from the previous season’s league title winners, he had also got him for a meagre £1.2 million. There were also eyebrows raised about taking on someone who was perhaps the most temperamental footballer of his generation. In France Cantona had been involved in several bust-ups with his teammates in the past, and he was also banned for throwing a ball at a referee in protest to a bad decision. Cantona had to wait until 6th December to make his debut, when he replaced Bryan Robson at half time in the Manchester Derby. United won 2-1 with goals from Mark Hughes and Paul Ince however it was the Reds number 12 that day that had everyone talking. The man who was bought to play as a centre forward revolutionised the way Manchester United played all over the pitch. That day, Cantona was seen spraying 50 yard passes from the left back position out to the right wing. If he did not receive the ball up front, he would run back into his own half to find it and then set off an attack, which he would attempt to finish.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s masterstroke signing had paid-off issue 8 RedArmy 25
20 YEARS OF KING continued... ERIC It was revolutionary, it was forwardthinking and it had never been seen before. Manchester United were still waiting for their saviour to lead them out the football wilderness after 26 years, but was Eric Cantona the one? Many fans believed he was; others just lived in hope. A week later Eric Cantona wore the iconic number seven shirt for the first time on his full debut against Norwich and with his collar turned up, it was evident that he was something different. In his next three matches he scored four goals in three games including two goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sheffield United where the Reds had been 3-0 down. It was clear that the man from Marseille did not flatter to deceive as for the first time all season goals started to flow for United. However it was largely felt that the Reds still needed that extra spark to finally become England’s elite club once more. On 9th January 1993 when Manchester United played Tottenham Hotspur Eric Cantona turned football into an art form. Not being satisfied with United playing their best football of the season, the Frenchman decided to take it up a notch. Manchester United won 4-1 with Cantona netting the first goal; however the second was sheer poetry in motion. Denis Irwin received the ball on the left of the United box before passing it Eric Cantona. As Irwin continued his run, Eric Cantona arced his majestic right boot; Then with a flash of inspiration that was usually reserved for the stroke of Da Vinci’s brush, an epiphany from Socrates or a note from Mozart, Eric Cantona produced the pass of the century which bamboozled the Spurs defence, landed on the chest of Denis Irwin who then finished the move by scoring. It had happened; this was the eureka moment that all Manchester United fans had been waiting for. Night became day, dark became light, the clouds had parted and Excalibur had been drawn from its stone. Eric Cantona had
the keys to all the locks, which kept Manchester United from getting their hands on the league title for over a quarter of a century; but now the king had arrived and every Manchester United fan believed in him. The Reds still had a lot of work to do that season but they did go on to win the Premier League by ten points whilst playing a brand of football that befitted any team worthy of being champions. Sir Alex Ferguson’s masterstroke signing had paid-off. He spotted the final piece of the Manchester United jigsaw and everything fell into place. The spirit of Manchester United had arisen once more, with King Eric Cantona being the man who stirred it back to life.
Eric Cantona Kings Never Die This limited edition piece was commissioned in tribute to legacy of King Eric. redarmy.co.uk/store
#toptencantona
I didn’t study; I live. We knew that you don’t get to be world champions without a struggle.
I prefer to play and lose rather than win, because I know in advance I’m going to win.
When the seagulls follow the “trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.
Even as a footballer, I was always being creative. If you have only one passion in life - football - and you pursue it to the exclusion of everything else, it becomes very dangerous. When you stop doing this activity it is as though you are dying. The death of that activity is a death in itself.
I try to find different ways of expressing myself. Without that I will die. On sand, you can never be sure of anything. An ordinary shot can take a wicked deection at the last moment. The pressure people put on themselves and the rivalry between the teams is much more marked. And I think that’s a good thing. As long as that rivalry remains within the spirit of competition, it can only spur everyone on.
It is enjoyable to make things visible which are invisible.
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By Peter Hall
With Manutd.com’s Made of Manchester campaign well and truly in full swing, Pete Hall looks at the reasons it is so important to retain a sense of identity; a Mancunian identity. Paul Scholes’ interview, in which he proclaimed that ‘Manchester means everything to me’, ignited immense pride in Mancunians and adopted Red’s alike. To hear that the city, and all that it stands for, means so much to one of the most decorated players in our history will bring a tear to even the most masculine eye. But why is it so important to have home-grown players in the team, when money can buy you any amount of talent from all corners of the globe? That philosophy has been successful in several of the biggest leagues in Europe, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea proving that even on our shores, spending big can bring continued glory. In contrast, the nucleus of our success in the Ferguson era has been the class of 92, with David Beckham, Nicky Butt, the Nevilles, Ryan Giggs and Scholes proving to be the springboard for almost total domination of the best league in the world.
Sir Bobby Charlton is a prime example of how Manchester grips you, and you never want to leave.
However the love-affair with the family club that Manchester United is, and the city itself, has always attracted the best players, many of whom have never left the area. Sir Bobby Charlton is a prime example of how Manchester grips you, and you never want to leave. His love for the club is as strong as it ever was, and his unbridled passion for the city and all that it stands for is clear for all to see. Sir Bobby isn’t from the area, and is very much proud of his roots in the North-East. However, Manchester welcomed him with open arms, and it is that attitude which runs throughout all aspects of the way business is conducted at M16. This attitude, whether the arrivals are big money South Americans, or local lads in awe of the stature of the club, goes a long way to settling any nerves, and breeds a sense of loyalty in even the most seasoned footballer. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Manchester an unknown entity, and seemed like the sort of player to stick around only for a few years, especially as it became known of his desire to play for Real Madrid. Although he did eventually move to the Spanish capital, we were treated to six seasons of his trickery, and his passion for the club was never in doubt.
Since his departure, he has had nothing but good things to say about his time in Manchester, describing the club as ‘like family’, and Sir Alex as being ‘like a father’ to him. Aside from the odd tumultuous departure, Ronaldo’s attitudes towards his former employer are not unusual, with most having nothing but fond memories of their time at the club. As a club, we do not sign players who would have any other attitude than that of the Portuguese superstar. Big-money signings have never been a quick fix. There has always been a long term plan, and the bedding-in process is longer than at most rival clubs. Sir Matt installed this family environment, and his good work has been maintained by our beloved chieftain. He knows that who does eventually succeed his dynasty has to be more than just an excellent coach. They must be able to maintain the strong traditions that encompasses how Manchester United go about their day to day business, and that maintaining Mancunian identity is pivotal to continued success, on and off the pitch.
How did you become a Manchester United fan? When I was little, my dad and my 2 brothers were really into football, so that’s how it all started. I was a bit of a tomboy growing up, so football was something I loved. I even saved up all my pocket money back then to buy every shirt! What is your favourite Manchester United memory? Can I have 2 favourite memories? It was when we won the treble in 1999 – my family were going crazy. Then we all went to see the team go through Manchester in the open-top bus, the atmosphere was fantastic and everywhere you looked, you saw red.
By Sean McGuire
Why do you love Manchester United? Because they’re the best team in the world of course and I know they eat Jaffa cakes at half time and I love them too! (I hope that wasn’t a lie I got told). What is your favourite Manchester United goal? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winning goal in the UEFA Champions League Final. Who is your favourite current player? Paul Scholes, always loved him, always will and he’s a Middleton lad. Do you get to come to Old Trafford much? Not as much as I’d like, as I live in Newcastle now. I’m busy and travel a lot with work but I’d love to come to a match at O.T. soon though. It’s now Saturday night…Match of the Day or a chick flick? I do love a good film but I’m talking Rocky or a good horror movie. I’d have to say Match of the Day, as I’m not really into chick flicks. Tell us something interesting about yourself? Well, think people will be surprised to know, I used to be an athlete in my school days and was Manchester champion a few times for hurdles. What do you think Manchester United will achieve this season? The Treble again!!
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LOUISE CLIFFE
How would you sum up your experience in the Big Brother house? It was a great experience but it wasn’t easy either. I found it hard, missed my family and wanted to leave. Overall, I’m glad I did it, it’s something to tell the kids when I have some. As a former ‘Miss Manchester’ winner, how proud are you of your Manchester roots? I love being Mancunian and I was really proud to win Miss Manchester, it opened so many doors for me. I adore everything about Manchester and I love saying to people that’s where I’m from. The people are lovely and genuine, that’s what I like. What can we expect from you in the coming months? My 2013 calendar (and Jay’s!) is coming out and my clothing range, ‘Dead Normal’. I love fashion and designing my own range is something I’ve always wanted to do. Also I’m getting back into music, appearing in Jay’s new video - ‘Music is my life which is available on 26th November.’ Is there a special message you would like to give to our readers? I hope you enjoy my interview, buy my calendar for Christmas ha ha!! And most of all, I hope United win today’s match. Come on you Reds!!
OUT NOW!
Louise Cliffe’s Calender louisecliffeofficial.com
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EURO GLORY!
The 1990/1991 season was a significant season in general for English football as clubs were allowed to enter European competition for the first time since the Heysel disaster in 1985. After the men Cup had
the Reds lifted the F.A. Cup in previous season, Alex Ferguson’s would now enter the European Winner’s Cup, a trophy that Fergie won with Aberdeen in 1983.
The omens for the 1990/1991 season looked good as the Reds started the season with a 1-1 draw against reigning champions Liverpool in the Charity Shield. United then had a sketchy start to the Division One campaign which included a 4-0 defeat
to Liverpool at Anfield, however they made a promising start in all the cup competitions. The Reds got revenge over the Scousers by eliminating them in the League cup third round, plus they safely negotiated the first two rounds of the European Cup Winner’s Cup, with aggregate victories over Pesci Munkas and Wrexham.
Revenge Towards the end of the year the Gulf war had begun in Iraq, and it was war on the football pitch as well. On October 20th, controversy rocked the Football League when a 21 man brawl erupted on the Old Trafford pitch between Manchester United and Arsenal Players. This resulted in Arsenal being deducted two league points, and Manchester United one.
On November 25th United suffered their third home defeat of the season after losing 3-2 to Chelsea. On this day, British Sky Broadcasting founded as a merger between Sky Television and British Satellite Broadcasting.
Sharpey Shuffle This was also the month that United started to bond together themselves, as three day later the Reds crushed Arsenal 6-2 at Highbury which included a stunning hat trick from teenager Lee Sharpe and the introduction of the infamous ‘SharpeyShuffle’. United then went unbeaten in all competitions until late February. During that time United made decent progress in the cup competitions. United progressed to the semi-final of the League Cup against Leeds United, where they beat their bitter rivals 3-1 over two legs. They did however fail to defend the F.A. Cup, losing 2-1 to Norwich City in the Quarter Final. The calendar year ended with Channel Tunnel workers from the UK and France meeting 40 metres under the English Channel, establishing the first land connection between the United Kingdom and mainland of Europe for 8,000 years. In 1991 United were about to have historic meetings in Europe of their own.
On March 6th United drew 1-1 with Montpellier in the quarter-finals of the Cup Winner’s Cup at Old Trafford. United then needed to win in France two weeks later, and they did with a Clayton Blackmore special and a Steve Bruce penalty. United then breezed past Legia Warsaw in the semi-final with a 4-2 aggregate victory over the Polish side. The Clash were number one in the charts in March; however United had the mother of all clashes waiting for them in the final against the mighty Barcelona. In April United lost the Rumbelows Cup Final to Division Two side Sheffield Wednesday, after John Sheridan had hit the winner in a 1-0 win for ex-United boss Ron Atkinson’s team. The Reds then restored some pride with a 1-0 derby win over Manchester City, with 17 year old Ryan Giggs scoring on his full debut. In May United lifted their first European trophy in 23 years after beating Barcelona 2-1 in Rotterdam with a brace from PFA Player of The Year winner Mark Hughes. The Welshman finished the season on 21 goals, with centre-back Steve Bruce incredibly two goals behind him with 19. League Cup giant-killings, Player of The Year awards, bizarre celebrations, mass brawls, point-deductions, topscorings centre-backs, European Cup success; this was the season that had it all. Everything but the League title; a prize that appeared to be just around the corner.
Young Star: Ryan Giggs shows potential in midfield.
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UPFRONT
By Adam Mills
The 10th of November could become a very big day in this season’s Premier League season. There’s no guarantee of that, but when Javier Hernandez stuck his second and the club’s third goal into the Aston Villa net just minutes from the final whistle, a vital three points were secured having been 2-0 down at the start of the second half. Bearing in mind Chicharito only walked onto the pitch at half time, it wasn’t a bad performance, to say the least. He’s fast becoming the definition of a super sub, being used by Sir Alex as extra ammunition for when the world-class attack of Rooney, RVP, Valencia, Kagawa and Nani just isn’t enough. A lovely position for a manager to be in is when he can bring on another of the world’s best to pick holes in a defence and turn a game around. Since joining United in 2010, Chicharito has scored thirteen goals in thirty-nine substitute appearances. Add in the opportunities he’s had as a starting striker, it’s 27 goals in 62 appearances. Not bad for a £6m investment. In the Premier League, he’s scored ten goals coming off the bench - nine of these away from home. He’s scored the same number of substitute goals away from home as Jermain Defoe - and Defoe’s been playing Premier League football for fifteen years. Chicharito seems to thrive off the pressure of coming on to the pitch in a hostile environment, and sticking the ball in the net to silence 40,000 fans. It’s his third season in a red shirt, and time after time after time he’s done exactly the same. He even did it on a cold night in Stoke - and that’s no easy feat whatsoever.
UPFRONT
Many are comparing him to United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Solskjaer’s ability to run off the bench late in a game and make the space to score crucial goals made him a valuable asset to a title-winning and Europe-conquering squad. All I’m saying is 26th May 1999 in Barcelona. Solskjaer scored 28 goals as a substitute in 150 United appearances over an eleven year period at the club. 17 of them were in the Premier League, but just five were away from home. As similar as Ole and Chicharito are, one prefers the cauldron of the Stretford End, and the other loves a fivehour coach journey down the M6. Imagine what a pair they’d be had they played together. So what makes the super sub the perfect weapon at United? The normal service in defence will be resumed shortly, when the iron-like wall appears and stops anyone in its path. The midfield links the two areas of the pitch, puncturing holes up front whilst recuperating the ball when needed. And the attack has always been the best in the world - making something from nothing whenever it is needed. Why does a super sub work so well at United? Unlike other teams and players, United have an ethos of striving for better with every kick of the ball. Instead of settling for a point, or relying on ten men behind the ball, United always want more. And the super sub comes on, gets the ball and runs like mad to stick it in the net. Ole did it for years. Chicharito has now taken that mantle and is reaping the rewards for both him and the club. And look at the recognition he’s getting for it now. Chicharito has eight goals in thirteen appearances so far this season, and plenty of time to add to it. Keep this form up and he’ll be the best substitute the Premier League has ever seen.
issue 8 RedArmy 39
17/12/95
Eric
Cantona has a final check on the defensive wall (featuring Lee Sharpe, David Beckham, Andy Cole and Brian McClair) against Liverpool at Anfield.
History is populated with truly exceptional wingers, and as Manchester United supporters, we’ve gotten a chance to see some of the best play at Old Trafford.
centrally. Additionally, these attacking midfielders are depended upon to provide more of a scoring threat than the traditional winger ever has, while providing less defensive help.
George Best, Ryan Giggs, Andrei Kanchelskis, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham all roamed the touchline in a United shirt. England in particular has had a love affair with the winger, with players like Stanley Matthews and John Barnes, who were never afraid to take on a fullback, beat him to the byline and put in an expertly placed cross for the strikers to attack.
The traditional winger looks like an endangered species, but Manchester United’s Antonio Valencia stands out. Watching him play and you’d be excused if you thought you were watching a Manchester United game from 20 years ago. This year he even took up the mantle of the traditional Red Devil winger, the number 7 shirt. He’s got blistering pace, the skill to take on opposing fullbacks and beat them down the touchline before putting in a laser beam of a cross.
The 4-4-2, the dominant formation in England for the last 30 years, is specifically designed to take advantage of these type of wingers.
There are few better than him in the Premier League.
The last 10 years has seen a change in world football, with many abandoning the 4-4-2 and focusing on formations that typically use a single striker who is supported by multiple attacking midfielders. Formations such as the 4-2-3-1, the 4-3-2-1, the 4-3-1-2, and the 4-3-3, have very little use for a traditional winger in the mould of Andrei Kanchelskis.
Looking around the Premier League this season and the trend towards wide attacking midfielders is striking. Chelsea’s Juan Mata typically plays out wide in Roberto Di Matteo’s 4-2-3-1, but nobody would consider him a winger. The same could be said of Manchester City’s David Silva, or Lukas Podolski for Arsenal. Even Gareth Bale has switched from a traditional winger to more of an attacking midfielder under Andres Villa-Boas, but he still is used as a winger occasionally and he will still fall back on his pace, and crossing ability when needed.
Instead, these formations depend on the wide players, typically wide attacking midfielders, to come inside and link-up and support the striker
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Comparing the stats between Antonio Valencia, Gareth Bale, David Silva, Juan Mata, and Lukas Podolski shows some obvious differences between the traditional winger, and the wide attacking midfielder that most teams seem to be using now. Both Antonio Valencia and Gareth Bale have at least twice as many dribbles as the three players who play exclusively as wide attacking midfielders. In addition, the number of attempted and successful crosses is higher for Bale and Valencia than they are for Silva, Mata and Podolski. While many people are aware of Antonio Valencia’s pace and crossing ability, what few people appreciate about the Ecuadorian is his defensive work ethic, winning ground 50-50 duels and completing successful tackles more frequently than the attacking midfielders. This largely comes down to the fact that the winger has specific defensive responsibilities, such as marking the opposing fullback when he comes forward and helping his own fullback deal with the opposition’s wide players. In Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1, the wide attacking midfielders (typically Juan Mata and Eden Hazard) have no real defensive assignment and instead just stay high up the pitch. The attacking midfielders creates more chances than a traditional winger, as they come centrally and link up with the striker, but this can also congest the middle of the pitch as Chelsea has struggled with in recent weeks. In addition, the attacking midfielder attempts many more shots than a winger will. With the popularity of the 4-2-3-1, the traditional winger seems to be going out of style. Sir Alex Ferguson, instead of switching to a 4-2-3-1, has opted to stay with United’s roots and play with width, making Old Trafford a perfect home for a winger seemingly from the past.
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