In this issue

Official publication of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta editorial team

Clint Camilleri · Braden Galea · Dr. Michael Calleja advertising executive

Glenn Lucas contributors

Dr. Michael Calleja Clint Camilleri

Jude Cauchi Braden Galea

Robert Mizzi Kevin, Justyn and Wayne Tabone

Iain McCartney Silvio Scicluna

Kenneth Abela Alex Dudley

Julian Tabone Ray Calleja

Stefan Attard Cleo Zarb

Daniel Cuschieri Egidio Sciberras

Etienne Tabone printing Progress Press graphic designer

James Trapani patron

Sir Alex Ferguson club founder

John Calleja club president

Joseph Tedesco club committee

Joseph Tedesco President & Match Tickets Coordinator

Robert Muscat Vice-President & Tours Coordinator

Clint Camilleri Secretary. Media & Design Coordinator

Kevin Tabone Treasurer & PRO

Braden Galea Asst. Secretary & Webmaster & Publishing Coordinator

Egidio Sciberras Assistant Treasurer

Robert Mizzi Membership Secretary

Marvin Grech Events Manager

Glenn Lucas Advertising Executive & Sports Activities Coordinator

Matthew Portelli O’Toole Venue & Facilities Coordinator

Etienne Tabone Souvenir Shop Manager

MALTA FOUNDED 1959 MALTA

Quarries Square Street, Msida MSD 1101 Malta. Telephone: +356 21223531

E‑mail: info@manutd‑malta.com

Website: www.manutd‑malta.com

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

THE VIEWS IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY business partners xperiencing a remarkably upbeat season under the new leadership of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United blossomed, a testament to the debut campaign of the Dutch maestro. Ten Hag didn’t just bring his skillset, he infused Old Trafford with his unique brand of electrifying, offensive-minded football and a relentless high-press approach. The transformation was not only palpable but astonishingly fruitful, with the team’s performance defying expectations to impressive effect.

United finished third in the Premier League, behind champions Manchester City and runners-up Arsenal – who themselves were equally prodigious throughout the 2022-23 campaign. A dearth of goals contributed to the Red Devils not obtaining more points throughout the campaign as Ten Hag’s men only registered 58 league goals whilst conceding 43 in the process. It was a stellar campaign for Marcus Rashford who was the club’s top scorer with 30 goals in all competitions, followed by Bruno Fernandes on 14 goals.

As Manchester United continues to evolve under Ten Hag, the strategic acquisition of a seasoned striker should undeniably top his priorities. Given that scoring remains the most formidable challenge in football, the absence of a dedicated, proficient striker could pose a severe impediment to United’s ambitions, especially in their quest to mount a substantial challenge to their formidable city rivals, Manchester City.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, the Red Devils enjoyed some memorable results along the way. They beat Liverpool 2-1 at home in August, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford both scoring crucial goals. They also comprehensively beat Arsenal 3-1 at Old Trafford in September, with Rashford netting a brace. Another momentous occasion was beating Manchester City at home in January. With City leading 1-0 thanks to a Jack Grealish header, the Reds roared back to claim a 2-1 scalp.

However, the highlight of the season was winning their first major trophy since 2016 17, beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the EFL Cup final at Wembley in February. The imperious Casemiro opened the scoring in the first half with a stunning solo effort, and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory before half-time to ensure Erik Ten Hag’s first taste of silverware!

The EFL Cup triumph was a welcome relief for United fans, who have endured a turbulent season off the pitch. The Glazer family, who own the club, faced intense protests and criticism from supporters, who demanded them to sell up and leave. The Glazer family, who had bought the club in 2005 with a debt-fueled takeover, decided to explore the possibility of selling the club after facing backlash from supporters over their involvement in the failed European Super League project.

They set a target price of more than $4.5 billion, which attracted interest from two main contenders: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the UK’s richest person and a lifelong Manchester

United fan, and Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank and a member of the Qatari Royal Family. Both parties submitted several offers and toured the club’s facilities, but neither could reach an agreement with the Glazers, who (at the time of writing) are certainly reluctant to give up their control of the club. The ownership issue remains unresolved leaving fans frustrated and uncertain about the future of their beloved club.

The season ended on a sour note for United, as they lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley in June. Ilkay Gundogan scored both goals for City, who would end up completing a historic treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles. Bruno Fernandes scored United’s only goal of the game (from a penalty) but the Red Devils were all but dead and buried after City’s mercurial German scored his second goal to ensure the Cup went to the blue-half of Manchester.

Before drawing to a close, it’s crucial to spotlight three standout players who have undoubtedly been instrumental in enhancing United’s flair and expanding their tactical palette: Alejandro Garnacho, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez.

Alejandro Garnacho burst onto the scene with his dazzling skills and goals. He has scored pivotal goals through the season and provided crucial assists, showing his creativity and vision. He seems to have formed a good understanding with Marcus Rashford (as evidenced by the second goal scored against Manchester City). Fans have certainly been in awe of his work ethic and talent. It is pleasing to see this “fan favourite” always playing with a smile on his face whilst harbouring an intense passion for the game.

Casemiro, the veteran midfielder, has brought stability and leadership to the team. He joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, and has quickly adapted to the English game. He is a defensive powerhouse who shields the back four with his tackling and interceptions. He is also a composed passer who can dictate the tempo and launch attacks. He has scored some crucial goals (particularly during the League Cup Final) and marshalled the defense proving his value in both ends of the pitch. He is a vocal presence who organizes the team and motivates his teammates.

Thirdly is Lisandro Martinez, a versatile defender who was written off at the start of the season by none other than Jamie Carragher. However, his performances have been equally impressive. He is a strong and agile defender who can cope with any type of attacker. He is also a confident ball player who can initiate transitions and join the attack. His goal against Arsenal at the Emirates also demonstrated his threat from set-pieces and crosses. He is a calm and intelligent player who reads the game well and anticipates danger. He will certainly continue to grow and improve throughout his time at Manchester United.

These three players have been instrumental in Manchester United’s success this season, have added quality, depth and balance to the squad and have been praised by their manager, teammates and fans for their impact on the club. Despite the disappointment of losing to their bitter rivals in the Cup Final, United fans can still look back on a successful season under Ten Hag. The Red Devils improved their league position from sixth to third, won their first trophy in four years and played some exciting football along the way.

United fans will hope that Ten Hag can build on this season and take them to even greater heights next term. They will also hope that the Glazer saga will be resolved soon and that their club will be owned by someone who genuinely cares about its future. Glory Glory Man United!

Message from the Chief Editor

As we have now completed the 50th volume and as decided in the 2022 Annual General Meeting on the recommendation of Committee due to the financial impact it was having, this is the last printed edition of Echoes from Old Trafford. This flagship publication of our club that was started 50 years ago on the brilliant idea of Joseph Glanville, and that was delivered to you with utmost professionalism by a long list of editors throughout these years, will now be following similar publications and going solely digital. Printing and postage costs will be saved, which were having a detrimental impact on the club’s coffers in a scenario of constantly declining advertising revenues.

On a personal note, this will also be my last edition as Chief Editor of Echoes and as part of the editorial team. It was a journey spanning over 10 years, starting off as contributor having been approached by Joseph Tedesco, to joining Committee of our beloved club, to leading the editorial team to deliver top quality editions of this publication. It was a personal honour for me to serve this club. Every beginning has an end and it wasn’t an easy decision to make, but now is the time to focus more on my personal life and family situation. Thanks for your support through your reading, and thanks to the other members of the editorial team, all the advertisers which throughout the years supported the club financially, the designer James Trapani for his impeccable work and to all contributors who throughout all these years dedicated their precious time to writing an article for this publication. Thanks and goodbye!

Braden Galea