Echoes from Old Trafford - December 2020 by Manchester United Supporters' Club Malta

NEWSPAPER POST

Volume 48- Issue 1, December 2020

“I am fully committed to this cause. No child should ever go hungry.” Marcus Rashford MBE #ENDCHILDFOODPOVERTY

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

In this issue  EDITORIAL ENGLISH................................................................................

 EDITORJAL BIL-MALTI..............................................................................

 CLUB NEWS.............................................................................................

 MANCHESTER UNITED, DADDY AND ME!................................................

Official publication of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta editorial team Clint Camilleri · Braden Galea · Michael Calleja advertising executive Glenn Lucas contributors Dr. Michael Calleja Clint Camilleri Julian Tabone Jude Cauchi Braden Galea Fr. Anthony C. Ferrante Robert Mizzi Kevin, Justyn and Wayne Tabone Iain McCartney Silvio Scicluna Kenneth Abela Martin Calleja Urry Alex Dudley Daniel Cuschieri printing Progress Press

 TEDDY’S CORNER.................................................................................

 SANCHO - A MISSED OPPORTUNITY OR A BLESSING?.......................

 Y&Z PERSPECTIVES..............................................................................

 LET’S TALK MANAGERS........................................................................

 MBE......................................................................................................

 CHRIS SMALLING - A LOOK BACK AT HIS CAREER AT #MUFC...............

patron Sir Alex Ferguson

 ALEX TELLES - WORTHY LEFT-BACK COMPETITION?..........................

club founder John Calleja

 DAVID DE GEA OR DEAN HENDERSON?..............................................

club president Joseph Tedesco club committee

 EDINSON CAVANI & FACUNDO PELLISTRI OUR TWO URUGUAYAN SIGNINGS.......................................................

 HOW HAVE MAN UTD PERFORMED SO FAR..........................................

 TAKE A CARD........................................................................................

Joseph Tedesco

President, Match Tickets Coordinator

Joe Catania

Vice President, Souvenir Shop Manager

Clint Camilleri

Secretary, Media Coordinator

Braden Galea

Assistant Secretary, Publishing Coordinator

Kevin Tabone

Treasurer, Public Relations Officer

Egidio Sciberras

 THE ORIENT EXPRESS

Robert Mizzi

Glenn Lucas

A LOOK AT OUR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OPPONENTS ...........................  TWO VISITS TO OLD TRAFFORD WITH MY DAD ..................................

Assistant Treasurer Membership Secretary

Matthew Portelli O’Toole

Club Manager Advertising Executive

Robert Muscat Nathaniel Jones

MALTA MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

Tours Coordinator Social Activities Coordinator

United Club Gozo Archbishop Pietru Pace Street, Victoria, Gozo. E‑mail: gozobranch@manutd‑malta.com Telephone: +356 99825090

MALTA MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

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.

translator Tiziana Caruana club chaplain Fr. Anthony C. Ferrante (Carmelite) business partners

THE VIEWS IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY THE CLUB. VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

w w w. m a n u t d - m a l t a . c o m

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Editorial ‘TO BACK OR NOT TO BACK OLE?’ T

he question on every Manchester United fan’s lips is the ubiquitous and prevalent notion as to whether or not to dismiss the incumbent manager. The club’s dismal start to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign did nothing to assuage Ole’s detractors that a change is needed to salvage what already appears to be a doomed domestic campaign. What promised to be such a mesmerizing and optimistic campaign turned into a nightmare with three losses in the league, far from ideal performances on the pitch and a 1-6 harrowing loss against a revamped and resurgent Tottenham Hotspur. In fairness, the humiliating defeat to Spurs was not something to be completely unexpected. A very flat start against Crystal Palace was followed by an awfully lucky win away to Brighton where defensive frailties were significantly exposed before the ultimate chastising experience against Jose Mourinho’s men was experienced at Old Trafford. Gary Neville and Roy Keane in particular have been vociferous critics of the present regime - which has often been criticised for its intransigence in the transfer market - together with its perceived lack of foresight and direction in the board room. ‘History is repeating itself’ is the cliché’ used by most United fans who were once again subject to a disappointing transfer market - where the solitary transfer and acquisition of Donny Van De Beek did little to convince fans that the club was in a strong position to mount a serious challenge on the league title. Neville was quoted as saying that despite Marcus Rashford’s positive initiatives throughout the summer (in terms of community work), the club seemingly did not cope with the fallback related from Harry Maguire’s summer nightmare. The United captain was undoubtedly a different player altogether and Bruno Fernandes, so often United’s tinkerman in the middle, appears jaded, tired and weary. Other clubs ‘pulled away psychologically’ and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was not handed a significant war chest to urgently strengthen the team.

Patrice Evra also weighed in even questioning the very purchase of Van De Beek, whose initial foray into the team was restricted solely to the odd appearance from the bench. Was such a player necessary given that the obvious weak points were the centre-back and left back position? Within this context, it is perhaps justified that fans seek obvious answers to questions that in some ways appear to be much of United’s own doing. Why was the squad not significantly strengthened having just finished third in the league campaign? Why wasn’t a daunting champions league group stage also taken into consideration? Why is the club reluctant to appoint a Director of Football - a position which as time goes by is certainly something Manchester United should urgently consider? This constant sense of frustration is understandable - especially in light of performances which quite simply should be much better. Consistency is also an issue - but it is also a trait which is probably keeping Ole firm in the driving seat.... for now. A solid performance (41) against Newcastle was followed up by a drab draw against Chelsea before a disappointing 0-1 loss at home to Arsenal (not since 2006 had the Red Devils lost at home to the Gunners). Despite the club reaching a genuine low point against Istanbul Basaksehir (1-2), United

rebounded with a comprehensive 3-1 away win against Everton at Goodison Park. There is no metric to gauge and explain this inconsistency. Perhaps, there is no logic behind United’s stunning 5-0 win against Leipzig only to fall short against a team from Turkey that had never even scored a goal in the Champions League, let alone beat a football juggernaut. What may certainly be a factor is the relatively young age of the squad and the obvious weaknesses at the back. Some fans have even surmised that Solskjaer’s playing style is well suited when playing on the counterattack but futile when faced with a team that executes the low-block to perfection. These extraordinary times have certainly left their mark on the Premier League. The lack of sufficient preparation has exposed most squads’ frailties and crazy results such as Liverpool 2-7 loss and United’s 1-6 loss might be linked to the ripple effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Added to that is the fact that literally every team in this year’s campaign can also beat any other team - at times often comprehensively. The late start to the league has resulted in an unwanted fixture congestion - such that Solskjaer was left fuming after the Everton game citing the fact that ‘I didn’t want to talk about the schedule before the game, but you have to have some common sense to let these boys showcase what they’re really about. Fixture scheduling has to be better!’ Finally, to end this editorial on a positive note, the Manchester United Foundation was recently awarded the North West Football Award (Community Initiatives) of the season for the way the club dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the tumultuous and unpredictable times we are living in, seeing the club rewarded for contributing to help improve people’s lives is commendable (especially since the Foundation committed over 1 million pounds to communities over Greater Manchester). Long may the sense of empathy and family prevail until this terrible virus is quelled and controlled. Stay safe and happy reading! GGMU!

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Editorjal

‘INŻOMMU JEW MA NŻOMMUX LIL OLE?’

l‑mistoqsija ġenerali u prevalenti fuq fomm kull sapporter ta’ Manchester United hija jekk il‑klabb għandux ikeċċi lill‑manager preżenti. Il‑bidu xejn tajjeb fil‑Premier League 2020‑21 m’ għamel xejn biex itaffi l‑ħsieb ta’ dawk li jemmnu li bidla hija neċessarja sabiex insalvaw dak li diġa’ jidher staġun domestiku mitluf. Dak li deher li seta’ jkun staġun affaxxinanti b’ lenti ottimista inbidel f ’ ħolma kerha bi tliet telfiet fil‑ligkampjonat, ferm ‘il boghod minn wirjiet ideali fil‑grawnd u telfa diżappuntanti ta’ 1‑6 kontra tim imġedded ta’ Tottenham li reġgħu qamub’sahhtu hafna ta’ Tottenham Hotspur. Fil‑verita’, it‑telfa umiljanti kontra Spurs ma kinitx xi ħaġa kompletament mhux mistennija. Bidu xejn tajjeb kontra Crystal Palace, segwit b’ rebħa ferm fortunata għand Brighton, fejn il‑fraġilitajiet difensivi ġew esposti b’mod sinifikanti, ġew qabel l‑esperjenza umiljanti kontra’ t‑tim ta’ Jose Mourinho. Gary Neville u Roy Keane kienu partikolarment kritiċi voċiferi kontra r‑reġim preżenti – li ta’ sikwit kien kritikat għall‑intransiġenza fis‑suq ta’ trasferimenti – flimkien ma’ perċezzjoni ta’ nuqqas ta’ ħarsien fit‑tul u direzzjoni mill‑bord tad‑diretturi. ‘L‑istorja qed tirrepeti ruħha’ hija sentenza li tintuża ta’ sikwit hekk kif is‑sapporters ta’ Manchester United reġgħu kienu suġġetti għal suq tat‑trasferimenti diżappuntanti li halliet toghma morra – fejn l‑akkwist ta’ Donny Van De Beek ma tantx ikkonvinċa lis‑sapporters li l‑klabb kien f ’ pożizzjoni b’ saħħitha sabiex jikkompeti bis‑serjeta biex jerbaħ it‑titlu. Neville kien kwotat jgħid li minkejja l‑inizjattivi pożittivi ta’ Marcus Rashford fis‑sajf (f ’ termini ta’ xogħol fil‑komunita’), il‑klabb ma rkuprax mill‑esperjenza kerha ta’ Harry Maguire tas‑sajf. Il‑captain ta’ Manchester United kien bla dubju qisu plejer totalment differenti (certament minhabba problem personali), u Bruno Fernandes, spiss il‑punt ta’ riferiment f ’ nofs il‑grawnd, deher bil‑wisq għajjien. Klabbs oħrajn jidher li psikoloġikament inqatgħu ‘il quddiem u

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ma kienx mogħti biżżejjed finanzi biex isaħħaħ it‑tim b’ urġenza.

kontra Everton f ’ Goodison Park. M’ hemmx kejl sabiex wieħed jispjega din l‑inkonsistenza.

Patrice Evra ukoll qal tiegħu meta saqsa jekk ix‑xiri ta’ Van De Beek kienx meħtieġ, hekk kif il‑bidu tiegħu fit‑tim kien ristrett għal dehriet ikkażjonali minn fuq il‑bank tas‑sostituti. Plejer bħal dan kien ta’ bżonn meta ovjament il‑punti dgħajfa tat‑tim kienu fiċ‑ċentru u x‑xellug tad‑difiża? F’ dal‑kuntest, forsi huwa ġustifikat li s‑sapporters iridu tweġibiet għall‑mistoqsijiet li ġabu fuqhom stess Manchester United. Għalfejn l‑iskwarda ma kinitx imsaħħa hekk kif spiċċat fit‑tielet post fil‑lig is‑sena l‑oħra? Għalfejn grupp potenzjalment diffiċli fl‑istadju tal‑gruppi tac‑Champions League ma tteħidx f ’ kunsiderazzjoni? Għalfejn il‑klabb qed jittratieni sabiex jappunta Direttur

M’ hemmx loġika għalfejn nerbħu 5‑0 kontra Leipzig biex imbagħad nitilfu kontra tim mit‑Turkija li qatt ma skurja gowl fic‑Champions League (aħseb u ara kemm rebaħ lil wieħed mit‑timijiet il‑kbar nett fil‑kompetizzjoni). Spjegazzjoni plawsibli tista’ tkun l‑eta’ zgħira tal‑iskwadra u d‑dgħjufija fid‑difiża. L‑istil ta’ logħob ta’ Solskjaer jidher li jaħdem meta nilagħbu il‑kontrattakk imma ma jaħdimx meta t‑tim oppost jesegwixxi l‑low‑block għal perfezzjoni.

tal‑Futbol – pożizzjoni li aktar kemm jgħaddi ż‑żmien hija ħaġa li ċertament qed tidher aktar neċessarja b’ urġenza? Das‑sens kostanti ta’ frustrazzjoni jista’ jiġi mgħader – speċjalment wara l‑prestazzjonijiet li definittivament messhom kienu ferm aħjar. Il‑konsistenza hija wkoll problema – iżda hija wkoll il‑ħaġa li qed iżżomm lil Ole fit‑tmun tal‑klabb... għalissa. Prestazzjoni solida tajba (4‑1) kontra Newcastle kienet segwita bi draw diżappuntanti kontra Chelsea qabel telfa aktar diżappuntanti ta’ 0‑1 f ’ Old Trafford kontra Arsenal (ilha ma tiġri mill‑2006 li l‑United tilfu f ’ Old Trafford kontra l‑Gunners). Minkejja li l‑klabb laħaq l‑aktar punt baxx bit‑telfa kontra tim li l‑ewwel darba qed jilgħab fic‑Champions League, Istanbul Basaksehir (1‑2), il‑UnitedManchester United irritornaw b’ rebħa komprensiva ta’ 3‑1 barra minn darhom

Dawn iż‑żminijiet straordinarji ċertament ħallew il‑marka tagħhom fuq il‑Premier League. In‑nuqqas ta’ preparazzjoni suffiċjenti esponiet id‑dgħjufija ta’ ħafna skwadri u riżultati strambi ta’ telfiet ta’ 2‑7 għal Liverpool u 1‑6 għal United jistgħu ikunu attribwiti għall‑effetti tal‑pandemija tal‑Coronavirus. Miżjud ma’ dan hemm il‑fatt li litterlament kwalunwke tim f ’ dan l‑istaġun kapaċi jerbaħ lil kwalunkwe tim ieħor – u dan xi drabi b’ mod nett u ċar. Il‑bidu tard tal‑lig kampjoant irriżulta f ’ konġestjoni mhux mixtieqa ta’ logħob – li r‑riżultat tagħha kienet rabja espressa minn Solskjaer wara l‑logħba kontra Everton fejn qal li ma xtaqx jitkellem fuq l‑iskeda tal‑logħob qabel il‑partita, imma li għandu jkun hemm sens komun biex inħallu lill‑plejers juru x’ kapaċi joffru, u dan billi l‑iskedar tal‑logħob ikun aħjar. Finalment, sabiex nispiċċaw dan l‑editorjal fuq nota pożittiva, il‑Manchester United Foundation riċentament rebħet in‑North West Football Award (Community initiatives) tal‑istaġun, għall‑mod kif irreaġixxiet għall‑pandemija COVID‑19. Meta tikkunsidra t‑taqlib u ż‑żminijiet imprevedibbli li qed ngħixu fihom, li tara li l‑klabb kien rikonoxxut għall‑għajnuna fil‑ħajjiet tan‑nies hija ta’ tifħir (speċjalment wara li l‑fondazzjoni kkommettiet aktar minn miljun lira sterlina għall‑komunitajiet ta’ Greater Manchester). J’Alla s‑sens ta’ empatija u familja jibqgħu sakemm dan il‑virus terribli jkun kontrollat u meqrud. Ħudu ħsieb saħħitkom u ħudu gost aqraw din il‑publikazzjoni! GGMU!

2,000,000 MALTA

FOUNDED 1959

Thank you VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

CLUBNEWS W

hat a year it has been! 2020 will be remembered as a challenging year of this century, but, we as a committee took the opportunity to work on some new projects so that our members can get a better experience at our premises in Msida. As we now have six years left for our premises to be ours, we invested heavily in April when we had to close our doors as instructed by the Maltese Health Authorities. In fact, when our premises were shut down, we hired two electricians, Alex and Maurice, who are also club members, and changed the entire electricity set-up of the premises. The project, which took over a month to complete, cost nearly â&#x201A;Ź15,000. Now we have solved many problems, including the power cuts during matches, which were causing disruptions. As the electricity project was ongoing, another project had begun simultaneously, that of the trophy timeline border. Thanks to Matthew Sullivan, who produced all the material including the PVC and the printing of the trophy timeline border itself. Matthew Sullivan was assisted by committee members Joe Catania and Matthew Portelli Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Toole. Also, a special thanks goes to Joe Glanville, who sponsored the new LED lights of the trophy timeline border.

The Annual General Meeting.

Our work continued, as we have installed another 3 airconditioners and an air curtain at the main door. These were sponsored by someone who wished to remain unanimous and one of the ACs was provided by OK Ltd. During this challenging period, MUSC Malta had issued a new tender for the bar. First and foremost, we would like to thank the previous barmen, Robert and Alex Attard, for the excellent work they had done while they were MUSC Malta barmen. During this period,

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Signing of Bar contract.

by Clint Camilleri

we managed to finalize the issuing of the new tender. Thankfully, Reuben Grixti’s bid was the winning bid. Reuben has signed the new bar contract on 13th July 2020. Since then, we have experienced good service and tasty food. We look forward to more from The Red Pub. On Friday, 31st July 2020, we held the Annual General Meeting. This year we did not have an election for the committee. The meeting was excellent, in fact, good or bad, we did not have one single complaint, which for the committee gave us more strength to continue our work in the right direction. After the AGM, all the members had a lovely drink and some good appetizers from The Red Pub. In August, one of our loyal members was proudly appointed as the Maltese representative holding office of prosecutor within the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. MUSC Malta had presented Dr Yvonne Farrugia a special memento commemorating her outstanding achievement. Last but not least, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, MUSC Malta’s Christmas Activities will be cancelled for this year. As committee, we feel that this is the best and safest step to take so that we keep our members’ health and safety at the forefront. We will be back stronger!

Finally, I would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year… Stay Safe!! Clint Camilleri Club Secretary

Presentation to Dr Yvonne Farrugia.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Manchester United, Daddy and me!

by Julian Tabone

here was always a special bond between me and my dad but football was the thing that continuously brought us closest together.

I remember driving back home that late afternoon and thinking that could well have been the last time we – me and dad - had sat down to watch United together.

Dad passed away peacefully on August 30. They had tried everything to prolong his life, but ultimately there was nothing more that could be done.

From an early age, he sat me down and told me all about the Busby babes, George Best and Bobby Charlton, the Munich Air disaster and for years we watched together the only live match we could watch, FA Cup finals. We used to scroll down Sunday newspapers to confirm United’s result from the previous day and listened attentively to radio commentaries and together we travelled to watch United live.

And in return, United had served us with one of the most boring and drab matches ever. It was to be the story of our season, really.

A chapter which had truly took off more than 28 years ago with Dad holding my hand tightly as he took me through a crowd of people around Priory Road to a heart-breaking 1-0 loss at Upton Park, has come to a close.

Ever since that FA Cup Final in 1990, we would not miss a match, whether on radio commentary or later on, on live TV.

Dad became more fragile, by the day. He lost most of his movements. His speech became garbled until it vanished almost completely. He became disorientated and inevitably, eventually he lost interest too.

In my teenage years, we would argue and we would always patch-up by bringing up any latest news surrounding Manchester United. Later on, when I got married, it became something more: real quality time spent together. When dad was at Karen Grech Hospital, back in August 2018, they had a TV room and sports channels were offered free-to-air until end of August. That meant we could watch United playing away at Brighton & Hove Albion, the second match of that season. Dad was already very frail. Mid-way through the first half he asked me, “Are we playing at Old Trafford?” At half-time we were trailing 3-1 but that did not seem to bother him much. The nurse came to put him back in bed and we weren’t even allowed to watch the second half together, but that too mattered little.

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That match against Brighton & Hove was a prelude of things to come...for United and for dad. Things did not improve that much…on the pitch and in hospital as well.

I would visit every single day, stay by his bed-side and occasionally take him down on his wheelchair to the beautiful gardens at Villa Messina, where he spent his last 18-months or so. Whenever I found him a bit stable - for a few precious seconds - it was always football we talked about. “Dad, we have this player, Mason Greenwood, only 18, fantastic player and he cost us nothing”, I used to tell him. “Dad, this player we bought, Bruno Fernandes, has proved to be a big game-changer, a bit like Cantona in 1992.” And sporadically, he used to give me the thumbs-up sign.

That was the first time I (we) had gone to watch United live - 22nd April 1992 - away to (already relegated) West Ham. Well, actually I didn’t watch much of it. At the time, fans behind the goal were still standing and I could only get glimpses of the match but…we were inside the ground, right in the middle of the West Ham fans with our United scarfs well hidden inside our jackets. United lost the match, and the league…and I was devastated. Leeds were crowned champions that year but by then, I was already hooked. As I started growing older, United grew in stature both on and off the pitch. My first time at Old Trafford was also daddy’s first – in April 1999. It was the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final against Juventus which of course ended with a last-minute Ryan Giggs equaliser. Memorable is an understatement. We were not sitting next to each other inside the stadium but that did not matter much. I remember we were amazed seeing how compact Old Trafford was. We could easily walk to each other’s seat and we sat down in our seats only 5 minutes

before the match started. It was also a long journey, by coach from where we were staying in London to Manchester and back but it was amazingly unforgettable, for both of us. Since then, we went together again to Old Trafford twice. In 2010, we were there for Berbatov’s show against Blackburn (7-1). Spent much of the 90 minutes standing on our feet and we couldn’t stop singing. At half-time Dad went to the bar to grab a coffee and pie for all of us and I remember scolding him for taking too much time and missing United’s fourth goal! And then, United’s last home match for the 2014/15 season, against Arsenal (1-1): a meaningless match in terms of league ambitions but we felt so lucky to be there. We spent the whole day around the stadium – just walking up and down Sir Matt Busby Way. Lunched at the Lou Macari fish and chip shop and just milked the pre-match atmosphere. I do not remember much from that match itself but what I do remember is what happened afterwards. As United’s players did the traditional end-of-season lap-of-honour, Dad tried to hide away his tears. He knew his health was waning. He knew that was probably the last time he would step inside Old Trafford. And deep down, I knew that too. We sat down in our seats and none of us wanted to leave. Then, when it started getting really cold and when I saw ground stewards coming our way, I tapped on his lap and helped him to his feet. Back at the Manchester United Supporters Club, the memories are also plentiful. Too

numerous to list here. The whole 1998-99 season – I don’t think I have ever seen him any happier. The post-match celebrations after the 2008 Champions League final. The 50-year celebrations in 2009. The Christmas parties. And more recently, in 2019, the visit by the committee members to his care‑home as part of the 60-year celebrations of MUSC Malta. It will not be easy to start watching United again, with the same fervour. And it will be hard to step inside the MUSC premises again, as well. But life needs to go on - even though it will never be the same again. Dad used to joke and tell me with a smile “I don’t want to be around when or if Liverpool win the league again.” In a way, his wish was granted too. In reality, it matters little. Watching someone you love fading away so slowly the way dad did, puts football in general and rivalries into sharp perspective. There must, however, be something with Brighton & Hove Albion too – the last opponents in that last match we watched together in that grim Karen Grech Hospital ward almost 2 years ago. This season, 3 weeks after dad’s passing, during half-time of our second league match precisely (once again) away against Brighton & Hove Albion, I felt the need to go to the cemetery (thankfully, only a few minutes away from where I live) and followed much of the second half from there – a second half full of incidents and drama. I kept receiving updates through notifications:

Rashford’s disallowed goal and then his solo run to put us 2-1 up, Brighton hitting the posts and equalising in stoppage time and then… that penalty after the full-time whistle had already been blown! The relief felt that afternoon meant I could finally, turn a page. And it was like I could hear him telling me “What are you doing here? Go watch those post-match comments from Scholes, Rio and Hargreaves”. And rush home, I did. It is now time to pass onto my boys what dad passed on to me. Noah & Neal – Dad’s pride and joy -both love football but they are not yet exactly hooked. I am buying them kits and hyping up results but probably I won’t be able to make it all by myself. A little bit of magic or consistency by Rashford, Greenwood and the rest would do no harm. When that happens - when my sons really (but really) start supporting United - I can already picture him, Dad, smiling down and cheering on United with that same passion of his. Just as we did in 1990 and in 1994. Just as we did in 1999. Just as we did in 2008. And just as it’s always been - whether we were in our living room, at our beloved supporters club or even at Old Trafford. If you and your dad happen to both be Manchester United fans and if you are so lucky to have him still alive, please, make the most of it.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

TEDDY’S corner

have your say on info@manutd‑malta.com

football domain. A few personalities went on record criticizing the decision makers at our club during and after the last transfer market window but the one which in my opinion really hit the nail on the head was Patrice Evra with his rant post the Spurs humiliation. The Club has engaged and relies on people doing the football business with no experience in the field at all. They seem to be more focused on what the player gives the owners outside the football pitch rather than on it. A mega player transfer nowadays involves many stakeholders due to the huge business generated and each time United are embroiled in some kind of complex transfer negotiations, they never seem to reach a conclusion. It is evident that Manchester United are failing big time in this very important area for the club.

Dear All Welcome back to my thoughts after quite a few months. My last contribution was for the March Echoes issue – Covid 19 gave us no football to write about in the next months hence there was understandably no 4th Echoes edition last season. As from this season, the editor informed me there will be 3 issues published with the first one being the Christmas publication so I will try to share all my opinions and observations from the past 9 months in the next few paragraphs. Project Restart seems to have invigorated Manchester United and from the 9 remaining games United won 6 and drew 3 to cement the highly desired Champions League spot. To make it sweeter we finished 3rd. However, we had to endure the unbearable and watch our bitter rivals from Merseyside be crowned champions after a very long 30-year wait. We can no longer tease them with the fact that the ‘Premier Ship’ has never docked in Liverpool now! As much as being the self-proclaimed greatest hater of Liverpool FC in the whole world, I admit they absolutely deserved this and can see them being at the top for quite a few years. Their platform looks solid and consistent. My fear is that the tables have turned and with what we have seen so far, our team will struggle to compete at the top for some years (hopefully not decades) and by the time we shall be contenders again Mr. Klopp would have surely put Liverpool back on top of the

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domestic perch again. For Man Utd fans, it’s time to suffer! But why should we suffer? Aren’t we still the most popular football club on the planet? Aren’t we still the football club which generates the most business activity? Why has it become so hard to attract the best players to Old Trafford? Try to work out the answers and these should all lead you to one source. From the top, the club is managed brilliantly from a business perspective but hopelessly in the

Our transfer activity always looks to be reactive, unplanned and always peaks on deadline day when the pre-season is over and the football season would have already kicked off. Till Fergie and Gill were at the helm, they had enough influence at the club to ensure that football was kept as the main priority for this club. Once the duo left, the owners reconfigured the club from top to bottom, dismissed management and key staff who were part of the successful United culture for many years and engaged their own people, gave absolute power to the Commercial Department, instilled a culture of partners, sponsors and hospitality and wrapped all players in appearance deals outside the pitch which earn them millions. Man Utd fans in Malta who were spoilt for 50 odd years by the local Supporters’ Club making arrangements for the customary visits of first team footballers to our lovely island often tend to question why current first team players do not visit the island anymore. Here is the answer my friends. The Club spent months chasing Jadon Sancho and failed to lure him to Old Trafford, brought in Donny Van de Beek and Alex Telles who, to be fair, both look interesting prospects and gave 33-year old Cavani a bumper deal of 10 million a year. Meanwhile they failed to bring the much-desired central defender and failed to get rid of the French virus with the coloured Mohican and the irritating ego. This was surely not the transfer market activity the fans were hoping for and I am sure (even though he cannot say it in public) not the one our manager was aspiring for either. Some may contend the pandemic financial repercussions had to be taken into consideration. For me this is just an excuse. One must look at the whole context of the past 7 years during which our club has changed from the greatest football club on the planet to one of the greatest football brands worldwide. The fans deserve better!

With all the frustration being generated Man Utd fans around the world delve into what in my opinion are silly disputes about whether we should keep or sack the manager. We heard names of Allegri, Simeone, Pochettino…you name it. Let’s not forget after Sir Alex, we had 2 world class managers and they both failed to take control of this football club. I keep saying that Ole at least knows the Man Utd way and with all his limitations he is doing a great job considering he does not have a David Gill to help him. I also hear fans comparing Ole to Fergie, making the argument about the great Scot needing 4 years to build a team and win his first trophy so Ole should sort of be automatically eligible for the same amount of time. I do not agree with that comparison at all. In 1986 when Ferguson took over, United were a sleeping giant and he already had a few interesting pages in his CV – he stopped Celtic and Rangers domination in the Scottish league with Aberdeen and was Scotland’s national team manager during the 1986 world cup. The Club’s status nowadays is astronomical and Ole’s experience before taking over cannot be compared to Fergie’s. Notwithstanding, I honestly believe sacking the manager will not help the situation. It is surely not the long-term solution. If that is to happen during this season, it may have a positive short-term effect but I promise we will be back to square one next season when the new manager will not get the support required in the transfer market from the business people of this football club. Pleasures yet to come!

The captaincy topic is also in debate and I must admit that in my opinion, from what we see during games and the way he presents himself to the media, Bruno Fernandes thoroughly deserves the captain’s armband at the moment. Harry Maguire, though he might have leadership qualities which are not that visible, does not seem to have those Bryan Robson, Roy Keane or Gary Neville attitudes which give the players and the fans the impression that there is a leader in the squad. Harry was given the armband before Bruno arrived. The latter had a huge impact on the team since he joined and he is our star player at the moment. Ole might have pondered about stripping off the armband from Harry after his holiday antics in Greece but I believe that our manager took the right man-management decision to stick with his captain during that trying moment. The captain’s role in a football team is very important for the team’s dynamics and I see Bruno becoming our next captain in the near future. On a more positive note I am seeing a lot of investment in our Academy. During this year the Club acquired the services of promising talents Fernandez Carreras from Real Madrid, Marc Jurado from Barcelona, Isak HansenAaroen from Tromso IL, Facundo Pellestri from Penarol and Amad Diallo from Atalanta as from this January. They will join the growing starlets in our Academy featuring the likes of Ethan Galbraith, Ethan Laird, Arnau Puigmal, Hannibal Mejbri and Teden Mengi. We have

witnessed scores of talented players in the youth level who then fail to impress at the top level so no guarantees here but from what I can see when I follow the youth games, there is a lot of potential. Fingers crossed!

No matter what, we are in love with this football club and as we declare in our marriage vows ‘I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad’. Maybe it’s not as bad as one would think but consistency is an issue. Let’s keep the flag flying high…I hope 2020 was just a bad dream in all aspects. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Yours United Teddy

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Sancho

A Missed Opportunity or a Blessing? by Jude Cauchi

eople who have been following football for a long time understand that this sport is a highly emotional game for all the stakeholders concerned in particular; the managers, the players and the supporters. Being a Manchester United fan is no different, in fact, the club throughout its years has had its ups and downs. Fans will recall the moments when the club dominated English football for so many years in the 90s & 20s. In addition, those from an older generation also experienced the terrible Munich tragedy which influenced the history of the club for so many reasons. From a present perspective, being a Manchester United supporter makes me extremely proud of the club’s history and values that the club used to represent which include honesty, determination, never giving up and that family atmosphere which drove

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the success of the club for so many years. Moreover, with reference to the resourced based theory, organisations which have at their disposal resources which are hard to imitate will have a competitive advantage over other organisations which do not have these resources and cannot copy them in the process. Whilst, this theory speaks of various resources, it makes particular emphasis on the importance of having the right human resources employed in the organisation. In consistency with this perspective, Manchester United can learn a lot from this approach especially in view that the club presently have been transformed from one which was at the top of the tree to a highly commercial club, not ruthless enough on football matters. From a managerial point of view, following Sir

Alex’s and David Gill’s departure, Manchester United replaced these key stakeholders with football managers who either lacked the right personality or approach for a club with the tradition of the Red Devils. On the other hand, if one focuses too much on the manager, there is always the possibility of capturing a blurred picture. As a matter of fact, when the competencies of people such as Ed Woodward and Matt Judge are analysed, more or less one can conclude that their strengths are more related to banking rather than to football and therefore it is reasonable to question whether their motivations are purely commercial. From a fan’s perspective, one would want to see people who are competent in football overseeing these sporting aspects of the club. Analysing the last transfer market activities, whilst one cannot ignore the new additions in the United’s squad which may prove to be very

important signings for both the present and the future, focusing only on the quality of these signings risks diverting the attention of what has been a really poor transfer window for the club. In fact, a lot of intense activity at the end of the transfer window rather than stimulating excitement smelled more like desperation. The most notable example is that of Edinson Cavani who had been available for a number of months only to be secured on deadline day and therefore not available for the opening matches of the season. Another issue worth investigating is how many of these players were on Solskjaer’s transfer list and to what extent are these likely to influence his future at United. In spite of this though, it is up to him as a manager to get the best out of this current group of players and the last matches against Newcastle, PSG, Chelsea and Leipzig suggest that the manager is succeeding in doing so. Despite the positives that one can take from these results, it is no secret that the club’s main target was Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho who in August, seemed to be a certainty that he was going to join the 20 times English Champions. Whilst one can argue whether Sancho was the right player for Manchester United is open to interpretation, but it would be extremely challenging to justify the club for wasting an entire window on one player especially when the terms and conditions to secure his signature were communicated in advance. The climax of this story only served to enhance the bad image of the club and suddenly the perspective of the United supporters switched from optimism to despair especially when considering where the team

finished last season. Going forward, the expectations were that with the right signings, the club will be in a position to start closing the gap on the top of the table. From a football perspective, although I am a fan of Jadon Sancho, spending €108 million on one player is a huge risk and if such move does not bear fruits, risks putting the club in more serious jeopardy. Similarly, one can compare this situation with the one of Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez, who in spite of the huge transfer fees did not perform anywhere near their best. Hence, despite the positives of signing a player of Sancho’s profile, which include commercial benefits as well as enhancing quality in the squad, when analysing the forward options that the manager has already at his disposal, the current squad may benefit more from recruiting a centre back which seems to be the biggest issue hindering the team. The current season has not started as Manchester United fans would have hoped. In fact, one can attribute such a poor start to a number of factors which include lack of fitness, wrong team selection and a poor transfer market. However, as recent results and performances suggest, this team is making progress on the pitch and if the manager can get the current player to perform well on a consistent basis, United may worry a few teams this season. In fact, the way this season

is going for most clubs so far makes it very challenging to rule out any contender from the race. As a United fan, it always hurts to see my beloved club being ridiculed in the press and seeing our fanbase divided, but focusing entirely on the negative aspects is likely to make supporters overlook the talented squad that United have already in their ranks. Whether you trust the current manager to bring United back to the top of English football is a matter of opinion but when compared to the previous managers in the post Sir Alex area, the Norwegian has been the most effective in bringing back an identity to the team and if given time to fully implement his project, United will only go one way!

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Y & Z United Perspectives by Kevin, Justyn & Wayne Tabone

t’s been such a long time since the last edition! Where do we start - Wayne finally experienced his first live match win, pandemic chaos took over the world, United qualified for the Champions League, suffered a Europa League Semi-Final loss, had another disaster transfer season, a brand new season started, Wayne injured himself and he’s now back in recovery mode. Boy, it’s been eventful!

be considered as good additions to the team but not that were necessarily needed. One positive signing was Alex Telles as I think we were missing a confident player, good both in attack and in defending whilst also being good technically. So I consider him to be a very good all-round left back. Edinson Cavani is also a good addition to the team, as he brings experience to the squad, is a solid striker and can influence our young stars. Van de Beek is also a very good signing as he can do both defending and can attack when needed and can also create chances. He is a young player, can still improve and he can easily become a key player in the middle of the pitch. I think that Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo are both young players that we haven’t seen much on, so these are to be considered as buys for the future. Justyn: The atmosphere around the club is quite a negative one especially when it comes to the summer transfer window. This is due to

The outcome from the transfer market has not been the one that Man Utd fans around the world were expecting. What led to these feelings in your opinion? Wayne: Firstly, I think that we made some much-needed signings and some that may

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the lack of recruitment and the way Manchester United is recruiting their players. This is quite evident. It is quite clear that Manchester United squad lacks quality and more so quality in depth. The players Manchester United are buying haven’t all worked out as planned and moreover haven’t given their money’s worth, for example Paul Pogba. In this particular transfer window the players bought were mostly finalized on deadline day. We are led to believe that these players weren’t really Manchester United’s top targets which makes it even more frustrating for us supporters. Kevin: There are 2 factors, with the first more crucial than the latter. Why, oh, why do we leave it so late to do our transfer dealings?! Surely, months before the transfer season starts, whoever handles transfers (that’s another subjective topic) would have a list from our manager with the targets. I remember the days we used to announce player signings within the first few days of the transfer season.

The other point is, do we actually have a strategy on the players signed? Cavani is a prime example. Having been available as a free agent for the best of 6 weeks, how was he not signed before? I would say because he was not part of the planned list of signings. I am not saying it was not a good signing, far from it, but part of the strategy? I don’t think so. Having a strategy and sticking to it, to me, is so crucial. Name 2 areas in our team you would try to strengthen if given the chance in the January transfer window and mention potential player/s you would acquire. Wayne: If I were to sign two players, I would buy a central defender and a winger. I think that Koulibaly would be a great addition to the team as he is a very technical player, his defending is nearly perfect and he has experience. As a winger I would try to acquire Ousmane Dembele. A very skilful, fast, technically gifted player who knows when to run, has two great feet and his shooting range is excellent. Justyn: In my opinion, the two areas that Manchester United need to strengthen are the right wing and centre back positions. The problems that Manchester United face in these positions are different. At centre back, the squad does have the numbers however, not all are up to standard in my opinion. Players like Jones and Rojo are not good enough, Bailly is prone to injury and is most of the time unavailable for selection. Lindelof and Maguire can be shaky sometimes, however Tuanzebe when fit, seems to be promising. In my opinion a player ideal for the squad is Dayot Upamecano or maybe someone a bit cheaper like Brighton’s Ben White. The right wing is the other position - here the squad lacks the numbers. Daniel James isn’t really an ideal right winger and Manchester United cannot really rely on young Mason Greenwood. An ideal fit for the squad would be someone like Jadon Sancho or out-of-favour Ousmane Dembele.

Wayne: I think that Ole is the right manager, as in my opinion he has the right ideas but doesn’t use them correctly every time. I think that we as Manchester United should go for the diamond formation as I think it brings out the best out of everyone in the team. Matic can stay as a defensive midfielder and play long or short passes. Fred will be used as a more defensive player, but he still goes up when necessary, while Pogba can play as a roaming midfielder but he will be more focused on the attacking aspect. Bruno would play at his best position as usual and keep providing chances for the attackers. Martial and Rashford would be a great partnership.

Justyn: In my opinion, I don’t think that Ole has proven himself as fit to be the right man

at times. Our inconsistent performances keep coming thick and fast. There are some patches where you think that the squad has turned over a new life however, after a while we go back to square one. I will continue to back him as long as he is our manager, however sometimes he shows that tactically he isn’t the best. I do believe however, that we can’t keep on changing our manager and start from scratch every time. I would give him more time and evaluate his position as Man Utd manager. He is still a young manager and can develop into a good manager. If however, things don’t go as planned, I would nominate Mauricio Pochettino. With the limited resources he had at Tottenham he developed a very good squad and teams feared Tottenham during his era. If given the resources he would need, I think he will be a manager that will win many trophies. Kevin: A short and simple answer – DEFINITELY! We cannot keep on changing managers every couple of seasons for the sake of changing and hoping that titles will return. We need to build and the reality is that we also need to rectify the damage that was done in the past 6 years. We lost our identity, DNA and ethos and although we are not anywhere near the top, under Ole we seem to be on the right track towards regaining our ID. I can’t lie and say that I don’t have concerns with Ole at the helm. I don’t see him as a good tactician of the game but this can be compensated by hiring coaching staff that have these qualities. In my eyes, I don’t see Ole’s current coaching team giving him value added on this front. But he has so many other qualities and to me, at this moment in time, he’s the best person that fits the role. On behalf of the Tabone boys, we wish you all a joyous and peaceful festive season! I’m sure we all wish that 2021 will be the year that we’re back to normality both in our day-to-day lives and also following our beloved United winning on most weeks.

Kevin: Cavani’s signing is a short term one and an area that definitely needs improving is the striking department. I would go all out for Raul Jimenez of Wolves. Such a lovely player who I feel is perfect for our team and style that Ole is applying. Most would say that we need a defender and I would agree. I just hope that, if this were to happen, Axel Tuanzebe would be his partner. Those who know me know how much I rate Axel. I would even say, he’s our future captain. Back to who I would buy, because if I start writing about Axel, this will be a never-ending paragraph. I would go for Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig. I know he’s still young, 21, and based on the performance I recently saw, he needs polishing. But imagine in a few years having both Axel and Dayot at the top of their games! Are you still confident that Ole is the right manager for Man United? If yes, please explain why. If no, who would you nominate as his successor?

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Let’s talk about

United managers post-Sir Alex, shall we? T

his is an opinion piece of the managers that have managed Manchester United after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and how I, as a United supporter, have experienced these periods in the history of Manchester United. When discussing football managers, the pre-discussion often focuses on how much influence does a coach or manager have on a football match. There are essentially two schools of thought here. The first is that a great team does not really need much input from a manager and that great players will win you matches. The other side of the coin would be that a tactically shrewd manager can make a good side great and can create the right environment for the team and for the individual players to succeed. Personally, I subscribe to the second school of thought. My experience, as a football fan and also as am amateur footballer many moons ago, is that managers are crucially important in the moulding of a good football team. There are managers who make you feel valued as a person and a player and as an integral part of the team. Great managers will know how to adapt during a match and also have the capacity to explain the approach and tactics of the match in a way that players are not only on board, but would go through a brick wall to help the manager achieve the objectives set.

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As United supporters, we have been lucky enough to have witnessed one of the greatest football managers of all time managing our beloved team for 26 years. Let’s set the record straight here – it is practically impossible for any present or future manager to emulate and repeat the success of Sir Alex Ferguson. Managing the same club for 26 years in the 21st century is already a near-to-impossible task and having the success Sir Alex had makes it so unlikely that I would describe it as a utopian dream.

by Robert Mizzi

Moyes’s biggest mistake, in my opinion, was that he tried to change things round too quickly and rocked the boat too much. Instead of relying on existing staff and experienced people at the club to see him through the initial period at the helm, he brought in a completely new team and, let’s face it, he failed miserably. Moyes left before the season ended, having won 27 of his 51 games in charge, but with United’s worst home record since 1978. His win rate was of 52.94 per cent.

Since Sir Alex has stepped down, we have had 4 managers and Ryan Giggs stepping in as interim manager. David Moyes has been described as a wrong decision and if it was indeed Sir Alex who picked him, then it was a judgement error from his end. He is only human after all!

Louis van Gaal was appointed in 2014. A manager with experience and a successful career. It was under his management that the

first signs of the board and the manager not having the same objectives started showing. In a 2019 interview on The Guardian, Louis van Gaal said “I thought always Manchester United can buy every player because they have a lot of power. Seemingly a few players were not reachable for Manchester United. I cannot understand but it was like that.” Van Gaal was criticised for boring tactics, with too much emphasis on mind-numbing possession and little emphasis on the attack, attack, attack the United supporters love to see. He was also accused of recruiting players who did not have the United mentality. United fans will point to the signings of Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao as van Gaal’s biggest gaffes – if they were his signings, that is! Nevertheless, he delivered the FA Cup beating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the 2016 final before being unceremoniously sacked and replaced by Mourinho. Under his tenure, United won 54, drew 25 and lost 24 and he achieved a win rate of 52.43 per cent.

after being offered an extension to his contract a few months earlier, Mourinho was not really given the players he had requested during the transfer window. During the pre-season and the first weeks of the season, body language showed that he was not happy and the results started reflecting this negativity and consequently, it was not really a surprise that he did not make it to Christmas. Mourinho’s record as United manager shows that he achieved a 58.33 win rate, winning 84, drawing 32, and losing 28 matches of this 144 matches in charge of United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was appointed as interim manager in December 2018 and after a great run, was appointed manager in March 2019. During his time as interim manager, Ole seemed to have brought a sense of muchneeded harmony and self-belief into the dressing room and this resulted in a run of 14 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, an incredible win rate of 73.68 per cent during his tenure as interim manager. Since being appointed manager, Solskjaer has seen his United side going through periods of good form, only to be followed by a run of dire form and poor results. The quality of players recruited is always going to be the cause of debate among United supporters but the general feeling is that the players that have come in since Solskjaer has taken over have been a success, although it must be said that there is still a lot of room for improvement. Solskjaer has been heavily criticised for being one dimensional when it comes to tactics. His United team seems to suffer tremendously in breaking down teams who, as the saying goes, park the bus. We have all witnessed a number of frustrating displays this season, especially at Old Trafford with only one win from 5 home matches as I write this. That it has not been a good start to the season is an understatement!

Enter Jose Mourinho. I must confess that I was very excited about Mourinho taking over at Manchester United. His managerial approach, was, I thought, what was needed at the time for United despite acknowledging the fact that he was not one who emphasised attacking flair at the expense of defensive stability. In his first season at United, Mourinho delivered the FA Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa Cup. Not a bad start at all despite some unhappiness about the league form which saw us finish 6th in the 2016/17 season. In his second season, United finished second in the Premier League and lost the FA Cup final to Chelsea. It was at this stage that a faction of United supporters started showing some discontent with Mourinho’s pragmatism and emphasis on a solid defensive set up and lack of attacking intent. It was not the United way of playing, according to these unhappy fans. The first cracks and signs of unhappiness started showing in the summer of 2018 when

It must be said that we seem a side built for counter attacking and lack the ability to put teams under pressure until they crack and concede. If Mourinho was disliked for his emphasis on defensive tactics, it is not hard to understand why so many United supporters get frustrated with some of the tactical decisions taken by Solskjaer. And yet, there is a counter argument. Few managers can boast of beating a Pep Guardiola managed side 3 times in the same season. Undoubtedly, Solskjaer’s best results have been against good teams, and this seems to confirm the notion that United under Solskjaer struggle to tactically break down the so-called smaller teams. To date (24.11.2020), Ole has won 57 matches, drawn 21, and lost 25 as

United manager and this includes his stint as interim manager – a win rate of 55.34 per cent. From a tactical viewpoint, I personally cannot understand why most coaches seem to have abandoned the 4-4-2 option. Granted that this may not be a permanent solution, but the way I see it, this could be an option for breaking teams who sit back and wait. Playing with two strikers should put more pressure on the opposing defence and if I really dare, and suggest that we should emphasise attacking opponents with some proper wing play, it could be a possible alternative solution. Good old-fashioned wingers getting to the byline and whipping in crosses does not seem to be something fashionable these days. I may be showing my age here, but the way I see it, modern football with all the new rules, modern tactical approaches and technology to boost is not necessarily more entertaining than what we were used to back in the day! To conclude, the question many United supporters have been asking since Solskjaer has taken over is if he can lead us back to being a team that challenges for honours on a regular basis. My personal opinion is that in terms of quality, United are still lacking at least 2 to 3 players to be able to compete at the highest level. Tactically, Soksjaer is quite an enigma from my point of view. We have seen him do well, sometimes extremely well, and we’ve also seen some very painful displays. The general feeling is that at this stage, Solskjaer should be getting better results with the current squad and it is undeniable that he is under pressure. The lack of emotion on the touchline does not help but I am sure this is something most of us can forgive is he is able to bring in a sense of determination and a run of good results. I believe that Solskjaer is at a stage where the United supporters are desperate not only for good results, but also for a United team that shows passion and hunger – attributes that seem lacking these days. It could be that the players are also partly responsible for this, but at the end of the day, the buck stops with the manager. Only time will tell if Ole can overcome this difficult period and lead us to the next level or if he will fail like the others before him - and we would need to start over again. Numquam Moribimur…

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

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VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

MBE

by Fr. Anthony C. Ferrante

Considering that the human kind are capable of being good for someone or something, all human beings are valuable. This value gives everyone all the reason for treating fellow human beings in certain ways. Arguably, this makes humanity a foremost value. It symbolises mutual human love and compassion. Humanity and acts of love (charity), altruism and social intelligence are individual strengths, while fairness is expanded to one and all. There is no better deed than to provide services for humanitarian causes. To extend a helping hand to anyone that needs it amounts to humanity that fulfils the purpose for which we are here on Earth. Eventually, there crop up some people who opt to embark on a larger scale for humanity.

hether they are recognized or not, values are part and parcel of the life of every human being. Life becomes easier when values are acknowledged and plans and decisions honour them. Values are the principles that people believe are important in the way they live and work. Values (should) determine priorities. They are probably the measures referred to in order to determine whether life is turning out the way you want it to. Satisfaction and contentment will ensue whenever deeds and attitude match the values embraced. When the things that you do and the way you behave do not align with personal values, then that is when feelings of “wrong” follow. Understanding personal values is a boost. Core values come in various aspects. The family emerges as fundamentally important. Being a good steward of resources and in exercising frugality. Honesty is always the best policy and trust has to be earned. Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is desireable. Then there is the belief or lack thereof, in God or an affiliation with a religious/ spiritual institution is a human sine qua non.

This is where that elusive MBE, up above, steps in. These three letters are an abbreviation for Member of the Order of the British Empire. It is an honour awarded by Her Majesty the Queen for a person’s particular achievement. One of this year’s recipients is a youngster, a star footballer, a Manchester United and an England International stalwart who has just turned 23 years old: Marcus Rashford. He openly talks of his experience of a food voucher scheme that had helped his beloved mother Melanie feed her five kids, of whom he was the youngest. His charity and activism for the benefit of providing food to poverty-stricken children have been going on without respite, even up to take a firm stand when his pleas to the UK government were initially rejected. Mr Rashford admits that he was blown over by the nationwide support he received

for his endeavours. He is determined to keep going, stating that the fight to protect the country’s most vulnerable children is not over. For his achievements in the field of humanity, Mr Marcus Rashford was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Manchester. He had become the youngest person to receive such a doctorate from the University. He downplayed it by saying that he “had a voice and a platform that could be used to at least ask the questions”. When he eventually received the MBE, he humbly retorted that “This is a very special moment for myself and my family, but particularly my mum who is the real deserving recipient of the honour.” Mr Marcus Rashford’s mother was duly honoured when FareShare announced their new warehouse would be named Melanie Maynard House in honour of Rashford’s mother. All this in the wake of the value of humanity. Every religion should foster humanity, so all this in the wake of the value of humanity inherent in so young a person. Every religion should foster humanity, so whichever religion is embraced, we must share our lives, keeping in mind that humanity is the core value that could make life happier for all.

C/O Attrans, Mdina Road, Żebbuġ. Malta. Email: gymstarsmalta@gmail.com Tel: +356 21461444 +356 77153025 +356 99164245 VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Chris Smalling A look back at his career at #MUFC by Silvio Scicluna

n transfer deadline day Manchester United bade a final farewell to one of its latter-day unsung heroes and consummate professionals, Chris Smalling. He had spent the whole of last season on loan at Roma and now, after much negotiation during the window, the transfer was made permanent. In this article I will take a look back on the highs and the lows of the career of a player who gave the club 10 years of loyal service. When in January 2010 the club announced that they had struck a deal with Fulham to buy Smalling, many were surprised and somewhat sceptical. For this was a player who in reality will have had just one season of Premier League experience under his belt by the time he would have joined United officially in the summer of 2010. Plucked from non-league Maidstone, his performances for Fulham in that 2009/10 season were obviously enough

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for Sir Alex Ferguson’s scouting team to take the plunge and sign him up for United. With an imposing 1.94m frame, he was hailed as a future pillar of United’s defence and when the following summer United also signed another young and upcoming centre back who was also getting rave reviews, Phil Jones from Blackburn, the pair were touted to be the future centre back pairing for club and country. Although promising to start off with, in hindsight this was not one of Sir Alex’s prophecies which bore fruit as injuries and periodic losses of form from the pair meant that they could never quite reach the gold standards of previous rock solid partnerships of Ferdinand & Vidic, Bruce & Pallister or Stam & Johnsen. His first season with United in 2010/11 couldn’t have gone any better for Smalling. He gradually

forced his way into the team and in total made 33 appearances, scoring 1 goal and lifted the Premier League trophy to boot! The following season, 2011/12 couldn’t have ended on a more contrasting note. Although on a personal level he totted up a total of 30 appearances and scored 2 goals, the team suffered heartbreak on the final day of the season when our city rivals snatched the title with virtually the last kick of the season. Season 2012/13 was one of mixed emotions for Smalling. On a club level, there was joy as United were once again crowned champions in Sir Alex’s final term but on a personal level for Chris, the season was marred by injury. So much so that he only managed 22 appearances and earlier had been forced to miss England’s Euro 2012 campaign. In 2013/14, the David Moyes season, Smalling totted up 38 appearances and 2 goals, but the season was one to forget for the

Southgate, whose reason for doing so was the fact that apparently Chris wasn’t seen to be a good enough defender to play out from the back. Smalling’s final full season at United was the 2018/19 season which was split between Mourinho and his successor in mid-season, the current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The highlight was probably a wonder goal scored at Watford in the early part of the season, which he ended up with 34 appearances and that one goal. It was clear that Smalling would not be first choice in Solskjaer’s way forward for United and the club allowed the player to join Italian Serie A side Roma on a season long loan. Probably to a lot of pundits’ surprise, Smalling did really well in Rome and both he and Roma were clearly up for making the move permanent.

club as the aftermath of Sir Alex’s departure proved to be more difficult than one would have hoped. The following two seasons were the Louis van Gaal seasons. 2014/15, with 29 appearances and 4 goals, was rather unremarkable for Smalling with the personal highlight being when he scored two goals against Burnley after coming on as an early 5th minute substitute. A low point was when he was sent off at the Etihad in a 1-0 defeat, incurring the public wrath of van Gaal in the process. But the following season saw a marked improvement. Smalling had already started to regain the manager’s trust at the tail end of the previous season when he was named captain for the first time and that summer he was singled out for praise during a press conference by van Gaal. It was around this time that United fans affectionately started calling Smalling as ‘Mike’ after the quirky Dutchman mistakenly referred to Smalling as Mike instead of Chris. And 2015/16 was probably his finest season. He made a personal best total of 55 appearances scoring 2 goals, won the club

Players’ Player of the Year and ended up lifting the FA Cup at Wembley. However, things could have gone so differently sour in the final after Smalling was sent off in extra time against Crystal Palace with the score at 1-1. How relieved he must have felt when Jesse Lingard scored the winner with five minutes to go! As we know, that FA Cup triumph was not enough for van Gaal to keep his job and for the next two and a half seasons, Jose Mourinho was in charge. For Smalling, 2016/17 (36 appearance, 2 goals) and 2017/18 (46 appearances, 4 goals) were pretty consistent and more silverware came in the shape of the Europa League and League Cup triumphs of Jose’s first season. A negative highlight on a personal level for Smalling came when in November 2017 he was dropped from the England squad by manager Gareth

If I were to sum up Smalling’s career at United, I would classify it as being a successful one. He ended up with 2 Premier League titles, 1 FA Cup, 1 Europa League, 1 League Cup and 3 Community Shields. And he always seemed to score against Manchester City! As a person I always had the greatest respect for him. He lived his life in a quiet, unassuming manner, always remembering his humble upbringing. His switch to a vegan lifestyle together with his wife Samantha was laudable and he even credits that change for drastically improving his injury record. He was rarely, if ever, on the wrong end of nasty headlines. On the contrary, I would say he was an exemplary professional footballer f o r M a n ch e s t e r United.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Alex Telles Worthy Left-Back Competition? by Kenneth Abela

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lex Telles, a Brazil international, joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side on deadline day, with United agreeing a £15.4 million deal with Portuguese club Porto. The left-back arrived at United on a four-year contract with the option to extend by a further year. The Brazilian joins a squad already well represented by full-backs such as Luke Shaw, Brandon Williams and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. United are keen for the 27-year-old to provide stiff competition for the current defenders. United had previously considered Real Madrid’s Sergio Reguilon. The latter however opted to join Tottenham Hotspurs. Telles is an offensive full-back and is described as a skilled, quick and playmaking defender. He has excellent offensive ability, proven by the fact that in 195 appearances for Porto he scored 26 goals and made 57 assists. Providing a goal threat is always a useful bonus for a left-back and Telles had been incredibly effective in the final third for his previous club. In the Primeira (Portuguese) Liga in 2019-20 alone, the 27-year-old registered 11 goals and 8 assists averaging a direct goal contribution every 134.6 minutes. In comparison, Brandon Williams scored one goal in 17 league appearances while Shaw failed to register a goal or assist across 1,764 league minutes in 2019-20. Although arriving as a left-back, it is worth noting that Alex Telles tends to be criticised as not being all that great in one-on-one situations. His critics also maintain that he gets dribbled past relatively easily. Having said that, Alex played a vital role in a defence that conceded just 22 league goals throughout the last campaign in Portugal. Also, being just an inch short of six feet, he has great aerial ability, with an aerial success rate of 61%, considered high for a full back. He is however considered a constant threat going forward. United will surely benefit by allowing him to do just that. This will also help to take off his shoulders the defensive pressures. A possible permutation would be with Telles as a left wing-back and Shaw being the third centre-back. Or United could use him in a back-four system. In this case, Wan-Bissaka’s offensive contribution will have to be limited. As Telles is claimed to be lacking defensively, Wan-Bissaka would have to keep back and hold up the defence, together with the other two centre-backs, whenever Telles ventures forward.

registered more assists from corners than any other player in the Liga NOS [in Portugal] over the past three seasons, with 15. United’s Bruno Fernandes had already added a new dimension to the Reds’ cornertaking. Fernandes is now the main set piece specialist at United, but Telles should surely get his opportunities. Harry Maguire would definitely benefit. But with the arrival of the left-footed set-piece wizard, United will now have the option for in swinging corners from either flank, thanks to Bruno and Telles. On average, Telles created 2.0 chances per 90 minutes in 2019-20, which is more than Williams (1.2) and Shaw (1.0). Another of Telles’ strengths is his long range shooting. In fact, a third of his goals have come from outside the penalty area. Statistics show that while Luke Shaw and Williams both take on average 0.5 shots per game, Telles averages 1.3 shots per game. United have had to face many teams from the bottom half of the table that defend deep. Telles’ strength here can thus be a big asset. Since the departure of Gary Neville, United have missed having long throw-in specialists. We know how useful such throws can be. Premier League audiences will surely remember the chaos caused by ex-Stoke City full-back Rory Delap’s arrowed deliveries from the touchline. United’s new Brazilian has an “unusual” throw which could also add another string to United’s bow. How does Alex’s passing and crossing compare to the current United back line? Although the Brazil international had a pass completion rate of 80.5%. Shaw comes out on top in this respect, with a pass success rate of 87.4%, marginally higher than Williams’ 84.6%. Telles was a lot more prolific in crossing, averaging 2.3 crosses per game, while Shaw registered 0.4 and Williams averaged 0.2.

Among his positive attributes, Telles is considered to be an excellent crosser of the ball and can plant pinpoint crosses. Last season he had a crossing accuracy of 25%, which compares favourably with other attacking full backs in the English Premier League such as Liverpool’s Andy Robertson (21%) and Chelsea’s Reece James (19%).

Amongst his individual honours, Alex has won the Best Left-back award in 2013 when playing for Juventude, the Primeira Liga Defender of the Month for the months of August 2017, January 2018, February 2018, April 2018, August 2019, December 2019 and February 2020, was in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year in each of the last three years, scored the Primeira Liga Goal of the Month in October/November 2019, and received the Dragão de Ouro Award 2018 as the FC Porto Player of the Year.

Alex was the main man at Porto to take corner kicks and free kicks. Alex Telles had

In the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team Game Mode, the new United full-back has been given a rating

of 84 out of 100 on FIFA 21, which puts him at the same rating as Anthony Martial and new signing Edinson Cavani, and a long way above Luke Shaw (81). The Brazilian was considered as having a number of impressive attributes in all areas, showcasing his strength in defensive and attacking situations. While paying 15.4 million pounds seems to be a bargain, United would need to provide Telles with sufficient defensive cover to be able to profit from his excellent offensive output. Modern full-backs are after all expected to support the attacking players. Up till the time of writing, following the victory over RB Leipzig, United fans have only seen Alex in action once. Ole opted to hand Alex Telles his debut at the Parc des Princes, with the Brazilian playing at wing-back. Our new signing enjoyed a very impressive maiden appearance and his offensive runs down the left flank caused PSG problems all night, while his whipped corners really caught the eye until he was withdrawn after 67 minutes. We now know that Alex Telles has not seen more action as he had tested positive for Covid-19.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

David De Gea or Dean Henderson? by Martin Calleja Urry

he number one spot between the sticks is now officially up for grabs at United, as De Gea’s nine year dominance is finally put to the test. After replacing the legendary Edwin Van Der Sar, De Gea has arguably been United’s best player since Ferguson departed, but his waning form and critical mishaps have prompted Ole to recall Henderson to the main squad after years of successful loan spells. While his best days might be behind him, perhaps all David De Gea needed was a little competition. He’s in unfamiliar territory, having never really had to share his position besides the odd cup run by Romero. This might be the stimulus he needs to return to being the number one goalkeeper in the world, but admittedly, Henderson seems to hold the upper hand over the long-term. However, it’s not uncommon to see goalkeepers playing at the top flight well into their thirties, so realistically, De Gea may not be dislodged anytime soon from the top spot. Furthermore, De Gea’s positive start to the season has surprised many after a very noticeable dip in form as of late. In the last two seasons, De Gea’s fatal errors have led to 7 goals. Three or four

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extra goals a season simply doesn’t cut it at the top flight, especially considering that prior to the 2018/2019 season, De Gea made nowhere near as many mistakes. It’s hard to explain why this happens to a player who has played more than 400 games for United and holds the record for the most Player of the Year Awards. Throughout 2013-2016 in particular, his performances were simply unhuman, and while he’s still capable of repeating this form on occasion, he’s definitely not as consistent as previous years. Perhaps his motivation to be the absolute best has waned, or maybe he’s just human. After the transfer saga involving Real Madrid, he’s never looked the same. Whether it’s a coincidence

or not, he’s no longer the world’s best goalkeeper and Ole is wise enough to start thinking about the future.

young ex‑Sheffield United loanee still has a lot to prove before he can solidify himself as United’s number one.

In his defence, one can argue that some of our defenders have failed to live up to expectations in recent years and the goalkeeper is often left to bear the brunt of the criticism. Of course, every goal is different, but it’s fair to say that an emphasis on highflying, full pressing, attacking football has resulted in some teams being exposed at the back. Therefore, goalers are conceding more and coming under equal, if not more severe, scrutiny than the dodgy defenders in front of them.

He’s only spent one season in the Premier League, but statistically, he’s already ahead of De Gea. He kept more clean sheets and conceded fewer goals than De Gea, but he also made less saves. Having been a United player since he was 14, he knows the club inside-out and is no stranger to accolades, having won the Championship Golden Glove and Young Player of the Year award while on loan at Sheffield.

If De Gea would have started this season off badly, it’s safe to say Henderson would have been thrown into the limelight straight away. However, if De Gea continues to build on his solid performances so far, the battle between these two titans might go on for longer than expected.

As a result of a number of loan moves to clubs in lower divisions, Henderson has had to claw his way up to the Premier League, and his rite of passage did not go unnoticed. His best spells came at Shrewsbury Town in League One and Sheffield United in the Championship, with Henderson being an integral part of the latter’s climb to the Premier League.

In early October, ex-United striker Dimitar Berbatov publicly backed David De Gea, telling the press he believes the Spaniard still has many more years at the top flight left in him. On the other hand, Ole announced to the media that Henderson is United’s future, but despite Ole’s bold claim, the

His career has taken a completely different trajectory to De Gea’s, who has only ever played for two clubs. De Gea was drafted in at the ripe age of 21 after success at Atletico, while Henderson, 24, has had to prove himself at lower clubs, finally completing his dream of returning to the squad to fight for his place.

At the time of writing, Henderson only played two matches, against Luton Town and Brighton, keeping a clean sheet in both. De Gea has played the remainder of the games, and besides the 6-1 mauling by Tottenham, hasn’t conceded too many goals. He put in a terrific display versus some of the world’s finest at PSG and has really given Ole a headache for the near future. For the time being, so long as De Gea continues to produce the solid performances he’s so well known for, we won’t see him sitting on the bench. As soon as De Gea comes under pressure, we can expect Ole to give Henderson a shot. How long until that happens depends on De Gea’s form. Nothing is set in stone, but it would be hard to fast forward 1-2 seasons from now and not see Henderson as the number one. Due to the age difference, it’s only a question of when, not if, and when the time comes, will De Gea be satisfied with being United’s number two or will he seek greener pastures back in Spain? I wouldn’t be surprised if within a few years, De Gea spends the twilight of his career back in Spain, while Henderson holds the reins for years to come. In the best possible scenario, the two will remain at the club for years feeding off of each other, making each other stronger.

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VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Edinson Cavani & Facundo Pellistri Our Two Uruguayan Signings by Alex Dudley

he summer transfer window was made up one prolonged story, as Manchester United chased the signing of Jadon Sancho. However, amidst all the chaos that came with deadline day in England, United were able to get two deals over the line near the close of play. Edinson Cavani and Facundo Pellistri were both brought in by United, with eyes certainly on the present and the future. It presents a strange circumstance for United, as they have now doubled the number of players that have signed for the club that were born in Uruguay, with Pellistri and Cavani joining

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Diego Forlan and Guillermo Varela. Forlan was a driving force behind the signing of Pellistri, as the former United hero manages Penarol. But, what impact could the two signings have on this United side over the duration of their stay at Old Trafford? United’s New Number Seven It’s fair to say that there was a lot of negative feeling around United when it was revealed that a deal for former PSG striker Edinson Cavani was close on the weekend before the deadline. Certainly, the animosity wasn’t aimed at the striker himself but rather the way that the club

had handled their summer business. Nobody will know whether Cavani was United’s number one or number two choice in the window, but it was certainly the case that United needed another striker. That factor was forgotten by almost every United fan as the deadline day signing was announced, but in Cavani, United had signed one of the most prolific strikers in Europe over the past ten years. Cavani made a name for himself during a two-year period with Palermo, which forced Napoli to make a £12 million move for him. During his time in Naples, he would become one of the most lethal strikers in world football, as he scored 104 goals in 138 games across a three-year spell.

Cavani will score a lot of goals for United as the Red Devils create a lot of chances with the ball coming across the face of goal. If Cavani plays, he will score in most games, and his record just tells you that. The Uruguayan has scored 353 goals in 588 games, so there is no questioning whether the move will be a success or not. Secondly, Cavani is a winner. United don’t have many of them at present, with David De Gea and Phil Jones the only remaining members of the last side to win the league with United. Having a winner in the team will have a profound impact on the players around them. You only need to look back to the impact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic had as evidence for that.

PSG made their move for the Uruguayan in the summer of 2013, and he went on to scored 25 goals in 43 games for the club in his first season. The goals kept coming for Cavani throughout his stay in Paris, and he would leave the club at the end of the Ligue 1 season in 2020 as the club’s outright leading scoring. His record was stunning to say the least, as he found the net 200 times in 301 games.

The Swede was undoubtedly superb on the pitch, but his mentality in the dressing room was what really spurred United on to win the League Cup and Europa League in his first season with the club. Cavani has won 22 major trophies throughout his career, and if he can spread that mentality onto the younger players around him, then this United team could achieve something fantastic this season.

There are two clear qualities that Cavani brings with him to United. The first of those is his splendid natural instinct in front of goal. He is a killer when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net, and that is something that United don’t currently have. Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are both exceptional, but they weren’t born with the same godgiven ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Eye Towards The Future Cavani is a player for here and now, but fans will have to be a little bit more patient when it comes to Facundo Pellistri, as it will likely take the 18-year-old a little bit of time to get used to the English game and the lifestyle in his new country. The teenager arrives at United with a glowing reputation, with Diego Forlan already revealing that United fans will look forward to seeing the winger when he is near his best. What we know about Pellistri so far is that he is an agile and technical player that operates on the right-hand side of midfield. He is a player that is always thinking ahead to the next pass, which will be one of the reasons that United have signed him. The team already has a number of intelligent players, with Donny van der Beek joining Bruno Fernandes and Juan Mata as players who are constantly thinking when they are on the pitch. The 18-year-old only made his professional day in August 2019 as he started in a 2-2 draw against Defensor Sporting. However, he quickly took to life in the top-flight in Uruguay and scored his first goal a couple of months later in a 3-1 win against Cerro. United fans will be able to see more of Pellistri, as he will be playing for the Under 23s throughout much of this season as he gets used to the style of play that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to play. Regardless, the future is looking bright for United and Pellistri is just one of the many young stars that we will be expecting to see in first-team in the near future. United fans will already be hoping that Forlan has told him all about what to expect when he comes up against Liverpool, and the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping that one of those tips is the secrets to the goals that he scored at Anfield all those years ago.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Man Utd

How have performed so far T

his season has like everything we have seen this year, been unpredictable and to an extent indescribable. Due to the ongoing pandemic around the world, like everything else, football has been affected due to delays impacting last season, I believe such delays have taken a toll on footballing teams around the world not only to the extent for preparation but also financially. The sporting world is not in peak condition neither are the athletes, due to the fear which this pandemic has brought with it. Having a minor break from last season to starting this season I believe that certain matters could and should have been tackled beforehand rather than at the last minute especially when it comes to transfers. The club is seeking stability on the sporting front which should act as a foundation for the off the field success, which is the marketing, and sales. Other clubs have put the sporting side as a priority, recruiting ambitious athletes and sound backroom staff to guide and mentor these men forward. Once that is in place, then the team behind the scenes do their magic and market that success to the tilt. It is such a hard task at hand since Liverpool and Manchester City have built sound foundations for both the playing field and revenue streams needed to sustain their recent success. The success Liverpool have had in the recent years has put Manchester United, in my opinion, in panic mode to get back where there were in the years where Sir Alex Ferguson had the club working like clock-work and a team engrained to winning at all costs. The club started the season on the wrong foot, losing at home to Crystal Palace. The club coming back from a strong end to last season, expectations were and are still high due to the

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massive investment of the club. The team, in my opinion appeared strong going forward but was very shaky at the back and this has appeared last season and reappeared this season and the speed of Zaha and Townsend went through United’s backline like a knife through butter.

by Daniel Cuschieri

Brighton hit the bar and post on countless times, and putting De Gea to the test on numerous occasions. Rashford got on the scoresheet, putting away a very good finish. Fernandes, being the driving force for the team this season, tucked in the penalty at the end. Returning to Brighton, for the Carabao Cup, the team appeared to play without the pressure of the Premier League and the team played strongly from the back to the front, having the return of Scott and Fred to the midfield, adding more stability to defensive side of the midfield and where others lack, Fred running his socks off. Goals came from Scott, Mata and a good finish from Pogba.

The following match, United travelled to Luton for the Carabao Cup. United fared out better winning 3-0, handing a start to returning keeper Henderson. The team played with fluidity, Mata in my opinion being the catalyst for the team. His experience is key to helping this young team mature into the team which everyone has high hopes for. The scorers for this match were Mata, Rashford and Greenwood, with the latter duo continuing from the strong end to last season, notably having Rashford extensively in the news for his incentive for Free School Meals Campaign. United were on the road again, this time to Brighton. This match is one of the last games my Dad and I watched together. This game, where his words were ‘What is going on’ due to the end of the game penalty. United I think were very lucky to come away with the points,

Returning to Old Trafford and two games on the road, and also a return for the club’s old manager, Jose Mourinho. United got off to a flying start, but that start was easily erased when Spurs put United to the sword. The defence was shambolic to say the least, and also the red card to Marital was very soft, but even if he was on the pitch, one cannot say what would have happened as the team played very well that day and one can only think how the manager would have regrouped his players which all were due to fly out for the international break. Spurs, one of the top four contenders and also with Jose managing them, will be a formidable side, even more with Bale returning to the team and having a team playing together for years. United travelled to the North East to play against Newcastle, being managed by the old United centre back Steve Bruce, who can teach a thing or two to the current crop: a player that put his body on the line to win for the club. The team suffered a scare, where at the beginning Shaw had

a own goal registered against him, however Maguire equalised from a header from a corner and it settled the players’ nerves as they were dangerous going forward, however they appeared vulnerable at the back as Newcastle posed a few threats. Further goals came from Fernandes, Wan-Bissaka and Rashford. United returned to Paris. Words on the media’s tongue were that the last night in Paris was a fluke. The team upped their game and didn’t give PSG a sniff, being the strong in all departments. United scored first from the penalty spot through Fernandes, PSG replied

the opportunity to show the player he can turn out to be. United went back to the Premier League and welcomed Chelsea where the match was quite drab and also United were lucky to come away with a draw, Chelsea having a strong appeal for a penalty turned down. Again, playing in the Premier League seems to get United jelly at the knees. The Champions League returned and United welcomed RB Leipzig, and this was United’s strongest performance of the season yet, winning 5-0 and anything the forward line tried came off. A hat-trick for Rashford, Greenwood on the scoresheet complimented by Marital. Wan-Bissaka and Greenwood were playing at blistering pace down the right side and tearing Leipzig to shreds. The Gunners visited Old Trafford, Arteta hungry for points. United didn’t get out of first gear in this game and Arsenal had the game by the scruff of the neck, winning 0-1, thanks to a penalty from Aubameyang.

through an unlucky own goal from Martial, however didn’t deserve to be on level terms. Rashford got the winner through a strong finish at the end, however the star of the show in my opinion was Tuanzebe who will be a star at the club if patience is given to him and also

United travelled to Turkey for their third Champion League outing to play Istanbul Basaksehir, but the shambolic defending returned. United were 2-0 down before kicking back into gear. United got one back,

through Martial, and threatened however the equaliser never arrived, even with a last-minute clearance from Istanbul Basaksehir’s back line. United then travelled to Merseyside to play an Everton side which are playing very well at the moment and have a strong front line and a formidable manager in Carlo Ancelotti. United fell behind but came back through a strong header from Fernandes, who played a great match throughout putting Everton to the sword twice and rather than finish off his hat trick laid one off for the new boy, Cavani. The season, as everyone has seen, proves that the team needs reinforcement at the back, whereas going forward the team has very strong options to set up and score goals. However, under the manager the team will gel even further and put a strong run together which may lead to a top four finish.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

Take a card... by Iain McCartney Part 2

Continuing the look through the pre-war trade and cigarette cards that were issued on players with a United association, we begin this particular article still in the ‘C’s’ with “Cohen and Weenen” who were issuing cards away back in 1897 and compete with Ogden’s as the first to include footballers amongst their illustrations of actresses, military themes and the like. In the Cohen and Weenen set of un-numbered cards given away with ‘Circus Girl’ cigarettes in 1897, there were forty-three footballers in the ‘Heroes of Sport’ set. But with Newton Heath still very much in its infancy, you will not find any cards under that hallowed name, but a close look will reveal four individuals who were to have connections with the club – John Banks, listed under West Bromwich Albion, Henry Boyd under Woolwich Arsenal

find goalkeeper J. W. Sutcliffe under the guise of a Plymouth Argyle player, having moved to the south coast from United the previous year. Note, that on the card he is named as ‘F.W’ on the front, but ‘J.W.’ on the reverse. Also, in this set was Henry Boyd, listed under Arsenal. Two years later, from the same producers, we have a ‘Football Captains’ set of sixty cards, which included Charlie Roberts. In the Cohen and Weenen 1906 set, of ‘Owners, Jockeys, Footballers and Cricketers’ you can

(who also appeared in the 1900 set), Archie Montgomery of Bury and the superbly named Caesar Augustus Llewelyn Jenkyns, whose club is wrongly named as Millwall Athletic. You could even go to the extremes of trying to find Dai Jones who played in two friendly games for the Heathens, before achieving fame at Bolton under whose name he appears in this particular set.

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Next up is “Cromptons Gravy Salt” who produced four sets, A-D, in 1924. All the sets featured a drawing of a footballer in the colours

of the twenty-two First Division sides. Series ‘A’ was coloured, ‘B, same card but black and white, series ‘C’ coloured, but a different drawing, while series ‘D’ was black and white, but came with two different backs, one blank, the other stating “gift offer expiring”.

Under United, we have Albert Pape (No. 40). Neil McBain could be found under Everton (No.70), Gillespie under Sheffield United (No.46), Rawlings under Southampton (No.36), and Hine under Barnsley (No. 59).

These cards more often than not come with a slight crease due to the type of paper card used, but nevertheless do not come cheaply, with good condition cards selling at £25 plus. The Liverpool and London based “Cope Brothers” who issued a vast number of cards between 1908 and 1910, are next on the list, with their first set ‘Noted Footballers Solace Cigarettes’ containing some 195 players. Under United you will find the likes of Meredith, J. Turnbull, Stacey, Wall (named Ball on the card), Holden, Duckworth, S. Turnbull, McGillvray, Broomfield, Burgess, Moger, Berry and Bannister, numbered between 76 and 90. Under Everton, there is No.60 – Harold Hardman, then there is the likes of George Livingstone, No. 140 as a Glasgow Rangers player and No.173 Billy Harrison with Wolves. The ‘Noted Footballers’ in the Clips Cigarettes sets are split into two lots, numbers 1- 120 and 121-273. No United names in the first lot, but things change for the better with the second issue of this particular set, when we find Harry Moger, Enoch West, George Wall, Charlie Roberts, Billy Meredith, Sandy Turnbull, George Stacey,Harold Halse and Dick Duckworth numbered from 121 to 129 respectively. Also, to make an appearance in this set were Dowinie (Oldham – 195), Hunter Aston (Villa – 221), Travers (Leicester Fosse – 268), J. Turnbull (Bradford PA – 310), Hayes (Bradford PA – 311), Bannister (Preston NE – 334), Leonard (M’boro – 341), Cubberley (Leeds City – 366) and Harrison (Wolves – 384). Either those previously mentioned sets were hugely popular or the cigarettes were not good sellers, as a fourth set appeared later again in 1910 which included 500 cards, again under the ‘Clips’ heading. Crescent Confectionery. As you can see from the illustration alongside, they were based in Salford, issued a set of 100 cards in 1925 and these are considered extremely rare, selling at £50 plus, and that is not for the set!

A year further on you could find Barson (No.39) and Gillespie with Sheffield United (No 13). 1927, it was ‘Footballers In Action’, in another set of fifty, but on this occasion, instead of player portraits, it was action shots, with the United – City FA Cup semi-final featuring under numbers 17 and 38. Another series of action shots followed in 1928, with United v Huddersfield No.19 and Burnley v United No.49.

Despite their location, they didn’t go over the top with United players and only featured Barson, Grimwood, Henderson, Moore, Smith and Spence.

1928 also saw a further set of 100 ‘Footballers’ issued, with William Rawlings at No. 63, while Jack Hacking appeared under Oldham – No. 56. 1926 saw a similarly titled set, but this time with a brown back and only totalling fifty. Under ‘United’ was No.50 Frank Barson and if you looked further afield, you could find Gillespie with Sheffield United (No 13).

Other different clubs there were Knowles – Newport, McBain – Everton, Rawlings – Southampton and Rennox – Orient. Moving back five years to 1920 and John Filshill of Glasgow who, under the heading of ‘Lotus Toffees’ issued a set of twenty-five footballers which included Frank Barson. Again, not a cheap card to find, selling at between £15 to £20. With the letter ‘F’ we move onto the ‘Football Favourites’ issued ‘Our Football Boys’. Coloured postcard size caricatures, which saw No.9 (issued on October 21st 1922) feature Jack Silcock in the set of twelve. William Rawlings, (No.6), is featured under Southampton, with very good condition cards selling at around £25. Next up is the ‘Franklin Davey’ football club colours set of fifty cards from 1909, which Features Charlie Roberts. Value? £30 or so, in good condition. A year after the appearance of that last set came the first issue from Gallaher Ltd, who strangely enough kicked off with their set of 100 ‘Association Football Club Colours’ and obviously, it was Charlie Roberts who appeared under Manchester United. A similar illustration saw Alex Downie appear under Oldham Athletic. This was followed in 1925 with after set of 100 cards, this time under the heading – ‘Famous Footballers’, identified by their green backs.

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

The Orient Express A look at our Champions League Opponents. by Dr Michael Calleja

n 1883, the ‘Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits’ created the long-distance passenger train service to primarily serve Paris and Constantinople. Barring a short detour in Leipzig, United’s 2020-21 Group Stage Opponents have added a touch of romanticism and eastern flavour to an otherwise stuttering start to the domestic campaign

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN Background: Manchester United’s stellar opponents are without question Paris Saint Germain. The Qatari-backed Parisian club is one of France’s most glamorous clubs and the reigning French Champions - adding a ninth crown in the 2019/20 campaign. Their status in French football is currently unmatched and on the verge of reaching unprecedented heights - as they seek to once again try and capture that elusive Champions League crown. Not since Marseille in 1993 lifted ‘Big Ears’ has a French club won the competition, although PSG did come close this August after a narrow 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the Final. The club is however not without its degree of European pedigree having won the 1996 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Rapid Vienna. At the time of writing, a comprehensive tactical display in Paris has already seen Manchester United emerge 2-1 winners and cement themselves at the top of the group. Manager: The enigmatic Thomas Tuchel has been at the helm since the 2018-19 season, when the Red Devils famously knocked out PSG in the knock-out phases of the competition after losing the first leg 0-2 at home. Tuchel guided the French club to a first ever appearance in a Champions League Final but came up short against a Bayern Munich side

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that was simply unstoppable throughout the competition. He will be hoping to replicate last year’s success despite a slow start and drab performance against Ole’s men in the Parc des Princes. Prior to PSG, Tuchel coached at Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund. Players to look out for: Despite Thiago Silva and Edinson Cavani being released by PSG, the French club is in no ways weaker having recruited Mauro Icardi from Inter Milan and Rafinha from Barcelona. Need I say more? On their day, they can stuff any team in the competition - especially considering the riches at Tuchel’s disposal. Names like Ander Herrera, Julian Draxler, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Moise Kean can run rings around any defence. Verdict: Whether they can once again replicate their successful campaign remains to be seen. What can be certain is that United’s 2-1 win in Paris has already seen most fans criticise Tuchel. One gets the impression that the club is more than satisfied with stamping its authority in the French League - however, transferring that dominance onto the European scale requires grit, consistency and patience - traits that have often proven to be elusive for PSG’s Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.

RASENBALLSPORT LEIPZIG Background: Who honestly doesn’t like a good football story? Viewer discretion is advised. This isn’t your dream fairytale like AFC Wimbledon. Nor a ‘back from the dead’ saga like Rangers FC. Leipzig’s story has been compelling but not without its fair share of controversy. Germany’s ‘most hated’ football club has distorted the ‘dynamics’ of the Bundesliga and has bred fresh resentment amongst most German sports fans especially in a nation which is famous for adhering to strict principles of club ownership. The global brand ‘Red Bull

GmbH’ had undertaken a thorough search in Germany prior to settling in Leipzig. ‘Red Bull’ had decided to invest approximately 50 million Euros in local club FC Sachsen Leipzig but this deal had fallen through in the latter stages of negotiations - and after prolonged pressure by the DFB. What is perhaps not known is the level of intensity of scouting undertaken by ‘Red Bull’. Top executives had met with FC St. Pauli, TSV 1860 Munich and even Fortuna Dusseldorf but practically all deals were met with stiff resistance by supporters. Eventually, the Company once again turned its attention to Leipzig, hoping to bring top-flight football to a city which had suffered a dearth of quality football for many years. The potential of investing in Leipzig was huge - especially considering the large stadium, good infrastructure and lack of investment in the eastern part of the country. Considering previous issues, the executives searched for a small club playing in the Oberliga and hence falling out of scope of DFB licensing criteria - paving the way to make the dream a reality. That club was SSV Markranstadt. A mere five weeks after contact, the club decided to sell its ‘rights’ to Red Bull GmbH - with the founding members of the ‘new’ club being Red Bull employees. Due to licensing issues with the North East German Football Association, the club also acquired youth teams from FC Sachsen Leipzig. As was the case with Salzburg, the club’s meteoric (and rapid) rise brought about contempt, jealousy and resentment. Investing millions of Euros, RB Leipzig have become a leading club in German football - with the Bundesliga title proving to be the ultimate accolade still pending. Manager: Hard to believe but Julian Nagelsmann is still 33 years old and managed to lead RB Leipzig to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season. A prominent player, he was forced to retire from the game in 2008 after damaging his knee and meniscus. However, the unorthodox and flamboyant (characterised by his ostentatious dress sense) German pursued studies in business administration before shifting to ‘Sports Science’ and eventually coaching. He guided

Hoffenheim between 2016 and 2019 and became the youngest manager to reach 100 games (as a coach) in German Football History. He joined RB Leipzig in the summer of 2019.

They play at the Fatih Terim Stadium (built in 2014) and named after the enigmatic and legendary Turkish manager (who ironically is the current manager of Galatasaray).

Players to look out for: Marcel Sabitzer was a nightmare against Tottenham last year. They may have lost stellar striker Timo Werner to Chelsea but still possess some very valid individuals such as: Angelino (on loan from Man City) and Yussef Poulsen (who has been with the club for a considerable time). Pay attention to young Justin Kluivert (on loan from Roma).

Manager: Okan Buruk is no stranger to Italian football fans as he played for Internazionale between 2001 and 2004. He was also part of the legendary Galatasaray side that won the 1999-2000 UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Club double. Capped 56 times for Turkey, he assumed the position of Head Coach of Basaksehir in the summer of 2019 and astutely guided them to their first ever league title.

Verdict: Following a 0-5 loss to the Red Devils’ at Old Trafford, you would expect a monumental comeback to get out of the group stages (which would most probably involve displacing PSG). Seemed to have lost the swagger and confidence of the previous campaign with the defence looking overly exposed & vulnerable at Old Trafford.

Players to look out for: Former Manchester United defender Rafael is currently plying his trade with the Istanbul-based club - a jovial full back who endeared himself to most United fans throughout his time at the club. Martin Skrtel is also no stranger to United fans as is Demba Ba. Take note of Edin Visca from Bosnia as well - ever present with the club since 2011 and is considered to be one of the club’s most important players.

ISTANBUL BASAKSEHIR Background: Basaksehir is a municipality situated in the European part of Istanbul. Founded in 1990, the club was initially owned by the locality’s water distribution company. For a considerable period of time, they played in the TFF Second League before finally achieving promotion to the Super Lig in 2007. In 2014, the club was purchased by new owners (the

takeover of which is still, to a certain extent, shrouded in mystery till this day) and the whole club took on a new dimension. Rumours of political favouritism run deep amongst Turkish fans - with President Erdogan seen parading a Basaksehir shirt - seeming to imply some form of leniency from Authorities. They had been knocking on the door of sporting ‘immortality’ for quite a while, narrowly missing out on the league title in 2018/19 before finally ending the wait by winning the 2019/20 title - the first in their history. Along with Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and Besiktas - Istanbul has undoubtedly added a fourth powerhouse to the local football landscape in Basaksehir.

Verdict: Not much is expected of the club in their first ever campaign whilst also considering the gulf in class between themselves and the other three group giants. Still, expect them to offer stiff resistance in Turkey - in a land which has historically posed more than enough mental and physical challenges to Manchester United!

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

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Two visits to Old Trafford with my Dad

will hit us’, I replied ‘I will tell them you support them and I came with you’ to pull his leg. We took the train down at 5.30am and we enjoyed some breakfast on the train and took in the beautiful English countryside. We arrived at Manchester Piccadilly at around 10am and headed to Old Trafford. As soon as we arrived, he remarked that it was massive. We popped into a couple of bars, had a few beers, amidst the comments about the cold and having cold beer was that he was going to need to go the bathroom a lot. We met up with some friends of mine which I have made over the years going to Manchester. We got into the stadium and he was looking around, I was passing jokes at him. Deep down I was over the moon that I was watching a live match with him, as since he was already out working or attending to his hobbies and me the same. Trips like these were one-offs. We watched the match which United lost and played to be honest like crap. The game ended and he looked me, ‘I will be spending half a day on a train and I didn’t get to see a shot on goal, who is this manager’ I replied ‘Moyes’, ‘Tal-Everton?’ He replied, ‘Yes Da’, ‘Aħjar baqa’ magħhom’ he remarked. We got the 4pm train back to Manchester and the train was jam-packed with Newcastle fans and we spent 3 hours nearly standing up till I found an empty seat for him and he was scared we get done for, by not singing with the Newcastle fans. We arrived at Newcastle central station and there was party going on due to the result. I told him to go with them, he said ‘Are you nuts? Get me home to your Nanna, I am too old for this rubbish’.

by Daniel Cuschieri

y dad loved football, I wouldn’t say he was a vivid United fan but he would always watch a match with me, and if he couldn’t watch a match, it was due to his hobby and devotion to his horses. The love for football is evident as four of his five children played the sport, notably my sister who plays abroad, whom he never managed to watch play on foreign soil but would call her before and after every game as in his eyes, he became the champion of Malta, getting my sister to play abroad and being one of the brightest talents on the island. I got into my studies during my mid-twenties, for a number of reasons. I was very close to my dad and I needed him to be proud of me. My strong points I believe were my business acumen and I followed my cousin’s advice and I started the accountancy path. Another reason was that my dad has a reason to be proud of my sister and I needed to get him to feel the same for me. I dedicated a few years to get my degree and once I did, I told him we are going to the UK, for my graduation in December 2013, and I planned a small trip to Old Trafford.

We went to watch the Newcastle against United match and we travelled down from Newcastle with the away fans. ‘Do not tell them that we support United, because they

Over the years I noticed my Dad’s health getting bad due to age and his smoking. So last year I planned a small trip with him, and my dad knew which buttons to press to get me going, and I knew which to press to get him, either get him rattled or soft. I knew I had to play my dad to get him on the plane, due to his stance ‘I cannot travel due to my horses’. I spoke to Joe and he assisted me for tickets for the game against Chelsea. Once the tickets were confirmed, I called my dad and told him about the game and he didn’t want to come. To cut a long story short, I played a few words. We travelled to the UK and I took my dad to see his brother Freddie, who is a United fanatic and the reason how I got to support United. We spent the day there and travelled up by car with my uncle. We were pressed for time as my uncle mistakenly booked a wrong time for the train to return back to Stamford. We arrived in Manchester and headed to Old Trafford and went on the stadium tour. It was the first time that they both went on the tour. Both enjoyed and got to meet Fred the Red, we enjoyed a meal at Red Café and drove my uncle to the train station for his journey back home. My dad and I headed back, checked into the hotel and went out for dinner. The

VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

next day we went to the stadium and enjoyed the match, that ended with a nil-nil draw. After the match dad said, ‘Seems like its hard for me to watch a goal here’. The next day, we went to Cheshire zoo and dad came into his own, barely wanting to leave, loving to see the animals which he had never seen before and due to his age, he was out of breath. These two trips will last a lifetime, especially as

I got to spend some of my hobbies with my dad. During his last months, we watched matches on end and something we agreed on was that the team is far away from the years of Ferguson. His words would be ‘Ma kienux jilagħbu hekk taħt Ferguson għax kien joqtolhom.’ The last match we watched together was France vs Portugal and the last United match

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40 VOL 48 - ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2020

was United vs Spurs, and his remark was ‘Ija spiĊĊa Mourinho’, I replied ‘I never said he was, I guess players do not like a certain type of authority over them’. As much as I miss my dad’s voice daily, I miss his calls to ask about the game and he would just say ‘Dan, kif morna?’ If it was bad, he would laugh at me, if it was good, he would ask more details.

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Volume 46- Issue 4, June 2019

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Volume 47- Issue 3, March 2020 Volume 47- Issue 1, October 2019

“He is a natural footb aller. He comes alive when you get closer to the goal .” Ole Gunnar Solskjær

2, Volume 47- Issue December 2019

“I think any player who joins Manchester United wants to win everything” “Brandon Williams was absolutely exceptional!”

Bruno Fernandes

Partizan Solskjær after match

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

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