Echoes from Old Trafford - April 2025

Volume 52- Issue 2,

“ Call me naive, but I truly believe I am the right guy in the right moment. I truly believe I’m the right guy for the job.” Ruben Amorim

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

Official publication of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta

editorial team

Clint Camilleri – Joseph Busuttil – Dr. Michael Calleja

advertising executive Joseph Busuttil

contributors

Dr.Michael Calleja Clint Camilleri

Robert Mizzi Kevin, Justyn & Wayne Tabone

Iain McCartney Kenneth Abela

Alex Dudley Julian Tabone

Stefan Attard Joseph Busuttil

Cleo Zarb Daniel Cuschieri

Mari0 Grima

patron Sir Alex Ferguson

club founder John Calleja

club president Joseph Tedesco

club committee

Joseph Tedesco President- Match Tickets Coordinator

Joseph Catania Vice President

Clint Camilleri Secretary Media & Design Coordinator

Robert Muscat Assistant Secretary – Tours & Projects Coordinator

Kevin Tabone Treasurer & PRO

Egidio Sciberras Assistant Treasurer

Robert Mizzi Membership Secretary

Marvin Grech Events Manager

Joseph Busuttil Advertising Executive & Publishing Coordinator

Antoine Portelli Venue & Facilities Coordinator

Etienne Tabone Souvenir Shop Manager

graphic designer James Trapani

business partners

MALTA FOUNDED 1959 MALTA

Turbulence and Transition at Old Trafford: Mixed Results and Managerial Upheaval.

Editorial

The 2024/25 season for Manchester United has proven tumultuous and transformative, epitomizing the profound challenges faced by one of football’s most historic clubs. The campaign began with significant optimism following last season’s FA Cup success under Erik ten Hag. However, a disappointing series of results, including heavy home defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham, prompted the club to part ways with Ten Hag in late October, despite his previous successes.

The managerial upheaval initially plunged United deeper into uncertainty, but the swift appointment of Rúben Amorim, former Sporting CP manager, signalled a new direction. Amorim inherited a squad low on confidence, marred by injuries and inconsistency. Although immediate improvement was modest, Amorim has instilled discipline, and glimpses of progress have been evident—highlighted by an emphatic 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford and a solid European run.

However, domestically, United remains disappointingly mid-table, currently placed 14th with 34 points from 28 matches, struggling to maintain consistency. Highprofile players, including Marcus Rashford and Antony, faced scrutiny for poor performances, resulting in Rashford’s surprising January loan to Aston Villa and Antony’s loan to Real Betis. These departures sparked intense debate among fans, reflecting division over the club’s handling of key talents.

In cup competitions, United’s performance has been mixed. Their FA Cup defence ended prematurely with a disappointing fifth round exit to Fulham via penalties. Similarly, a thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful League Cup quarter final against Tottenham showcased both attacking flair and defensive vulnerabilities. However, the Europa League has provided solace. Under Amorim’s management, United navigated the competition undefeated, finishing impressively third out of 36 clubs in the league phase. The recent hard-fought 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in Spain positions the Reds favourably for progression into the quarter finals, restoring a degree of pride and optimism for European glory.

Away from the pitch, significant developments unfolded at the board level, shaping fan sentiments profoundly. February 2024 saw British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a 27.7% minority stake from the Glazer family. While not the outright sale many supporters

clamoured for, Ratcliffe’s arrival offered hope of tangible improvements, particularly in infrastructure and football operations. His commitment to reviving Old Trafford—potentially through significant redevelopment or even constructing a new “Wembley of the North”—has been welcomed by fans who have long voiced dissatisfaction with the stadium’s condition.

Yet, despite Ratcliffe’s involvement, tensions persist as the Glazer family retains majority control. The partial ownership shift has not fully quelled fan discontent, with protests continuing from those who demand a full sale and clear severance from the previous ownership era. Persistent displays of green-and-gold scarves at matches remain visible reminders of an unfinished battle. Fan groups, notably MUST and The 1958, continue pressing for further changes, including full fan share ownership schemes that remain in prolonged negotiation.

The relationship between the club and its fans, though strained, has seen positive moves recently. Notably, United’s decision to “reclaim the Stretford End” by converting corporate seats back into general admission areas has been universally praised. Allocating seats to passionate supporter groups and introducing affordable season tickets for younger fans represents a significant step in restoring Old Trafford’s once famous atmosphere. Initiatives like these reflect growing responsiveness at the board level, partly attributed to Ratcliffe’s influence and fan pressure.

Transfer activity this season mirrored United’s shifting strategy. Summer signings were targeted, emphasizing youth and longterm potential rather than marquee names. Manuel Ugarte’s arrival from PSG bolstered midfield energy and resilience. Dutch

forward Joshua Zirkzee provided attacking support, quickly earning fan approval with decisive early-season contributions. Young defender Leny Yoro, despite an injury-hampered start, symbolizes future defensive stability. January was relatively quiet, emphasizing cautious spending amid financial constraints and planning ahead for a significant summer overhaul. Danish teenager Patrick Dorgu’s acquisition further illustrated this measured approach.

The coming summer transfer window is expected to be crucial. United are rumoured to pursue key players to rejuvenate the squad thoroughly. A top-class forward remains a priority, alongside possible reinforcements in defense and midfield. Reports suggest Amorim will leverage his Sporting CP connections, targeting familiar players such as PSG’s Nuno Mendes or Sporting’s Gonçalo Inácio. These potential moves underline a clear intention to forge a cohesive squad aligned closely with Amorim’s philosophy.

Fan culture remains vibrant despite mixed performances. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has improved, with recent initiatives empowering supporters to create a louder, more authentic matchday experience. Globally, United’s fanbase continues to grow, demonstrating unwavering loyalty during challenging times. Recent tours in the United States highlighted the strong international support, while watch parties and digital fan engagement globally remain strong.

In conclusion, the current campaign at Manchester United epitomizes a challenging yet hopeful transition period. Performances on the pitch have tested fans’ patience, highlighting the stark realities of a squad undergoing substantial transformation. Off-field developments under Ratcliffe’s partial ownership bring cautious optimism, suggesting genuine intent to rebuild United’s infrastructure and reconnect deeply with the club’s foundational values. Amorim’s management offers promise, but patience will be essential.

As fans, optimism must be balanced with realism. This season may yet yield European success, providing critical momentum heading into next year. Manchester United stands at a crossroads, needing decisive leadership and clarity of vision. Fans worldwide, united in passion and purpose, remain committed to supporting the club’s journey back to sustained success. 

The Echoes Editorial Board & the Committee of the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta

would like to wish you and your families

Turbolenza u tranzizzjoni f'Old Trafford: Rizultati mhallta u taqlib manigerjali. . . . -

EditorJal

Listaġun 2024/25 għal Manchester United wera li huwa tumultuż u trasformattiv, u epitomizza l‑isfidi profondi li għandu quddiemu wieħed mill‑aktar klabbs storiċi tal‑futbol.

Il‑kampanja bdiet b’ottimiżmu sinifikanti wara s‑suċċess tal‑FA Cup tal‑istaġun li għadda taħt Erik Ten Hag. Madankollu, sensiela ta’ riżultati dizapuntanti, inklużi t‑telfiet kbar f’Old Trafford ma Liverpool u Tottenham, qanqlu lill-klabb biex iwitti t‑triq ghat tkecija ta’ Ten Hag lejn l‑aħħar ta’ Ottubru, minkejja s‑suċċessi preċedenti tiegħu.

It‑taqlib maniġerjali fil‑bidu tefa’ lil United f’aktar inċertezza. Il‑ħatra ta’ Rúben Amorim, li qabel kien il‑maniġer ta’ Sporting CP, issenjalat direzzjoni ġdida.

Amorim wiret skwadra b’kunfidenza baxxa, imtappna minn injuries u inkonsistenza. Għalkemm it-titjib immedjat kien modest, Amorim nissel dixxiplina, u l‑ħjiel tal‑progress kien evidenti, enfasizzat minn rebħa enfatika ta’ 4‑0 fuq Everton f’ Old Trafford u wirjiet sodi fl’ Ewropa.

Madankollu, domestikament, United jibqgħu diżappuntanti f’nofs il‑klassifika, u bħalissa jinsabu fl - 14 - il post b’ 34 punt minn 28 partita, jissieltu biex iżommu l‑konsistenza. Il‑plejers ta’ profil għoli, fosthom Marcus Rashford u Antony, iffaċċjaw skrutinju għal prestazzjonijiet fqar, li rriżulta fis‑self sorprendenti f’ Jannar ta’ Rashford lil Aston Villa, u ta’ Antony lil Real Betis. Dawn it‑telfiet qanqlu dibattitu intens fost il‑partitarji.

Fil - kompetizzjonijiet tat- tazzi, il - prestazzjoni tal‑United kienet mhallta. Id‑difiża tal‑FA Cup intemmet qabel iż‑żmien b’ ħarġa diżappuntanti fil‑ħames rawnd ma’ Fulham bil penaltis. Bl‑istess mod, fil‑kwarti‑finali tal‑League Cup, li kienet eċċitanti iżda li fl‑aħħar mill‑aħħar ma rnexxietx kontra Tottenham, uriet vulnerabbiltajiet fjakki kemm fl‑attakk kif ukoll fid‑difiza.

Madankollu, l- Europa League ipprovdied daqxejn ta’ serħan il‑moħħ. Taħt it‑tmexxija ta’ Amorim, United innavigaw il‑kompetizzjoni mingħajr telfa, u spiċċaw b’mod impressjonanti fit‑tielet post minn 36 klabb fil‑fażi tal‑kampjonat. Id‑draw riċenti ta’ 1‑1 missielet kontra Real Sociedad fi Spanja, ipoġġi lir‑Reds favoriti għall‑progressjoni fil‑kwarti tal‑finali, u jerġa’ jġib ftit pregju u ottimiżmu għall‑glorja Ewropea.

’Il bogħod mill‑grawnd, żvolġew żviluppi sinifikanti fil‑livell tal‑bord, u ffurmaw sentimenti tal - partitarji b’mod profond. Frar 2024 ra lill‑biljunarju Ingliż, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, jakkwista sehem minoritarju ta’ 27.7% mill - familja Glazer. Filwaqt li mhux il‑bejgħ dirett li ħafna partitarji talbu, il‑wasla ta’ Ratcliffe offriet tama ta’ titjib

tanġibbli, b’mod partikolari fl‑infrastruttura u l‑operazzjonijiet tal‑futbol. L‑impenn tiegħu li jerġa’ jagħti l‑ħajja lil Old Trafford, potenzjalment permezz ta’ żvilupp mill‑ġdid sinifikanti jew saħansitra l‑bini ta’ “Wembley of the North” ġdid — intlaqa’ tajjeb minn partitarji li ilhom ilissnu nuqqas ta’ sodisfazzjon bil - kundizzjoni tal - istadium.

Madankollu, minkejja l‑involviment ta’ Ratcliffe, it-tensjonijiet jippersistu hekk kif il-familja Glazer iżżomm il‑kontroll tal‑klabb bil‑maġġoranza ta’ l‑ishmna. Il‑bidla parzjali ma kisritx għal kollox l-iskuntentizza, bil-protesti jkomplu minn dawk li jitolbu bejgħ sħiħ u qtugħ ċar mill‑era tas‑sidien preċedenti. Wirjiet persistenti ta’ xalpi ħodor u lewn id‑deheb jibqgħu tifkiriet viżibbli ta’ battalja mhux mitmuma. Gruppi ta’ partitarji, b’mod partikolari l‑MUST u l‑1958, ikomplu jagħfsu għal aktar bidliet.

Ir‑relazzjoni bejn il‑klabb u l‑partitarji tiegħu, għalkemm strapazzata, dan l‑aħħar rat ċaqliq pożittiv. B’mod partikolari, id‑deċiżjoni ta’ United li jitolbu lura “Stretford End” billi jikkonvertu s‑siġġijiet korporattivi lura f’żoni ta’ ammissjoni ġenerali ġiet imfaħħra b’mod universali. L‑allokazzjoni ta’ siġġijiet lil gruppi ta’ partitarji passivi u l‑introduzzjoni ta’ biljetti tal‑istaġun affordabbli għal partitarji iżgħar tirrappreżenta pass sinifikanti fir‑restawr tal‑atmosfera li darba kienet famuża f’ Old Trafford. Inizjattivi bħal dawn jirriflettu rispons li dejjem qed jikber fil‑livell tal‑bord, parzjalment attribwit għall‑influwenza ta’ Ratcliffe u l‑pressjoni tal‑partitarji.

Attivita’ ta’ trasferiment dan l‑istaġun irriflettiet l‑istrateġija ta’ ‘Shifting’. L’akkwisti tas‑sajf kienu mghazulin, u enfasizzaw fuq il - potenzjal taż‑żgħażagħ ‘long‑term’ aktar milli ismijiet kbar. Il‑wasla ta’ Manuel Ugarte minn PSG saħħet l‑enerġija u r‑reżiljenza tal midfield. L‑attakkant Olandiż, Joshua Zirkzee, ipprovda appoġġ lil attakanti, u qala’ l -approvazzjoni tal - partitarji

b’ kontribuzzjonijiet deċiżivi fil‑bidu tal‑istaġun. Id‑difensur żagħżugħ Leny Yoro, minkejja bidu mxekkel minn injury, jissimbolizza l - istabbilta’ difensiva futura. Jannar kien relattivament kwiet, u enfasizza nfiq kawt fost restrizzjonijiet finanzjarji u ppjanar bil‑quddiem għal bidla sinifikanti fis‑sajf. L‑akkwist tal‑adoloxxent Daniż Patrick Dorgu kompla juri dan l‑approċċ imkejjel.

It‑tieqa tat‑trasferimenti tas‑sajf li ġej mistennija tkun kruċjali. Qed jistema li l’United qed jiġru wara plejers ewlenin biex jerġgħu jixprunaw l‑iskwadra bir‑reqqa. Attakant tal‑ogħla klassi jibqa’ prijoritarju, flimkien ma’ rinforzi possibbli fid‑difiża u f’nofs il‑grawnd. Ir‑rapporti jissuġġerixxu li Amorim se juza l‑konnessjonijiet tieghaw ma Sporting CP, billi jimmira lejn plejers familjari bħal Nuno Mendes ta’ PSG jew Gonçalo Inácio ta’ Sporting. Dawn il - mossi potenzjali jenfasizzaw intenzjoni ċara li tinħoloq skwadra koeżiva allinjata mill‑qrib mal‑filosofija ta’ Amorim.

Il - kultura tal - partitarji tibqa’ vibranti minkejja prestazzjonijiet imħallta. L‑atmosfera f’Old Trafford tjiebet, b’inizjattivi riċenti li jagħtu s‑setgħa lill‑partitarji biex joħolqu esperjenza aktar luminuża u awtentika waqt matchday.

Globalment, in - numru ta’ ‘fans’ ta’ United qed tkompli tikber, u qed turi lealta’ bla heda matul dawn iz‑żmienijiet ta’ sfida. Tours riċenti fl‑Istati Uniti enfasizzaw dan l‑appoġġ internazzjonali qawwi, filwaqt li ‘watch parties’ u l‑involviment ta’ partitarji diġitali globalment baqaw b’saħħithom.

Bħala konklużjoni, il‑kampanja attwali f’Manchester United tepitomizza perjodu ta’ tranżizzjoni diffiċli iżda ttamat. Il‑prestazzjonijiet fil‑grawnd ittestjat il‑paċenzja tal‑partitarji, u enfasizzaw ir‑realtajiet startiċi ta’ skwadra li għaddejja minn trasformazzjoni sostanzjali. L‑iżviluppi taħt Ratcliffe jġibu ottimiżmu kawt, li jissuġġerixxi intenzjoni ġenwina li tinbena mill‑ġdid l‑infrastruttura ta’ United u li jerġaw’ jinghaqdu fil‑fond il‑valuri fundaturi tal‑klabb. It‑tmexxija t’Amorim toffri wegħda, imma l‑paċenzja se tkun essenzjali.

Bħala partitarju, l‑ottimiżmu jrid ikun ibbilanċjat mar‑realiżmu. Dan l‑istaġun jista’ jkun jrendi suċċess Ewropew, u jipprovdi momentum kritiku ghas‑sena d‑dieħla

Manchester United jinsabu f’salib it- toroq, u jeħtieġ tmexxija deċiżiva u ċarezza ta‑viżjoni. Il‑partitarji madwar id‑dinja, magħqudin fil‑passjoni u l‑iskop, li jibqgħu impenjati u jappoġġjaw il‑vjaġġ tal‑klabb lura għal suċċess sostnut. 

NEWS CLUB

Elderly Homes Visit

On Saturday, 14 th December, MUSC Malta committee members visited members who reside in elderly homes, including our Founder, John Calleja. This event officially closed off our 65th Anniversary Program of Events!

Members’ Christmas Party

During the Christmas period, on 13th December and 20th December respectively, we organized the annual Children’s and Members’ parties. Thanks to our sponsors, suppliers, and all those involved in the organization, we can look back at another two very successful events. We want to congratulate all the winners of the lottery draw and thank all the members who contributed. The winners are:

1. Signed Bruno Fernandes Shirt with Certificate of Authenticity (thanks to Visit Malta) – Raymond Zammit

2. Air Condition 12000BTU Earth Frost (thanks to OK LTD) – Hannah Citil

3. 2 Nights Weekend Break at The Grand Hotel in Gozo on B&B Basis (thanks to Silvio Rapa) – Maurice Muscat

4. BOOMBOX Bluetooth (thanks to SATHOBBY) – Anthony Micallef

The Committee would also like to thank all the members who reached the 25-year consecutive membership milestone.

by Clint Camilleri

MALTA FOUNDED 1959 MALTA

Munich Memorial Mass and Denis Law Tribute – MUSC Malta

On 2nd February, MUSC Malta held its annual Munich Memorial Mass to honour the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster, a deeply significant event in Manchester United’s history. This year’s commemoration also featured a heartfelt tribute to football legend Denis Law, celebrating his immense contribution to the club and the game.

Following the solemn ceremony, attendees gathered for lunch at the Red Pub.

6th February Munich Trip

On 6th February, MUSC Malta was proudly present in Munich to pay respects at the official Munich Memorial hosted by the Munich Manchester Memorial Foundation (MMMF), marking the anniversary of the tragic 1958 air disaster.

Representing the club, committee member Joseph Busuttil and long-time member Mario Grima laid a wreath on behalf of MUSC Malta, honouring the memory of the Busby Babes and all those who lost their lives.

The presence of MUSC Malta at the memorial highlights the club’s enduring commitment to remembering this pivotal moment in Manchester United’s history, standing in solidarity with fans from around the world.

Munich Memorial Mass, this time at the Gozo Branch, once again paying tribute to the victims of the 1958 Munich air disaster. The ceremony also included a special tribute to Denis Law, celebrating his legacy as one of Manchester United’s greatest icons. Following the service, a meeting was held with the Gozo members.

Peking Restaurant Event

On 22 nd February, MUSC Malta hosted a successful social event at the Peking Restaurant, bringing together members for an enjoyable evening of good food and great company.

The positive turnout and lively spirit made the night memorable for all who attended.

Blood Donation

MUSC Malta members participated in a blood donation drive in collaboration with the Facebook group Partitarji ta’ Vera Sal-Mewt, created by Samuel Vassallo.

This initiative aimed to encourage fans to donate blood and help save lives. The members of MUSC Malta showed their strong sense of community by supporting this vital cause, demonstrating that their passion for Manchester United extends beyond football and into meaningful actions that can make a difference in people’s lives.

Fenkata

On 9th February, MUSC Malta held another

On Friday, 4th April, MUSC Malta had a Fenkata at the club. Many members came to eat a nice traditional rabbit meal. Everyone enjoyed the food with each other. It was a relaxing evening with good food, fun, and friends.

Manchester United Shirt Donation

Kurt Grima, the Red Pub barman, donated a special Manchester United 1991 Cup Winners’ Cup shirt to the club. The shirt was signed by legends such as Phelan, Blackmore, Robson, McClair, Pallister, Hughes, Irwin, and Sharpe, and it included the certificate of authenticity.

Munich Memorial Mass and Denis Law Tribute – Gozo Branch

MUSC Malta and Gozo Branch Survey Analysis

(Part 2)

As explained in Part 1 of the survey analysis, Part 2 will be focused on what members replied on the two remaining aspects of the survey i.e. What more activities members want to see and What changes members would like to see. It is fair to mention that we had a lot of positive feedback which the Committee appreciates a lot. It is very motivating and fills us with energy to keep doing more. Here I will be focusing more on the suggestions and recommendations: What more activities members want to see?

More Tours: In Part 1, I had explained the reasons behind the fact that we have stopped organising tours for Manchester. However, we are committed to do our utmost best to organise a tour to Manchester in the coming season. We hope to be able to come up with a good, reasonable price soon after fixtures are out in June.

A member wrote: ‘Most of us have young kids, who I fear to state, may have been brainwashed to becoming MU fans. Maybe organising a father and child trip to Old Trafford and getting an edge on other ‘off the shelf’ tours, could be one.’ It would be nice to discuss in more detail this idea with the member who proposed it. So if you are reading, please feel free to contact me.

Tickets for Cup Finals: The way the ticket allocation for Cup finals at Manchester United has evolved, such tickets are only available to season ticket holders, to FAs and sponsors. It is no secret that even ticket allocation to players and staff has been drastically reduced. It is no secret that tickets for such games on the black market are outrageously expensive. We do not use the black market as a principle anyway. Things have changed at Manchester United since the Glazers took over and it is a fact that people, love it or hate it, must accept. We have twelve season tickets at MUSC Malta with which we opt in for all Cup games with a significant risk of losing money but for the sake of having a chance in the ballot if eventually Man Utd reach a final. Last season we were successful with some of our season tickets in the ballot for the FA Cup semi final and the final and we offered them to our Club members. The reply from members was surprisingly very low for the semi final and we managed to fulfil all requests with the ones we were successful with. As expected, the final was more in demand and we organised an internal ballot for what we had available.

More Social Activities at Club and Outside Club:We acknowledge the importance of such events and have to say that this season we have substantially increased the number of activities. Members are suggesting BBQs during the summertime, a good idea which we will take on board. We commit to keep these activities as frequent as possible. The members’ participation is key.

More Indoor and Outdoor Games: We have

received a few suggestions to increase indoor game competitions such as quizzes, billiard league and PlayStation. When we organised the quiz in October 2023 as part of the 65 th Anniversary activities, we had a healthy participation but when we organised a billiard league and for various times organised a Play Station tournament the participation from members has always been very weak. We will commit to keep trying to organise more similar activities including darts and table tennis as well, especially when there is an international break. Someone also suggested to try and attract chess and drafts tournaments – not a bad idea. We will have a look into this. Someone also suggested to sell the idea to MUTV to organise a quiz with international branches. The way MUTV operates nowadays makes it extremely hard to penetrate their agenda but we will try to recommend this idea through our contacts.

Members would like to see us organise more football games, especially 5-a-side, and someone produced an interesting suggestion to start organising a football game as part of our annual activities. We will follow up on this.

World Cup and Euro Games: Someone mentioned this and we are understanding that this is meant for England competition qualifier games because when there is the World Cup and Euro the Club is always open for the England games of course. The attendance for the qualifier games was so poor that it was not worth opening the Club for such games. There were times when we advised that the Club will be open for such games and no one turned up. Hence, we have given the bartender the right of refusal to open the Club for qualifier games.

Information Meetings about the History of Man Utd: Someone suggested we should be organising more information meetings to narrate more about the history of Man Utd, especially for the sake of younger generations. The world of younger generations today is all about the internet and social media. It is a good suggestion but we need to develop the suggestion using more appropriate media for kids rather than bringing them to the Club for meetings. Help with Man Utd Membership:This is a service we already offer and we mention it several times in our circulars. Anyone who needs such assistance is kindly asked to contact our Membership Secretary. However, due to the way the system works nowadays, we do not use our Club’s credit card and subsequently request a reimbursement anymore so whoever will be acquiring our assistance to do a Man Utd membership he/ she must bring a credit card with him/her.

Bringing Over the Team and First Team Players: Some members requested more access to first team players. Given the

commercial model Man Utd has adopted under the Glazer ownership access to first team players and Carrington is no longer available to anyone, not even if you have contacts in the background. Its all about business and money. Access to the first team players is reserved only for huge sponsors and philanthropic situations which Man Utd choose to support. Thanks to Visit Malta being a global partner for Man Utd we might have the opportunity to see the team over in Malta before the current contact expires but be prepared for a lot of red tape in terms of access to players. It is all dictated by Man Utd. Some members mentioned youth team visits and we are proud to say that we had the U13s over in Malta twice in a row in the past 2 years. We are still hoping to get the U18s over once again thanks to our good contacts in the Academy but the schedule these teams have nowadays always make it harder to find the slot. I found it hard to understand what members meant by more access to ex-players when we had so many in the past years and participation from members has more often than most been weak. Some members mentioned the wish to see Sir Alex back in Malta. It surely does not depend on the Committee because we have invited him several times. As for those who mentioned the likes of Cantona I invite them to speak to me directly so I can personally inform them the cost for such events. Will not publish it here.

Pre game Discussions and Predictions: This is not a bad suggestion but we prefer to look at more sustainable initiatives. If anyone from the members is interested to take charge of this, we are more than welcome to accommodate.

More Attendance when there is no Football This is one of the areas we wish to improve, even for the sake of our bartender. However, we understand the challenges and limitations and our only way to achieve any progress in this aspect is by organising more social interactions.

Blood Donation Campaigns The Committee is very supportive of the National Blood Transfusion Centre. We advertise their campaigns on our media and digital board and Committee members often meet to go and donate blood. We sometimes mention the initiative during a game’s half time news but we take the point and we will try to start organising this more as a Club.

MUSC Malta Podcast: This is one of our main priorities for the near future. To organise a podcast, one needs to invest in the right equipment and good podcasters. This year we will hopefully pay the remaining debts of the Club and I can rest the mind of those who think a Podcast will add a lot of value that the project is on our radar.

More Members Present during Activities with Philanthropic Purposes: Even we wish

to have more members present during such activities but we have to admit that whenever we asked our members to help us with these activities, we have always had particularly good financial participation. Some members have requested us to participate more in runs and marathons for charity. Point taken, absolutely. We already participate in some as a Committee such as the Puttinu Cares Good Friday Walk but have to start extending the participation more to include Club members.

More Man Utd Exhibitions: We have to say how disappointed we were in February of last year when we setup a unique exhibition related to the Munich tragedy at the Supporters Club as part of our 65th anniversary celebrations and the participation from our members was very weak. We have big plans coming up in refurbishing the Committee room and that will be a huge, massive project where will have an ongoing exhibition in the form of an experience.

Activities for Foreign Workers to Integrate Them: We welcome all foreigners who live in Malta and are interested to be part of our community. I am not sure what is being requested here but from what we are understanding the person who wrote this is asking us to start creating activities specifically for foreigners within our Club. Foreigner integration is not really on our agenda as we do not distinguish between local and foreign members.

More Transparency in relation to Tours and Tickets: One member wrote this and we are not sure what is being requested here so I am gently inviting the person who wrote this to contact me personally so I can understand what more what is required from us in this aspect.

What would members like to change?

More Opening Hours: The Club official opening hours are on a Friday evening from 6.30pm till 8.30pm and on a Sunday morning from 9.30am till 11.30am. These are two ideal time slots, in our opinion, for people to come and have a drink or request a service face to face. However, the attendance during these time slots is always very weak hence if we add opening hours during other weekdays, we do not see any real value added. Club to be Advertised as a Restaurant: For the Club to be advertised as a restaurant we need to have a restaurant licence and to have a restaurant licence we need to tick many more boxes. We had explored this a few years ago but we have come to the conclusion that it is not worth it.

Air Curtain to Decrease Smell of Cigarettes: We actually have an air curtain and we have started to use it specifically for this purpose. Hopefully, the difference starts to be noticed.

More Meetings with Members – not only AGM:

We can explore this but must make sure that such meetings trigger participation because in true and actual fact we always struggle to generate participation in the AGM, let alone other non-binding meetings.

Members Benefits from Souvenir Shop: There are benefits for members from the Souvenir Shop such as 10% discount on all Man Utd Adidas items and MUSC Malta merchandise.

Invest in Tourists who are Man Utd Supporters Visiting Malta to Visit the Club: If there is something we excel in it is the popularity of our Supporters’ Cub worldwide. We get scores of tourists visiting our Supporters’ Club in a month. We often end up opening for tourists even during non-opening hours. Our Supporters’ Club has an exceptionally good name and is very well known and we must be immensely proud to be members of such a famous organisation. We have the biggest Facebook page on the island with over 1.9 million likes and a very good Instagram page with over 43k followers. We are investing in how we welcome the tourists to our Club –best promotion is word of mouth.

Larger Premises: We had looked at alternatives before investing in the one we have now but at the time the location and size of our Club was the best option there was available. Now we are on the verge of paying all the debt so cannot see us looking at any alternative premises for the short and medium term.

Strengthen Contact with Man Utd: Even though this is much more challenging than ever given the way the Club operates nowadays, it is one of our prime objectives to keep strengthening the connections that we still have and hopefully make new ones. Man Utd is a huge business but do not underestimate the respect that our Supporters’ Club being the oldest still enjoys from Old Trafford.

More Members’ Participation: When organising an event, the level of participation is key to the success of an event so no need to emphasis how disappointed one can be when you organise a 65th Anniversary Dinner and you get more foreigners flying from abroad to our dinner than local members. We are taking the feedback and we would like to hear more on why members’ participation is, on some occasions, not that good. It is our objective to increase members’ participation but sometimes, whatever you try to do, participation does not only depend on how much effort you invest in doing something special.

Balcony Doors: Someone wrote balcony doors and we cannot understand what is wrong with our balcony doors. Would appreciate if the member who wrote this can contact me personally, please.

Payment to Committee Members to Sustain the Level of Work Being Done:The member who wrote it truly appreciates the hard work that goes behind the scenes to keep our Club going at the standards we have reached today. However, this is a very much debatable subject and there is no harm to take this at AGM discussion level.

Bigger Screens: The projector screens we currently have fit perfectly in the areas they are installed. The TVs are not small either. We can keep this suggestion in mind when we come to change TVs.

More Atmosphere: With the current state of our football team at the moment it has been hard to create an atmosphere. However, we take the point and we will strive to keep trying to create more atmosphere during games.

More Family Friendly Activities, Especially to

Attract Younger Children: We take the point though it would be quite helpful if whoever wrote this suggestion could email us some ideas.

More Youths Attending the Club: No need to say how much we agree with this. In fact, in the past years, we setup a Youth Committee. Unfortunately, less than a handful showed interest and some of them did not pursue. We need to work more on this aspect so point taken.

More Variety in Food: One has to keep in mind that our Bar is not open every day. During international breaks the Bar could face up to a fortnight with no football. Food is mainly served during games so the choice of food the bartender can invest in is limited hence the reason some people might feel there is not much variety. Given these limitations we still feel the Bar offers quality food.

Souvenir Shop Renovation: The purpose of the Souvenir Shop is more towards offering MUSC Malta merchandise for tourists nowadays. We still try to keep a stock of Man Utd replica shirts but this is always becoming more challenging. We are planning to do a total overhaul of the Souvenir Shop setup in the coming months. So, point taken.

Structure Upgrading: Someone wrote this and we are not sure what is meant hence I gently ask the person who wrote this to contact me and kindly clarify.

Easier Access to Match Tickets: The Supporters’ Club offer match tickets services for games played at Old Trafford and we very rarely disappoint members. One can fill in an online application from the website or contact the undersigned via email info@manutd - malta.com. I am personally responsible for allocating match tickets and, as far as we know, the process is quite easy. However, if there is any way one can suggest any specific improvement, please let me know.

Main Events Exclusively for Members and Not Given to Non Supporting Friends of Friends: At MUSC Malta there is no Friends of Friends concept. There is a group of people who are not part of the Committee and who are always there ready to give a helping hand. Their relationship with the Committee is logically close. The person who wrote this surely has a very wrong impression of how we operate as a Committee. We always give our members exclusive access to our events and we have proved this event after event. Obviously, when members do not participate to our events, we open it for non-members. We as a Committee are sorry to hear that someone has this feeling hence whoever would like to discuss this further with us, we are more than happy to listen.

The answers given above represent the view of the Committee and whoever would like to contact me to discuss further you may send an email on info@manutd-malta.com or phone me on 99468212 (if weekdays after 6pm). We promise to do our utmost best to fit in a number of the suggested improvements in the coming months/years. Once again, on behalf of the Committee. THANK YOU for participating in this survey. Your input is hugely appreciated.

Joseph Tedesco - Club President 

TEDDY’S corner

Dear All

On the day of writing, with 9 games to go till we put a lid on this awful Premier League season, Manchester United are stuck in thirteenth (13th) place in the overall Premier League table, lost (12) more games than won (10), and with a goal deficit of 3. No Carabao joy (even though we have to admit that for once we celebrated with the Geordies), booted out of the FA Cup on penalties at home to Fulham but at least still hanging around in the last eight of the Europa League competition. There is no chance of playing any European football next season unless United win the final of this competition in Bilbao on 21st May. That will probably save the season again and give us a platform for the upcoming transfer market. But first we need to beat Lyon.

Is it all doom and gloom? Certainly not. It has been a very rough ride for Ruben Amorim since he took over this squad and tried to implement his philosophy of wingbacks with three at the back. We had some good games against top opposition but we have failed miserably against less quoted teams. One must admit that today there are no ‘weak’ teams but there are games which Man Utd are expected to win, especially at home. Defending has been dreadful at times. But it

is clear that players need time to adapt to the system the head coach has introduced. We all know that the current squad needs a lot of changes. Amorim cleared twentyfive players in a few months when he had taken over Sporting Lisbon and within a year he transformed a team in shambles to Champions. To repeat that feat at Manchester United it will surely be more difficult given the complex and high-paid contracts our players are on nowadays and the Premier League is not the Primeira Liga. However, if there is anyone who I would trust to do this makeover at this stage, it must be Ruben

have your say on

info@manutd-malta.com

Amorim. Obviously, the current financial state of our football Club will pose huge challenges to achieve the overhaul required but the strategy of investing in young talent, the secret of success behind all the golden eras of Man Utd, is reaping some interesting fruit. Ayden Heaven is a pure example. The recruit from Arsenal for just over £1 million pounds fitted in like a glove and looks amazingly promising. Amorim likes working with younger players, United want to buy younger players, and Jason Wilcox is the best spotter for younger players in England. So, we seem that finally we have a good tandem at the helm which will finally give that much needed boost to the disastrous recruitment strategy we have had since Sir Alex and David Gill left. The Academy at the moment is brimming with talent. We have seen Collyer, Chido-Obi and Amass who have been given a chance. The likes of Kukoni, Gore, Ibragimov, and Thwaites all deserve a chance. Then, at a younger age, the impressive JJ Gabriel keeps shining…he is an amazing talent. We are now seeing a repetition of what Fergie did in his first years at United. Patience is key!

It is just shocking to read about a football institution with 1.1 billion followers from all over the world, generating so much business, was on the brink of having no cash flow by end of 2025. The Glazer family must take the full responsibility. It is useless to point fingers at previous CEOs – they were appointed by them and it was their duty to oversee their output. Being owned by the Glazer family has

cost Man United well over a billion pounds over the last 19 years. Bottom line: total mismanagement and no football strategy! INEOS came in towards the end of last season and they gambled on Ashworth and Ten Hag. The gamble cost the Club £20 million. Next came in the austere measures which have meant approximately 450 employees at United were made redundant. The people losing their jobs are not the ones responsible for the bad decisions but unfortunately, they paid the price. Sir Jim will never blame the Glazers publicly but he knows the truth. With a football Club lurking in the lower part of the football league table, all these redundancies leaving a negative impact on services offered by the Club, ticket prices soaring, lack of empathy towards season ticket holders…no wonder Man Utd fans all over the world have a sentiment of resentment nowadays. I follow very closely the work being done by MUST, the Fans Forum and the Fans Advisory Board. They try to achieve negotiations with the owners via dialogue and constructive criticism. I am

all in favour of this approach and do not subscribe to the culture of violent protests. In the middle of all this mayhem, plans for the new stadium and the huge regeneration project surrounding it emerge. These blueprints divide opinion, it is natural. One cannot underestimate the standard of Foster + Partners, one of the best architect companies in the world. One cannot lament on lack of ambition. I have to admit that when I first saw the design it was not the one, I was hoping to see but when delving deeper in the reasoning behind the details, I started to appreciate more the sustainable structures behind this mega proposal. My biggest fear is that the fan culture we have been brought up with over all these years will be sacrificed for the commercialisation of the new stadium, New Trafford as they are referring to it. Something tells me that the new ground will be an amazing construction but the loyal support we have been used to will somehow disintegrate. And Man Utd have always been about loyal fans. We know who the loyal ones are Mr. Ratcliffe…we do not actually need you coming to our empire in the last year or so to tell us Sir! Interesting times ahead!

May I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Blessed Easter! Let us hope we will eating a delicious piece of figolla on Sunday 19th April and speaking about our Europa League semi final!

Yours United Teddy 

MUNICH MEMORIAL VISIT 2025

by Mario Grima

Having returned from a memorable 4 day trip to Munich to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the tragic Manchester United plane crash, I sit back in my armchair and recall all the moments I have experienced. Thev 6th of February 1958 was by far the darkest day of our beloved United, a tragic event remembered by millions, friends and foes, where 23 people lost their lives, including eight of the finest, Busby Babes.

It has now become a customary annual event, a real pilgrimage, for the Manchester United Supporters’ Club Malta to pay respect to those who perished 67 years ago, by being present in Munich together with hundreds and sometimes thousands of United supporters. This year was no exception and five of us, including club president Joe Tedesco, Joe Catania and Joe Busuttil (committee members), the legendary Joe Glanville, winner of the Ian Sterling Fan award and Mario Grima (member), headed for Munich.

The day after our arrival in Munich we headed to the former Munich-Riem airport where the terminal building and control tower (now privately owned) are situated. The terminal building is exactly the place where the United players, staff, crew and also journalists (44 in total) made their last steps to that dreaded Airspeed Ambassador G ALZU aircraft, operated by British European Airways. Permission to visit the tower had to be requested and once this was eventually granted we made our way up the tower where we proudly exhibited our United flags. Being on the same spot where our Busby Babes were present was really highly emotional and you have to be there to experience the sombre moment.

After lunch we headed to Marienplatz for the United Pledge, another unforgettable moment in Munich, to show our respect on the eve of the anniversary of the Munich tragedy. There, we gave away our United scarfs to locals in recognition of their help and efforts after that faithful day of the 6th February 1958. Scenes at Marienplatz

On the morning of the anniversary of that ill fated day we headed to the Rechts der Isar

hospital where the survivors of the disaster were treated. On one of the corridors within the hospital building one can see paintings and photographs of the busby babes, and also a head sculpture of the Dr. Georg Maurer, the surgeon who treated the injured and who was later awarded the CBE for his efforts. A flag, proudly held by the Maltese party was also unfurled to commemorate the visit.

After the visit to the hospital we headed to the Trudering District to present the wreath (on behalf of the Manchester United Supporters Club Malta) and pay our homage at the remembrance ceremony. As a sign of respect and in honour of the lost lives, the Munich City Council had renamed the memorial site as Manchesterplatz (formerly part of

Rappenweg street). A fantastic turnout of an estimated 800 plus supporters attended the Munich service in Manchesterplatz where Andrew Cole attended on behalf of United with Ifty Ahmed hosting the sombre service. It was such an honour that I, together with Joe Busuttil were given the opportunity to place the wreath on behalf of MUSC at the base of the memorial. Being among

the United faithful from different parts of the world makes you realise how huge and how well respected is Manchester United, suffice to mention the huge gatherings for the remembrance service. This was certainly the highlight of our visit to Munich.

In the evening, following the memorial service we had the honour of hosting Ifty Ahmed for dinner and as you can imagine all the chat was about United and the MMMF. Ifty is a really nice gentleman and a wealth of knowledge where United are concerned, but above all his respect for our Malta supporters’ club and its members is second to none.

Once again this visit reinforced my conviction of how great Manchester United is and how well respected it is in the international football arena. I will always treasure this memorable visit and even though it was my second consecutive one, it will surely not be the last. I have revisited old friends and more importantly, I made new ones; my United family has certainly grown bigger.

Buying into Amorim’s System Areas That Must Be Improved During The Summer

by Alex Dudley

The jury remains out whether Ruben Amorim’s half-season in charge of the Red Devils will be a success or not, but one thing is for sure, he has the backing of all Reds behind him as we approach the end of the 2024-25 season.

At this point, it seems as though only success in the Europa League would lead to United being back in the Champions League next term, and based on recent performances a success in the competition doesn’t seem out of the question.

Injuries have once again threatened to de-rail any work that Amorim has done, and fine tuning the right players in the right positions in his 3-4-2-1 formation has been challenging.

Even with a fully fit squad, though, the former

But where are the areas that need the most attention as we look ahead to what should be a busy summer in terms of player incomings and departures.

More Energy Required

Amorim’s Sporting CP team were seen to best effect by the world in their hammering of Manchester City in the Champions League earlier this season, and a big trait to their game was energy. As fans, we hoped more so than expected that this could be a continued trait with his United side after taking the job.

But, plainly put, the Portuguese coach lacks the players with the legs to run across the field. The aging stars of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have both struggled for long periods throughout this season, and both could be set to depart the club this summer.

It would be a concern that Lisandro Martinez ranks as the second-best player in terms of ball carries in the Premier League this season, racking up 349. In comparison, the best midfielder aside from Bruno Fernandes is Kobbie Mainoo with 194.

Manuel Ugarte looks set to be a fixture that United can build around, but the club’s overreliance on Fernandes has now seen the playmaker drop deeper in order to fill a problem position, leaving another area of weakness further up the field clearly exposed.

Energetic players will be high on the agenda for United this summer, meaning that it is no surprise that the Red Devils have already been linked with moves for players such as Ederson, who ranks as one of the most aggressive players in European football.

Striker Dilemma

One of United’s biggest issues that will need to be addressed in the summer comes at the top end of the field. Joshua Zirkzee has become somewhat of a cult hero, but he doesn’t look like a player that is going to score the 20+ goals that will get United back to challenging at the summit.

Meanwhile, it would be unfair to lay the entire issue on Rasmus Hojlund, who is extremely young and could be best suited to playing alongside a partner. The number of chances that United generate for the Dane is also a worry, as Holjund has scored just three goals this season, but he has registered just 20 shots and nine on target.

That gives him a very respectable

conversion rate of 15%, meaning that the biggest issue could focus on the fact that the team just aren’t creating enough. An out-andout wing-back will enable the chance creation to improve, as will shifting Fernandes back into a number ten role.

However, United will seriously need to question whether this is the summer to bring in a striker that will be clinical when the chances are created.

PSR (Profit And Sustainability Rules) Handicap

The biggest issue that United have this summer may not even hinge around attracting players, as summer activity could be taken out of their hands following years of mismanagement. PSR breaches are a severe issue for the Red Devils, and that will continue to be a factor that will be managed during the summer, and it will likely have a major impact on what United can do in the summer market.

Outgoings will be needed to fund moves, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony likely to be shifted on after spending the season out on loan. Players such as Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are also likely to be allowed to leave the club, while Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof, and Tom Heaton are unlikely to be handed contract extensions at the end of their current deals.

What is most concerning for fans is that PSR revolves around homegrown players being

sold to make profit. Despite being signed to the club, Harry Maguire now falls under this bracket, meaning this summer could be the time for United to cash in on the defender. However, it could mean that United may be open to the idea of letting star players such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo depart if the money is right.

Slow Progression Being Made

As an optimistic fan, it’s probably good to end on a more positive note for the season. Amorim certainly has the entire fanbase behind him, and his determination to steer on his path with the 3-4-2-1 formation could be a major benefit in the long term.

Erik ten Hag failed to keep belief in his style after back to back defeats in his first season,

and his alteration meant that his principles were lost.

At the very least, Amorim is determined to make the system work, and there have been signs in recent wins against Real Sociedad and Leicester, as well as performances at Arsenal and Liverpool that there is a belief among players that the tactic can work.

Finding the right balance in terms of personal is the big issue that the boss has moving forward, and the availability of injured players such as Mason Mount and Luke Shaw- two stars that should excel in the system- could have a huge impact on results moving forward. Navigating a tricky summer looks to be a rocky road, but there could be sun creeping above the clouds for the first time this season.

Hope Springs Eternal!

Our great Manchester United. Way down in 13th place in the Premier League table. Out of the League Cup. Out of the FA Cup of which we are the holders. But still hoping to advance further in the Europa League. We supporters rightly ask - What has gone wrong? What needs to be put right?

1. Ten managers to date... and counting. Jurgen Klopp calls it a day as Liverpool Football Club Manager at the end of the 2023/2024 season. Arne Slot immediately takes over on the 1st June 2024. Liverpool remain a potent force, firm favourites to win the 2024/2025 Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson retires in 2013. That is 12 years ago. How have United’s ten managers fared?

David Moyes, ‘the chosen one’ is the appointed replacement in June 2013. United win their 20th Community Shield but he is sacked before the end of his first season after failing to lead the club to Champions League qualification. Ryan Giggs takes temporary charge for the final four games of the 2013–14 season. The club finishes seventh, their lowest league finish since the establishment of the Premier League.

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal took Holland to a very respectable third place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and took charge of United on the 19 May 2014. United returned to the Champions League with a fourth place finish, and in fifth place in his second season but won the 2015–16 FA Cup, the club’s first in a dozen years. The

board, however, decided that not enough progress had been made and Van Gaal was sacked on 23 May 2016, just two days after lifting the cup.

The ‘special one’ followed four days later. Two-time European champion José Mourinho thus became Unitedʼs fourth manager in as many years since Ferguson’s retirement. He won the Community Shield, League Cup and Europa League in his first season. However the Reds failed to win any silverware in 2017–18 as United finished second in both the league and FA Cup and Josè was sacked on 18 December 2018 after the team won just seven of their opening 17 matches of the 2018–19 season.

Enter Manager number 5, United favourite Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who stepped in as caretaker manager for the rest of the season 2018 - 2019. United won seven out of seven games under his charge and Ole was given the job permanently. But he failed to win a trophy and on 21 November 2021 parted ways with United. He was replaced by first team coach Michael Carrick on a caretaking basis until 2nd December 2021 when German Ralf Rangnick was appointed interim manager - Manager number 7 - until the end of the season.

On 21 April 2022, Erik ten Hag was announced as the new full-time manager, the 8th manager since Fergie’s retirement. In 2023, he successfully brought United their first competitive trophy in nearly six years as they won the EFL Cup, followed by the FA Cup the following season. But in October 2024, Ten Hag was sacked after the club managed just three wins in their first nine league matches, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League.

Former United striker and one of Ten Hag’s assistants Ruud van Nistelrooy took interim charge as Manager number 9 for the following four matches in which United were unbeaten.

Manager number 10,

on 11 November 2024.

Thus notwithstanding the wise decision of the Board of always going for experienced managers with excellent records, why are we where we are today? Could one argue that the managers were not given enough time to build the squad? When the great Sir Alex was appointed in 1986, he too had supporters and journalists calling for him to be sacked when three years later there were still no trophies in the cabinet and United struggling in the League. One recalls the banner displayed at Old Trafford, “Three years of excuses and it’s still cr** ... ta-ra Fergie.” It was not until the end of the 1989/1990 season that United finally lifted the FA Cup and then won the inaugural Premier League in 1992.

Kenneth Abela & Daniel Micallef

Enter

Ruben Amorim

Amorin himself has asked if he will be given the same opportunity as Mikel Arteta the Arsenal Manager to build a winning squad. Arteta was appointed in 2019.

2. Or Is it because the refs are getting it wrong?

Referee Andy Madley - United’s FA Cup match against Arsenal is a case in point on doubtful decisions going against the Reds. Arsenal could have completed the comeback when they were awarded a questionable penalty after Havertz went down under minimal contact from Harry Maguire. United were incandescent when referee Madley pointed to the spot. ‘The fact that referee Andy Madley did not have the best of games, to put it mildly, added more controversy to a clash which was minus VAR.’ (ESPN). ‘Diogo Dalot was sent off for a second yellow card in the 61st minute and Arsenal were then handed a penalty after ref Madley believed that Harry Maguire had fouled Havertz. At best, it was a really soft

Baleba dragged down Joshua Zirkzee in the Manchester United box. Taking quite some time to decide, the ref finally pointed to the spot. Bruno Fernandes sent Bart Verbruggen the wrong way in the subsequent penalty. However many questioned why Peter Bankes had only brandished a yellow card for Carlos Baleba’s reckless challenge on the United striker. Former sky sports presenter Richard Keys insisted that the incident was a “nailed on” penalty for United, but even he was surprised at how the Brighton player managed to stay on the pitch. Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, he wrote: “Nailed on pen for [Man] Utd – but why wasn’t Baleba sent-off?” “It was a clear denial with no attempt to play the ball. Amazing. Not [one] – but [two] refs got it wrong.”

3. Is VAR to blame?

It has been revealed that there have been 13 clear and obvious VAR errors in the Premier League so far this season. According to a league executive, up to now there have

on the end of bad officiating which in some cases cost them valuable points.

The question that arises is that if errors cannot be eliminated in their entirety, and it isn’t fixing the problem it was designed to solve, how can the powers-that-be justify its existence? It’s costing millions and its slowing down the game. And given the impression that each and every United goal is inexplicably checked by VAR, which is sucking away the sport’s most basic element of joy – celebrating goals.

4. Injuries to blame? Again?

United have admittedly had their fair share of injuries at key periods throughout the year. At the time of writing, both Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo are out for quite a while, probably for the rest of the season. Other key players are said to be ‘recovering’ - Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Altay Bayindir, and Johnny Evans.

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Manchester United Financial Woes.

by Cleo Zarb

Currently Manchester United are sitting at the lower half of the English Premier League table. Hundreds of Manchester United’s employees have since lost their job or their perks. Some of those might be considered luxuries, but others (ex free lunches) are not. The debt weights United down significantly with United being 1 billion in debt while another billion was paid on mere interest. Football wise we’ve lingering at the bottom half of the English Premier league and we crashed out of the FA cup by Fulham. It feels like there’s nothing positive to say

The Glazers are of course the main culprit. They bought the biggest club in the world, they saddled us with their debt, they took dividends out of it, and they hired incompetent people who ran United to the ground. It’s still early to judge INEOS who found themselves tied to the hip with such lousy owners and in an almost surreal situation. Yet let us not be naïve here. Sir Jim Ratcliffe knew exactly the situation prior to buying a stake in the club. He still got his foot in the door despite knowing that by doing so he’s extending their stay at Manchester United. Then there’s the incompetent executive team who turned United into a joke, by buying and keeping the wrong players and selling competent ones on the cheap.

However, we must admit that part of the blame should be on us supporters as well. We are the custodians of the club and yet we haven’t acted as so for many years. Most of us stood silent while the Glazers were completing their deal to buy the club. We stood silent as Old Trafford was rotting, the squad’s quality declined and our entrance in the Champions league became more of winning the lottery then a God given right. Supporting Manchester United through thick and thin is important but not to the expense of protecting it irrespective of what others inside or outside the club would say. Ultimately when the ship

starts sinking all that is left is us. Owners sell, players leave, legends retire while executives, directors, coaches and managers are sacked taking millions with them in the process. We are the ones who invest into the club rather than take money out of it and we’re the ones who will have to pick the pieces of years of mismanagement whether through watching games that are simply unwatchable or by paying through the nose for match tickets. If our fan base is truly united against the Glazers and we channel our energy in the right way, then I am confident that the club would be sold. If Liverpool fans can do it against the Hicks and Gillett ownership, then so can we.

Back to football. It’s becoming increasingly evident that Manchester United won’t have hundreds of millions to spend next summer. That’s a problem since the squad isn’t good enough. So how can we dig ourselves out of this hole?

By now we should have proper football people in place who can properly identify which players are worth to keep and which ones should be sold. For too many years we have been too patient towards underperforming players only to then end up having to keep them till the end of their contract simply because no one wanted them. I am particularly satisfied with the club’s ruthlessness in pushing players out on loan irrespective of their reputation or links to the club. Such cynicism has caused friction with those players who had finally put their act together in a bid to prove the club wrong. That’s a good thing as it increases the chances of us being able to sell them.

Which leads us to the second point. Our ability to sell players at a reasonable price. This issue had been plaguing us for decades, long before Sir Alex retired at the club. I am old

about Manchester United and while it is not the case, I can’t blame those who feel that way.

enough to remember us selling Nicky Butt and Philip Neville. These were serial winners and proven English internationals who would walk right into our present side’s first team with ease. Yet we sold them next to nothing to clubs (Newcastle and Everton) who hardly liked us in the first place and would always try to take us to the cleaners whenever we try to buy a player from them. The situation got even more ridiculous post Sir Alex with us selling internationals like Van De Beek and Zidane Iqbal for 500k each while Levitt moving for 300k. Such deals were happening while the likes of Chelsea were raking 28m + 7m on add on’s for 19-year-old Lewis Hall and Liverpool were selling Sepp Van De Berg for 25m.

I think we can all agree that the club must strengthen in multiple positions. Hence why we need to start buying wisely. I am glad that the gaffer had identified athleticism as a vital quality to have as an EPL player. We’ve ignored that for too many years. Then of course there’s the financial side something that post Sir Alex’s United has a horrible record in. Many will mention the Casemiro deal which was a mess in terms of fee paid, salary given and contract’s length. However, we mustn’t forget that we had overpaid on youngsters as well. For example, we bought Hojlund from Atalanta

for an eye watering 72m fee. Considering that he scored just 9 Serie A goals with Atalanta than that translates to 8m per goal. That’s totally unacceptable, isn’t it? Once again, there seem to be positive signs on that regard as well with the club not going overboard with Dorgu, Diego Leon,

respective clubs is estimated to be less than Hojlund’s deal.

So, what should be the way forward next summer especially if Manchester United fail to qualify for Europe? In my opinion we should be ready to embrace a huge staff turnover with many players leaving and new players bought (on a bargain). That would revitalize the squad while enforcing the idea that no one is safe at the club. We mustn’t underestimate the benefits of having a properly rested and drilled side at every game in the absence of European football. Napoli for example are currently 2nd this season with 1 point away from Inter having finished 10th last season and that despite losing Osimhen during Summer and Kvaratskhelia in January.

The end goal must be to get rid of debt. That’s a huge burden to carry and will become worse once the debt is refinanced in the next few years on interest rates that are far less accommodating to the current terms. That means that we look set to add an extra 30m-40m per year for debt repayment. That is simply unacceptable and would render us uncompetitive irrespective of any restructuring made. Therefore, unless INEOS or anyone else is ready to buy us in full and get rid of Glazer’s debt then I can’t see us returning to glory anytime soon. 

Chido-Obi and Heaven. It’s also time we consider other avenues such as the free transfer market, players with a low minimum clause fee inserted in their contract and the loan market. The combined cost of signing Guirassy and the Thuram brothers by their

Be Humble : A Journey from Glory to Rebuilding.

by Daniel Cuschieri

For decades, Manchester United fans, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, were spoiled by the club’s trophyladen success. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United transformed into a global powerhouse, not only in terms of footballing achievements but also in marketing and business. The success on the pitch was matched by an unprecedented level of commercial growth, with the club’s brand becoming synonymous with winning.

Even now, every time I visit Old Trafford, I’m struck by the sheer scale of the megastore. Regardless of whether United wins, loses, or draws, fans continue to flock to the store, spending their hard-earned money on merchandise related to their favourite players or anything connected to Manchester United. When the Glazers purchased the club, they made a deal of a lifetime. And when INEOS bought a minority stake in the club, many fans hoped that this change would magically solve both the club’s on field struggles and behind-the-scenes issues.

However, since Sir Alex’s departure, Manchester United has ridden on the wave of success and fame built during his reign. But over time, this wave has started to subside, revealing deeprooted issues. The relentless spending on players, many of whom weren’t necessarily needed, is one of the key factors. These signings, often lacking the necessary fit for the club’s needs or style, have contributed to the current state of affairs — with United languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, a position many fans aren’t accustomed to seeing.

The constant critiques from pundits, former players, and other figures have painted a negative picture of the club’s management and the state of affairs. However, it’s important to take a step back and analyze what’s happening behind the scenes. Fans must recognize that protests, while they may feel cathartic, don’t always yield significant change. It’s curious, though, that few other clubs experience the same level of public protest related to on field issues or management struggles.

Louis van Gaal once famously stated, “Manchester United is a commercial club,” and he wasn’t entirely wrong. In the years

following his departure, many of the players who joined United could be considered “marketing signings.” While these signings brought attention to the club, they didn’t always fit into the team’s system or contribute to long-term success.

Contrast this with the approach taken by clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years. Both teams have carefully built squads that suit their managers’ tactical systems. Liverpool and City have dominated the top two positions in the Premier League, with their players becoming stars because they fit into well coached, cohesive teams that win consistently.

In the past, under Sir Alex Ferguson, United would sign one top player each summer — someone who would not only fit the ethos of the club but also add value to the squad. Even José Mourinho, known for his strong personality and tactical discipline, understood the importance of working with what was available while developing a squad capable of challenging for titles.

However, the current United setup often seems to be chasing after the next big name player, without necessarily considering how they will fit into the team’s overall strategy. This is where the club’s approach has faltered.

It’s essential to acknowledge that other clubs have humbly built their squads within their financial means. Meanwhile, United, with all its resources, seems to have struggled to

maintain its once-dominant position in both England and Europe. The club’s arrogance, perhaps born of past glories, has contributed to this decline.

While I write this piece with a critical tone, it comes from a place of reflection and hope. As fans, we must accept the situation the club finds itself in. It’s not a God given right for United to remain at the top forever. Other clubs have gradually improved, and there’s no reason why United can’t do the same. We now see clubs like Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and Newcastle, who, with shrewd buys and thoughtful management, are challenging the traditional top six.

United has spent over £1 billion on players, yet some of the signings haven’t lived up to the standards set by the club’s previous legends. When comparing these players to the legends of the 60s, 90s, and 2000s, it’s evident that the club’s foundations were built on much more than just financial clout.

Today’s youth may not view Manchester United the way previous generations did. While many of us grew up idolizing the likes of Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs, and Cristiano Ronaldo, today’s young players are less likely to dream of playing for the club unless there’s a strong personal influence.

Despite these challenges, there’s still hope for a bright future. With smart recruitment, a focus on character, and a long-term strategy, Manchester United can rebuild. The club doesn’t need to

spend £80 million on players like Antony or £60 million on Mason

lies in scouting players who have the right attitude and are willing to work hard for the team.

A prime example of this is Gary Neville, who wasn’t the most technically gifted player but embodied professionalism and a strong work ethic. He became a fan favourite not because of flashy performances but because he consistently did his job with dedication and pride. That’s the kind of player United should be looking to recruit — someone who can help elevate the team and its culture, not just their own profile on social media.

This season, I remain hopeful that United can win the Uefa Europa League (or as I still call it, the UEFA Cup ), which would secure a spot in the Champions League. This could provide the club with the resources and momentum to make key signings and rekindle its competitive spirit, both in the league and

Ultimately, it will come down to the club’s management, both on and off the pitch, coming together with a shared vision for the future. Through diligent work, patience, and unity, Manchester United can rise again. 

Mount. The key

Europe. While the team is miles off the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, if those clubs can build squads that last a decade, there’s no reason why United can’t do the same.

ECHOES FUN PAGE quiz EASTER 2025

by Joseph Busuttil

1. How many hat tricks did Denis Law score in a United shirt?

(You can find the answers to the above questions on page 44.)

5. What was the score in Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s first game as interim coach against Leicester in the EFL cup?

8. From which country does Joshua Zirkzee come from?

a. Italy b. Nigeria c.Netherlands

6. What shirt number does Patrick Dorgu wear?

9. Before joining United Manuel Ugarte played for which football club?

a. Sporting CP b. PSG c. Bologna

2. Whose goal led to this iconic celebration against West Ham?

a. Garnacho b. Mainoo c. Hojlund

3. Who did United beat in the 1983 FA CUP FINAL?

a. Everton b. Southampton c. Brighton

4. Who scored the first goal in the Women’s 2024 FA CUP FINAL against Spurs?

a. Lucia Garcia b. Ella Toone c. Rachel Williams

10. Who is United’s joint fifth overall top goal scorer with Dennis Viollet?

a. Bobby Charlton b. Ryan Giggs c. George Best 

7. United signed Ayden Heaven from which football club?

a. West Ham b. Lecce c. Arsenal

The Psychology Of Rebuilding Manchester United

by Stefan Attard

Manchester United’s recent struggles under Ruben Amorim offer a fascinating glimpse into what happens when an elite football club faces the harsh reality of defeat. As the Red Devils attempt to adapt to Amorim’s tactical system, we’re seeing the classic signs of a team caught between two worlds - unable to fully embrace the new approach while still carrying the muscle memory of previous playing styles.

Social media has only amplified these difficulties, with every misstep analysed and criticised by millions worldwide in real-time. The constant stream of negative feedback creates a pressure cooker environment where players become increasingly hesitant, afraid to make the decisions their new system demands.

Perhaps most challenging is the weight of expectation hanging over Old Trafford. The ghosts of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant teams still loom large, creating unrealistic standards that few modern squads could hope to match. Fans like myself, who grew accustomed to regular trophy parades, now struggle to accept the reality of a rebuilding process that inevitably includes setbacks and disappointments. This burden of history leads to comparisons that ignore the fundamental differences in football’s competitive landscape between eras.

Combined with tactical upheaval and social media scrutiny, it creates the perfect storm for psychological fragility that can transform ordinary defeats into spiralling crises of confidence. United’s situation provides an ideal case study for examining the broader science of defeat and resilience in competitive environments, which this article will explore in depth through the lens of sports psychology research and comparable examples from the football world.

Managing Expectations and Reality

The relationship between expectations and performance in sports provides crucial insights into how teams handle periods of transition and potential failure. Research

from sports psychologist demonstrates that how expectations are set and managed can significantly impact both individual and team performance.

Dr. Carol Dweck’s research at Stanford University, published in “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success”, established that individuals with a “growth mindset”, who view their abilities as flexible rather than fixed, show greater resilience when facing setbacks. This finding has been successfully applied in professional sports, particularly during periods of transition or difficulty. Several well documented cases in professional football illustrate these principles:

Leicester City’s

Title Winning Season

(2015‑16)

Claudio Ranieri’s approach to expectation management during Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League campaign provides a masterclass in strategic goal setting. Despite the team’s strong start, Ranieri consistently maintained modest public targets: Initially set a goal of 40 points to avoid relegation; refused to discuss title possibilities until late in the season and maintained focus on gameby game improvement rather than final outcomes.

This approach helped shield players from excessive pressure during their unprecedented run to the title. As documented in post-season interviews, players cited this measured approach as crucial to maintaining performance levels

Cases of Expectation Misalignment

Before David Moyes took charge, Everton struggled with instability caused by unrealistic ambitions of securing European football. Frequent managerial changes disrupted continuity, as each new appointment was expected to achieve continental qualification despite the club lacking the necessary foundations. Financial decisions were made based on

projected success that failed to materialise, leading to economic strain and a necessary reassessment of priorities. In recent years, Everton’s ambitions have shifted, with survival in the Premier League taking precedence over previous European aspirations.

A similar case of misaligned expectations was seen at Crystal Palace under Frank de Boer in 2017. The Dutchman attempted to implement a possession-based system but failed to account for the squad’s limitations or allow sufficient time for tactical adjustments. The disconnect between his approach and the players’ capabilities resulted in a disastrous start to the season, with Palace failing to score a goal in their first four league games. As a result, de Boer was dismissed after just 77 days in charge, highlighting the risks of imposing a philosophy without considering the immediate realities of the squad.

Why Do Other Teams Adapt Better To Changes In Management & System, But United Struggle? This is a question that United fans ask regularly. While some clubs seamlessly transition between playing styles, Manchester United has consistently struggled with these changes post Sir Alex’s retirement. This disparity can be explained through several key psychological factors identified in our research.

Entrenched Success Patterns

Teams with long periods of success under a single system often develop what psychologists call “overlearned behaviours.” At Manchester United, the two-decade dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson created deeply ingrained patterns that became part of the club’s identity. These established patterns can be significantly harder to replace than those at clubs with more varied tactical histories.

For example, when Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City, the club had already experienced multiple tactical approaches under previous managers, creating what psychologists refer to as “learning flexibility”. They changed managers regularly, and were very familiar with wholesale changes arising

from relegation. In contrast, United’s organisational culture was shaped by generations of Ferguson’s approach, making adaptation inherently more challenging.

Psychological Safety in Learning Environments

Brighton’s successful tactical evolution under Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi demonstrates the importance of psychological safety during transitions. Their chairman Tony Bloom consistently emphasised development over immediate results, creating an environment where players felt secure enough to make mistakes while learning. Manchester United’s environment often lacks this psychological safety.

Clear Expectation Management

United’s struggles are compounded by expectations that don’t align with the reality of what’s happening on or off the field. While other clubs communicate realistic timelines for development, United’s commercial status and historical success create pressure for immediate results that conflicts with the natural learning curve of tactical adaptation.

Media Amplification and Social Pressure

The impact of social media criticism creates a unique psychological burden at Manchester United. As one of the world’s most followed clubs, players face immediate and global scrutiny with every mistake during adaptation.

There’s no denying that public pressure specifically impacts performance, more so during learning phases. While smaller clubs might make similar mistakes during tactical transitions, the reduced scrutiny allows for a more forgiving learning environment. For instance, Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa and Antony’s loan to Real Betis highlight how the intensity of media scrutiny can influence player performance and morale .

Organisational Alignment

often benefit from what psychologists call a “blank slate advantage” during transitions. For example, when Newcastle United began their recent development under Eddie Howe and their new owners, they faced fewer comparisons to their historical predecessors.

Contrastingly, United’s players constantly operate in the shadow of legendary teams, creating what is called a ‘comparative performance anxiety’ - the psychological burden of being measured against idealised versions of the club’s past rather than realistic present benchmarks.

Learning from Defeat

As we’ve seen throughout this article, the United’s difficulties aren’t simply a matter of poor performances or individual mistakes, but rather the manifestation of deeper psychological and organisational factors.

The club finds itself in a perfect storm of challenges: attempting to implement a new tactical system with a new manager, who’s joined mid-season, while carrying

phone -ins now becomes an immediate global conversation, with players often directly exposed to criticism through their personal accounts. This constant stream of feedback creates additional psychological pressure that can deteriorate confidence and increase performance anxiety.

For us fans who are often quick in voicing our frustrations on social media, understanding the basic science of adaptation is of great value:

● Adjust expectations to reality: Recognise that tactical transitions take time. Judge progress by improvements in understanding the system rather than immediate results.

● Create a supportive learning environment: While criticism is natural when performances fall short, consider how constant negativity impacts players’ willingness to take the risks necessary to adapt.

● Look for developmental markers: Rather than focusing solely on results, watch for signs of improvement, even in defeats.

the weight of historical expectations, facing intense social media scrutiny, and dealing with organisational misalignments and financial crisis. This combination creates a high-pressure learning environment where players can become hesitant to take risks, precisely what’s needed when adapting to a new playing style.

Successful transitions at clubs like Brighton and Brentford featured strong alignment between ownership, management, and the players. This alignment created consistent messaging and expectations throughout the organisation.

Manchester United has often lacked this cohesion, with different stakeholders internally communicating conflicting priorities, often with their actions. This organisational dissonance creates what researchers call “competing attention demands”, where players receive mixed signals about priorities during the adaptation process.

Historical Burden vs. Fresh Slate Clubs without Manchester United’s history

Unlike clubs such as Manchester City during Guardiola’s early days or even Brighton or Brentford, United lacks the psychological safety necessary for players to make mistakes and learn from them. In addition to operating in a high-threat learning environment, the global microscope focused on every match magnifies errors and creates what psychologists call “evaluation apprehension” directly interfering with the learning process.

Social media has fundamentally changed how players experience defeats and setbacks. What would once have been a disappointing result discussed in pubs and on radio

● Remember, comparison is the thief of joy! Measuring current performances against Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominant teams or other club legends creates unrealistic standards that few modern squads could match, especially during a rebuild.

● Recognise the changed competitive landscape: The Premier League’s competitive environment has evolved significantly since United’s period of dominance, with more clubs adopting sophisticated tactical approaches.

Under Ruben Amorim, particularly in the most recent matches, there are clear indications that Manchester United’s players are beginning to adapt to his tactical system. The team’s performances have shown greater cohesion, suggesting that Amorim’s methods are gradually taking effect despite the challenges he has faced. As Sir Jim Ratcliffe pointed out, the manager has had to work without key players, many of whom are either sidelined with injuries or out on loan. Given this, it is reasonable to expect further improvements once he has the opportunity to shape the squad according to his vision. With a couple of transfer windows to bring in players who align with his tactical demands, United’s progression should accelerate. If this trajectory continues, the club will hopefully be in a stronger position to start competing for major honours. 

Ruben Amorim’s Tenure at Manchester United The story so far

by Robert Mizzi

Ruben Amorim’s tenure as Manchester United manager has, so far, not gone exactly as expected and some pundits have already started questioning whether he is the right man for the job. When he was appointed, I had posted on social media and welcomed him to ‘toughest job in the world’ and the first few months in charge have proved my point. In this article I will look at the story so far, focusing on Amorim’s background and also on statistical data trying to compare his first 30 matches as United managers with the previous managers at the same stage of their tenure.

Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford as a highly acclaimed Portuguese manager and took the reins at Manchester United on November 1, 2024, succeeding Erik ten Hag. I must admit that I knew very little about him before his appointment as Manager (or is Head Coach?) at Manchester United, but the general feeling was that Amorim’s appointment was met with optimism following his impressive

stint at Sporting CP, where he led the team to two Primeira Liga titles and developed a reputation for nurturing young talent.

young managers in the footballing world, many United fans were optimistic that he would be able to replicate his achievements

in Portugal at Manchester United. Those of us who have been around the block a few times know that the EPL and specifically the Manchester United job is different, very different, to any other managerial job in top tier football.

Performance at Manchester United so far

As of the beginning of April 2025, Amorim’s record at Manchester United has been rather disappointing. In his first 30 games, the team won 13, drew 6, and lost 11, resulting in an average of 1.5 points per match and a win percentage of approximately 43%. Not exactly a great start is it!

Beyond statistics though, we all know that the current squad is simply not good enough to compete at the highest level. Apart from inheriting players who do not tactically fit into his style of play, Amorim has had to deal with a cataclysmic number of injuries. Having established my defense for this manager, which I must say that I have grown to like as a person through the interviews and press conferences I have seen, there is no doubt that there have been some unpopular decisions in certain matches that have left most fans, including me, baffled. Having said all this, there has been some noticeable improvement in the way our beloved red devils have played in recent weeks.

Win Rate Comparison after 30 matches

To put Amorim’s win rate into perspective, let’s compare it with previous Manchester United managers after their first 30 matches. While Amorim’s tenure is still in its early stages, his win percentage is significantly lower than that of his predecessors.

such as Amad Diallo, and Bruno Fernandes, with Diallo involved in over 56% of the team’s league goals until he got injured, and Bruno Fernandes seeming the only player capable of scoring with some regularity has exacerbated the team’s struggles.

League Position and Implications for European Football

As of early April 2025, Manchester United are 13th in the Premier League, with 38 points from 31 matches and 7 matches remaining to play. This is not the position we were all hoping for and essentially, we will be out of European football next season unless we win the Europa League - a two legged quarter final against Lyon beckons as I write this and needless to say, I am keeping all fingers crossed that we can perform and give ourselves a chance to win this cup by making it to the final. Apart from giving some sense to this rather forgettable season, winning the Europa League would mean getting a Champions League spot next season and a cash inflow of significance (last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta banked £18.23m).

Challenges and Future Prospects

As I already suggested, Amorim faces significant challenges in turning Manchester United’s fortunes around. There is no doubt that the team’s squad depth, tactical cohesion, and overall morale need improvement. Amorim has kept his commitment to his 3-43 system, acknowledging that the team may need to “suffer” before seeing improvements. We as supporters are suffering as well, and indeed hope that improvements are seen starting from next season.

not be throwing Maguire up front as striker!

3. Player Development: Amorim’s success at Sporting CP was partly due to his ability to develop young talent. Focusing on nurturing Manchester United’s academy players could provide long term benefits and I would really like to see youngsters coming in and establish themselves.

4. Team Morale: Boosting team morale through positive results and a cohesive team environment is crucial. Amorim’s leadership and man-management skills will be tested as he seeks to galvanize his squad. His postgraduation course in psychomotor education can come in handy in this case!

Conclusion

Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by significant challenges to date. His win rate is low, and the team’s position in the league is a cause for concern for all United supporters. However, Amorim has shown resilience and commitment to his footballing philosophy, and we have started seeing some improvement in our style of play lately. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether he can turn Manchester United’s fortunes around and getting someone who can bang in the goals will be a critical factor in my opinion. As we all know, our team is always in the news and the pressure on the manager to deliver is extremely high. In today’s football no manager, not even Ruben Amorim has got unlimited time to deliver – and this is even more accentuated at Manchester United. The remaining matches in the Europa League are very important for the present and the future, but whatever happens it is my belief that once again, the Manchester United manager will have the first 10 matches of next season to prove himself….Numquam Moribimur. 

Y & Z United Perspectives

by Kevin, Justyn & Wayne Tabone

The past few months have certainly been eventful for Manchester United. Results haven’t gone our way as much as we’d like, but lately, things seem to be improving. That said, our season is nearly over, with the Europa League being the only trophy left to fight for. Because of this, the youngest of us three, Wayne, has lost interest in Premier League matches—and I’m sure he’s not the only one.

Off the pitch, there’s been a lot happening financially. The club is going through big changes, both on and off the field. Manchester United has announced plans for a new £2 billion stadium, “New Trafford,” which will hold 100,000 fans—making it the biggest football stadium in Britain. Backed by coowner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the project is set to be a huge attraction, with a futuristic design

Key Financials (unaudited)

and a wider leisure complex aimed at drawing visitors from around the world. However, just before this news, Sir Jim made headlines with some strong words in interviews. His comments didn’t go down well with everyone— especially Kevin—but I (Justyn), while sharing the same concerns, still respect him for facing the media—something the Glazers always seem to avoid.

All in all, it’s been a dramatic few months, sparking plenty of debate in the Tabone household—just as I’m sure it has among many United fans!

The Club is facing quite an unprecedented situation with so many problems and challenges at the moment. Which in your opinion are the 2 biggest problems we are facing and explain why.

Wayne: I believe the club’s biggest issues right now are the financial crisis and the fact that many players simply aren’t good enough—especially for the system Ruben Amorim wants to implement.

The financial situation is a major concern, forcing the club into desperate measures, like cutting back on staff meals. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also pointed out that many players are overpaid, and the club still has around £300 million in outstanding transfer fees. This leaves the new management with little room to sign players who fit the system, while also having to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP)

financial problems. One might be surprised, as Sir Jim himself has said that United is one of the top three clubs in the world for generating revenue. However, years of heavy debt and poor financial management have been very costly. In a recent interview, Sir Jim revealed that without quick action, the club could have gone bankrupt by the end of 2025. United has been stuck with huge debt since the Glazer family took over. The club still owes more than £500 million, and rising interest payments are eating into its budget. Sir Jim has also criticised past transfer decisions, saying that many players are overpaid and underperforming, making it hard to sell them. For example, Casemiro and Sancho joined for big fees and wages but have not lived up to expectations.

Another major issue is poor performances and lack of availability from key players. The list is long, but some examples include Rashford, Antony, Sancho, Mount, and Onana, who has not been as good as expected. Even Casemiro, after a strong first season, has struggled to keep up his form. On top of this, injuries have

background, I pay close attention to the club’s financial accounts, and the latest reports paint a concerning picture. An operating loss (before finance and interest), a lack of cash flow, and a significant amount of unpaid transfer fees are all major issues.

These financial difficulties will inevitably impact our activities on the pitch. Given Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, navigating the transfer market will be much more challenging. It’s no secret that when Manchester United inquiries about a player, the asking price is often inflated compared to when other clubs express interest. To build a squad that aligns with Amorim’s playing style, a significant overhaul is required. However, unless there is a drastic shift in our financial situation, this process is likely to take much longer than the manager anticipated.

Do you agree about the fact that notwithstanding he does not have the players that fit for his system, Amorim’s sticks to the 3 at the back formation? Please elaborate.

Wayne: I think Amorim sticking to his plan is both a good and a bad thing. On the positive side, it shows he has full belief in his system, which reassures me about the club’s future, regardless of the current results. However, he needs to understand that he’s no longer managing in Portugal—sometimes, the team must adapt to the opponent. What worked in the Portuguese league will be much harder to implement in the Premier League, which is constantly evolving.

His commitment to the 3-back system shows that he has a clear vision and wants the players to fully grasp and embrace it. We’ve seen glimpses of progress, like in the home game against Real Sociedad. Overall, I believe he sees this season as a foundation for something bigger, but he still needs to be more flexible when necessary.

Justyn: I’m undecided on this argument because I can see both sides. Sticking with his successful back-three formation makes sense, as it’s the reason we hired him. Manchester United’s management liked his attacking wingback system, which gives the team width and stretches the opposition’s defence with the three attackers, while also having a solid rest defence but in and out of possession.

However, bringing in this system without proper training or players suited to it has hurt our season. Results haven’t been what we expected, and our league position reflects that. A great manager knows how to adapt to both his players and the opposition. That’s one reason why Slot has done so well in his first season he plays to the strengths of the squad he has. While it’s true that our current players aren’t at the level United fans expect, I think Amorim has made mistakes by being stubborn on the way he wants to play and ultimately it has cost us valuable points.

Kevin: Absolutely! We brought in the manager specifically for his style of play. Personally, I firmly believe that principles are meant to be upheld, not broken—so how could I say otherwise in this case? The manager has a clear vision of where he wants to take the team, and rightly so, he is committed to sticking to his beliefs.

If you had to pick 5 players from the current squad which you will keep in what we hope will be the new Man Utd in the coming years who are they? Explain why for each.

Wayne: The first player I would keep is Bruno Fernandes. Not only is he one of the best, if not the best, number 10s in the world right now, but he has also proven his quality throughout his years at the club. He’s aggressive, motivating, and despite constant criticism, he is by far the best player we have seen in a long time—and the best in the squad right now by a mile.

The second player would be Dorgu. He fits Amorim’s system perfectly—a hardworking full-back who can drive the ball forward, dribble, and create dangerous chances. While still raw, his decision-making will improve, and we will see that Amorim’s first signing was a smart one.

The third player I’d keep is Leny Yoro. He’s a young, quick, ball-playing centre-back who adds real quality to the defence. Despite his pre-season injury, he returned and made a strong impact, bringing a winning mentality to the team.

The fourth player would be Kobbie Mainoo. Last season, he amazed everyone with his composure in the Premier League, FA Cup, and even at the Euros for England. We must keep him at all costs—he is the future of our midfield and could be a key player for a decade if managed properly.

Finally, I would keep Amad Diallo. He burst onto the scene late last season and was one of our best players before his unfortunate injury. His direct style is refreshing, and his confidence is unreal. He deserves to be in the conversation as one of the best young talents in the world.

Justyn: This isn’t as easy as it sounds—and not necessarily for the right reasons. My reasoning comes down to which players fit Amorim’s system, along with age playing a key role in my decision. The five players I would keep are:

• Mainoo – Over the past year, he has shown immense potential and selling him would only mean watching him fulfil that potential in a different shirt. That’s the last thing I want to see because, in my opinion, he is the best talent to emerge from United’s academy since Sir Alex retired. That said, he still has plenty to learn, particularly in terms of defensive awareness. However, given the right midfield partner, I’m confident he can thrive in Amorim’s system and be at the heart of everything good United do.

• Bruno – I don’t understand the hate this man gets. Whenever someone criticizes him, my response is always: Where would we be without him? Yes, he throws his hands in the air a bit too much, but honestly, can you blame him? He’s our most talented player and being part of this underperforming team week in and week out must be frustrating. More often than not, he’s the difference maker, and he fits

perfectly into Amorim’s system, whether as an 8 or a 10.

• Amad – He has been sensational this season. It’s a shame he got injured because he was one of our best performers. His directness and technical ability make him an effective option in one of the 10 roles. However, in the current squad, I’d actually love to see him as a right wingback. His pace makes him a real threat down the flank, and his playmaking skills would add another dimension to our attack.

• Ugarte – He fits Amorim’s system like a glove. He’s the perfect tenacious midfielder for that style of play. While he’s not the best ball progressor, pairing him with someone like Bruno—who excels in that area—would make him incredibly effective. He’s still young, and I believe he could be a key player in Amorim’s long-term project.

• De Ligt – He has been immense, especially recently—despite not even playing in his preferred position as the central defender in a back three. While he isn’t the quickest, his defensive quality is undeniable. With faster defenders alongside him, I believe he could be a rock at the back for years to come.

Kevin: Ouch! This is a tough position to be in! In an ideal world, without financial constraints, I’m sure the manager would love to start from scratch. But here goes.

• Mainoo – A true gem of a player! I love the way he carries himself on the field.

• Heaven – I have a soft spot for left footed players, and his confidence on the ball is beyond his years.

• Ugarte – A perfect fit for the system Ruben wants to implement.

• Amad – A humble player who is fully dedicated to working hard and improving.

• Dalot – Those who watch matches from the stadium and see the off the ball movement understand just how influential he is within the group. 

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As the 2024/25 season enters its decisive stretch, football fans across Europe have been treated to thrilling title races, underdog triumphs, and standout performances in the continent’s top leagues outside England. From the battle for Serie A’s Scudetto to surprise contenders in La Liga, an invincible charge in Ligue 1, a shaken hierarchy in the Bundesliga, and a neck and neck duel in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, here’s an overview of the most exciting narratives so far.

Serie A: A Compelling Scudetto. Defending champions Inter Milan sit atop Serie A, but the race for the Scudetto is far from a one team affair. Inter – powered by the attacking duo of Lautaro Martínez and new signing Marcus Thuram – have been remarkably consistent and “well-positioned to defend their crown.” Yet only six points separate Inter, Napoli and Atalanta at the top,

Round up of THE major European Leagues.

by Dr. Michael Calleja

keeping the title contest wide open. Inter’s depth and experience make them favourites, but their congested fixture list means every remaining match is crucial. Chasing hard in second place, Napoli have emerged as Inter’s closest challengers under the leadership of Antonio Conte.

Conte has instilled defensive grit and balance in Napoli’s squad, and despite a brief dip in form, their title challenge remains alive. Perhaps the most refreshing story is Atalanta – the Bergamo-based club – mounting a genuine title bid against Italy’s traditional giants. Atalanta’s high-tempo attacking style has them within striking distance of the top, a true underdog story in the making. Juventus are not out of the picture either; the Bianconeri have been quietly closing the gap and hope to pounce on any slip-ups by the top three. With even fifth place Lazio holding an outside mathematical chance, Serie A’s run-in promises high drama. Key players like Lautaro and Thuram for Inter and Victor Osimhen spearheading Napoli’s attack will be pivotal in deciding who lifts the Scudetto.

La Liga: Three Way Fight and Basque Surprise In La Liga, an engrossing title fight is unfolding with Spain’s big three separated by the slimmest of margins. Barcelona currently

lead the league on goal difference, locked on points with arch rivals Real Madrid (both on 57) and just one point ahead of Atlético Madrid on 56. Barca are determined to reclaim the crown they last won in 2022-23, buoyed by the goals of Robert Lewandowski, who leads the league with 21 goals. Real Madrid, having added superstar Kylian Mbappé to their ranks, boast a fearsome attack – Mbappé has already netted 18 league goals in Madrid’s colours – and Los Blancos are matching Barcelona stride for stride. Diego Simeone’s Atlético are also firmly in the race, their gritty consistency keeping them within touching distance of the top. Beyond the heavyweight trio, the Basque Country is enjoying a renaissance through Athletic Bilbao.

Athletic have surged into fourth place as the best of the rest, essentially taking the spot

of last season’s surprise package Girona, who stunned everyone by finishing third in 2023-24. While Girona have fallen out of the top-four reckoning this year, Athletic’s strong campaign has been a welcome surprise. The Lions from Bilbao, built on local talent and defensive solidity, are eyeing a return to the Champions League. Key players across La Liga have fuelled the excitement – Lewandowski’s goals for Barça, Vinícius Júnior’s flair and Mbappé’s firepower for Real, and the talismanic influence of Antoine Griezmann at Atlético. With three clubs in contention, every match in Spain feels like a final, and the title may well be decided on the season’s last day.

Ligue 1: PSG in Cruise Control and Fight for Europe

Over in Ligue 1, the story has been one of Paris Saint Germain’s dominance. After a turbulent summer that saw Kylian Mbappé depart, PSG have reasserted their domestic supremacy in emphatic fashion. Luis Enrique’s men remain unbeaten in France and are “showing no signs of slowing down.” PSG sit comfortably atop the standings with a double-digit lead, holding a 13-point advantage over secondplace Marseille as of late February. In fact, that gap has only grown – recent results saw PSG extend their lead to around 16 points, effectively rendering the title race a formality. The capital club’s new attacking focal point, Ousmane Dembélé, has flourished in Mbappé’s absence; the French winger’s goal-scoring form has been stellar, stepping up as the league’s most prolific player. Backed by a stout defense and midfield creativity, PSG are on track to clinch the title with weeks to spare.

The real intrigue in France lies just below PSG. Marseille currently lead the chasing pack, determined to secure the runner-up spot and Champions League qualification. They’re fending off challenges from an ambitious OGC Nice side and the ever-present AS Monaco. Nice have proven to be a surprise package, emerging as genuine top-three contenders with a resolute defense and cohesive team performances. Monaco and Lille are also in the mix for European places, ensuring a fierce multi-team battle for the podium. Amid this scramble, traditional powerhouse Lyon are striving to rejoin the elite, but inconsistency sees them slightly off the pace of the top four. In Ligue 1’s individual highlights, Dembélé’s rejuvenation at PSG has stolen the headlines, and Marseille’s veteran forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (back in France) and Nice’s young talents have all had their moments. If PSG’s march has been predictable, the fight

for continental spots is anything but – a rare source of suspense in a league PSG has turned into their personal playground.

Bundesliga: Bayern Bounce Back as New Challengers Emerge

The German Bundesliga has been a story of both restoration and upheaval this season. After Bayer Leverkusen sensationally snapped Bayern Munich’s decade-long title streak last year (claiming the 2023 24 title), Bayern Munich are on course to wrest back their crown. The Bavarians have reasserted themselves at the top, currently holding an eightpoint lead over second-place Leverkusen. Bayern’s charge has been spearheaded by new superstar signing Harry Kane, who has taken to the Bundesliga brilliantly – he leads the scoring charts with 21 goals in his debut season. The Rekordmeister’s potent attack (74 goals scored so far) and improved defense have them looking dominant once again, as they aim to avenge last season’s slip. Yet the familiar script has been spiced up by unlikely plot twists. Bayer Leverkusen, the defending champions, have impressively lost only one league game so far under Xabi Alonso’s continued stewardship. Despite that, a few too many draws mean they still trail Bayern, illustrating the ruthlessness of Bayern’s form.

Leverkusen remain firmly in the fight, with striker Patrik Schick (16 goals) providing the firepower to maintain pressure on the leaders. Perhaps the biggest surprise is seeing Mainz 05 sitting in third place – a true underdog story. Mainz have strung together an eightmatch unbeaten run at home, even beating heavyweights like Dortmund and Bayern along the way, to put themselves in contention for a Champions League spot. Their young forward Jonathan Burkardt has been a revelation with 14 goals, symbolizing the club’s fearless approach. Traditional contenders Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, meanwhile, have had puzzlingly underwhelming campaigns. Dortmund languish mid table after an erratic season that’s seen as many losses as wins, a shock for a team that nearly won the title last year. This downturn, combined with Leipzig’s inconsistency, has opened the door for the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and SC Freiburg to occupy the remaining European places. The Bundesliga’s title race may not be as tight

as some others, but the emergence of new challengers and the fall of a giant have made for an absorbing season in Germany.

In Portugal’s Primeira Liga, fans are witnessing a classic two-horse title race between Lisbon’s eternal rivals. Sporting CP and SL Benfica have been trading blows week after week in a battle for supremacy. Sporting, the defending champions after claiming the title last season, currently hold a narrow edge at the top with 59 points from 25 matches. Breathing down their necks is Benfica, just three points behind on 56 (with a game in hand) – effectively deadlocked with Sporting when level on matches. Sporting have looked determined to retain their crown, bolstered by the incredible form of striker Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward has been a sensation, scoring 27 league goals – by far the highest in the league – and providing the cutting edge for Sporting’s attack.

Benfica counter with a blend of experience and youth; their squad depth and defensive record (league best 18 goals conceded so far) have kept them neck-and-neck with Sporting. The likes of Ángel Di María (in his return stint at Benfica) and new signing Vangelis Pavlidis (9 goals) have provided crucial moments for the Eagles. FC Porto and Sporting Braga are locked in an intense fight for third place, both on 50 points. Further down, Santa Clara have emerged as the surprise package, recently promoted yet sitting fifth in the table. Former champions Boavista, however, find themselves in a shock battle at the bottom (18th) proving that the Primeira Liga has its share of unexpected twists. As the campaign winds down, all eyes in Portugal will be on the Sporting vs Benfica showdown – a title race that encapsulates the passion and unpredictability of this season.

Across all these leagues, the 2024/25 season has delivered excitement in abundance. Whether it’s a dark-horse contender shaking up the established order or a star player carrying his team’s hopes, fans have plenty of storylines to savour. With only a few weeks of action left, the stage is set for a grandstand finish from Italy to Iberia – and the promise that more history will be written before the trophies are finally lifted. 

Portuguese Primeira Liga: Lisbon Rivals Neck and Neck

by Julian Tabone

The best time to be a Manchester United supporter!

What is it about modern football that contrasts with us that used to love watching football and used to feel so closely connected to our favourite football teams?

This is a question that so many lifelong football fans are wrestling with lately.

The game we fell in love with—whether it was the school yard banter, the classy 80’s or 90’s kits, the sense of belonging, that anticipation or the thrill of watching a player come up through the youth ranks—has slowly drifted away in a way that feels both inevitable and, sometimes, even heartbreaking.

Things changed, without almost knowing it.

It’s like those parents watching their kids grow and as they do so, they start changing to a point where they beome unrecognisable and they start asking questions to themselves. In most cases, kids find their way back as young adults, and they reconnect with their families again, but it is not always that straightforward.

Football’s the same. Sometimes we can start feeling detached from our favourite team but at the end of the day, we will always be there. After all, as Eric Cantona once said: you can change your wife (or husband), your politics, your religion, but never, never can you change your favourite football team. And I agree.

Nowadays, unfortunately, football clubs are more like global commercializations.

We used to have one sponsor on our shirts. Nowadays we have about four on the matchday kit and different sponsors on the pre match and on the training shirts too.

We used to refer to stadium names as if it were our second home. Nowadays, stadium names are being sold and it feels more like entering one of those glamourous shopping centres.

We used to look forward to pre-season tours for our players to get match sharpness and fitness. Nowadays, it is only about marketing and branding.

We used to attend matches in large groups and everybody used to afford a matchday ticket. Nowadays, that is a luxury.

We used to pride ourselves with players who stayed at our club their whole career. Nowadays, it’s a rarity to find a player that stays with one club for a prolonged period of time.

We used to look forward to transfer-windows. Nowadays, they’re just transactions, nothing emotional.

We used to dissect matches with our own

post-match-analysis in our own unique way. Nowadays, it’s all about small social media clips and stats, stats and stats.

Basically, we are constantly alienated and we are more concerened on what will be said online, rather than what really happened on the pitch!

Welcome to modern-day football, where football fans loyalty has been swapped for profits and sponsorship deals.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve got a real love for history — but I’m not the nostalgic type either. Thing is, nostalgia has a sneaky way of making us remember all the good stuff, while quietly sweeping the not so great moments under the rug.

Indeed, despite all that’s been going on around Manchester United. Despite all the heartbreak, the changes, the mess and the disappointments, we/I will always be there.

You see? The glory days may be fading away but there’s something really beautiful happening here.

Strange as it sounds, this might just be the best time to be a Manchester United supporter.

Why? Because now more than ever, the real fans are standing up.

When everything seems to be falling apart, the real ones stand taller.

The ones who were here long before the commercial deals and will still be here long after. The ones who don’t need trophies to sing their hearts out.

In times like these, being a United fan isn’t about celebrating titles — it’s about showing up!

It’s about loyalty that doesn’t waver!

It’s about finding pride.... not in the league table but in each other!

The noise might be louder off the pitch than on it, but in the stands, in the pubs, inside our supporters club, online or everywhere we are — the fans are more United than ever!

And we just need to find new terms of engagement.

Our academy is alive and bursting with genuine raw talent with players such as Mantato, the Fletchers, Ibragimov, Thwaites and more.

The owners do not speak for us, true, but our fan communities and our supporters’ clubs are stronger than ever and just because they treat our club as a business, that does not mean that we have to do the same.

We are also witnessing the evolvement of our identity. It’s a journey; a cultural rebuild and a change-in-mentality too.

To embrace this, we need to celebrate every small win.

We need to celebrate the turning points, not just the trophies.

We have a manager too, who knows what he’s doing, but who needs time. He’s not just a tactician, but he’s a real leader who speaks our same language and who treats players as human-beings, not just as working colleagues or as employees. He is a manager that is trying to impose his game even though he still does not possess the right personnel.

You see, there is something powerful about loving something or someone... when it’s hardest to love or when the rest of the world is laughing at you. It’s easy to love when everything’s going right — when the trophies are piling up and the world is applauding. Real love however shows up when it’s darkest, when everyone else is mocking and when hope feels like madness. That love is being tested right now but this is the time when our bond should forge deeper.

That’s when football becomes more than just a game. That’s when it becomes an identity again, part of who you are; your family.

And at the moment, that is what being a United fan truly means. And that is also why....this is the best time to be a Manchester United supporter! 

Denis Law THE KING

by Iain McCartney

Iwas a very young football mad primary schoolboy when I first set eyes on Denis Law in the flesh. I was one amongst 134,998 others watching him in the dark blue of Scotland against England. He wasn’t even a Manchester United player then, as he was still with Torino, but within a matter of weeks he was pulling on that famous red shirt.

Once in that red shirt, a centre pages photograph from Charles Buchan’s ‘Football Monthly’ magazine was pinned to my bedroom wall and it was the last thing I saw every night before going to sleep. Little did I know that I would watch him again and again, never mind actually meet him, but I did, whilst on early visits to Old Trafford I was simply one of many who jostled around him, eager to obtain his signature on a photo.

I didn’t see his United debut, but witnessed his last appearance in red, at Old Trafford

against Norwich City. Little did I realise as his blond head disappeared down the tunnel that it was the end of his career in red. A career that saw him worshipped by the Stretford End, and all others. A career, during which, he rose to become one of the greatest players that the game has ever known.

I didn’t see his last appearance in light blue at Old Trafford, as I simply didn’t want to witness United going down. It would have been a long way home that night had I gone!

Denis Law wasn’t simply my favourite player as a youngster, he was everyone’s favourite player. Cuffs pulled down. Blond hair ruffled in the afternoon breeze. Defenders quaking in their boots. Those were only three images of the Lawman. He was fearless. He would put his head where others wouldn’t put their feet. He could hang in the air as the ball floated goalward, ready to head it into the back of the

net. He wasn’t called ‘The King’ for nothing, nor was he a mere pretender. He was the real deal.

Legend is a word that is frequently used for many who are nowhere near such a status, but you simply have to watch old film footage of Denis in action to see just why he deserves such an accolade. It is easy enough for the youngsters of today to laugh behind their hands and dewy eyed olde men talk about players like Denis, but back then, it was a mans game, no diving, cheating or whatever. You gave as good as you got – watch the Law – Ure head to head at Old Trafford for proof of that. But can you imagine how devastating Denis would have been in today’s game [we won’t even consider George Best]? His goals total would be so much more, as would his appearance record, as he would have enjoyed the lack of physical contact in the modern game.

The modern era, with its hatred and dislike of anything and everything that doesn’t involve your particular favourite club might not have embraced Denis and his fellow professionals from those vibrant sixties days, but football back then was different, so much different. Individuals like Denis, and of course George

Best, were crowd pullers, headline acts, that would add hundreds, thousands, onto a clubs attendance. Those supporters knew that the likes of Denis Law was worth the admission money alone and you never know what artistry, or jaw dropping goal he would conjure up. Everything was spontaneous,

off the cuff. You couldn’t teach what he possessed.

However, the King is no more, but the memories will live on forever. As a collector, I have reports of every game he played in the red shirt, plus countless of other cuttings. Items from when he was given the Freedom of Aberdeen, plus numerous other bits and pieces.

I have obviously washed my hands a good few times since I first met him, but being introduced to him was such an honour. “Where do you come from”, he asked. “Dumfries”, I replied. “Oh” said Denis, with a strange expression on his face, before adding “My mother told me never to go there, as it was full of bad people”, before bursting into a smile.

Denis Law wasn’t simply a great goal scorer; he was a scorer of great goals and it is impossible to put the finger on any one of those he scored.

The only Scot to be voted European Footballer of the Year. Even those from overseas loved the man. But there was another honour he achieved in 1963, one that no other player has achieved before or since, or to be honest, ever likely to. The answer is below if you don’t know.

Denis Law- AC Torino 1961.

Denis Law signing for Manchester United July 1962.

Scottish vs Italian League Hampden Park 1961.

Denis Law Manchester United 1963.

Denis Law celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Crystal Palace in 1971.

United Trinity Law, Charlton & Best.

No one lives for ever, but you simply don’t expect the announcement telling you that one of your heroes is no longer around. However, there is no way that Denis Law will ever be forgotten. Immortalised on not one, but two statues at Old Trafford. Statues that will remain [somewhere] if the Old Trafford we know and love is demolished and we move to pastures new. We should be thankful, more than thankful for having had Denis Law in a red shirt and there are countless film clips of his games and goals to be seen and admired.

In recent years, he could resemble a stand-in for one of the ‘Blues Brothers’ with his dark glasses, but he will always be resembled as a ‘Red Brother’, one of the greatest Manchester United players of all time. The greatest? Well worth a debate. He was Sir Alex Ferguson’s favourite player, so who are we to argue.

So, the King is dead, long live the King. He will never be forgotten and yes, we would walk a million miles for one of his goals. More so this season I hear you say.

Oh yes, the answer to that little trivia question I asked. What did Denis do in 1963 that no one will ever do again., or did before? He is the only player to score against the same goalkeeper, at the same ground, in the same year, but for three different teams. Gordon Banks, Wembley, 1963, England v Scotland; United v Leicester City; England v Rest of the World.

Thanks for the memories, Denis. 

ECHOES FUN PAGE quiz - Answers

Denis Law pictured after receiving his CBE in 2016.

Denis Law tribute banner unveiled at Old Trafford.

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