In this issue

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

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

Glenn Lucas contributors

Dr. Michael Calleja Clint Camilleri

Jude Cauchi Braden Galea

Robert Mizzi Kevin, Justyn and Wayne Tabone

Iain McCartney Silvio Scicluna

Kenneth Abela Alex Dudley

Julian Tabone Ray Calleja

Stefan Attard Cleo Zarb

Daniel Cuschieri Teresa Green printing Progress Press graphic designer

James Trapani patron

Sir Alex Ferguson club founder

John Calleja club president

Joseph Tedesco club committee

Joseph Tedesco President & Match Tickets Coordinator

Robert Muscat Vice-President & Tours Coordinator

Clint Camilleri Secretary. Media & Design Coordinator

Kevin Tabone Treasurer & PRO

Braden Galea Asst. Secretary & Webmaster & Publishing Coordinator

Egidio Sciberras Assistant Treasurer

Robert Mizzi Membership Secretary

Marvin Grech Events Manager

Glenn Lucas Advertising Executive & Sports Activities Coordinator

Matthew Portelli O’Toole Venue & Facilities Coordinator

Etienne Tabone Souvenir Shop Manager

MALTA FOUNDED 1959 MALTA

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

E‑mail: info@manutd‑malta.com

Website: www.manutd‑malta.com business partners

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

THE VIEWS IN THIS MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY THE CLUB.

It has certainly been an exciting season so far for our beloved club! With the arrival of Erik Ten Hag as manager, we have seen renewed energy and warmth within the team. The mercurial Dutchman’s impact has been felt both on and off the pitch, as he has raised the bar and standards at the club. One of the most significant changes has been the introduction of a stable centre-back partnership in Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez. This partnership has brought much-needed stability to our backline and has been instrumental in our recent success.

Ten Hag’s tactical brilliance has been evident in his ability to make changes at the right time and motivate the players. We saw this on full display in our recent League Cup win against Newcastle United. It was a long-overdue victory and the first trophy we have collected since the UEFA Europa League Final in 2017. The game was fantastic, and the players showed great composure to seal the victory. This win has filled the fans with confidence and has given the team a much-needed boost.

We cannot overlook the recent epic win against Barcelona in the Round of 32 of the Europa League. Nobody gave us a chance before the draw was made, but our team played brilliantly in the second half, and the atmosphere at Old Trafford was second to none. Goals by Fred and Antony sealed the victory, and it was a tremendous achievement for the team. To advance to the next round was rather pleasing, and it showed that our team can compete at the very highest level. The win against Barcelona was a significant moment in our season, and it has filled us with even more confidence heading into the business end of the campaign.

Another critical factor in our success this season has been the form of our new holding midfielder, Casemiro. The Brazilian has, undoubtedly been absolutely brilliant, bossing the holding midfield position and dictating play. He is just what we needed, and under Ten Hag’s guidance, he will undoubtedly reach his full potential.

We also cannot overlook the rise of precocious starlet Alejandro Garnacho. His recent stunner against West Ham in the FA Cup, coupled with his last-minute winner against Fulham, showed why the kid has amazing potential. He could seriously be the next Cristiano Ronaldo. His form will be crucial as the Red Devils navigate the business end of the season.

While things are looking up for us on the pitch, we cannot ignore the tumultuous period we are currently experiencing off it. The potential sale of the club is causing uncertainty, but regardless of who purchases the club (or if the current owners remain), massive investment in infrastructure is needed. If not demolished, Old Trafford certainly needs major renovation, the club must improve its training grounds, and continuous investment in the squad should be maintained. More importantly, we hope that any new owners will engage more with the fans.

A new stadium has been a topic of discussion for many years, and I believe that it is time for the club to take action. Old Trafford has been our home for over 100 years, but it is starting to show its age. The stadium needs significant renovations, and it is not feasible to keep patching it up. A new stadium would provide us with stateof-the-art facilities, and we could finally catch up with other top clubs in Europe. The club has been lacking in investment in recent years, and a new stadium would be a statement of intent.

Finally, whilst the club has made some significant signings in recent years, we still have work to do. Management need to ensure that we have a world-class squad, capable of challenging for trophies on multiple fronts. Ten Hag has done an excellent job so far, but he will need backing with necessary funds to compete at the very highest levels of European football. It is high time that the club retained its seat amongst the greatest clubs on the continent.

In conclusion, the future is certainly bright for Manchester United fans. Finally, we can all agree that in Erik Ten Hag, the club has a manager who has brought new energy and tactical brilliance to a faltering team, a side that has now shown great potential, and a passionate fan base that is eager for success. We have taken a step forward with our recent League Cup win, but there is still a long way to go. The sale of the club is causing some uncertainty, but we hope that regardless of who owns the club, there will be significant investment in infrastructure, and most importantly, a closer relationship with the fans.

We want to thank all the readers of our magazine for their continued support of Manchester United. As an editorial team, we are confident that with Ten Hag at the helm, and the right investment in infrastructure and the squad, the glory days to this beloved club are just around the corner!