NEWSPAPER POST
Volume 43- Issue 1, October 2015
“Martial is France’s biggest talent, in three years he’ll be worth €100m. Hopefully he scores many goals for Manchester United.” Eric Cantona
Manchester United Supporters’ Club-Malta Founded 1959, is officially recognized by the Manchester United Football Club.
ditorial STEELY DETERMINATION I
t goes without saying that there’s never a dull moment at Manchester United. From Rooney’s hat-trick against Club Brugge to Anthony Martial’s stunner against Liverpool – this is what United is all about – free flowing football and ‘edge of your seat stuff’. It may still be way too early in the season, but this might yet prove to be a successful campaign after all the negative criticism of this summer’s transfer dealings. The new Adidas sponsorship deal brought about a rejuvenated feeling around the club. United seemed to have benefited strongly from the new arrangement given the huge financial incentive the club received…fans thronged to buy the new kit, the stadium was renovated to ensure the new Adidas logo shined under the sun and the team was set to carry our hopes and dreams. Fans suddenly embraced United’s new ‘image’. Given that this is Louis Van Gaal’s second season in charge, there was no need for any major changes as we knew that Van Gaal would work hard to ensure minimal changes would be made and the squad would be strengthened accordingly. Undoubtedly, the stellar signing of the season was Bastian Schweinsteiger. A World Cup champion and master of the midfield area, Schweinsteiger’s capture ensured United did not only add a midfield general who can boss the Premier League but a man whose influence and wisdom in the middle of the park will serve the club well in the UEFA Champions League. The quiet and efficient Morgan Schneiderlin was also added to bolster the squad and in hindsight this was once again a shrewd move by Van Gaal. We know that Carrick and Schweinsteiger might not have the legs to last a full 90 minutes and in an age where fitness is ever more important, it is vital that someone young and versatile is also added to the midfield mix. Schneiderlin will surely prove to be a success as his deft passing ability,
intricate footwork and calmness have certainly left their mark on the Old Trafford faithful. Matteo Darmian was apparently someone Van Gaal had been monitoring closely in Italy and the Italian has certainly taken Old Trafford by storm! Known for his pressing ability and overlaps, Darmian in a way reminds me of a young Gary Neville – bossing the full back position, taking no prisoners and marking closely when needed. Who would have thought that Darmian would have settled in so quickly? This certainly goes to show that Van Gaal’s policy on recruitment is not only brilliant but well-researched. Signings can make or break a season, but so far it seems that the Dutchman has chosen players who can fit the bill well and ensure they adapt to his philosophy. His transfers are certainly bearing fruit! A word must also be said about Anthony Martial. Signed for a world record fee for a teenager, fans worldwide held their breath as everyone waited to see how Van Gaal’s latest gamble would pan out. Thankfully, to quote Gary Neville: ‘When he signed we knew he was going to be an exciting signing but we didn’t think he would settle in so quickly.’ Surely no one doubted his technical ability but we were surely stunned to see how well he managed to bed into the squad. His stunner against Liverpool is surely up there with one of the greatest goals scored at Old Trafford and Martial’s signing has certainly proven to be the icing on the cake so far. Together with other newbie Memphis Depay could we perhaps one day see them developing a partnership reminiscent to the Cole-Yorke days? The title of this editorial is called ‘Steely determination’ for one prime reason. It’s true that most fans agree that this is not the United of ‘old’ as the style of play has somewhat changed. We’re no longer playing a ‘British’ style of football but a Continental style is what
we’re currently viewing. United are clinical, determined and decisive – utilising the counter-attacks well and at times controlling possession ensuring their opponents tire quickly. This was also something Ashley Young recently mentioned: ‘It’s a lot about possession and keeping the ball, especially in the Champions League. You need to keep the ball against European sides because they’re good at retaining the ball. It’s also about winning the ball back when you lose it. I think we’re definitely suited to playing in the Champions League and I’m sure it will be a very successful campaign’. Naturally, tactics play a big part in games and Van Gaal is shaping this group to ensure they can tactically adapt to any game situations. From the 4-0 mauling of Brugge to the contained 1-0 win vs Spurs on the opening day of the season, we saw two different teams with different approaches. This is the Van Gaal philosophy – it’s not always about style but winning is what matters and that is why in my opinion, Manchester United have already won 5 out of the opening 7 games of the season. Finally, it goes without saying that a few words must be dedicated to our Supporters’ Club. Every voluntary organisation depends on the hard work of its members and every form of help is needed. Our Club needs vital people who can contribute in any way which is why we are always on the lookout for new blood. Whether you are willing to contribute with the Echoes publication, help the Committee or give a helping hand in the club premises, speak up and involve yourself accordingly. The club is there for the fans to enjoy themselves on match-days but there is much more work involved behind the scenes. Enjoy the read and Glory Glory Man United! The Editorial Team
VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
3
MALTA
FOUNDED 1959
15-2016
0 season 2 Name hip No.
Members
No. I.D. Card
Member
, uare Street Quarries Sq 1101 Malta. Msida, MSD00356 2122 3531 m e Telephon @manutd-malta.co E-Mail: info
since
LTA MADE D 1959 FOUN
alta manutdm om .c a ta lt l ma d-m nuttd www.ma
MM A AL LT T AA
The Annual General Meeting.
MUSC Malta vs Reading SC Malta.
Face Book 2 Million Likes Celebration.
Billiard Tournament - Manuel Piscopo Winner, Carl Grech 2nd Place.
8
VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
Former Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill visiting the Club.
VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
9
Wayne Rooney by Alan Abela-Wadge
E
ngland’s all-time top scorer, Manchester United’s 3rd all-time top scorer, England’s 5th most capped player ever, 5 time Premier League winner, 2 time League Cup winner, 3 time FA Community Shield Winner, UEFA Champions League winner, FIFA Club World Cup winner, PFA Player of the Year, 2 time PFA Young Player of the Year, 2 time PFA Fans’ Player of the Year, 3 time inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, Football Writers’ Player of the Year, 2 time Manchester United’s Player of the Year and many more personal honours. That is our beloved captain, our leader, our juggernaut, our very own Wayne Rooney. Back in October 2002, 5 days before his 17th birthday, this young Liverpool lad scored a wonder goal in the last-minute to seal victory against Arsenal. The goal ended Arsenal’s 30-match unbeaten run and that kid became a worldwide sensation. From that game onwards, everyone knew about Wayne Rooney. During season 2003/04, everyone was calling
22 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
upon Sven Goran Eriksson to call up Wayne Rooney for the European Championship 2004 and when he did, the whole of England was looking forward to seeing this teenage sensation going from strength to strength, maybe breaking the voodoo and delivering a trophy back home for the first time since 1966. Rooney started the campaign in incredible form and scored 4 goals in 4 games. However, unfortunately lady luck didn’t smile upon England and Rooney got hurt in the quarterfinal match against Portugal with England being knocked out once again. In the weeks after EURO 2004, whilst young Wayne Rooney was nursing a broken foot, the media went into overload and Rooney was entangled in a tug-of-war between Everton and Newcastle. Manchester United fans were watching from afar, wishing that Sir Alex Ferguson pounces on this sensation. However, we never quite believed it when at the end of August 2004 news started to surface that Everton had rejected a bid of 20 million
for Wayne Rooney and Manchester United had joined the race. I still remember clearly when I spent a whole day stuck browsing the internet searching for the latest news and all of a sudden it was reported that Manchester United got a 30 million bid accepted for Wayne. Before we know it, he was presented to the media as United’s new signing. For the first few weeks Rooney wasn’t available as he was still nursing his injury. However, when United went to Turkey to take on Fenerbahce and we saw that Wayne Rooney listed amongst the starters, no one knew what was awaiting us. In his debut, Rooney scored 3 times, two wonderfully taken goals and a beautiful free kick to seal a 6-2 victory for the Red Devils. Fast forward 11 years and 233 goals later and we find ourselves in 2015. What an amazing 11 years it has been for Wayne Rooney: eleven trophy laden seasons in which he cemented himself as one of United’s greatest ever players. At the time of writing, Rooney stands only 4 goals behind Denis Law and only 16
a
t
co rt
o t
i
i
an co ction i it i a ro
in general now considered as being of minor importance. With players having the prospect of being drafted into the forces and into work
flic r co n it
oto anc in a
t r nit
in various industries deemed necessary to the war effort, football was of minor importance. Old Trafford was requisitioned as a temporary military depot, whilst the R.A.F. took over the Cliff training ground at Lower Broughton. There was, however, a quick reversal in the banning of sport due to the threat of an aerial attack, as it was felt that people needed something to take their minds off the looming horrors of war, a morale booster, anything in fact in an attempt to keep everyday life as normal as possible. Within a fortnight, United were back in action, facing Bolton Wanderers at Brunden Park, drawing 2-2 in front of a 4,830 crowd. This fixture was only possible following meetings with the police and due to the proximity of Bolton
an
t to
o r
ori ina
to Manchester, with subsequent friendlies - September 23rd Oldham Athletic (H) 3-1; September 30th Manchester City (H) 2-3; October 7th Stoke City (A) 2-2 and October 14th Blackpool (A) 4-6, requiring similar permission. Whilst the majority of clubs were also playing friendly fixtures, the Football League was looking further ahead, albeit without any real guarantee as to what the future actually held and taking into consideration the restrictions in travel, when it decided to operate various League programmes on a regional basis and United were soon to find themselves thrown into the War Regional League – Western Division, along with, Manchester City, Chester, Crewe Alexandra, Liverpool, Port Vale, Everton, Stoke City, Tranmere Rovers, New Brighton, Stockport County and Wrexham. When the new competition got underway, restrictions were again placed on crowd levels, whilst reporting on the games was also kept to a minimum so as not to alert the enemy of large gatherings of people in one place. None of the twenty-two ‘League’ fixtures attracted over 8,000 spectators, but those who did attend often witnessed a goal laden ninety minutes. The last Saturday in November saw Port Vale thrashed 8-1, outside left Billy Wrigglesworth notching five of them. Such a score line
VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
55
The Season So Far.. ic a
att
L
ooking at the table, so far so good. At the beginning of the season, we were labelled as being a team in transition and that our ambitions would be to make the top three. However, with United having five positive results out of the last six matches, things look more positive. It’s been two years since United fans were able to get emotionally involved with how England’s title-chasing teams are doing because our team hasn’t been one of them in that time. As a general feeling, during the 2014/15 season, for example, it made little difference if Chelsea were losing as they were already so far ahead. Not now, though. The champions who finished 17 points ahead of United in 2014-15 are already eight behind Louis van Gaal’s side after only seven games. And I admit for once, I was itching for Chelsea and Manchester City to lose points on every occasion, just as the days when United used to fight for top honours. The benchmark club
VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015
59
FIXTURES 2015-2016 FA Premier League:
30/08/15
De Gea – Valencia – Darmian – Carrick –
08/08/15
Swansea City 2 – 1 Manchester United
Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin
Champions League Group Stage
Manchester United 1 – 0 Tottenham
Romero – Darmian – Shaw –
– Martial – Rooney – Memphis
15/09/15
Hotspurs
Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind –
Sub(s) - Jones – Schweinsteiger –
PSV Eindhoven 2 -1 Manchester United
Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –
Mata- Schneiderlin – Rooney – Memphis
Young
De Gea – Darmian – Shaw –
Smalling – Blind- Mata –Schneiderlin –
– Herrera
Scorer(s) - Memphis – Mata – Rooney
Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata
Rooney – Memphis - Young
Sub(s) – Carrick – Fellaini – Young
Sub(s) : Herrera – Schweinsteiger –
Scorer(s) – Mata
Champions League Qualifying Round 1st Leg
12/09/15
18/08/15
– Herrera – Martial – Memphis – Young
Valencia Scorer(s) : own goal
Sub(s) - Fellaini – Rojo – Valencia Scorer(s) - Memphis
Manchester United 3 – 1 Liverpool
Manchester United 3 – 1 Club Brugge
30/09/15
14/08/15
De Gea – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –
Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –
Manchester United 2 – 1 Wolfsburg
Aton Villa 0 – 1 Manchester United
Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schweinsteiger
Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin
De Gea – Valencia – Darmian –
Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick –
– Fellaini – Memphis – Herrera
– Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj
Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata
Smalling – Blind- Mata –Schneiderlin –
Sub(s) - Martial – Schneiderlin - Young
Sub(s) - Fellaini – Hernandez –
– Schneiderlin – Martial – Rooney –
Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj
Scorer(s) - Blind – Herrera – Martial
Schweinsteiger
Memphis
Scorer(s) - Memphis (2) – Fellaini
Sub(s) - Jones – Pereira – Young
Sub(s) - Herrera – Schweinsteiger – Young
20/09/15
Scorer(s) - Januzaj
Southampton 2 – 3 Manchester United
Scorer(s) - Mata – Smalling
De Gea – Darmian – Rojo – Carrick –
Champions League Qualifying Round 2st Leg
22/08/15
Smalling – Blind – Schneiderlin – Martial
26/08/15
League Cup 3rd Round
Manchester United 0 – 0 Newcastle
– Rooney – Memphis
Club Brugge 0 – 4 Manchester United
23/09/15
United
Sub(s) - McNair – Schweinsteiger –
Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Carrick
Manchester United 3 – 0 Ipswich Town
Romero – Darmian – Shaw – Schweinsteiger
Valencia
– Smalling – Blind – Mata – Herrera –
De Gea – Valencia – Young –
– Smalling – Blind – Mata – Schneiderlin –
Scorer(s) - Martial (2) - Mata
Rooney –Memphis – Januzaj
Schweinsteiger – Smalling – Blind – Mata
Sub(s) - Hernandez – Schweinsteiger –
– Herrera – Fellaini – Rooney – Pereira
Rooney – Memphis – Januzaj Sub(s) - Carrick – Hernandez – Valencia
26/09/15
Young
Sub(s) - Memphis – Jones – Martial
Scorer(s) - --
Manchester United 3 – 0 Sunderland
Scorer(s) - Rooney (3) – Herrera
Scorer(s) - Martial – Pereira - Rooney
PLAYER’S APPEARANCES 2015-2016 Blind
7
0
1
4
0
TOTAL APPEARANCES 12
Mata
7
0
1
4
0
12
4
Smalling
7
0
1
4
0
12
1
NAME
PREMIERSHIP
FA CUP
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
LEAGUE CUP
OTHER MATCHES
GOALS 1
Depay
7
0
0 (1)
4
0
11 (1)
4
Darmian
7
0
0
4
0
11
0
Rooney
6
0
1
3
0
10
5
Schneiderlin
6 (1)
0
0
2
0
8 (1)
0
5
0
0
3
0
8
0
Carrick
5 (2)
0
0
2
0
7 (2)
0
Schweinsteiger
Shaw
3 (4)
0
1
2 (2)
0
6 (6)
0
De Gea
3
0
1
2
0
6
0
Romero
4
0
0
2
0
6
0
Herrera
2 (2)
0
1
2
0
5 (2)
2
Martial
2 (1)
0
0 (1)
2
0
4 (2)
4
Januzaj
2
0
0
2
0
4
1
Young
1 (4)
0
1
1 (2)
0
3 (6)
0
Valencia
1 (3)
0
1
1 (1)
0
3 (4)
0
Fellaini
1 (1)
0
1
0 (2)
0
2 (3)
1
Pereira
0
0
1
0 (1)
0
1 (1)
1
Rojo
1
0
0
0 (1)
0
1 (1)
0
0 (1)
0
0
0 (2)
0
0 (3)
0
Hernandez Jones
0 (1)
0
0 (1)
0 (1)
0
0 (3)
0
McNair
0 (1)
0
0
0
0
0 (1)
0
72 VOL 43 - ISSUE 1 - OCTOBER 2015