Football Weekly Manchester United Special 2010/11

MANCHESTER UNITED

SPECIAL 2010/11

FREEER!S POST GALORE

Z A d e t i n U Man

.

U .

M IDENTIAL F N CO

Edwin van der Sar Roots & Origins

The Life Of Ryan

Giggsy Reveals All

Nani: The Interview “I’m not shy!”

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FOOTBALL WEEKLY MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/2011

Contents

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MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

FREE!S POSTER GALORE

ed A-Z

n Unit M.U.MIaDENTIAL

CONF

A Publication of Regent Media Pte Ltd

Edwin van der Sar Roots & Origins

The Life Of Ryan

Giggsy Reveals All

Nani: The Interview “I’m not shy!”

S$7.50 / RM14

COVER

Manchester United

REGULARS 4 6 8 12 14 56 57 62

Editor’s Note Contributors’ Page Photo Gallery Club News Gossip Grapevine Players’ Statistics Fixtures Quiz

FEATURES

16 The Life Of Ryan Ryan Giggs is 36, but still working miracles on the wing. He has made more appearances for United than any other and is Britain’s most successful player.

22 Robbo Tackles Thailand For the last year, Captain Marvel has been living in up in Southeast Asia as manager of Thailand’s national team. We catch up with United’s longest serving captain in the Land of Smiles…

26 Edwin van der Sar: Roots & Origins We travel to Noordwijk, hometown of the most-capped Dutch player of all time and chat with his friends to discover the boy that became one of the greatest United shot-stoppers of all time.

34 Nani: “I’m Not Shy!” It took Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha a while to adjust in Manchester but Nani has proved his worth.

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FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

16 34 26 54

42

38 The Magic Of The Number 7 Over the years Manchester United have produced world-class players who have worn the Number 7 shirt. From big names to even bigger talents, the Number 7 shirt has become very dear to the United fans.

44 Blast From The Past Ever wondered what King Eric, Lee Sharpe, and Andrei Kanchelskis are up to now? We take a look at these three former players and find out.

46 Top 5 Strikers Of The Premiership Era

52

Several luminaries have lit up the Theatre of Dreams. They have left their legacy during their stint with the Devils. Let’s see who makes our list of top five strikers of the Premiership era.

50 The Good, The Bad & The Weird Football jerseys are very much part of fashion trends. So in this article we take a look at some trendsetters, all time favorites and some really weird ones you don’t want to be caught wearing along Orchard road.

54 The Curious Case Of Wayne Rooney Wayne Rooney has a long road ahead of him if he plans on winning back the affections of United fans.

COLUMNS

42 The Aberdeen Connection

By Ally Begg

52 EPL Prophecy: United For Title?

By Pedro Pinto

50 10

EXTRAS

58 Songs & Chants Visiting Old Trafford soon and afraid you will feel left out? Don’t fret! Football Weekly will teach you some songs so you can join in the action whether you are at the Theatre of Dreams or in front of the telly.

60 Food & Footy Who needs cable when you can enjoy a night of food, drinks, and live football action at these places?

64 From The Other Side Football Weekly speaks to five ‘un-United’ fans on what they feel about the Red Devils and how much ‘love’ they have for the club.

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

3

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FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

Silver Linings What a peculiar season this has been so far. As I write this, the Reds are still unbeaten in the league, and yet trail leaders Chelsea by three points.

On the other hand, United haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders, have they, with draws against the likes of Bolton, West Brom, and Sunderland? If you look at it this way, three points off the top isn’t all that bad.

And given that United are traditionally late starters, some pundits are already placing them as favourites for the title (pg 52).

Then we have the Wayne Rooney saga. Our writer thinks he has some work to do to win the fans back (pg 54). I still can’t decide for myself if Mr ‘Once A Blue, Always A Blue’ made the decision because he genuinely believes United lack ambition or he was simply motivated by money.

One way or the other, the consequences of his actions turned out to be positive. The Glazers have reportedly promised a wad of spending cash to Sir Alex Ferguson as a direct outcome and Wayne looks happier now that he can buy as many Range Rovers per week as pals JT and Fat Frank.

With the transfer kitty alleged to be a cool £100 million, the football world is Fergie’s oyster. Worldclass players are scarce but there are a few that could be available. Mid-table side Liverpool have two Spanish stars in their ranks who might want a move to a big club and the Real Madrid bench has some exciting names who haven’t been inducted into the Jose Mourinho circle of trust.

Who would you like to see in red and white? A large part of the fun is in the speculation and in this special edition of Football Weekly, we round up the latest list of suspects to be linked to Old Trafford (pg 14).

In the absence of the real Wayne Rooney, other players have been stepping up to the plate. We speak to Nani (pg 34), who has been for me the stellar performer this season, and Ryan Giggs (pg 16), to whom age is merely a number.

Whether or not you are a Red at heart, we hope that you enjoy this issue and look forward to more exclusives from us.

Derek Rodriguez

MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

n o s b i G Darr on SPECIAL

contributors Ally Begg

Ally Begg is a former presenter with MUTV, Manchester United’s very own TV station. During his five year stint as one of the faces of the channel, Begg interviewed the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Roy Keane.

He presented a host of programmes including Reds @ Five, the Red Hot News and United in Press. Ally is currently living and working in Singapore for ESPN Star Sports where he produces ESPN News as well as presenting the channel’s Premiership coverage.

Elliott Danker

Elliott started his radio career as a newscaster on WKRZ91.3FM in 2006. The station later underwent a revamp in July 2006 and was called Radio 91.3FM and Elliott was tasked to be part of the morning show with radio veterans Joe Augustin and Petrina Kow for almost two years. In 2008, he moved to SAFRA Radio where he helmed the station’s morning and lunchtime shows over a period of two years. He was also part of the only Football Radio show in Singapore called ‘On The Ball’. His latest project is an apparel design called ED-08, which was released in Nov 2010.

James Goyder

James Goyder is a sports journalist who has been based in Southeast Asia for the last three years. He specialises in football and writes regularly about all of the major European leagues as well as the Asian game. He is an aspiring amateur footballer and attends matches whenever possible, at present these generally involve either Muangthong United, FC Phuket or Bryan Robson’s Thailand. His articles have appeared in a variety of newspapers, websites and magazines including Goal.com, ESPN Star Sports, Fox Sports, The Guardian, Manila Standard Today, The Bangkok Post, Football Weekly and The New Paper.

Rasheed Abu Bakar

Rasheed started kicking a ball at four and has since lived and breathed football. His love for Manchester United started way back in the nineties after watching crazy old Scot Sir Alex Ferguson run onto the sacred grass of Old Trafford jumping for joy as Steve Bruce headed in the winner against Sheffield Wednesday in the 1992-93 season – easily one of the most influential games that spurred United to claim the inaugural Premier League title. Rasheed rambles on the football world at fromthepenaltybox.wordpress.com (Viewer discretion is advised, he co-owns the blog with a Liverpool fan)

Scott Loh

“United, to me, is a great club not only because of its trophy-haul, but also due to its philosophy: It prides itself as an advocate of attacking football and always shows faith in their youngsters despite their financial muscle.

As long as the Red Devils stick to their philosophy, the Manchester United brand will continue to prosper.”

6 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

a d e h c Kiko Ma SPECIAL

interview

BY ELLIOTT DANKER

September 19, 2010 Leading 2-0 through a Berbatov brace against Liverpool at Old Trafford, two Steven Gerrard goals within six minutes threaten to earn his side an undeserved point. But Berbatov wasn’t done yet. Judging a John O’Shea cross perfectly, the Bulgarian legend climbs above a star-struck Carragher and guides the ball into the corner of the net to complete a brilliant hat-trick. Classic.

8 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

9

interview

BY ELLIOTT DANKER

United destroys Newcastle 3-0 on the opening day of the Barclays Premier League

Wonderboy Chicharito helps United to the Community Shield

Fergie looks uncharacteristically sombre as he reads a statement about the future of Wayne Rooney

A Chicharito double strike, including this deft improvised header, earns United a 2-1 win at Stoke

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Bebe celebrates after opening his United account against Wolves in the Carling Cup

Rooney is all smiles after he signs a new contract following a dramatic change of heart Unlucky Valencia suffers a serious injury against Rangers in the Champions League

Our favourite South Korean puts Wolves to the sword in stoppage time with his second goal of the game

Agony for United as Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill both score last minute goals to earn a 3-3 draw at Goodison Park

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

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club news Cristiano Ronaldo Hints At Old Trafford Return

Cristiano Ronaldo has suggested he would love to return to Manchester United in the future.

Despite making a fantastic start to the season at Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo has refused to rule out a move back to United.

He said: “To be honest I miss the Premier League a lot. Of course I have good memories about Manchester. I have good friends there and I miss them a lot, so you never know. Sir Alex Ferguson is like a second father for me. He helped me a lot during the six years I was in Manchester, he taught me many things.”

Filming To Begin On United

United is based on the true story of Manchester United’s legendary ‘Busby Babes’, the youngest side ever to win the Football League, the 1958 Munich Air Crash that claimed eight of their number and the extraordinary spirit of a city that rebuilt the team in the wake of the disaster.

David Tennant will star as coach Jimmy Murphy, alongside Jack O’Connell (Skins, Dive) as Bobby Charlton, the youngest of the Babes, and Sam Claflin (Pirates Of The Caribbean, Any Human Heart) as star player Duncan Edwards. The film draws on first-hand interviews with the survivors and their families to tell the inspirational story of a team and community overcoming terrible tragedy.

Simon Heath, executive producer, World Productions, says: “Chris Chibnall has written an authentic and moving version of this heartbreaking story, which with the help of a great cast, we hope will be a fitting tribute to those who survived and those who lost their lives at Munich.”

Solskjaer Wants To Emulate Ferguson

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returns home with his wife and three young children in January to begin the first stages of a management career at Molde but admits that he would love a return to Old Trafford later in his burgeoning management career.

“I am not ashamed of saying that if I enjoy management and that invitation came in 15 years time I would say yes,” he said.

“Everyone who has played for Manchester United dreams about it.

Me, Ryan Giggs, Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes. More than anything, the last few years have shown me you need experience and you need to be the best to be the manager of Manchester United. How the gaffer has handled the club and managed it is a fantastic example to anyone. “He is the encyclopaedia of how to manage and I do daydream about what might happen in 15 or 20 years time when I have the experience.”

Fergie Faces Fine

Manchester United are likely to be hit by a £65,000 fine due to Sir Alex Ferguson’s continued refusal to cooperate with the BBC. Premier League chairman Sir David Richards has been in contact with United chief executive David Gill to discuss Ferguson’s continued boycott of the corporation, which is a team-broadcast partner of the Premier League.

And Ferguson’s refusal to conduct interviews is now an offence under Premier League rules, and the authorities are finally poised to act after discussing the issue more than three weeks ago at a board meeting.

Ferguson has refused to speak to the BBC ever since they broadcast a documentary in 2004 investigating his son Jason and his links as a football agent to the club. Sir Alex demanded an apology, which the BBC refused.

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Houllier Reveals Bond With United Boss

Gerard Houllier has revealed his special bond with football’s most ferocious competitor, Sir Alex Ferguson. Ferguson may be the game’s Grim Reaper of silverware, but Aston Villa boss Houllier has also seen a Florence Nightingale side to his nature.

The Frenchman may have been in charge of deadly rivals Liverpool when he had a heart attack in 2001, but the United boss was still one of the first at his bedside.

He said: “He came to see me in hospital and that warmed me. Alex has a very human side to him that not everyone sees. Rivalry is a healthy thing but there have been a few opportunities where he has offered help. He’s been a friend for a long time.”

Houllier added: “There are four things with him. One, he knows football inside out. Two, he is an absolute workaholic. You can ring him at the office at 8am and know he will be there. Three, he is very loyal to his players, club and friends. You never heard a word of criticism against Eric Cantona over that kung-fu kick. And four, his capacity to change. He has not said ‘This is the way I do it’. He has evolved.”

Rooney Picks Fantasy XI

Wayne Rooney has been asked by EA sports to pick his Fantasy XI. Besides himself, the only other United player chosen was Nemanja Vidic. Ex-United players Tevez and Ronaldo complete the front trio.

GK

Pepe Reina (Liverpool)

DF

Micah Richards (Manchester City)

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

FW

MF

Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)

Xavi (Barcelona)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

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gossip Transfer Trail

With Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly promised spending cash in January in the aftermath of Rooney-gate, we look at who else could be on their way to Old Trafford.

Jeremy Menez, Roma, £10m

egor, McGr Allan rs, £7m e Rang

David Bentley, Spurs, £6m

Krkic, Bojan lona, £15m Barce

Agent Denies Lass Link

The agent of Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra has claimed that his client will not leave los Blancos for Manchester United in the January transfer window.

Despite settling well initially into life in Spanish football, he has been marginalised under coach Jose Mourinho, who prefers the pairing of Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira in the centre of midfield.

Speculation continues to link the holding player with a move back to the English league, but speaking to AS, Diarra’s representative insisted that his client wants to prove himself at the club, saying: “There is no conflict with Real Madrid. Lassana still wants to give a contribution to the club.”

, o Torres Fernand l, £40m o o Liverp

Fergie Wants Henderson

oui, l Hamda Mounir E Ajax, £6m

tletico Gea, A e D David , £10m id Madr

Gary Cahill, Bolton, £7m

our, n Def £11m Steve ard Liege, d Stan

14 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken with him about Jordan Henderson.

The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for Sunderland over the last 12-months which has not only propelled him into the international scene, but has also seen him linked with a big money move. And now Bruce has admitted that Ferguson has asked to be ‘kept informed’ over Henderson.

“What has caught most of their eyes is his ability to get up and down the pitch now is huge. You looked at Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas, they are all great players but they can get up and down the pitch to get the mileage, and you need that in the modern game.

Schalke Unfazed By Neuer Link

Schalke are confident of keeping Manuel Neuer from Manchester United. Reports have linked with the Reds with German international Neuer, but Schalke have revealed they fully expect to keep the 24-year-old at the club.

“There is no doubt I am confident about keeping Manuel Neuer,” manager Felix Magath told Bild. “I have an obligation to show Manuel Neuer that he has a good future at the club.”

Schalke have made a disappointing start to the Bundesliga season which, unless improved upon, could make the task of keeping their goalkeeper all the more difficult.

Reina In Big-Money Move?

Manchester United are reportedly ready to make an offer for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina. Sir Alex Ferguson is desperately looking to bring in a replacement for veteran Edwin Van der Sar and has been watching with interest as reports speculate that the Spanish international goalie is unhappy at Anfield and may therefore make a cheeky offer for the top notch custodian.

Since his arrival on Merseyside in the summer of 2005 Reina has become one of the most consistent performers in the English top tier and even during the current turbulent season he has managed to put in some solid displays but according to some reports he is not very happy at life under Roy Hodgson.

Houllier Eyes Carrick

Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has been given £30 million to spend in the January transfer window and aims to acquire Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, according to a report by the Sunday People.

Villa’s owner Randy Lerner has deemed it the right time to start spending again and will add £10m more to the £17 million profit made last summer on the sale of James Milner.

This will give the green light to Houllier to recruit three or even four new players in the new year, including Nottingham Forest’s Lewis MacGugan as well as Carrick and Roque Santa Cruz.

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interview BY KEVIN MCCARTHY

The Life Of Ryan Ryan Giggs is 36, but still working miracles on the wing. He has made more appearances for United than any other and is Britain’s most successful player. We interview with the man who seems to be forever young on Wayne Rooney’s troubles, how long he will continue, gossip magazines, United’s season start, possible successors of Alex Ferguson, ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, handling celebrity status and of course the blessings of yoga.

Ryan, how are you enjoying the new season?

It’s early days at the moment and I’ve had an injury, but I’m coming back to fitness now and looking forward to helping the team.

What have you made of United’s start to the season?

It seems to have been mixed in terms of performances and results – some excellent, some disappointing. What have been your impressions?

TOP: Ryan, with his trademark curls, was the poster boy of the pre-Beckham era BELOW: “When he’s at the top of his game, there’s not a team in the world that can handle Giggs’ speed and penetration.” – Sir Alex Ferguson

I think it’s like you say. But the other week we had players missing and we went away and beat Valencia, the leaders of La Liga, 1-0. With results like that and the confidence that it will give us, I think we’ve got a good chance of winning things this year.

It seems like the club are trying to perform something of a juggling act this season, trying to ensure they keep winning trophies while planning for the future and seeing if they can build a team for when players such as yourself have moved on. It is a difficult challenge for United, but do you feel the club can remain successful?

Yes, I hope so. I think that’s a big part of United’s success. We’ve seen great players leave over the years and we’ve not stood still. We’ve gone on and kept winning things. The thing is that with me, Nev [Gary Neville], Scholesy [Paul Scholes] and Edwin [van der Sar] we’ve got four players who will

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probably finish at more or less the same time, so that is obviously a bit of a problem, but I’m sure the managers will bring in the right players and the club will go on and remain successful.

And what about when Alex Ferguson finally moves on? He’s 68 now and he can’t go on forever, can he?

No, but he could go on for another ten years yet!

It wouldn’t surprise me if he did… But when the time comes, have you got any possible successors in mind?

Well, like I said, it could be a way off yet. Whoever you might mention as a candidate today, they might not be doing so well when the time comes, whenever it is. There are a lot of managers who have managed at the top level – people mention José Mourinho and Fabio Capello – but you just don’t know.

What would you say is United’s priority this season: the Premier League or the Champions League?

I think you always try and win the Premier League, I think that is always the main priority, especially after we lost it to Chelsea last year. Winning the league would be brilliant because when you’ve won it three years on the trot and to lose it is always hard. To win it back would be great. I’ve always said anything else is a bonus.

So what about the Champions League?

Of course we want to win the Champions League, like we do every year. It’s such a great competition.

But you look at last season, we were brilliant against Bayern Munich in the quarter-final, probably our best performance of the season, and then you go out to a wonder goal. That can happen in the Champions

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

17

League, just like it can happen in the FA Cup or the League Cup as well. The league is a bit different because you can usually scrape your way back, so that is the main priority.

You missed that match against Valencia through injury. When you see a young player score a goal in that kind of match, does it make you feel terribly old? Or does it make you feel young again?

I was round at my friends’ house watching the game with them and in those situations you’re just like a fan. The moment I saw Javier’s goal, I just thought: ‘Great first touch’ and – bang – it’s in. It was just brilliant.

A lot of United fans were disappointed that Alex Ferguson didn’t sign a real ‘superstar’ player this summer, but at the same time they seem to have been really excited by your young Mexican striker Javier Hernandez. What do you make of ‘Chicharito’ so far?

It’s hard not to get too excited by a player like Javier. We’ve seen it over the years. You can get excited by players and build them up. But I was genuinely excited in pre-season, seeing what he could do. Javier’s just a natural finisher and they don’t come along that often. You saw that when he scored against Valencia, it was just a great goal. His first touch was great as was his finish. It was just instinctive and when you’ve got that, you’ll score an awful lot of goals. He was only on for about 15 minutes but in that time he hit the post, ran through onto a cross when their keeper saved it, and he’s just a dangerous player.

Does ‘Chicharito’ remind you of a young Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? He certainly seems to have similar qualities in terms of his finishing, doesn’t he?

“Keep your head innit Wayne!”

Ryan plays captain.

Ole had every kind of finish - left foot, right foot, headers, the lot. Javier’s goal did actually remind me a bit of Ole, just because Ole always used to hit the inside of the netting, just inside the post, hitting his shots low and hard whether it was with his right foot or left foot. That goal in Valencia was similar in that respect.

I hope you don’t mind me asking you about Wayne Rooney’s recent troubles – on and off the pitch …

For a moment then, I thought I was going to get away with it…

And when I first broke into the first team at United, I loved all the attention. But I can honestly say I hated the press intrusion that went with that lifestyle.

Ha ha. Sorry. But as we sit here now, Wayne is going through a tough time. He has only scored once for United since getting injured in March, when he was in such brilliant form. If we just talk about the on-field issues for now, how would you, as a highly experienced team-mate, advise you to get over it?

In my experience the only way to deal with it is to go on the training pitch and work hard. The rest will eventually come because the quality is there.

When you are playing at United, you are there to be criticised. All you need is to lose a bit of form or you have a few injuries that mean you are not quite firing. Wayne set such high standards last season.

He was winning games on his own. We knew it could not carry on. At the moment he is not scoring goals, but that is bound to change soon because he is a world-class player.

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Do you feel sometimes that there is too much pressure on someone like Wayne?

I do, but it’s part and parcel of being a United player, being a quality player, and playing for England. If you’re not banging goals in and you’re not playing every week you’re open to that criticism, whether it’s right or not. There are 27 players in the squad, it’s not all about one player. Wayne started playing when he was 16, you can’t go throughout your career without people having a go at you. I’ve had it numerous times through my career. That’s what happens when you’re playing at such a big club.

Would you agree that it is even harder for a young player now than when you were Wayne’s age?

It always seems like there is such scrutiny of everything Wayne does in his life. Can that kind of intensity make life hard for a footballer sometimes?

It was similar when I was that age. Everything was going brilliantly, but then I hit a bit of bad form and suddenly the tabloids wanted to know who I was going out with and my family history. But you develop thick skin and it helps you in the long run.

Wayne will be OK. He is a top-quality player and you know for a fact he will start scoring goals sooner rather than later. I’ve had it a few times. It’s not nice and you don’t like it at the time but it does help you in the long run. We just have to realise we can’t rely on him this season as we could last season.

11 Facts About Ryan Giggs

1

6

2

7

3

8

Giggsy has been Manchester United’s only number 11 since the induction of squad numbers in 1992.

At the age of 14 Ryan played football for Manchester United’s local rivals Manchester City.

Ryan is half white and half British African. He is also an active campaigner in the fight against racism in football.

4

Despite playing for Wales as an adult, Ryan used to play for England schoolboys.

5

Ryan scored the winning goal against Lille in a UEFA Champions League game in February 2007, causing the Lille players to walk off the pitch.

Ryan has scored in every Premiership season since its conception.

Ryan is the only Premiership player to have appeared in The Simpsons.

Ryan was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

9

Ryan took on his mother’s name of Giggs after his parents split.

He was born Ryan Wilson.

10

Ryan is the most decorated player in English football history and has 11 top division English league title medals to his name.

11

George Best once said: “One day they might even say that I was another Ryan Giggs.”

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Do you think things have changed in terms of the ‘celebrity’ aspect of footballers? Kevin Keegan made the point recently that players often invite that kind of intrusion into their family lives by selling wedding photos to the gossip magazines and so on…

It doesn’t matter whether or not you sell your wedding photos. Even if Wayne didn’t sell his wedding photos, people would follow him around and give him stick. The exposure on footballers is massive compared to when I broke into the team.

Back then it was just the sportswriters who were interested, but now footballers are all over the front pages, all over the gossip magazines. When I got into the team you had the odd magazine, but my wife brings home 10 these days and they are just full of rubbish, with footballers all over them! That wouldn’t have happened 10 years ago. It’s changed.

It’s massive now and Wayne is having to live with that exposure.

You’ve been quoted as saying before that you had a decision to make about whether you wanted to be a ‘celebrity’ or not and that you decided to try to avoid that side of things entirely.

Yes. As I said, it was different then, but I did get a lot of attention. And when I first broke into the first team at United, I loved all the attention. But I can honestly say I hated the press intrusion that went with that lifestyle. Being followed home after training, appearing in the papers, having your private life on show… I never wanted to live like that.

Giggs credits yoga for helping him stay young

It does seem to me that you’re incredible happy in your life and your career. You actually seem more contented in your 30s than you did in your 20s. Is that the case?

Possibly. When you first start off playing at 17, 18, you don’t have any pressures and you play with total freedom. Then you have a bad game, something negative gets written about you and then you start to worry about it. But when I turned 30, I decided to ignore all that and just enjoy the game. I don’t let things bother me as much and I feel better for it. I was settled with my wife Stacey, had my first child, and I guess it is no coincidence that since then has been my most enjoyable period as a footballer.

And you just seem to go on and on and on. What is your secret to staying ‘young’?

It’s important that you eat the right things and get the right amount of rest. I would also say that one thing that has helped me is yoga. I started doing it about six or seven years ago as a way of helping me with my hamstring problems, loosening up my back and giving me strength. I hated it at first because it was so hard, but the feeling that I got afterwards was brilliant and is definitely one of the reasons I’ve been able to keep playing.

How long can you carry on playing?

I honestly don’t know. If you had asked me two or three years ago, I would have said I would have retired by now, so I don’t know. The last two or three years what I’ve done is just see how the season has gone, then I’ve sat down and had chat with the gaffer at Christmas and we’ve gone from there.

So how will you know the right time to go?

I’ve always said it will come down to three things: if I’m getting picked regularly, if I’m enjoying it and if I’m fit. For as long as those three things remain, I’m happy to carry on playing.

Could this be your last season?

It could be. But I would have said the same this time last season – and the season before and probably the season before that. As long as I’m feeling good, I want to keep on playing.

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The greatest ever Wales international in action

If I’m getting picked regularly, if I’m enjoying it and if I’m fit. For as long as those three things remain, I’m happy to carry on playing

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interview

BY JAMES GOYDER

Robbo Tackles Thailand

For the last year, Captain Marvel has been living in up in Southeast Asia as manager of Thailand’s national team. We catch up with United’s longest serving captain in the Land of Smiles…

B

ryan Robson is a Manchester United legend.

He captained the club for almost a decade making 345 appearances and scoring 74 goals. Robson still works as an ambassador for the club but his main job is as manager of the Thailand national team.

Robson was appointed with a mandate to take Thailand to the 2014 World Cup and life away from the pressure cooker that is the Premiership appears to suit him.

“I’m quite happy in Thailand and I’m enjoying international

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management. I thought I would because when I worked with England and Terry Venables for two years that was one of the most enjoyable jobs I have had.

I like the international scene because you have got a lot of time to prepare for games,” he said.

No Easy Task

The Thailand team have not got off to the most auspicious of starts under Robson, who was only appointed last September. They recently failed to reach the Asian Cup for the first time in 22 years after a disappointing qualification campaign saw them finish behind both Jordan and Iran in their group.

It was a major setback for Robson and an ample demonstration of how much work will have to be done if he is to fulfill the lofty ambitions of his employers at the Thai FA. “I was disappointed about getting beat in the Asian Cup but we left ourselves too much to do because we didn’t win our home games. Defensively the players look good and technique wise we look good but we just need a little bit more composure in front of

goal. Hopefully some of the young strikers can provide that,” he said.

If qualifying for the Asian Cup was a challenge then reaching the World Cup is a task of Herculean proportions. Out of 43 footballing nations in Asia only four can qualify automatically with the fifth placed side entering a playoff.

Robson’s Thailand will have to compete for qualification with much more established sides such as Australia, who are now considered part of the Asian Football Confederation, South Korea, Japan and Iran.

Language & Culture

The former Manchester United captain’s assignment as manager of the Thai national team presented some serious cultural challenges. Profanity laden training ground banter is a feature of everyday footballing life in England. In Asia, by contrast, players will react extremely badly to anything remotely resembling a public humiliation. Robson admits he has been forced to adjust his managerial style accordingly.

“I’ve adapted to a certain degree. When you are annoyed you can’t lay into them like you would with European players because that is not their cultural way. There was one incident when I had to bite my tongue off when one of the players did something which was totally beyond me. You just have to count to ten and act in a more controlled manner. I suppose it has helped me in a way because sometimes you say the wrong things when you really lose your temper because you are raging, I’ve done that before in England,” he said.

Perhaps the biggest challenge facing Robson has been overcoming the language barrier with only a handful of his players speaking the same language as him. He believes that having an English manager as his predecessor has actually made the transition more straightforward.

“With Peter (Reid) being the coach before me I think they got used to his ways and got confident with a European coach.

To start with none of them would let on they could speak English because they are shy lads. About six of the players speak perfect English and they translate what I say so I don’t even have to use my translator except in meetings when they are all in a close knit group,” he said.

that is his private life. What’s that got to do with football?

Thai people are fiercely patriotic For me it doesn’t and the Thai FA are currently make any difference unwilling to countenance the idea of nationalising foreign whatsoever. He players. Robson admits to having should have been discussed the issue but does left to get on with not think the Thai FA are likely to captaining England,” change their current stance. he said.

“If it did happen I think we Robson has might have a slightly better team captained England but long term I don’t think it helps to a World Cup the development of kids. The finals although his young lads who are in the team appearances at now getting the chance to prove themselves probably wouldn’t get the chance if there were Mexico ‘86 were foreigners playing who had been nationalised.” severely restricted by injury. He is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead of England Overhyped him if he is to take Thailand to Fabio Capello came in for a lot of a World Cup for the first time in criticism after England’s lacklustre their history and acknowledges performance at the recent World that they will need a lot of luck Cup. As a former England captain both with the draw and with the Robson followed the tournament matches themselves. with interest and had some If Robson did manage to get sympathy for his opposite number. Thailand to the 2014 World Cup “England were poor. The then more prestigious job offers Premiership players didn’t would surely arrive. He could perform at the level they do week be forgiven for keeping one eye in, week out for their clubs. A on the Premiership’s managerial lot of blame went on Capello but merry go round but he claims to individual players just didn’t be content in Thailand where Robson play to the standard they had set he has spent ten of the twelve has had the themselves,” he said. months since his appointment. advantage of He also feels that the learning from “I enjoy life here, the the best expectation surrounding this apartment is really nice, the food’s current crop of England players is great, people are really courteous unrealistic and does not believe towards you and the weather’s they are necessarily any better good. There is work to be done than previous generations. on the footballing infrastructure “I don’t think the England but the Thai Premier League is team now is better than it was definitely getting stronger. I would when I was playing. When they never rule out going back into club started calling it a golden era I management but it is not the sum didn’t see that at all. That’s what of my ambitions,” he said. the media built the lads up to be Regardless of whether his and that’s why the expectation team can actually make it to was higher than what it should the tournament in Brazil he have been but I didn’t expect is confident he will emerge England to go any further than the from his time in Asia as a more semi finals,” he said. accomplished manager.

Robson has sympathy for “You can only learn things erstwhile England captain John from an experience like this. You Terry and feels strongly he should have to go away and assess what have kept the captaincy despite you have done in a country like revelations about his personal life this so you can look back and in the build up to the tournament. see where you have improved. It “I don’t agree with that will definitely make me a better decision. As far as I am concerned coach.” he said.

100% Thai

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MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11 SPECIAL

s e l o h c S Paul

MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

e l l i v e Gary N SPECIAL

interview

BY MARTIN VAN ZAANEN

We travel to Noordwijk, hometown of the most-capped Dutch player of all time and chat with his friends to discover the boy that became one of the greatest United shotstoppers of all time.

Roots & Origins Edwin van der Sar may be 40 years of age, but there is no sign of wear and tear. In search of his fountain of eternal youth, we head for Noordwijk, turning the clocks back 23 years.

For many years he had a reputation as a great keeper, but not one that saved decisive penalties. See the 1996 Champions League final, when Ajax lost to Juventus in a shootout. On the international stage too, his team were eliminated from the Euro 1996, the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 after nerve-jangling penalty shootouts. Euro 2004 was different however, as he helped the Dutch ease past Sweden in the quarters by saving Olof Mellberg’s spot kick. Slowly but surely Edwin van der Sar was starting to get the hang of it.

The ultimate confirmation of Van der Sar’s improvement came on Wednesday May 21, 2008.

The Champions League final in Moscow between Manchester United and Chelsea was all square at 1-1 at the end of extra-time, so penalties were needed to separate winner from loser.

Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole had all got the better of Van der Sar. Cristiano Ronaldo had missed one for United.

John Terry had the opportunity to win the trophy but the Chelsea skipper hit the post. Van der Sar then managed to save Anelka’s effort – Chelsea’s seventh penalty – to win it for the Reds, who were crowned Europe’s best club for the third time, after similar success in 1968 and 1999.

Van der Sar still had not found time for a shower at half past two in the morning. It was as though he wanted to keep that kit on forever – smeared with the mud, grass, rain and sweat of his 72nd Champions League appearance – in honour of an historical victory.

Before every sentence he seemed to gaze into the distance. Finding the right things to say at that moment was not easy: “Because this is so great, it seems impossible to grasp. Being the decisive man in the biggest game in club football… it has to be the pinnacle.”

Of all the superlatives hurled in his direction by the international media the day after the match, one stood out: ‘Edwin van der Star’. Precisely because he has never tried to be one.

Edwin Van Der Sar Ariel Ortega takes the big man down at France 98

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The ‘Athletic Beanpole’ “First of course a couple of easy one’s for him. To let a lad like him get up to speed, you know. After a couple of minutes I think, he’ll be warmed up now, let’s test this gangly guy. I shoot harder. He stops it. I shoot even harder. He stops it again. I drive some to the sides. He stops them. I aim for right in the corners.

Again. I’m thinking: I’ll give you something to chew on. I send in a real thunderbolt, in the far corner, swerve, dummy… He stops the lot. Everything. Okay, I’m thinking. Okay. We have a hot one here. I was nonplussed. He might be a beanpole, but he’s an athletic beanpole.”

We are talking to Jaap van Kesteren, goalkeeping coach at VV Noordwijk for almost 30 years now.

We stand on the very pitch where, 22 years ago, he placed a line of balls on the edge of the penalty area and worked with the 17-year-old keeper of the highest youth team for the first time.

Ed celebrates winning the 1995 European Cup Final alongside captain Danny Blind

at him. Things were soon settled. He became Ajax’s third keeper in the summer of 1989.”

The amazement with which Van Kesteren has always followed Van der Sar’s career has only increased in recent years. “Most keepers continue to perform at a good standard for a long time, but Ed has been doing it for a very long time. The strange thing is he’s only getting better. The ultimate case in point is that he’s now stopping vital penalties. Look at Euro 2008; it’s true the Dutch were good going forward, but without Sar’s great performance they would never have beaten Italy and France.”

Noordwijk To Ajax

Van Kesteren, an amiable sixty-something living two streets away who cycles to the complex every day, would not work with the youngster for long: “Six months and it was over. Yes, with hindsight I’ve often thought how strange it was that he played amateur football for so long. And then he ended up at Ajax more or less by chance, eh? The Ajax coach at the time, Louis Van Gaal, was in a regular card game with Ruud Bröring – he studied with him when he was younger – and he was Ed’s coach. Anyway, after some persuading Van Gaal went to have a look

Down To Earth

Ed saves a goalbound shot from Becks during his Fulham days

“For me, it’s a pity he’s now retired from international football, but he knows himself what his body is capable of. He still seems supremely fit. He’s had luck, but that also has to do with his lifestyle. Steady, calm. Family man, two kids; he’s known his wife for 25 years. Ed concentrates on keeping goal, he’s not interested in the rest. You know, people from around here don’t get easily excited. Elite football is a different planet of course. Money, adoration, pressure, in the spotlights. If you come into contact with that at an early age, you can go off the rails. With that in mind, it’s maybe good that he grew up in this environment, among his friends, until he was 18.”

Jaap still regularly bumps into Edwin in fact. “On the beach usually. He always comes over to chat.

The people here are proud of him, but they leave him alone.”

Van Kesteren turns and points to higher ground a little closer to the beach. “He’s had a villa done up in the dunes over there, his dad was supervising the work. When he retires he’s going to live there.

Great spot.” Laughing, he adds: “He has a view of the pitch, basically of the whole of Noordwijk. He’s bound to drop by the club more often, maybe he’ll start playing here again. I don’t think he’ll play in goal anymore, I reckon he’ll play up front.”

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The Man Behind The Legend H

e kept goal in Amsterdam (‘90-‘99), where they live at breakneck speed and it’s never enough.

He was between the posts at the legendary Juventus in dolce vita Turin (‘99-‘01). In swinging London he was the last line of defence at Fulham in ‘01-‘05. Since 2005 he’s been the number one at Manchester United, the world’s most popular club – with 330 million fans worldwide – and the richest save for Real Madrid.

Van der Sar’s dress sense is sober yet stylish, but he is not overly glamorous. You can take Edwin van der Sar out of Noordwijk, but you cannot take Noordwijk out of Edwin van der Sar. Noordwijk is in the sandy coastal region famous for the bulb-growing centre of the Netherlands. An area of broad beaches bordered by dunes, between The Hague, Leiden and Haarlem. Villages, open space, water, pasture, the odd mill. You can taste the salt in the wind and smell the fragrance of flowers. When the bulbs blossom it is a festival of colour. Crocuses, tulips, narcissi, hyacinths, dahlias, carnations and asters; it’s an impressive vista that greets visitors from around the globe.

Ed lines up for his country

Boyhood Friends

According to studies, moving house is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. But that is not why most locals never leave. “You have it all here: the sea, the beach, nightlife, you know everyone. Nowhere would be better than this.” So says Bram Marbus, one-time professional and former team-mate of Edwin

van der Sar, now an agent. We are in VV Noordwijk’s well-equipped ‘business home’, Duinwetering sports park, headquarters of the local amateur club, which boasts a thousand members.

In the Netherlands there are two professional divisions, and below that a number of regional amateur leagues. Noordwijk has been a club of some standing at this third level for as long as most can remember. Another former team-mate, Piet Barnhoorn, is also present. The one-time indefatigable central defender now runs a bulb business.

Sander van Duyn has a contracting firm; Marco Joustra runs a tiling business. In the autumn of Van der Sar’s career the four of us travel back to a time the young keeper still had everything in front of him. We rewind two decades. It is pre-season 1988-89.

Sander van Duyn was a left back at the time. “We all played together at the club from age 10 onwards.

Ed comes from Voorhout, a nearby town – he continued to live there for quite a while by the way – and we were all in the same class at Haesduinen school. Every year when summer came round we

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started pestering him again: ‘Come along with us, we could use a keeper.’ He played for Foreholte. Even though it was a very small club that almost always lost, he was happy there. After three years of asking he finally joined our highest youth team at 17 years of age.”

“He was shy at first,” recalls Marbus. “A little bit nervous, waiting to see which way the wind was blowing, you know. But on the pitch he immediately showed what he could do. We held a cooper test (who can run farthest in 12 minutes) here in the dunes at the first training session. He was up with the leaders, whereas our keepers were never any good at running.

With his tall body he was even one of the best sprinters.”

Noordwijk Star

The Noordwijk lads never imagined at the time that Van der Sar would ever make the grade as a professional footballer. Joustra, with blonde hair, a cheerful face and a roguish laugh, says: “With hindsight you think: yeah it was only logical. Man, he saved us so many times. The first game of the ’88-’89 season, Sparta away, we should have lost 5-1 basically. He had a stormer and we won by the narrowest of margins.”

Continues Barnhoorn: “We have to be honest, we were a team of mates; pure class it wasn’t. Our strong point was our enthusiasm, the fact that we went over hot coals for each other and the contribution of the lanky guy.”

The team was not expected to nestle in the upper reaches of the league. Or was it? Says Joustra: “After the second game, Westlandia away, I joked: ‘We’re going to win the league.’ We’d won 2-1, basically it was all down to Ed. And they had good strikers too!

You know what they say about men with big hands… they wear big gloves.

Our defenders couldn’t keep up, but they couldn’t get one past Sar.” Bram Marbus, tall, broad and strong, a striker when he was a pro, but last defender at the time, picks up the conversation: “But we did win the league that year, even though we had the most goalshy strike force. We didn’t mind, because we had the stingiest defence. What do you expect, with him in goal.”

Adds Joustra: “The more we won, the more confident we became and the more relaxed we started to play. At one point there were almost as many people watching us as the first team. We were spectacular, unfettered, because Ed stopped virtually everything. The skill with his feet Van der Sar is still famous for, he already had it back then to a degree, although they still had the rule that the goalie could pick a back-pass up with his hands. Now and again he would hesitate at the vital moment, it went wrong a couple of times that season, but his technique was good. He showed that in indoor five-a-sides too. In fact, the less space he had, the better he was.”

“At the end of the year, we took part in the traditional tournament at IJsselmeervogels. We played the final in a party atmosphere: Edwin was given a place up front. He scored three. Suddenly he was in the safety netting. The lunatic climbed all the way to the top!” Marbus describes.

It was clearly Van der Sar’s breakout season. That was also due to the team spirit. Recounts Van Duyn: ‘Immediately after every game, fourteen of us would get the beers in, someone would produce his guitar out and we had a party.”

Barnhoorn adds: “One thing I remember too: he was totally focused before every game. Taking care of himself, constantly checking his clothing.”

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Marbus throws up another example of how intense Van der Sar was. “It was DCV away. Ed came out for a cross, got the ball, but let it slip out of his hands. On the journey back he was like a little boy lost in a bus full of players and supporters. He was devastated. But we’d won, so we said, ‘Ed, chin up, why get hung up on a little slip.’ But we got no reply.”

So he was more dedicated than the others? The noise level suddenly goes up: “More serious anyway, we didn’t stay in on Friday nights.” People from Noordwijk like the good life, immerse themselves in it. And Edwin? “He didn’t like beer. Us, after the game we’d get in the canteen and start drinking, no two ways about it. After a couple of games he warily switched to rum and coke. He had to show a bit of goodwill,” says Bram Marbus. The obvious question is whether anyone said anything about it.

“No, anyone else and we probably would have, but we were just delighted he was there,” explains Van Duyn.

Marbus says: “I’ll never forget that season.

Suddenly Noordwijk had a good youth team! People noticed. We caught people’s attention, the local press followed us closely and we even had our own matchday magazine for home games.”

Van Duyn adds: “Edwin’s mother and father always came by the way. Even when he was playing for Ajax, they came to watch here in Noordwijk. His mother is a lot more emotional than his father, she sometimes didn’t even dare watch during the game.

His father is calm, an icicle like Ed, who was usually able to show good self-control.”

Triumphantly Joustra raises his finger: “Except when we won the league. We were all in the bus singing ‘You’ll never walk alone’. Our arms round each other’s neck. When Van der Sar senior looked round, we saw how he brushed a little tear away.”

You can take Edwin van der Sar out of Noordwijk, but you cannot take Noordwijk out of Edwin van der Sar

Outside Football

They were no strangers off the pitch either. “We saw each other more than our own families. Training twice a week, game on Saturday, indoor game on Sunday.

Van Der Sar’s commanding presence at the back gives his defenders a sense of security

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We saw each other every day at school, most of us had known each other since infants.”

They went out in Noordwijk, where else? At this time they often went to ‘The Lord’, a place popular with fifteen- to eighteen-year-olds.

The beginners, you could say. And something was always planned every birthday. Everyone came, including coach Bröring. “I still remember Sar arriving on an old women’s bike with no lights. He’ll no doubt be parking his bottom on something else completely now.”

Recalls Barnhoorn: “Ed slept at my place a lot. I’d have to conjure up a mattress in the middle of the night. Noordwijk shut down at one in the morning and when you got back to my place, he was always asking if he could stay over. All of a sudden, with a few rum and cokes in his belly Voorhout was a much longer bike ride.”

“That year was really like no other. It was great in the youths prior to that, don’t get me wrong, but not as special as ‘88-’89. It never really reached the same heights afterwards. My father once said to me: ‘Lad, enjoy it, because these are the best days of your life.’

I just shrugged at the time, but I realise now he was right.”

It appeared likely that Van der Sar would soon be leaving them for bigger and better things. “We all went to watch when Ed made his debut at De Meer (Ajax’s home stadium until 1996). It was a practice match, his second season in Amsterdam. After he’d established himself for quite a long time we’d hang up an awesome banner almost every week: ‘Sar in Oranje’.”

“When I watched him play from the stands, I was nervous on his behalf,” adds Van Duyn. “It lasted a very long time, even on TV. It almost went belly up once against Auxerre. It was awful. He had a spat

with Marciano Vink. We were all thinking: Vink, bugger off!”

Joustra concurs: “It was strange to see your own keeper on TV. And to see him win the Champions League in 1995 for instance. If the press attacked him in the early days I took it personally. He was a bit hesitant at the beginning. But now… when you’re watching and there’s a shot you just know he’ll stop it. It’s just like the old days in that respect.”

Says Van Duyn: “The Manchester lads do that too now, you can see them thinking, he’ll save it anyway, I’ll run into some space. We did that too. When an opponent had a shot on goal, we all stormed forward to latch on to the clearance.”

Upon close inspection later that evening there is found to be only one framed jersey hanging in the VV Noordwijk canteen. It’s from his time at Ajax. No, they don’t brag about their famous friend here, just as Van der Sar himself doesn’t go around singing his own praises. In the bling-bling of elite international football you draw attention to yourself by being normal.

Edwin Van Der Sar is congratulated by Patrice Evra after making a double save

Remembering His Roots

A lot of the lads from that past youth team now play in one Noordwijk’s lower teams. Some time ago Van der Sar invited the entire group to a Manchester United game. It was originally a Saturday game, but it was switched to Sunday at the last moment. They were left high and dry. Van der Sar called Dirk Kuyt and he was able to arrange some tickets for Liverpool, who were playing on the Saturday, so they all went to that one.

Edwin van Sar had already proven he was not the type of man to turn his back on his friends. Said Bram Marbus: “In the run up to the 1994 World Cup in the USA, every international could request his favourite three songs on the radio. We always made cassettes together back then and we had a championship tape with ‘When the Lady Smiles’ by The Golden Earring.

Edwin chose that track as his number one. He said: ‘This one’s for the lads I used to play with.’ He even mentioned a particular game. I thought it was class of him. He’s played so many important games and he starts talking about a youth game… about that team… about the lads from back then. You know, it touched me… it really touched me.”

“He was shy at first. A little bit nervous, waiting to see which way the wind was blowing, you know. But on the pitch he immediately showed what he could do.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

d n a n i d Rio Fer SPECIAL

MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

y e n o o R Wayne SPECIAL

interview

BY RICK BAPST

It took Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha a while to adjust in Manchester but Nani has proved his worth.

“I’m Not Shy!”

Things have been going really well for you in Manchester right now. You have been in the team regularly, playing well, really making a contribution. Must be a great feeling.

Yes, I have to admit that it’s a very good time for me now. This is probably the best that I have felt during my time in Manchester, in terms of how things are going on the field and how I am getting on away from football. It’s important to feel happy if you are going to play well and contribute well to the team. At the moment I am feeling very happy and I think this is having an impact on my football.

It must be really important, especially for a foreign player, to feel content and confident. Is that how you feel now? Is that why you have been playing so well?

This is very true. It is no good if you go on to the field and feel weak and not right mentally. You have to feel mentally strong and confident and optimistic. You have to feel as though you can go on to the field and do really good things for yourself and for the team. This is how I feel right now. I am strong on the pitch at the moment. I think that shows through the way that I have contributed to the team recently.

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“I think when you are with somebody like Sir Alex Ferguson it is better to listen mostly and not say that much yourself. If you do that then you will learn something.”

The manager at Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson, has suggested that you are a shy person and has hinted that this may have held you back a little bit in your early seasons at Old Trafford. Do you think this is true?

When I play, I am feeling very confident. I feel like a successful player and I feel as though I am part of the team. I’m much happier because I am doing well and helping the team win games.

People ask me if I am happy but I think that answer is in the football.

My contribution in recent games shows that I am happy here. I have been helping the team win recent games and that is very important to me. Apart from that, I don’t have to say anything.

Nani soaks in the adoration of the crowd

Did he say I am shy on the pitch or off it? It’s interesting to hear that, however he meant it. I don’t really agree but it’s an interesting point of view, nonetheless. Maybe I can appear to be a little bit shy with the manager because I respect him a lot. I think when you are with somebody like Sir Alex Ferguson it is better to listen mostly and not say that much yourself. If you do that then you will learn something.

If you are always talking and always offering your point of view then you may miss something important.

Having said this, I know my own mind and I know what I think about many things. So if the manager comes to me and speaks to me, then I am not worried about speaking with him. I’m not the sort of player who likes to go to the manager and make jokes, though!

That’s not really me. Some players can do that, but it is not the way that I am. I have never been like that, not in Portugal and not here in England. It’s not really in my character.

I will do that with my teammates. I am not shy with them

at all. I will not hold back and I don’t have a problem with joking with them. So maybe they have a different opinion of me than the manager does! I don’t think I’m a shy person, though, so that is what I would say to that. I can sometimes be private but, no, not shy. I don’t think you can be shy if you come to play as a foreign footballer in a place like England.

You have to be confident and be yourself.’

Your early years at Manchester United were not always successful and there was lots of speculation at times that you may wish to leave or that the club may not want you anymore.

But things seem to have changed now. Have you finally understood what it takes to play for Manchester United and also exactly what it means to play for such a great club?

All I can say is that I have learned to think a lot more and maybe understand things more. I think more about the team now and I think about what it means to play for this club. This is a really special club and it takes a person a while to really understand it.

There are great players here.

Players like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs have been here an awful long time and in them you can see what the club really means. They don’t have to say anything. You just have to watch what they do and how they conduct themselves and of course how they train and how they play.

When you come to Manchester United, you have to learn about what it means and what it takes to succeed here. Maybe it takes time to realise that. I think that certainly that is the way that it was for me.

A couple of years ago, I was only thinking about playing for myself and just enjoying my football. I think that is normal, especially when you are a young player who does not have that much experience. But now, I know that I can’t play like that at this club because it is all about winning trophies for the team FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

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rather than individual success. If the team doesn’t win anything then what you contribute yourself doesn’t really matter that much.

There has to be much more to it than just your own play and your own form. I know that now.

Get in there!

Nani puts one into the back of the West Ham net

Do you think that – taking all that you have said in to consideration – you have improved or even changed as a player? Are you a different player now than you were when you arrived at Old Trafford from your home country?

Yes, I think I am. There is no getting away from that really. At United, you have to play together, you have to think together, you have to do everything together.

That is a philosophy at the club.

There really is no room for a player that only cares about himself. I am not saying that I was that kind of player but what I will say is that I now totally understand the philosophies. I have learned a lot about that and that’s why I have changed as a player.

But then that is not unusual.

One of the reasons that I decided to change my whole life and move to a foreign country to pursue my career was to learn new things and understand football better and understand myself better. That is what I have done.

The supporters at Old Trafford are used to seeing good football and winning football. They are also used to seeing very good footballers. Are they hard to please?

At a club like this one, the fans deserve only the best things. They deserve to see football played in a certain way and to see football that wins things. They are fantastic fans. Old Trafford is a full every week when we play and when we play away from home and when we play abroad in the Champions League and on pre-season tours the support we get is fantastic. So they deserve the best. I hope I am giving them more of the best of what I can do now. I really want them to see the things I know I

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“There really is no room for a player that only cares about himself. I am not saying that I was that kind of player but what I will say is that I now totally understand the philosophies.”

can do and they are seeing more of that now.

The fans know what I can do because they have seen me do beautiful things in the past and that is what fans like. They like beautiful goals and beautiful skills.

I think I have provided some of that recently and I certainly know that my team-mates provide that regularly. But what is important is that now I am doing more for the team and making goals for other players that help us win games. I Nani’s can’t stress how trademark important that spectacular is now. I know goal celebration now that this is comes from his younger my job, my role days when in the team. he practiced This is my capoeira third year here

and I believe I am doing well now.

But I will not stop there. I want to do more and more and show that I am deserving of my place at this club. This is the way forward for me.

It is no secret that you have had some difficult times at United since you joined the club. You were not always in the team and there were then rumours that the manager didn’t like you and that you would have to leave.

Did you personally ever think that you may just have to go?

No, I certainly never thought like that. Things were not always perfect but when it is like that

with life at a big club. Of course there is. That is only natural. The expectation is there at United, as I am sure it is at other big clubs in the Premier League and around the world.

But I know I have the quality you need to play for Manchester United. I have shown that to the people here. Once you know that then things become more simple.

You can’t lose belief. If you do that then I guess that everything becomes very difficult. It is not possible to do well in every game.

But I know I can live up to the demands of being a United player.

I am showing that now and I am glad. Maybe before last season it wasn’t obvious that I could do that, but I was always confident that I could.

With you on one side of the United midfield and Antonio Valencia on the other side, people have described you as the ‘new Beckham and Giggs’.

What do you think about that? there is no point giving up is there? I came to Manchester to be a success and that is what I have always kept focussing on in my time at Old Trafford. I have always been strong in my head and confident in my ability as a player and I have always had confidence about being a United player, ever since I came to the club. At the end of the day, that is what is important to me. The people here at the club have always been

Nani with some other Portuguese dude…

“When you come to Manchester United, you have to learn about what it means and what it takes to succeed here.

Maybe it takes time to realise that. I think that certainly that is the way that it was for me.”

great with me and I have always appreciated that. They never put me under any more pressure than I place on myself.

Last season you have signed a new contract. That can only good news for yourself and the club. Do you have the right platform now to show what you can do in the future?

Well I certainly hope so. I am very proud that I have been here for a few years and that the club want me to stay and help them win more trophies. Certainly I think I can do more.

Some players look as though they are not cut out to play for Manchester United. They look as though the club is too big for them and that the pressure is too great. Did you ever think that?

No, that doesn’t worry me. Yes, it can be difficult to play for United because there are many great players here and it is not always possible to play. Yes, there is always some pressure that comes

Well I don’t know about that.

Those are two pretty big names to match up to and be compared to! I guess it’s quite different with myself and Antonio. I can play on both left and right, as can Antonio.

So that helps us and that makes us a little more versatile than some players around.

I don’t know about being like the other players who have played at this club. The two that have been mentioned are great players and of course one of them still plays here and has been a great help to me. But it is no good if I try to copy people. I am not sure that really gets you where you want to go.

I want to make my own story at this club and be part of the success. That would be great. You can’t predict the future, anyway. I can’t say that I will do what Giggs or Beckham did. I certainly haven’t done those great things yet. I have not come anywhere near. But I can work hard every season to win something for this club. That would be a good start and a good contribution to make.

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feature

BY ELLIOTT DANKER

The Magic Of The Number

O

ver the years Manchester United have produced world-class players who have worn the Number 7 shirt. From big names to even bigger talents, the Number 7 shirt has become very dear to the United fans.

While there is no official criteria for wearing the shirt, The bearer must do the number justice. He must have talent, looks and most of all: he has to be magnificent.

So let’s take a look at some of the most magnificent Manchester United Number 7s and you decide who the best is.

Bryan Robson

George Best

For many supporters who followed United in the sixties and seventies George Best will probably go down as the greatest player to wear the Number 7 shirt.

In a United career that lasted 11 years the Northern Irishman he won the European Cup with Manchester United, and was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1968.

Although he scored 179 goals in 470 appearances, his antics off the field made Best just as famous as on the field. Best died on November 25, 2005 after a long battle against alcoholism.

Best will always have a special place in the heart of United supporters and the chant ‘we all live in a Georgie Best world’ can still be heard every weekend.

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Robson was dubbed Captain Marvel by the United faithful after Ron Atkinson signed the midfielder from West Bromwich Albion.

He went on to represent United on 345 appearances scoring 74 goals.

He was a true leader for United for many years, leading by example with his tremendous work ethic and was rewarded when United won the league title in 1992-93, the first time since 1967.

Eric Cantona

Cantona made the shock switch from rivals Leeds in 1992 and immediately helped United claim the Premier League title, an act which automatically helped him become a folk hero. Women would swoon over him and men…. well they just wanted to be him. At the end of the 1997 season, Cantona shocked the world when he quit United.

Although he no longer plays with his collars flipped up, a part of his heart will always be with United and his “we’ll drink, a drink” song can still be heard on match days in the bars and on the terraces.

David Beckham

The next player to wear the Number 7 shirt would have enormous boots to fill, but David Beckham was more than up to the task.

Beckham took hold of Number 7 when Cantona left and wore it with the same style and passion as the Frenchman.

He played 339 times and scored 87 goals, including that famous one and my all time favorite goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon.

He won the Premier League six times as well as winning the FA Cup twice. His most notable accomplishment is being part of the 1999 treblewinning team.

Cristiano Ronaldo

After Beckham’s departure to Real Madrid, Alex Ferguson spotted a teenager in Portugal going by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo became Manchester United’s first-ever Portuguese player when he signed for £12.24 million after the 2002–03 season. He requested the number 28, as he did not want the pressure of living up to the expectation linked to the Number 7 shirt.

But Ferguson insisted on his squad number and when Ronaldo made his team debut as a 60th-minute substitute in a 4–0 home victory over Bolton Wanderers, the United faithful know that this boy was something special.

Ronaldo went on to score 118 goals in 292 appearances, which included a record 42 goals in the 2007-08 season.

Fans’ Verdict

S

o who is the most magnificent Number 7? If you ask me, it’s always going to be Eric Cantona but that’s the thing about the Number 7, the player is special in his own way.

He has his own gifts and he is usually a game changer. I did a Facebook poll to find out what our local United fans had to say.

“Ronaldo for sure. There’s no one quite like him. A midfielder who can score and assist from anywhere and everywhere.”

Chin Jun Yuan

“Captain Marvel Bryan Robson for me.

He had 100 percent dedication, hard work and bravery.” Mohd Nizam

“Cantona had vision and attitude. He may have a bad temper but so far I have not seen any Man Utd no.7 that can beat him in terms of skill and also temper... haha” Joshua Chia

“Ronaldo reached the pinnacle and won (literally) everything in the shortest time possible. And the feelings and anticipation he gave us every time he was on the ball was unparalleled.”

Jerald Justin Ko “Beckham because of his dedication and professionalism both to club and country.” Dragos Necula “Gotta be Bestie! A true genius and the first footballer to make footballers stars and celebs.” Rob Collins

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MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11 SPECIAL

g n u S i J Park

MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11 SPECIAL

r a t i m i D v o t a b r Be

column

BY ALLY BEGG

The Aberdeen Connection I

first became aware of Manchester United after watching the 1979 FA Cup Final. I was six years old and living in Holland. It was the first football match I watched from beginning to end with my dad and my love affair with football began.

Manchester United would have a profound influence on my life and my career but that was still 20 years away!

Growing up as a football fan the game captures your imagination like no other. I followed the game to the point of obsession after moving to Scotland. Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons were reserved for the various TV football shows which showed both the Scottish Premier League highlights and as it was then, the old First Division in England.

I of course looked out for the Aberdeen game first and foremost but the games from England with its glitz and glamour came a very close second.

As the years passed the connection between Aberdeen and United grew, I always pride myself on the fact that I knew Martin Buchan is the only player to have captained a Scottish Cup winning side, for Aberdeen in 1970 and an FA Cup winning side, for United when they beat Liverpool in 1977, a feat which remains to this day.

Long before Ryan Giggs, Arthur Graham wooed both sets of fans with his dashing runs down the wing coupled with his tantalising skills on the ball.

My childhood hero Gordon Strachan broke my heart when he swapped a very successful Aberdeen side for a struggling United in 1984. The ‘gaffer’ as I like to call him after getting to know him during his tenure with Celtic went on to win an FA Cup medal and have a very positive influence on the Old Trafford side.

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Fergie’s Reign Begins

Then of course the year all Aberdeen fans were left distraught, manager Alex Ferguson leaving the Granite City and taking up the challenge of the United hot-seat in September 1986. Some still argue it was the beginning of the end for the Pittodrie side as the giddy heights of domestic and European success have not been matched since.

In the years following Sir Alex’s move down south I always watched out for the United result and hoped he would change the fortunes of the club and continue to have a very successful career.

Of course we all know what was to follow! It’s common knowledge he was only days away from the sack before winning the FA Cup in 1990 after a replay.

My good friend and former United full-back Lee Martin was the hero after his solitary strike against Crystal Palace at Wembley, his only professional goal for the club in just under 100 appearances. Had Lee not smashed the ball high into the roof of the net that night, would Sir Alex have kept his job? I always tease Lee that the ball came off his shin and had he connected with it properly it would still be flying somewhere over the London skyline to this day!

More Connections

Lee Martin lifts the FA Cup after scoring the winning goal

Not long after Sir Alex joined United he was quick to move for goalkeeper Jim Leighton. Jim at the time was Scotland’s number one and a truly outstanding keeper. He had been Aberdeen’s shot-stopper for years and the understanding he developed with Willie Miller and Alex McLeish was the foundation for the Dons success. Such a shame that after a solid couple of seasons at Old Trafford Jim would be more

Fergie celebrates Aberdeen’s SFA Cup triumph

remembered for being dropped for Les Sealey in the 1990 FA Cup Final replay, a move that ultimately proved the right one for Sir Alex but the end of Jim’s time at Old Trafford. Jim eventually returned to Aberdeen where he played into his 40’s and was capped once again by the national side.

In more recent times former United trainee Ben Thornley who played a handful of games for the United first team signed for the Dons in 2001, he went on to play 30 games, scoring three goals.

There of course have been others, notably Jim Delaney who played for both clubs in the late forties and former Aberdeen manager Steve Paterson who claimed celebrity status in Japan after he became the first European professional player to arrive in the country.

My own connection with United gathered pace in September 1999 when I was offered a presenters position with MUTV, Manchester United’s very own TV station. It was a fantastic time to arrive at the Channel as

Jim Leighton

Had Lee not smashed the ball high into the roof of the net that night, would Sir Alex have kept his job?

United had recently won the treble. I was living the dream and I would go on to have 5 wonderful years building my television career in Manchester.

But my time there was not all plain sailing, with complaints from players, witnessing the hair dryer treatment from Sir Alex and being accused of showing bias towards another Premiership club from one if United’s favourite sons. This I shall leave for another column.

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feature

BY RASHEED ABU BAKAR

Blast From The Past

Ever wondered what King Eric does on weekends now? Is Lee Sharpe doing Elvis Presley impersonations every Saturday night in some dingy pub in Greater Manchester? Is Andrei Kanchelskis still burning the grass on the left flank for some obscure club in Russia? We take a look at these three former players and finds out what they are up to now… quenched his thirst for the sport in a different manner.

He took up beach soccer and later guided Le Blues to the inaugural FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2005.

Happily married to French director Rachida Brakni, Cantona now juggles his small part acting career and manages the French Beach Soccer Team, a post he has held since 2005.

Cantona with his wife

Eric Cantona

If you’re wondering where Dwight Yorke got the idea of an upturned collar, it was Cantona who started the style. The flamboyant Frenchman had his collar up most of the time but thank god his silky skills and footballing brain made up for the fashion faux pas.

King Eric announced his retirement at the end of the 1996-1997 season. I was in line in the courtyard of my secondary school waiting for flag raising ceremony. The flag should have been on half mast instead if you ask me.

After he retired, Cantona swapped the soccer boots and the upturned collar for stints behind and in front of the camera. Apart from a tonne of commercials, Cantona was a French ambassador in the movie Elizabeth (starring Cate Blanchett) in 1998. He also directed the short film Apportemoi ton amour in 2002 and later guest starred in a few movies.

The Frenchman’s passion for soccer never waned and Cantona

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Sharpie put on his boots for the recent Keith Alexander benefit match

Lee Sharpe

Before David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, there was Lee Sharpe. With his boyish looks and galloping runs on the wings, Sharpie, as he’s known among the players, was easily United’s prettiest and most stylish footballer of his time.

Signed from Torquay United in 1988, Sharpe made his debut as a sub in a 2-0 win against West Ham. Of the 36 goals he scored for the club, Sharpe’s most memorable one would have to be his back heel flick from a Roy Keane cross against Barcelona in the 1995-1996 Champions League season. Injuries plagued his career and he was later offloaded to Leeds United in 1996. Sharpe was also famous for his Elvis Presley goal celebrations - the United winger would run to the corner flag and do his Elvis jig, much to the admiration of the crowd.

After finally hanging up his boots in 2003, Sharpe became a frequent face on reality TV. Celebrity Wrestling, Celebrity Love Island and Dancing On Ice saw Sharpe mingle and rub shoulders with British’s B-grade celebs. He even dated notorious glamour model Abi Titmuss.

The one time darling of Stretford end was also the face of Nourkrin’s advertising campaign to prevent baldness.

Now, Sharpe is back at Manchester United as an after dinner speaker.

If only his footballing career had been as colourful.

Andrei Kanchelskis

God must have a soft spot for Russia. The world has had its fair share of those from the ‘top of the map’ – Boris Yeltsin, Vladimir Putin, Maria Sharapova, Marat Safin…the list goes on (don’t get me started with the chess players or the physicists!).

Andrei Kanchelskis holds the title for the most popular Russian during his career at Old Trafford. The winger, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in 1990, played 145 times scoring 48 goals during his tenure at United.

In November 1994, Kanchelskis wormed Kanchelskis turned out for the his way into United’s folklore after scoring PFA Centenary Match in 2007 a hatrick in the 5-0 demolition of arch rivals City. He was even the club’s top scorer that season bagging 15 goals in 32 games.

After falling out with the gaffer, Kanchelskis became Everton’s most expensive signing (£5 million) putting pen to paper for The Toffees in 1995.

He gained cult status after scoring two goals against Liverpool at Anfield but was later shipped to Fiorentina mid way through his second season at the club.

After Fiorentina, Kanchelskis patrolled the flanks of a host of other clubs - notably Rangers, Manchester City (on loan) and Southampton. He went back to Russia in 2004 (FC Saturn Moscow) and later called it quits in February 2007. FC Nosta Novotroitsk made Kanchelskis their general director later that year but he was later signed as manager of second division FC Torpedo-ZIL. The club is currently second in the capable hands of the former United number 14.

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feature

BY SCOTT LOH

Top

5

Strikers

Of The Premiership Era

S

ince the birth of the Premier League, United fans have witnessed the Red Devils scoring goals by the bucket load.

With pass-masters like Messrs Scholes and Beckham supplying ammunition to the strikers, it is not difficult to see why United have consistently delivered an impressive stream of goals.

Several luminaries have lit up the Theatre of Dreams. They have left their legacy during their stint with the Devils. Let’s see who makes our list of top five strikers of the Premiership era.

5 4 Ole Gunnar Solskjær

Andy Cole

(366 Apps/126 Goals)

(275 Apps/121 Goals)

Little did Sir Alex know that he was transacting in one of the best buys in Premier League history when he parted with £1.5m to pluck the young forward from the obscurity of Norwegian league football. His goal-scoring record speaks for itself, and the fact that an astonishing 150 of his 366 appearances were substitute appearances just makes it all the more impressive.

Affectionately known as the ‘Babyfaced Assassin’ for his youthful looks which was in stark contrast to his lethal prowess in the penalty box, Ole was heralded for having the uncanny ability of being in the right place at the right time. Blessed with an unerringly ability to kill off chances, he gleefully racked up the goals which endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful. Solskjær’s intelligent and purposeful off-the-ball running helped to drag defenders out of position to free up space for the midfielders to bomb forward. His knack of scoring goals after coming on as a substitute eventually earned him the title of ‘supersub’ (he scored 28 goals off the bench, a United record).

Cole formed one half of a potent strike partnership with Dwight Yorke. At the height of their powers, they were arguably the most-feared strike force in Europe.

Statistics don’t lie. Cole certainly knew where the back of the net was; he always scored goals wherever he played. It was his 34 goals in 40 games for Newcastle that persuaded Sir Alex to shell out a hefty £7m to secure his services and it proved to be another piece of shrewd business by the wily Scot.

Cole’s impressive arsenal of offensive attributes dictated that he would always get goals. An ability to find space, as well as being blessed with pace and two good feet, with accurate finishing to match served him well during the course of his illustrious career. The only regret he’ll probably have is that he didn’t get enough caps for England, with the likes of the prolific Alan Shearer and Michael Owen always ahead of him in the pecking order.

Alan Shearer Was Dearer Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly tried to sign Alan Shearer unsuccessfully before picking up Solskjær. Shearer later moved to Newcastle for £15m.

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Andrew Versus Teddy Despite playing in the same United team for years, Cole and Teddy Sheringham weren’t on talking terms off the field.

3 2 1 Wayne Rooney (289 Apps/132 Goals)

Many can still vividly recall the spectacular fashion in which Rooney burst onto the scene as a fresh-faced 16 year old, scoring with an audacious chip to end Arsenal’s invincible run. He was quickly labelled as the next big thing after Paul Gasgoine and after hitting the goals trail last season, pundits were running out of superlatives to describe his form.

Under Sir Alex’s tutelage, he has managed to harness that fire in his belly.

He is now largely able to control his aggression and channel it the right way on the pitch. That passion and natural feel for the game is what makes him so deadly. Rarely do hugely-talented players display a matching level of tenacity and determination on the pitch, which is why Rooney has simply been ‘unplayable’ on his day. It would be unfair to measure his worth solely on goals alone, as his impeccable vision means he contributes a healthy amount of assists and can often be seen tracking back to help out his defenders.

Eric Cantona (185 Apps/82 Goals) There can be no dispute that King Eric has been one of the most talented players ever to pull on a United jersey.

He had magic in his boots and his bewitching skills and unpredictability caused fans to sit on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating his next move of inspiration. And he rarely disappointed. You know you’ve got a world-class player on your hands when even opposition fans applaud his silky skills.

The French enigma caused shockwaves worldwide when he suddenly announced his decision to retire at only 31 years of age in order to pursue other interests in life such as acting. Despite his eccentric temperament and misdemeanours (the infamous flying karate kick at a Crystal Palace fan comes to mind), Cantona’s ability to entertain has certainly left an indelible mark in the minds of Manchester United fans.

Ruud Van Nistelrooy (219 Apps/150 Goals)

Van Nistelrooy will definitely go down as one of the greatest strikers in Manchester United folklore, with a remarkable goals-to-games ratio of 0.68 which is only marginally bettered by the late Tommy Taylor, who lost his life in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.

His laser-guided finishing gave goalkeepers no chance, with his game based on being a fox-in-the-box (almost all his 150-goals tally was scored exclusively inside the 18-yard-box).

However, he supplied moments of inspiration as well, once receiving the ball on the half-way line and weaving his way past 3-4 hapless Fulham defenders before coolly slotting the ball home to a standing ovation by the fans who so adulated him.

Granted, he was less of an entertainer compared to Cantona, but over the past decade, Van Nistelrooy has been the most prolific and effective goalscorer United have had on their books.

Straight From The Horse’s Mouth I can only be dangerous for the team in one place, and that is in the box. - RVN

Shrek & Stereophonics Rooney has the words ‘Just Enough Education To Perform’ tattooed on his forearm. It is the title of a Stereophonics album – his favourite band.

Sweet Chin Music The image of Cantona’s flying kick connecting with Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons was used on the cover of Ash’s single ‘Kung Fu’.

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MANCHESTER UNITED SPECIAL 2010/11

r e h c t e Fl n e r r a D SPECIAL

MANCHESTER UNITED

c i d i V a emanj

SPECIAL 2010/11

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SPECIAL

feature

BY ELLIOTT DANKER

The Good, The Ba

The Best & Worst Ma

W

e say football is more than just a sport, it’s a passion that’s part of our lives. And being a passion, you have to admit that it dictates fashion at the same time.

Just take a look at the crowd when you are out on the weekend, there’s always someone wearing a club football jersey while shopping with his family or just out chilling with his friends.

Football jerseys are very much part of fashion trends. So in this article we take a look at some trendsetters, all time favorites and some really weird ones you don’t want to be caught wearing along Orchard Road.

The Best: 2007-2009 Home Kit

This one stands out as one of United’s best home kits of the modern era. This smart, simple design also marked the return to Champions league glory with the teams’ success in the 07/08 season.

The Infamous: 1995-1996 Away Kit

The Worst: 1993-1994 Goalkeeper’s Kit It’s funny how the best goalkeeper in the world never really wore the best-designed kit in the world. In the 93/94 season United won the domestic double with Schmeichel spending the year waiting for the fashion police to arrest him.

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Probably United’s most controversial kit ever.

Apparently this was amongst United’s best selling shirts ever.

That season Sir Alex ordered his players to change into a different kit at half-time as they trailed Southampton 3-0 at half-time, reasoning that the kit rendered them almost invisible. It was never worn again.

ad & The Weird:

anchester United Kits Other Notable Mentions 1997-1999 Champions League Kit

The Retro Years: 1980-1989

Most people are familiar with the Umbro kits and more recently the Nike kits that United players wear or even the different sponsor logos at different club kits. But did you know that the 1980’s was the start of a new era in English football, where football jerseys had sponsorship names and logos across the front.

Manchester United and Sharp started their 18year partnership in 1982 and Adidas provided the v-neck look.

The most dramatic change was the 1984-86 shirts that saw United’s badge move into the centre of the top and the Adidas logo appearing on the shirt sleeves.

The Best Seller:19982000 Home Kit

This was one of the best United shirts ever and the best selling replica shirt of all time.

With its zip up collar and large sized club crest it was a fitting shirt for the treblewinning champions.

This was the kit United wore on that fateful night in Barcelona.

Initially it had one star over the badge but after the European triumph United re-released the shirt with two stars and ‘UEFA Champions League Winners 1999’ embroided into it. This was the only period United had a kit for European matches.

2002-2004 Home Kit

You could say this marked the beginning of a new era in United jerseys. After 10 years of being sponsored by Umbro, United moved to Nike and their first collaboration did not disappoint with this classic red black and white strip.

2006-2007 Home Kit

This definitely falls in to the category of all time favorites for me not just for its simple style but also because Henrik Larsson (one of my favourite players ever) wore this kit while on loan with the club from January 1 until March 12, 2007.

It was meant to be a one-year special edition shirt that was described by the club as having ‘1950’s retro style – a tribute to the success of the Busby Babes and their enduring influence’.

It was a firm favourite of the fans and marked United’s first league win since 2003.

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column

BY PEDRO PINTO

EPL Prophecy: United For Title?

T

he English Premier League season is shaping up exactly as expected and in my mind there is still no doubt that Manchester United will be crowned champions next May. That’s not to say that many of the events which occurred in the early part of the season were foreseen, it would have taken the fortune-telling abilities of Apollo to foresee such happenings. For example, Liverpool dropping into the relegation zone or Wayne Rooney coming within an inch of leaving the hallowed turf of Manchester United, were unbelievable to pundits and commentators across the board.

However, at a time when teams have completed the first quarter of the season, it is starting to become evident who are the contenders, and the pretenders.

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Despite not being at their best, United are right up there yet again

Quantity & Quality

Manchester United will win the title because they have the greatest amount of players who decide games. They also have the most complete squad in the league. If you consider that so far they have played poorly, especially away from home, and find themselves just two points behind Chelsea, it says a lot about what they can do when they start firing on all cylinders.

Considering what has happened at Old Trafford this season, they really should be struggling to keep their act together. Their best player and key goalgetter, Rooney, has found the back of the net just once so far, is under-fire from a recent off-the-pitch scandal and has bridges to build after his threat to leave. Besides the troubles surrounding their top striker, United have also failed to get the best out of

Nani has emerged as one of United’s key players this season

Rooney needs to get his act together both on and off the field

Hernandez has impressed whenever he’s played

their other core players. Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have all missed games with injuries and have yet to hit top form, while Antonio Valencia has only played a few games this season.

So far they have been able to get the job done thanks to two young players who have exceeded expectations – Nani, who is showing that he can be one of the stars in the Premier League, and Javier Hernandez who is showing a knack for scoring important goals even though his role for this campaign was penciled in as that of a cameo.

Can you imagine how good United will be when most of their players are fit and when they start getting in their usual flow? Scary...

Best Of The Rest

You may ask how Chelsea can be so easily dismissed when they have been leading the league since day one? Well, they can’t. They still have top quality players and will challenge for the title all the way down to the last game.

But their players are aging and their squad is too thin. Furthermore, their priority is winning the European Champions League. At the business end of the season, they will rest players in the domestic competitions to have them all fit and ready for Europe; that means they will eventually succumb to United.

As far as Arsenal and Manchester City are concerned, they don’t have the experience or the stability to win the title. The Gunners continue to show time and again they lack a leader on the field

Manchester United will win the title because they have the greatest amount of players who decide games. that can inspire a young and promising group of players to achieve greater things. While City are still under construction and certain players’ egos will prevent them from building the kind of unity a team needs to lift trophies.

One final note concerning Liverpool. Before the season started, I predicted they could finish in second place. That looks silly right now, but don’t discount the Reds making it into the top four by the end of the campaign. With Roy Hodgson finally settling on a starting eleven he can rely on, and Fernando Torres rediscovering his scoring touch, the Anfield club could yet qualify for the Champions League.

There you have it, my progress report so far.

And just like I predicted in August before a ball was kicked, this season the Premier League trophy will head back to Old Trafford. No ifs, buts or maybes...

CNN’s Pedro Pinto is a CNN sports anchor based in London, covering sport around the world. For more go to www.cnn.com/worldsport

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

53

feature

BY RASHEED ABU BAKAR

The Curious Case Of

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney has a long road ahead of him if he plans on winning back the affections of United fans

B

elieve it or not, it has been six years since Wayne Rooney switched the blue of Everton for the red of Manchester. In those six glorious years, the Croxteth-born striker warmed the hearts of United fans all around the world with his goals and passion for the game. His commitment to the club was never in question as he was often quoted saying “I’ll be here as long as United wants me.”

The Shock Request

In October, Rooney almost undid all the great things he has helped achieve at United when he refused to sign a contract and requested to leave. He cited the club’s apparent lack of ambition to win trophies by not signing the world’s best players as his reason for wanting to leave the club.

Critics are suggesting that this came after a period of dispute as to the extent of Rooney’s ankle injury, where Rooney had refuted Ferguson’s claim that the injury was the reason Rooney had been dropped to the bench. To be fair to the Scot, Rooney didn’t start the season where he left off.

Under Ferguson, even if you were voted Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ (PFA) Player of the Year, you will be benched if you don’t perform.

The tabloids were having a ball speculating where the United hitman would go next. Neighbours and fierce rivals City came up as a possibility and this irked even the least passionate fans at the club. Spain and Italy were also possibilities with Real Madrid and Inter Milan keen to sign the talented forward. At Old Trafford,

54 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

Rooney’s teammates were having none of it. Evra and Fletcher voiced their concerns and felt betrayed

by Rooney’s comments on the club’s ambition.

Change Of Heart

On the 22nd of October, two days before his 25th birthday, Rooney signed a new five year deal keeping him at Manchester United until 2015.

Huh? Just three days after Ferguson went public on Rooney’s desire to leave the club, the forward did a U-turn and put pen to paper on a new contract. He cited Ferguson’s “belief and support” convinced him to stay out at Old Trafford.

We love you Wazza but you baffle us.

How in the first place did you come up with the thought that the club lacked ambition? That we do not attract top players anymore? Didn’t you know we don’t buy success, we nurture it? Was it all about money?

Bridges To Build

Last season, you notched up 34 goals in all competition – your highest tally for United so far.

Although your scintillating form did not continue for England in South Africa, you scooped up the PFA

Player of the Year award and almost single-handedly help United push Chelsea right to the end of the season. Fans were singing your name, jerseys with your squad number were selling like hotcakes. You were the star. You still are.

Whatever you felt or thought in those few weeks in October we will never know. Yes, you have signed a new contract but you still have to win back our hearts. You still have to make us feel that you’re not going to question the club’s ambition. You have to let us ‘feel’ your commitment. You said Ferguson’s ‘believe and support’ helped you change your mind... well like it or not, he is not getting younger. Soon, he will have to leave. Are you going to have another change of heart?

“I just want to announce our new signing here. We just got him for 45 trillion,” Perth Glory coach Ian Ferguson

WHAT THEY SAID… “It think it just shows how strong and how powerful he (Alex Ferguson) is. Wayne could end up being an even better player.”

Clayton Blackmore

“I’m sure the fans over the last week have felt let down by what they’ve read and seen. But my position was from concern over the future. The fans have been brilliant with me since I arrived and it’s up to me through my performances to win them over again.”

Wayne Rooney

“Players have opinions and if they want to leave then good luck to them. Man United will more than survive. If I could say one thing to Wayne, who is a good lad, I would say ‘look after yourself’. Players are likes pieces of meat.”

Roy Keane

“There’s a bit of rebuilding to be done. Supporters hold the key to how well Wayne does, if they’ll forgive him and accept him back.”

Lou Macari

“If one player in the team doesn’t trust the others he should not play in the team.”

Patrice Evra

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

55

info corner

PLAYERS STATISTICS

Statistics are accurate as of November 11, 2010

56 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

Manchester United FIXTURES 2011 Barclays Premier League Time

1 , Saturday

8.45pm

5 , Wednesday

4.00am

15 , Saturday

11.00pm

22 , Saturday

11.00pm

th

th

nd

February

Time

2 , Wednesday

4.00am

5 , Saturday

11.00pm

12 , Saturday

11.00pm

26 , Saturday

11.00pm

nd th

th th

March 5 , Saturday th

19 , Saturday th

April

Time

Match

v Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United v

West Bromwich Albion

v Wolverhampton v Manchester United v Wigan Athletic v

11.00pm 11.00pm

Manchester United

Time

West Ham United

9 , Saturday

10.00pm

Manchester United

16 , Saturday

10.00pm

Newcastle United

23 , Saturday

10.00pm

Manchester United

30 , Saturday

10.00pm

Arsenal

th

rd th

May

Time

7 , Saturday

10.00pm

14 , Saturday

10.00pm

22 , Saturday

10.00pm

th

th

nd

Stoke City

Old Trafford

Manchester United

White Hart Lane

Birmingham

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Manchester United

Molineux Stadium

Manchester City

Old Trafford

Manchester United

DW Stadium

v v Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United

v v v v v

Venue Anfield Old Trafford

Venue

Manchester United

Upton Park

Fulham

Old Trafford

Manchester United

St James’ Park

Everton

Old Trafford

Manchester United

Emirates Stdium

Match

v Chelsea Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United Manchester United v Blackpool Manchester United

Venue

Aston Villa

Match

10.00pm

th

The Hawthorns

Match Liverpool

2 , Saturday nd

Manchester United

Match Manchester United

Venue

Venue Old Trafford Ewood Park Old Trafford *All times are accurate at time of print

January st

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

57

feature When The Reds Go Marching In Oh when the Reds, (oh when the reds), Go marching in, (Go marching in), Oh when the Reds go marching in, I wanna be in that number, Oh when the Reds go marching in.

To the tune of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’

Songs & Chants

Visiting Old Trafford soon and afraid you will feel left out? Don’t fret! Football Weekly will teach you some songs so you can join in the action whether you are at the Theatre of Dreams or in front of the telly.

n a M y r o l G , y r o l G He’s Big, He’s Bad, He’s Wesley Brown He’s big, He’s bad, He’s Wesley Brown, The hardest man in all the town, With orange hair beware, Come and have a go if you dare.

Ryan Giggs Running Down The Wing

Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the wing, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, running down the wing, Feared by the Blues, loved by the Reds, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs.

58 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

When Johnny Goes Marching Down The Wing

Viva Da Silva Viva Da Silva!

Viva Da Silva!

Running down the pitch, Don’t know which is which, Viva Da Silva!

! d e t i Un

When Johnny goes marching down the wing, O’Shea! O’Shea!

When Johnny goes marching down the wing, O’Shea! O’Shea!

When Johnny goes marching down the wing, The Stretford End are gonna sing, We all know that Johnny’s gonna score!

Lala, lala, lala, lala, Lala, lala!

Lala, lala, lala, lala, Lala, lala!

Lala, lala, lala, lala, Lala, lala, lala, lala, We all know that Johnny’s gonna score!

To the tune of ‘When Johnny Goes Marching Home Again’

The White Pele I saw my mate the other day, He said to me he saw the white Pele, So I asked, who is he?

He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney, Wayne Rooney, Wayne Rooney, He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney.

Is It Nemanja?

Gary Neville Is A Red Gary Neville is a red, is a red, is a red, Gary Neville is a red, He hates Scousers!

What’s that coming over the hill?

Is it Nemanja?

Is it Nemanja?

To the tune of ‘Monster’

by Automatic

To the tune of ‘London Bridge Is Falling Down’

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

59

food & footy

Feel like getting out of the house but d

Happy Days

Harry’s Bar

District 10

Happy Days, occupies a queenly 10,000sq ft encompassing a friendly bar with a function room. Members will feel right at home with a variety of indoor games. Darts, foosball and pool are available as well as a large 8ft x 8ft wide screen with live broadcasts of BPL matches.

A fully equipped function hall for exclusive hire that can accommodate any social occasion.

Harry’s has become one of Singapore’s icon destinations that offers a special blend of friendly service, sports viewing, delicious foods and a wide range of beers, wines, and spirits.

Harry’s has expanded and now operates over 30 premium bars, restaurants, lounges, a night club and a boutique hotel throughout Singapore.

Owned by business partners of The Bonta Group, Serena Lim and Chef Luca Pezzera, this casual dining establishment is spread over 6,000 sq ft, consisting both indoor and outdoor dining options. The decor wwevokes an inviting and casual feel. Timber wood flooring marks the al fresco area, blending harmoniously with the surrounding garden ambience.

Address: Over 30 venues including Boat Quay, CHIJMES, Raffles Quay, Holland Village, and Dempsey Hill Opening Hours: Varies with venue Matches Screened: BPL *Note: Harry’s @ CHIJMES is the club house of East of Anfield (Liverpool FC Supporters Club)

Address: 10 Winstedt Road, #01-17, Singapore 227977 Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 11.30am-12am; FriSat 10am-1am; Sun 10am-12am Matches Screened: BPL every Saturday and Sunday. Matches will be confirmed a week before

Address: 445 Bedok North Street 1, Princess Theatre Building #02-02, Singapore 461669 Opening Hours: 11am-1am daily Matches Screened: BPL every Saturday and Sunday

football viewing bars and restaurants lik

Ricciotti Located in two locations - The Riverwalk and China Square Central. Ricciotti offers a range of original Italian gastronomic delicacies.

Address: The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, B1-49/50 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am–11pm; SatSun/PH 8am – 11pm Address: China Square Central, 3 Pickering Street, #01-36/37 Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–11pm; closed on Sundays but opened for private events Matches Screened: All before 11pm

60 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

RedDot BrewHouse The RedDot BrewHouse @ Boat Quay is a 184-year-old shophouse that overlooks the Singapore River. Besides serving up unfiltered and unprocessed tap beers that retain their original flavors and exhibit unique aromas, guests can also enjoy riverside al fresco dining of modern European fare with the spectacular skyline as your backdrop.

Address: 33/34 Boat Quay Opening hours: Mon-Thur 12pm-12am; Fri-Sat & Eve of PH 12pm-1am; Sundays closed Matches Screened: BPL (except for Sunday matches)

The New Paper Sports Bar A cosy and relaxed bar where you can enjoy a nice cold mug of beer while watching your favourite sports programmes on their 12 flat-screens TVs and two large screens inside the bar, plus four screens in the alfresco area.

You’ll have a ‘home’ to gather at our TNP Sports Bar, watch and soak in the EPL atmosphere.

Address: 3 Sentosa Gateway #01-01, Singapore 098544 Opening Hours: Sun-Thur 6pm-3am; Fri-Sat 6pm–4am; stays open for special matches Matches Screened: BPL, Serie A, UEFA, etc

don’t want to miss the big match? With

Brewerkz Brewerkz is a haven for scrumptious American fare and freshly brewed beers. Brewerkz offers a wide selection of premium handcrafted brews.

Address: Brewerkz Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road #01-05/06 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282 Operating Hours: Mon-Thur & Sun 12pm12am; Fri, Sat & Eve of PH 12pm-1am Adress: Brewerkz Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk #01-06/07/K1, Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore 397691 Operating Hours: Mon-Wed 5pm-12am; Thur & Sun 12pm-12am; Fri & Sat 12pm-1am Matches Screened: BPL

Molly Malone’s Irish Pub Molly Malone’s is the first Irish pub to open in Singapore. Designed and built in Ireland, the pub was shipped to Singapore and reassembled at Circular Road, and has been dishing out great food, drinks and lively Irish music since 1995.

During football and rugby seasons, Molly Malone’s offers a gregarious atmosphere for all within the pub to cheer their favourite teams.

Address: 56 Circular Road, Singapore 049411 Opening Hours: Sun-Mon & PH 11am-12am; Tue-Thur 11am-1am; Fri-Sat & Eve of PH 11am-2am Matches Screened: BPL

ke these, you don’t have to!

Public House Public House offers a warm and cosy venue to satisfy your hunger pangs with their popular burgers or just chill out and have a drink with friends.

The second floor of the establishment is available for booking for private functions.

Address: 42 Circular Road, Singapore 049398 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 4pm-12am Matches Screened: BPL

Wala Wala Café Bar Wala Wala is the two-storey breezy café bar that is all about enjoying fabulous food and drinks set amidst a laidback vibe. Dine under the stars downstairs or head upstairs to unwind to some of the best local musicians playing nightly.

Address: 31 Lorong Mambong, Holland Village, Singapore 277689 Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm–1am; Fri & Eve of PH 4pm–2am; Sat 3pm–2am; Sunday 3pm–1am Matches Screened: BPL

Manchester United Café Bar The Manchester United Café Bar is a place where Manchester United fans can gather and cheer the Reds on.

The café, which has walls adorned with one-of-a-kind United memorabilia, boasts two LCD screens within the air-conditioned portion, and a large projector screen outside the café by the riverside (Al Fresco).

A unique feature of the café is a counter selling original Manchester United merchandise.

Address: 32 Boat Quay, Singapore 049821 Opening Hours: Sun-Thur 11am-1am; Fri & Sat 11am-2am; also depends on time and duration of matches Matches Screened: BPL

Balaclava Formerly situated at Suntec City, Balaclava has recently relocated to the heart of Orchard Road at ION Orchard.

The popular nightspot is divided into three sections, the main bar, a lounge area, and a sports bar.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #05-02, ION Orchard, Singapore 238801 Opening Hours: Mon-Thur 3pm–1am; Fri, Sat & Eve of PH 3pm–2am; Sunday 3pm–11pm Matches Screened: BPL

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

61

quiz

Celebrity Cryptogram

Manchester United are one of the biggest football clubs in the world so it’s no surprise that we count many famous names as United fans.A Decipher the cryptogram below to 1 out 2 3which 4 5 celebrities 6 7 8 9 support 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 find the13 Reds.

7

A 8

15 16

13 11 15 1

14 11 15 1 A 8

A 8

13 9

18 11 15 16

1

4

9

3

3

A 13 10 8

14 9

7

4

11 14

A 12 13 8

9

20 11 18 3

2

14

3 6 11 6

62 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

Giggs Neville Van der Sar Owen Rafael Berbatov Evra Gibson Smalling Park Obertan Bebe Macheda O’Shea

17 6

10 10

A 14 8 3

11 18 12 5

19 1

A 8

14

18 A 13 10 8

16 5

6

10 5

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

14

15 13 3

12 10 3

Can you find the United players hidden in this grid?

Nani Rooney Anderson Hargreaves Brown Carrick Ferdinand Evans Scholes Hernandez Vidic Fletcher Fabio Valencia Kuszczak

20 1

18 3

Wordsearch ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

10 20 3

A 15 16 14 8

18 11 14 11 15

20 6

3

20

12 3

H E R N A N D E Z H B E R B A T O V

14

A M S A K E H V I D S V E R D W D A

R O O N E Y E A N D E R S O N A E L

G E W I S I D N R R D A K W G E B E

R G I E G I B S O N L B A N I E F N

E I G G N N B O B S C L P T B L S C

A N E F N D C L E T H O R E E N A I

V A N D E R S A R E P M A C H E D A

E M S F L R H L T P N A F N A V A J

S H D O C S D L A T S C A R R I C K

Z N S M A L L I N G I E E C S L H U

C S D G S H O E N F K S L R E L R S

I B C F G E O D S A E E S O R E A Z

D I G G V I D F C B N R E N H K H C

I G C R B R G H C O H D B A B C C Z

V D N A D R E F A O A R R E E E S A

A E F L E T C H E R F A O B R B E K

Where’s Wazza?

Wayne Rooney has hidden himself among the Old Trafford faithful to escape from his critics. Can you find him?

Cantona’s Conundrum

Eric Cantona was an enigma both on and off the field. Fill in the given letters in their respective columns and solve the puzzle below to unravel one of his strangest quotes.

E

N

S R L W

L S H O

O A W B E

E C N D R W N

’

I T T A I

H N U N H

E T E S E

S O E

T S

W T T R E

H A A H I

E L G E W

Y L U L

E S L

L E T R B

A E S H

.

I I

” F T T N

ANSWERS:

K H O

Celebrity Cryptogram Jack Nicholson, Richard Ashcroft, Mick Hucknall, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Justin Timberlake, Brad Pitt, Simon Le Bon

H

Where’s Wazza?

Top right hand side of the picture.

W

Cantona’s Conundrum “When the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea.”

“

FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

63

Q+A

BY RASHEED ABU BAKAR

From The Other Side

Football Weekly speaks to five ‘un-United’ fans on what they feel about the Red Devils and how much ‘love’ they have for the club Austin Poh, Tottenham Hotspur

Hafsah Begum, West Ham

QA

When did you start ‘loving’ United?

Remember the time we were up 3-0 at halftime and you scumbags came back to beat us 5-3? It all started there. Right there.

Why do you think opposing fans always look forward to when United visit?

Everyone wants to beat United.

You guys have been winning trophies after trophies and it will always be sweet if we could be responsible of kicking you out of a cup competition or steal three points away from you.

If you could have one United player in your side, who would it be and why?

Definitely Nani. He may not be as good as Cristiano Ronaldo but he definitely has the potential to be a really good player and has been showing it this season. With Bale on the left and Nani on the right, I think we can seriously challenge for honours.

Carolyn Camoens, Liverpool

When did you start ‘loving’ United?

I’ve been a Liverpool fan for 21 years so it’s not hard to figure out how long I have disliked Man United.

Why do you think opposing fans always look forward to when United visit?

I think whether it’s United or Liverpool or any other BPL team for that matter, it’s about getting to see your team play, live and not ‘Live by Satellite’. While there are some hardcore fans who travel to their team’s home ground at least once a season, for many supporters it’s a dream to watch their favourite players from the stands. Also when these teams visit they tend to organise a lot of fringe activities which allow the fans to get close to their favourite players.

If you could have one United player in your side, who would it be and why?

Michael Owen. He belongs at Anfield.

64 FOOTBALL WEEKLY MAN UNITED SPECIAL

When did you start ‘loving’ United?

Since forever! I hate the fact United always score at the end!

And the refs always favour United!

Why do you think opposing fans always look forward to when United visit?

I don’t care about the fans but I look forward to seeing Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen. We don’t really have eye candy at West Ham but I think Scott Parker is not too bad.

If you could have one United player in your side, who would it be and why?

The skinny gangly one….Fletcher? He’s always running around in every game I notice. Maybe he could add more bite to our midfield. After Di Canio left, we have not had anyone controlling the game. A Fletcher-Parker combination could do the trick for us perhaps?

Shahrul Khairy, Arsenal

When did you start ‘loving’ United?

Since the 90s when Man United were at the peak. Most ‘lovable’ moment was during the treble years. They were just lucky in the Champions League... That game remains one the most unwatchable match for me.

Why do you think opposing fans always look forward to when United visit?

Was there ever a boring Arsenal v United game? Never.

Furthermore, fans would like to relish the feeling of defeating them and seeing their stupid glum faces when they walk out of the pitch. Priceless.

If you could have one United player in your side, who would it be and why?

None from the current squad, but I’d love to have David Beckham. Simple reason - he could score, create and ring the cash register...

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