UNITED’S FIRST EXCLUSIVELY ONLINE FANZINE
ISSUE
FOOTBALL UNITED FANZINE
10 Dec 2011
FEATURING CARLING CUP RESSURECTION
SEMI-FINAL SADNESS OF THE 60s THE NEXT GOLDENBOYS
TRANSFER WINDOW PREPARATION
THE DAY THAT ERIC MET MATTHEW 1
All we want for Christmas is… A holding midfielder? ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
DECEMBER 2011
In this month’s issue of Football United Fanzine
REGULAR FEATURES 04 EDITORIALS 08 ON OUR RADAR 09 EDITOR’S VIEW 10 BLAST FROM THE PAST 14 THE SHAW SHOW 16 MICKY OWEN: PI 18 A MONTH IN FOOTBALL 30 BORN AND RED 42 THE FINAL WORD
SPECIAL FEATURES
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Transfer Preparation
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10 THE RESSURECTION Is the Carling Cup becoming ever more important in the big team’s calendars? 20 UNITED’S SEMIFINAL SADNESS OF THE 60’s It might have been a good decade for United, but it could have been so much more.
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The day that... Eric met Matthew ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
26 HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM IN MIDFIELD Is the best solution to solve our midfield issues really putting our most effective striker there? 38 A VERY SPECIAL FERGIE The final chapter in our series of career defining matches for Sir Alex.
COMING UP THIS MONTH... 7 DEC:
FC Basel vs United Champions League 7.45pm
10 DEC:
United vs Wolves Premier League 3.00pm
18 DEC:
QPR vs United Premier League 12.00pm
21 DEC:
Fulham vs United Premier League 8.00pm
26 DEC:
United vs Wigan Premier League 3.00pm
31 DEC:
United vs Blackburn Premier League 12.45pm
4 JAN:
Newcastle vs United Premier League 8.00pm
34 The next Goldenboys? 3
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Warming the Bench Football United Fanzine W: www.football-united-blogs.com E: editor.fub@live.co.uk EDITORIAL Managing Editor: Steph Doehler Deputy Editor: Rachel Turney Contributors: Brett Burgers, Alan Monger, Jack Harvey, Will Tidey, Vinnie Shaw, Mike Skarratt, Harry Sherlock. DESIGN Designer: Steph Doehler A SPECIAL THANKS TO Rich Laverty IMAGES Micky Owen: Michael Kyeyune FOR ENQUIRES Email: editor.fub@live.co.uk Facebook: FootballUnited Blogs Twitter: @footballUB
All material unless otherwise stated, is copyright to the Football United Fanzine. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the editors. The Football United Fanzine is completely independent of Manchester United Football Club. The Football United Fanzine accepts no responsibility for services offered by advertisers.
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Editorial There is nothing like a death to put life into perspective. Football took a back seat following the news of Gary Speed’s sad passing which rocked the whole world of our beloved sport. However something like this also unites. Football fans and players often get negative media coverage and comments so I would just like to say how delighted I was to see such warm tributes pour in from all over the world. The Aston Villa and Swansea players who knew Gary were very brave to play on so close to the news breaking and the fans applause and chanting of his name was very touching and a fitting tribute. May he now rest in peace. Moving on to the boys in red, I have to say it’s been a strange month. As I write this United have failed to close the gap on City and are yet to qualify for the Champions League knock out stages which is nearly always a formality. Goals seem to be hard to find of late and our injuries seem to be piling up. That said, I have a good feeling about December. Its coming to the point of the season where we normally step up a gear and City have some tough fixtures ahead where hopefully points can be dropped. They have to play both Arsenal and Chelsea, where as on paper our Christmas run in looks a bit easier. Although we all know there are no easy games in the League. I couldn’t believe it when I read recently that United were actually five points worse off this time last season and we all know how that season ended. So hopefully come 2012 we will be back on top of the table where we belong. Everyone loves to write us off but that’s when we are often at our most dangerous. People seem to have forgotten that we are champions so lets hope we can remind them why. Rachel - Deputy Editor Follow Rachel on Twitter @Rachel_jj2011
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Editorial
The festive period is historically a good time for United. We generally go on a good run of form which usually sees us forge serious intent of the Premier League title. What’s odd this season is that we actually have more points than we did at this period last season and yet it still looks as though City could romp away with the title as they move into the heavy loaded Christmas period unbeaten in the league. Nevertheless, with 18 points up for grabs through December and New Year I would hope we close the gap with City having to visit Stamford Bridge and host Arsenal and Liverpool at the City of Manchester Stadium throughout this time. Whilst City do look impressive I can’t help but think they will have to come unstuck at some point. The derby day defeat still burns deep in my memory but getting some perspective over the last couple of weeks, we don't actually have to beat City this season to take the title. We’re still only a third of the way through and if we can recapture some of the form we found in August it could be an exciting title fight. Steph - Managing Editor Follow Steph on Twitter @StephDoehler
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
REVIEW
Rooney’s shots on target Anderson’s pass completion Jones’ successful tackles De Gea’s distribution... all the match stats that The best places to look for matter to you With so many different platforms to find your match and player stats before, during and after games we review some of the best so you can impress your friends with pointless numbers, percentages and facts.
We simply couldn't discuss footballing stats without looking firstly at Four-FourTwo’s latest app, Stats Zone. Powered by Opta (those people who sit in a dark room and collate millions of stats for our pleasure) offer live up to date stats for all Premier League and Champions League matches. So if you want to work out how many times Carrick has passed back or Rooney’s full range of passing during half time then you can do so. You can even upload your diagrams and maps directly to Facebook and Twitter for all your friends to see, should you wish to of course. Comparing two players in the same match can also be interesting,
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especially if you’re trying to argue that one player is bossing the midfield - well now you have proof! Be warned however, it does become addictive and eventually people will tell you they no longer care if Javier Hernandez hardly ever touches the ball in his own half. Until then though, you can tweet your stats to your heart’s content. Cost: £1.49 on the iPhone App Store.
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Very similar to Stats Zone without the live updates and the fact that it’s an app on your iPhone, The Guardian have developed an excellent analysis tool which features every Premier League game dating back to the 2006-07 season. Showing the results in a bird’s eye view pitch format you can look at all the expected team and player stats such as passes, shots, tackles and so on. The one tool it features that Stats Zone doesn't is the heat map, showing blocks of the pitch in which a particular player does a particular action, extremely interesting when looking at passing stats. Cost: Free to those who register at www.guardian.co.uk/football/ chalkboards
THE ROONEY DOSSIER MONEY!
Goal Spread Pie Chart
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£163,291.39 Cost per his United goals in relation to the transfer fee.
Position in the all-time United appearance makers
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PL: 111 CL: 27 FA Cup: 12 League Cup: 4 Other: 4
Position in all time United goalscorers
THE CELEBRATIONS
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2011 - Overhead kick
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2010 - Contract
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2009 - Threesomes
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2008 - Euro Glory
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The Screamer
The Diver
2006 - World Cup Red Card
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2004 - Hookers
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2004 - Debut hatrick
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The Swear
2003 - Internationals
2002 - Wonderstrike
Timeline ---------
The Titanic
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
On our Radar this month... Kevin Doyle:
The forward scored a winner against United last season at Molineaux, our first loss of the season.
Fulham: A visit to Craven Cottage on the 21st where United haven't won in their last three attempts.
Tim Krul: Excelled in goal for Newcastle last month.
John Flynn: Remember the name in case he runs the line in a United match this month. It was this numpty who signalled for a penalty against Newcastle.
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
EDITOR’S VIEW As Blatter makes yet another gaff, Rachel discusses his famous racism statement and the infamous handshake. Just when you think you can’t despise Sepp Blatter anymore, he comes out with quite possibly his most controversial comment yet, and that is saying something. I have no idea how someone who isn’t on a football pitch week in, week out can say there is no racism taking place on it. I also have no idea how he can think a handshake solves the problem. Of course players can say things in the heat of battle that they don’t mean, but there is a line and racist comments are a long way over it. There is no excuse. I like to believe this view is shared by the majority but that it isn’t shared by one of the top men in football is frightening. I don’t believe Blatter is a racist but
I do believe he is naïve and out of touch. He has made far too many mistakes to continue in the position he currently holds. I don’t know whether Patrice Evra or Anton Ferdinand were racially abused, that’s for the investigation to establish. It amazes me that people like Blatter and Gus Poyet are voicing controversial opinions when nothing has been concluded either way. Poyet believes “you are not racist when you go against one, but you are if you go against the whole world of different colour and nationalities. That is being racist, not saying one word in one moment.” I can’t agree that you can be selective about racism. If either Terry or Suarez is found guilty they should
AGREE OR DISAGREE? We want to know what you think about anything you read in the magazine. You can email: editor.fub@live.co.uk or tweet us @footballUB
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face severe punishment to prove football really does have a zero tolerance policy on racism. Maybe the most disappointing part of the whole episode is that we seem to be the only country truly outraged by the comments. It seems that once again Blatter will walk away unscathed.
RIP Gary Speed Whilst Rachel has already touched on the subject in her editorial I would like to take this opportunity to express my own surprise and sadness at the recent death of Gary Speed. The tributes being paid to him throughout the Sunday in which he passed away showed not only what a terrific professional he was, but also a fantastic man. On behalf of all the FU Fanzine team we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to all of the Speed family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
THE RESSURECTION One minute the League Cup is the competition no big club is that bothered about, the next Arsene Wenger is crying into Pat Rice’s shoulder following a last minute loss against Birmingham City. Rachel asks, is the League Cup experiencing a resurrection of importance? It’s been called the Milk Cup, the Littlewoods Challenge Cup, the Rumbelows Cup, the Coca-Cola Cup, the Worthington Cup, the Carling Cup and more often than not the Mickey Mouse Cup. As long as it has existed the League Cup has been seen as the least important trophy a side can win, unless of course you actually win the competition in which case, temporarily at least, it becomes the Holy Grail. The Cup has always been deemed as second best to the FA Cup which was established in 1871, making it the oldest association football competition in the world. Over the last few years or so there has of course however been talk of the FA Cup “losing its magic” and becoming less and less appealing to the so-called
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bigger clubs who are more interested in the league and Europe or even clubs fighting relegation who feel league survival is of greater importance, particularly financially. While this has been happening, the opposite could be said for the League Cup which was established in 1960. Attendance for the Cups final has increased every year for the last five seasons from 66,866 to 88,851. Even more significant is that last year’s final between Arsenal and Birmingham had a greater attendance than the FA Cup final between City
and Stoke which had 88,643. Not a huge difference by any stretch of the imagination but this is the second year running it’s happened when the previous two seasons where both showpieces were held at the current Wembley, more people attended the FA Cup final. From a United perspective, the FA Cup has always been a big part of our history. It was obviously Alex Ferguson’s first trophy with the club and is a competition we have won more times than any other club. Yet United have not won the Cup since
ISSUE 10, 10, DECEMBER 2011 ISSUE DECEMBER 2011
2004 and haven’t even made the last four finals. In contract they have won three of the last six League Cups. The competition seems to be looking even more exciting this year than in previous years with arguably the top five teams in the country making up the final eight (apologies to any Spurs fans and prematurely excited Newcastle fans). I was literally licking my lips when I saw Chelsea get drawn against Liverpool and Arsenal against City. It was the perfect draw with United getting a home draw against Crystal Palace. I’m writing this prior to the matches so I expect I’ll end up looking a little stupid if Palace beat us and the other two mentioned quarter finals are damp squibs but either way I’ll get to see two clubs I dislike eliminated from the competition regardless of the results. Surely this quarter final line up can only reflect the growing importance of the competition. So why does the League Cup seem to be becoming just as important as the FA Cup? It’s certainly not for financial reasons. The winner of the FA Cup receives around £1,800,000 while the League Cup offers a much smaller £100,000. The League Cup however seems to be arguably an easier trophy to win and route to Europe. Unlike the FA Cup there are no replays which we all know the managers despise. Granted the semi-finals are played over two legs but it still takes only six games to win the tournament if you’re already
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in Europe and therefore don’t enter until round three when there are only 32 teams left. The same could be said for the FA Cup but only if replays are avoided. Last year for example it took City eight games to win the FA Cup because they needed two replays. If you asked any club, at least in the Premier League, which competition they would most like to win come the end of the season, I don’t believe any would say the League Cup over any others available but I still think teams are desperately trying to win it. More than anything I think the Cup is now seen as a spring board to many managers, especially being the first real silverware of the season. Sometimes it’s just about winning any piece of silverware, getting your players used to the feeling of success rather than failure. I have no doubt that City winning the FA Cup last year is part of why they have started this season so well, it’s all about the belief of the players. Who knows what would have happened if Arsenal had beaten Birmingham last year.
As much as Arsene Wenger may have played down the Cup prior to the match it would have got the proverbial monkey off their back. The monkey that keeps hiding all the silverware from them, much to our own delight. I’m not saying they would have gone on to win the quadruple because I don’t think that for one second but I don’t think they would have collapsed in the manner that they did last season. I also think Liverpool are desperate to win this cup or any for that matter having won nothing since 2006, which might explain Dalglish getting his knickers in a twist over their tie with Chelsea coming just two days after their clash with City. The League Cup is never going to be the Champions League but no one can argue with its increasing popularity. Let’s be honest, silverware can only ever be seen as a positive. Although Birmingham might not agree with me after last season.
By Rachel
ISSUE 10, 10,DECEMBER DECEMBER2011 2011 ISSUE
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
THE SHAW SHOW What other kind of industry has their businesses within it making those kind of losses and still thrive? This is my first article that I have written for this esteemed fanzine. I hope it won’t be the last however my editor, Steph, has taken the somewhat dubious decision to allow me to rant about things that annoy me about football. “Are you sure?” I asked. “Of course,” came her reply, “you rant away about whatever subject you see fit.” Oh dear. I have free reign to witter on about whatever is annoying me in football each month and, if I may be so honest, that is quite a lot.
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So, what is frustrating me about football this month? Well, it is the old subject of money. Our blue friends have recently reported losses of around one hundred squillion pounds or around that - what is a few million pounds between you and I? I do not wish to turn my debut article into a rant about the bitter blue quarter of Manchester it is just a coincidence that this article has coincided with their financial results. It got me thinking. What other kind of industry has their businesses within it making those kind of losses and still thrive? After all, despite all
our romantic ideals regarding our team being “ours” football is an industry and the clubs are the individual businesses within. So why are they being allowed to accrue such huge losses? One answer is, and it pains me to have to write this particular phrase, the Premier League brand. Ugh, even writing send shivers down my spine. The Premier League brand. The Premier League have developed this myth over the years about their competition being the
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
most exciting and competitive league in the world that they will not allow anything to spoil their gravy train. Even clubs running themselves into the ground to become a success within their league. I can hear City fans screeching now. “Er, but no, we are not running ourselves into the ground because we can afford all these wages and the hopelessly exorbitant transfer prices we pay.” Yes, you can but nobody else can. The other clubs have to find a way of keeping up with them and how do they do that? Not every club is blessed with a sixty or seventy thousand seater stadium and a worldwide fan base contributing millions to their bank account but these same clubs need money to compete. So the only other way is speculate to accumulate. Or in layman’s terms take out massive loans to buy players. Will the Premier League stop clubs getting into debt? Of course not, it is in the Premier League’s interest that the league stays competitive or else they will lose out on millions of pounds in foreign TV deals. They can hardly sell the idea of the Premier League to Sony TV Asia as “The Premier League. A division of nineteen clubs trying in vain to keep up with the rich club at the top.” Of course City fans are not
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concerned with this current situation and part of me does not blame them for that, as had it not been for the Sheikh’s takeover, and subsequent influx of a scary amount of money, they would have remained the laughing stock of world football in their true position of looking up at the rest of us. However it does grate on me that for years they shuffled about telling everybody how they stand up for true football fans, how their club does not buy success like other teams. Though as soon as they come into money when, bugger me, all that changes and woe betide anybody criticise them for it as they would be dismissed with their nuclear deterrent of argument of being jealous of them. Ha! Yeah right like we could ever be jealous of them! Of course we all wish that our club was rid of debt and could compete genuinely in the transfer market (please do not be fooled by our summer transfer activity as that was funded solely by players leaving United and nothing else) but that should not be confused with jealousy. So how do get out of this situation? UEFA are trying to bring in their financial fair play rules that forces clubs to compete within their means and effectively banning them from their own cash cow, the Champions League but how much faith should we have in UEFA? Let us not forget
that this is an organisation that allows English football fans to be treated as second class citizens on European away trips and whose fines for racist chanting in Spain would be laughable if not so disgusting. Will they also want to take on clubs from one of the big four leagues in the Premier League? I would not bet on it, not with the threat of a breakaway European League ever hovering over them. So if the Premier League won’t do anything and UEFA won’t do anything what will happen? Well not much to be honest. Clubs will continue getting into debt chasing the rainbow. Fans of clubs owned by a sugar daddy will not give two hoots about their rivals because they have chased down the rainbow and are basking in the glory of countless trophies won meanwhile I will be praying for the day our club is sold by the Glazers and we become self-sufficient. We are lucky in that we support a club that should not need a sugar daddy we make enough money on our own to be able to clean up this league year in and year out. We just need to get rid of the Glazers. Anybody got a spare couple of billion pounds?
By Vinnie Shaw @TheShaw2009
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
FICTION
MICKY OWEN: PI By Brett Burgers At Manchester United, without having regular football as a distraction, Micky Owen was encouraged to develop his detective skills. Under the watchful eye of his spirit guide Eric he provided the club and SAF with something they would be indebted to him for until his contract ran out. Although again it was becoming less clear exactly what that was. To recap on what’s been going on in this two part epic, I’ll give you a quick summary although I know my army of fans will need no reminder… You may wish to lift your laptop or fancy phone up a little and kind of move it up and down in a wavey slow motion kind of a way to create the realistic effect of a flashback. You can also make a high pitch noise like this dooodly do, dooodly do, doodly doo, doodly do. Now are you all back in October in your mind? Right. Well as you will clearly remember it was a typical day. SAF told me Hargo had joined City and then I spent most of the time saying oooooooooooo, but a lot longer. There was an emotional thing, stuff, if you’re soft. I only cried cos I had something, an eye lash, that was it, in my eye. Now I had to find out why Hargo had betrayed us. After the emotional day I’d had my wife had got me dressed for bed early and tucked me in. But I just couldn’t sleep. Tossing, turning, tossing again, but still couldn’t get off. After a few hours around 9pm a small reflection of light from outside caught my eye. “Aaaarghh” this was infuriating. No sleep and now some annoying light reflecting in my face. I kept turning but the light was unrepentant. It even seemed to be getting stronger. After an hour it stopped and after an inhumane amount of construction noise a mechanical clunk signalled the switch on
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of what appeared to be a huge floodlight. “For fucks sake!!!” I was on the verge of snapping a pencil. I buried my head deep in the duvet. An hour later the floodlight was turned off. But then came the tapping on the bedroom window. Of course I tried my best to ignore it. The tapping got more intense and louder. The ruddy windows felt like they were about to come in. I got up and drew the curtains. The tapping was now more of a cracking as the window started to buckle under the pressure of the incessant attack. Silence fell for a second. RRAAAAASSSSHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! The floodlight came hurtling through the window. As I shot up and began trembling “Take me with you, stick probes in my arse, gently, whatever, I’m a peaceful earthling” I whispered in the darkness through my terror. “Shittin’ hell you dumb bastard! I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past three fucking hours.” It was Hargo After helping me sneak my wet bed sheets into the tumble dryer, Hargo explained everything. “I had to do it without anyone knowing Micky, cos I knew somehow SAF would find out and even he can’t know or my cover will be blown. If I’m going to take City down from the inside then it has to be between me and you and these padded walls…wait what are you doing?...Who are you on the phone to? Micky!!!”
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“I was just telling SAF everything you were just saying. Sorry what were the main points again? I missed them, SAF’s just preparing a group email newsletter to the intranet mail out, carry on…” I replied. “Jeeez, you are something else.” Hargo snapped. “Thanks.” It was just like old times. He went on to tell me a few things he’d already learned. “The training starts at 11am where we go through advanced arrogance drills, facial expressions, swagger etc... Then we break for lunch at 12 with a finger buffet of endangered species from around the world. The second part of the day is dedicated to money management, where we partake in role play sessions. Buying yachts which we never have any intention of using, writing off expensive cars, fanning ourselves with wads of money, that sort of thing.” He also went on to tell me about one event in
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particular. “When Balotelli threw the dart at that youth player it was because he’d been bitten by De Jong and was infected with rabies. Balotelli was actually saving his life, by tranquilising him so the doctor could operate to remove the infection!” Wow. Hargo had to go back as the squad were off to Dubai in the morning for a team bonding session, something about a barbeque with gardening. I don’t know exactly what he meant but he mentioned a spit roasting with some hoes? As he was leaving he turned, “Micky, trust me. I’ll keep my eye on City”. With that we high-tenned. Case closed. I will not rest until the integrity of Manchester United is upheld. But can we try and keep the fanzine dates from clashing with the days I’ve got any of my horses running. It hasn’t happened yet, but just giving you a heads up. Okay? Keep ‘em peeled!
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A MONTH IN FOOTBALL An anniversary special, Champions League worries, Poor linesman decisions and a Carling Cup embarrassment.
P W D L Pts City 11 10 1 0 31 United 11 8 2 1 26 Newcastle 11 7 4 0 25
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P W D L Pts City 12 11 1 0 34 United 12 9 2 1 29 Newcastle 12 7 4 1 25
Ben Un Bas
United 1 Sunderland 0 Premier League 5th November 2011
Swansea 0 United 1 Premier League 19th November 2011
C 2
THE STORY A mundane affair following on from Fergie’s 25th anniversary celebrations was settled by an own goal from Manchester United old boy, Wes Brown on the stroke of half time. The party atmosphere might not have dampened many spirits but at no period of the match were the three points a given for the home side after Sunderland pressed for an equaliser. Three points but another mediocre performance.
THE STORY Consecutive 1-0 victories for Manchester United and, worryingly for the fans, consecutive laboured victories which hardly set the league on fire. Nevertheless Javier Hernandez’s 11th minute goal was enough to secure United the three points and their first ever league win over Swansea away from home. The Welsh side battled hard but in the end United’s defence resisted any attack at goal.
TH are in t ons aft aga gue Jon goa end net wit mi ed wit er a Aim vis late
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
nfica nited sel
P W D L Pts 5 2 3 0 9 5 2 3 0 9 5 2 2 1 8
United 2 Benfica 2 Champions League 22nd November 2011
HE STORY United e left needing a point their final Champis League group game er a poor draw ainst their Portuese opposition. Phil nes’ first professional al came at the wrong d of the pitch after he tted an own goal thin the first five inutes. However Unittook the advantage th goals from Fletchand Berbatov before mar equalised for the sitors 90 seconds er.
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P W D L Pts
P W D L Pts City United Spurs
13 11 2 0 35 13 9 3 1 30 12 9 1 2 28
Quarter-Final
City United Spurs
14 12 2 0 38 14 10 3 1 33 13 10 1 2 31
United 1 Newcastle 1 Premier League 26th November 2011
United 1 Crystal Palace 2 Carling Cup 30th November 2011
Aston Villa 0 United 1 Premier League 3rd December 2011
THE STORY A brighter performance for United saw them drop points in the league for the first time since their derby day defeat. Rooney’s shot pinballed its way off Hernandez to beat Tim Krul from a couple of yards to see United late the lead. Newcastle equalised late on through a highly contentious penalty. United threw the kitchen sink at Newcastle in the final stage but couldn't find a way through.
THE STORY Another quarter-final defeat in the Carling Cup for a second successive season. United were shocked by the positive start Palace made to the match, which set the tone for much of the ensuring two hours of play. Macheda equalised from the penalty spot three minutes after Palace took the lead in emphatic style from Darren Ambrose. Murray secure victory for Palace with a header in the 98th minute.
THE STORY An improved performance for United saw them take all three points at Villa Park for the first time in three seasons. Phil Jones netted his first goal in his professional career 20 minutes in. United’s victory was marred by an injury to Hernandez which looks set to keep him out over the festive period. Still chasing City as we now move into a busy month United look keen to bridge the five point gap.
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
UNITED’S SEM SADNESS OF T
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
RE-LIVE
MI-FINAL THE 60’s Picture left: Jimmy Graves scoring against United for Spurs in the FA Cup semi-final of 1962.
You could be forgiven for thinking the 1960s was a pretty good decade for Manchester United; two league titles and one FA Cup to sit alongside their first successful European victory, but as Mike Skarratt points out, it could have been so much better. I’m a very lucky old git. I’ve lived and been a match-going Red through the two greatest eras in our club’s history, the 1960’s and the “Fergie Years” from 1990 through to title number 19. My mum always says I’ve seen the best of United, and she’s right, but I’m spoiled and greedy. The 1960’s were fantastic - Best, Law, Charlton in the same team, one FA Cup, two Championships, one European Cup, a fantastic style of attacking football…but could’ve been sooooo much better. As well as the great days and the trophies we had a habit of cocking up semi-finals in a big way. We lost SEVEN semi-finals in eight seasons – and I watched the lot of them. Some players say that losing at that stage is more gutting than losing in the final and I sort of understand that. I was remorseful after Rome and woeful after Wembley but Burnden Park in 1966 was
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my lowest point as a Red apart from relegation in ’74. Spurs at Hillsborough in 1962 started it off. Spurs had done the double the year before and we were rebuilding after Munich. But we’d beaten them at home and drawn away and, as a 7 year old already fanatical fan, I was full of confidence that we could do the business. No hard luck stories with this one though, we were well beaten by a better team. The talk on the train back home was that we were definitely on our way back so nobody was too down about that one. A semi-final victory in 1963 at Villa Park always a good ground for us in semis even then - was sealed by The King (Denis Law for you young whippersnappers who insist on calling some French bloke by that name) and the final against Leicester was
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over 3-1. You can shove your fuckin’ bubbles up your arse. Preston in the final awaited - if only. Fast forward a year and it’s Hillsborough again, this time it is against dirty Leeds scum. The most obnoxious team, manager and fans in the world bar none in those days. We were kicked from pillar to post and it kicked off big time when Denis and Jack Charlton clashed and were quickly joined by FA Cup semi-final 1965, Leeds vs United. Denis Law’s shirt ripped after fracas. Paddy Crerand shaking Billy Bremner warmly by the throat. There’s a famous picture of a masterclass in passing from Paddy and Denis with his shirt ripped off – what fun Johnny Giles, with The Lawman murdering we had in the peace loving 60’s! What’s Leicester’s defence. Winners again just five less well known from that day was a David years after Munich! Herd ‘goal’ that wasn’t given. The ball was well over the line when Sprake pulled it In 1964 we were back at Hillsborough back and I know – I was sat almost oppoagainst the ‘appy ‘ammers. Hated them site the penalty area, 10 yards from the ever since, always will. We’d battled goal-line. Never mind Mendez at Old Trafthrough a quarter final against a really ford a while back, this was in a semi-final good Sunderland team beating them on the that finished 0-0. Referee Mr Windle was Monday before the semi-final in a second definitely not in the pay of Mr Revie. The replay at Huddersfield. Denis had scored a replay was at Forest’s ground the followhat-trick silencing the Blaydon Races ing Wednesday – went to that too but which The Mackems, as well as the Georcan’t tell you a thing from the game. My dies, used to sing in those days. We’d uncle’s VW camper broke down on the played three games in eight days before the way to the game and we arrived just in semi and the one of those was West ‘Am time for kick off, leaving me stood at the just a week before the semi – 2-0 to the back of the crowd unable to see a bloody Reds at Upton Park. The semi was played thing (always been a short arse). Saw the in perhaps the worst conditions I’ve ever ball three times during the entire game, experienced in a major game. It absolutely when it was hoofed up in the air. Just pissed down and the pitch was ankle deep know we lost to Bremner back-header mud with the ball not rolling at all. from a free-kick that was dubious – only Should’ve been postponed or even abangot my dad’s word for that though and he doned without a doubt. Me, my dad and was more biased than me. Hated Leeds uncle were praying for that at half-time to then, hate them more now. Scum. be honest. Our football flowed about as well as the ball, Bobby Moore marked DenLater that season we were up against is out of the game and we got turned
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Ferencvaros in the semifinal of Inter -Cities Fairs Cup, what is now the Europa League. This went to a replay in Hungary after winning 3-2 at home and losing 1-0 away. No away goals rule then. Memories of that night include it being the first time I sat in the new ‘Cantilever Stand’ –now the North Stand. Amazed not to have big stanchions in the way and sat in a building site in those pre-health and safety days. They were a really classy team with a guy called Florian Albert (I think) at centre forward but we gave away two sloppy goals and that was another one biting the June dust – never known United to play that late into summer. 1966 FA Cup semi brought us up against
Everton at Bolton’s Burnden Park. This was in the days before the Co-Op superstore took over a corner of the ground but it was a shit-tip even then. Before we got there I’d witnessed one of the most amazing Old Trafford nights ever when we beat Preston in the quarter final replay. After the game the Stretford End, and most of the ground too, stayed behind after the final whistle celebrating a 5th FA Cup semi -final in succession. Thousands climbed over the low white picket fence we had then and started marching round the pitch on the cinder track singing – think it was probably the most amazing display I’ve ever seen. Love to know if any other older Reds remember it as I do. In contrast to the City Ground, I saw every kick. I’d been passed down to the front of an over-crowded paddock (possibly to protect my ears from the Scouse whining and my coat from the Scouse phlegm) to sit with the members of the brass band on the track around the pitch. Great view of an awful game. Everton scored first and we never looked like getting back into it until a really clear cut chance fell to Nobby Stiles in the second half. Few yards out, keeper to beat, no real pressure on the ball
The moment Everton’s Colin Harvey sunk United in the ‘66 FA Cup semi-final
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United vs AC Milan, 1969 – Nobby played 38 FA Cup games for us and never scored – he never had a better chance than that day. Still a legend, Nobby, never mind. Came out of the ground feeling lower than Sammy Lee’s arse (one for the 1980’s Reds) to be confronted, at the age of 11, by a grown-up Scouser gloating in front of me, laughing at me. Like most lads, my dad was my hero but never more than that day when the loveable, classy Scouse scallywag was ‘advised’ to be on his way – helped there with a spot of Mancunian right hand. Worse still, that came three days after we’d blown a real chance of our first European Cup final having lost over two legs to a really ordinary side, Partizan Belgrade. In truth the game was lost in the first leg – Bestie played with a torn cartilage which he’d injured in the cup tie at Preston and Law wasn’t fully fit. Denis missed an absolute sitter when it was 0-0 in the first leg, hitting the bar when trying to chest a cross in. We lost 2-0 but still thought we had a chance at home. The home leg was constant United pressure but only a late Nobby Stiles goal to show meant we were out in yet another semi-final. I know I wasn’t the only one who wondered if we’d ever make it to a European Cup final. The final year of that wonderful decade, an ageing United team had its last hurrah – we made it back to the European Cup semifinal as holders. Wembley ’68 is another story for another day. AC Milan at home,
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having lost 2-0 in the San Siro, plenty to do but United have always had this history of overcoming deficits and the atmosphere was loud and positive. I watched the game from the seats at the back of the Stretford End, the old E Stand. This meant that we stood up from start to finish – no security to mither us in those days either. Bobby Charlton scored a screamer early in the second half…game on. Like David Herd in ’65, we had a ‘goal’ not given. Denis knocked in a cross which the Milan keeper couldn’t save and a defender hooked out when it was fully over the line. Being right behind that goal there is no doubt in my mind that the full ball was over the line – robbed again. Cue coin throwing which allowed the Milan keeper to go down holding his head and a few bob better off. It stopped the pressure and flattened the atmosphere and that was the end of it. The end of the decade and really then end of that team. Sir Matt retired shortly afterwards, not leaving the legacy of youth and promise that Fergie will when he goes – leading to relegation just five years later. I decided to look at the downside of the sixties but my god it was exciting and as Gary Neville and Roy Keane have since said, you need the defeats to really appreciate the victories.
@Mikeskaz ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Where’s Wazza?
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Filling a slightly Rooney shaped midfield hole with a Rooney peg. If you were asked to pick a player from the current United squad to duplicate 11 times and then field in the next fixture, I think you’d be hard pushed not to choose Rooney. Vidic might get a few votes, but the referee would have a job keeping up with play with the extra luggage he’d need for his notebooks; one finishing a game is an achievement in itself, let alone a team’s worth. Evra might not be a bad shout and having to be everywhere might negate his pending onset of (not so) latent positional indifference. Anyway, before I hit my word count in the first paragraph, let’s just say for arguments sake it’s Rooney. Besides if Hargreaves gets wind of this cloning analogy he might start harping on about our maniacal experiments again *muffles deranged laughter*. Even Rooney’s most demonstrative of critics would find it hard to deny his ‘all round game’ is second to none amongst his current team mates and although likely born of self-efficacy as opposed to a genuine ‘passion’ for the club (without suggesting he has none) he has the drive and determination to match. It’s no surprise when the midfield conundrum reaches the de-de-dede-de-de-dededededede-dooo, that the nine letter answer revealed, Richard (Jeff, Des, whoever it is now)…is WayneRoon(ey) *close
HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM IN MIDFIELD... Play your best striker there? 26
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enough*. After staring up front and making a name for himself as one of the best strikers around, becoming an accomplished international along the way it will be as a midfielder that Scholesy is remembered. No doubt had Scholesy not been shifted back he would still have been regarded as one of the best. The parallels between Rooney’s and Scholesy’s playing styles would suggest it’s no real stretch to see Rooney making the shift a successful one too. End of article, you’re welcome...? Filling a slightly Rooney shaped midfield hole with a Rooney shaped peg will work, but the Rooney shaped hole left up front will need to be filled and what of the other midfield berth. If SAF were to trust Berbatov again then we would still need to find an adequate partner for Rooney in midfield. We do have players in the squad who are capable and such is SAF’s ability to shape his squad through the season and inspire confidence that Phil Neville became one of the few midfielders to tame Patrick Vieira. Patching up positions might possibly see us limping over the Premiership winning line again but it will not lead to us seeing the Champions League trophy shoved skywards by any one in a red shirt. Whether Rooney can or can’t, will or won’t, become a midfield player is for SAF and of course Rooney himself to decide. There should be no doubt he is more than able. The issue, this rotation within the squad is papering over,
Will we see less of this if Rooney continues playing deep?
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remains. United need to find at least one if not two, maybe even three, top if not top, top, if not the toppest of the top quality players to keep up. Whether we really have these players in the first team squad is another question…If the answer is a ‘Yes’ that we do, then at this moment in time they are doing a very good impression of a squad where the answer would be a ‘No’ and it’s getting predictable. By Brett Burgers
HoldAndGive
All that Brett wants for Christmas is... * For Berba, some love. * For Rio, the gift of youth. * For Tony V to find inner peace. * For the Cherubs Fabio and Rafael a keep fit video or body armour. * For Nani and Ashley Young, the gift of equilibrium, to sort out their trouble with gravity. * For The Glazers in a moment of heart-warming clarity during their festive family dinner realise the ‘true meaning of Christmas’ and sod off. * Either that or they all choke on a turkey bone. * Either that or they leave the Christmas lights on on the tree over night and as they are tight (cos they’re rich) they’ve got the cheapest lights going and they fuse and set fire to all their presents and then they cry…and then sod off. * For DHL not to wait until I pop to the toilet to chuck the ‘We missed you…’ card through the door. * AAAAANNNDDD AN ERIC CANTONA!
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Transfer As the transfer window opens next month, Jack looks at the areas United need to address.
Preparation Manchester United aren’t renowned for spending big in January, but there are two factors that lead me to think that there could be an acquisition or two in the coming window. Firstly, Wayne Rooney’s recent string of performances in central midfield suggest an acknowledgment of a lack of real quality in the middle of the park; and secondly Manchester City’s, dare I say it, impressive start to the season wouldn’t have gone unnoticed across the city.
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Sir Alex has two good options in the goalkeeping department, an abundance of talented defenders with a mix of youth and experience, and a wealth of quality in wingers and attackers. Central midfield though, is an area most would say needs improving. Anderson, after a very good start to the season, has returned to the largely anonymous player we knew before, while Darren Fletcher’s injury problems have prevented the Scot from re-creating the all -action, dynamic midfielder of two or three years ago.
Michael Carrick, who I do rate quite highly, is too inconsistent and rarely produces in a big game, and Ryan Giggs can no longer feature week in, week out. Therefore, I believe two midfielders are needed. The first needs to be a holding midfielder. Gary Neville has said in the past that Sir Alex doesn’t really buy in to the need of a “Makelele” type player, but perhaps the number of chances that opponents have been able to create against us, particularly at Old Trafford, may
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change his mind. All of United’s title rivals have these types of players who can protect the back four Nigel de Jong, Michael Essien, Alex Song, Lucas, Scott Parker. None are particularly exciting, but they are effective. In Europe, Barcelona have Sergio Busquets or Javier Mascherano, Real Madrid possess Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira. If Sir Alex was to browse the market for this type of player, there are plenty of possibilities both in England and across Europe. Daniele de Rossi, the Roma favourite who in January will only have six months left on his contract, would be a relatively cheap option and has vast experience. A world cup winner, the Italian is only 28 and, though there will probably be a settling in period, would bring a lot of quality to Old Trafford. Cheik Tiote has also been linked with Manchester United after impressing throughout his short time at Newcastle, and again I believe he could be a very good acquisition for us. Other potential prospects include Javi Martinez (Athletic Club), Yann M’Vila (Rennes) and Jack Rodwell (Everton). Importantly for a prospective January buy, none of those mentioned would be cup-tied in the Champions League. The second type of player needs to be an attacking
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De Rossi and Modric—two potential United targets?
scoring and creating goals. Last season, in all competitions, Anderson scored four goals, Giggs also scored four, Darren Fletcher scored three and Michael Carrick failed to net at all. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s central midfield netted a total of 19, and Arsenal’s an impressive 35. Of course, we won the league, so it could be argued that it is irrelevant where the goals come from - but I do believe United would benefit from having a creative spark in midfield - a Juan Mata or a David Silva of our own. Ideally, this man would be Luka Modric. The Croatian doesn’t play too high up the pitch and therefore wouldn’t step on Wayne Rooney’s toes. What he does do though, is play from deep, keep possession and create chances for others. It would be extremely difficult to lure him from Spurs though, who made such an effort to keep him over the summer. Mario Gotze, only 19, would
be a great signing but would be very expensive, costing roughly £30-40M according to the tabloids. Marvin Martin, currently at Sochaux, would also fit the bill and with his contract running down, could be available for £10-15M. Of course, Manchester United always give their own academy players chances in the first team, and Tom Cleverley seems to be an automatic first pick when fit. Added to him, Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison are excelling in the reserves and it cannot be too long before we see them given their chance in the Premier League. In the present though, a little tweaking is necessary. The “playmaker” could probably wait till the summer transfer window, but the need of a holding midfielder is urgent.
By Jack Harvey @Harbey_91
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
BORN AN This month we have put Rich Laverty into the Born & Red hotseat as he discusses meeting the players in South Africa, United’s next manager and the pain of throwing away matches at the death. Name: Richard Laverty Age: 20 Occupation: Student Where do you reside? Leeds How did you become a United fan? I went a lot when I was younger. My dad had a season ticket. I didn't go much during early 00's but been regularly again since 2005. First match you attended? Leicester at home, 1997/98. Preferential seating area at Old Trafford? Usually in the Stretty, but sat in the south stand a few times.
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Favourite ever United player? Ronaldo. I know there are so many, but he was fantastic to watch live and brought controversy with him.
Are you an away match goer? Not at the moment but I’ve been to a few.
Signing you were most excited by? The double signing of Nani & Ando. I was very happy about Veron at the time, and De Gea aswell to be honest.
Best away experience? South Africa - pre-season 2008. Fantastic carnival atmosphere in Durban against Orlando Pirates. Great experience.
Least liked United player? I wouldn't say I've ever hated a United player but for the sake of it I'll say Heinze - great player whilst he was here but attitude towards the end was poor. Are you an away match goer? Not at the moment but I’ve been to a few.
Best away ground? St. James’ Park.
Are you a shouter or a thinker at matches? Bit of both, I tend to shout more towards the end if it's close and tense. Best and worst things about the club? Best, the club itself. The tradition, history, the football. Worst, the debt I guess at the moment. And the sometimes the cringe worthy advertising.
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ND RED Who do you want as the next United manager? Not sure. Mourinho seems obvious but not sure about his tactics. Would love Van Marwijk but he's unproven with clubs. Guus Hiddink would be great but doubt he'd take it. Any experiences with players to share? Well, I got all the autographs in South Africa of the squad out there, the likes of Tevez, Vida, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Rooney. And the youngsters there at the time, Possebon, Cathcart, Clevs. Best match you've ever attended? Arsenal 8-2 this season. Just a memorable game, it had everything. Favourite piece of United memorabilia? My signed United shirt. Unfortunately it has Tevez 32 on the back... Biggest rivals and why? For me, Leeds. I've lived here a long time and have many Leeds supporting friends so it's always fierce. City has to be closing in though.
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Best moment as a United fan? CL final 2008. I never remember feeling as ecstatic as I did that night, unbelievable feeling. Worst moment as fan? Most people would say the CL finals against Barca, but it sometimes sinks in easier when the loss is inevitable with 20 odd minutes to go. Last minute defeats are hard to take or unjust defeats. Bayern Munich in 2010 was horrible, as was the Everton game last season, when we throw it away is hard to take. Biggest prick in football? Tevez, not even because he plays for City but his attitude is second to none apart from Balotelli. Sum up United's last season in ten words or less. Frustrating in some senses but great in others. Nineteen. Our best United XI? In my lifetime: Schmeichel, Neville, Ferdinand, Stam, Irwin, Ronaldo, Scholes, Keane, Giggs, Rooney, Cantona.
Worst moment as a fan? Everton last season was horrible.
All that Rich wants for Christmas is... * A midfielder of any sort, Yann M'Vila would be nice. * Park Ji-Sung to learn the technical side of the game. * Berbatov to stay would make Christmas. * Macheda to get a Premier League loan. * Ravel & Pogba to see more first team opportunities. * Kuszczak to find a good move, I like the lad, deserves more. * Gibson to either improve or be sold. * Stop slacking against lesser teams. * Beat City 6-1 at Eastlands. * Erm...re-sign Dong.
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
THE DAY THAT... of way.
Eric met Matthew In our new feature, the team reminisce about a particular day in United’s history... In thinking of days that I particularly remember in United’s history, I guess Wednesday 25th January 1995, takes some beating. I'll give you a clue. Without the events of this particular date, so the following magnificent philosophical uttering may never have seen the light of day: “When seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think that sardines will be thrown into the sea." It wasn't a day that shaped United’s season in a good way. In fact it was quite the opposite, in that it was possibly, no, sod it, it was
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definitely the day that determined that United would end the season trophy-less. The history books will merely show that United lost the league title by one point and lost the FA Cup Final by a solitary goal. They won't show that the destination of both these two trophies, which adorned the United cabinet in both the preceding and succeeding seasons, was decided in the 19941995 season by one solitary kick on that day. And not a kick of a football. For yes, this was the day that Eric met Matthew. And no, not in a When Harry met Sally sort
To recap, United were playing Crystal Palace. With the score 1-0 to United, Eric Cantona was sent off for kicking Palace defender Richard Shaw. On his way back to the changing room, he was verbally abused by a at-the-time believed to be Palace, though subsequently established to be Fulham 'fan 'Matthew Simmons. Whilst Simmons later stated (erm, sorry, that should read' lied through his teeth') in court that he had not abused Eric at all, and merely shouted "Off you go, Cantona - it's an early shower for you", the actual abuse provoked Eric to leap over the barrier and attack Simmons with a two-footed kung-fu type assault. On reflection a somewhat OTT reaction, and not the most sensible thing Eric ever did but hey, such, occasionally, are the vagaries of being a genius. For Cantona read Kung-fu kick, for Gascoigne read carrying a fishing rod, lager and chicken while
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looking for a homicidal maniac. Yep, the vagaries of genius indeed. Did I say not sensible by Eric? Maybe not sensible, but definitely not unprovoked. After all, Simmons was later fined ÂŁ500 for threatening language and behaviour, and found guilty of provoking the attack and being banned from all football for 12 months. He was also subsequently jailed for a week for jumping a bench in court to attack a prosecuting solicitor! Nice character eh? Erm no, a total git actually. And possibly worthy of Eric later responding to the question of what was his career highlight with "When I did the Kung fu kick on the hooligan, because these kind of people don't have to be at the game. I think maybe it's like a dream for some, you know sometimes to kick these kind of people. So I did it for them. So they are happy. It's a kind of freedom for them." I was at the game, located in the Arthur Wait stand pretty much dead opposite where the incident took place. Not that I appreciated at the time what had just occurred. I was still taking in the fact that Eric had been sent off, and wondering what the consequences of his dismissal would be to this match, not thinking for a minute that the whole seasons outcome was being determined by events
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unfurling some 70 yards or so away from me. Word quickly spread that Eric had kicked a fan, and the gravity of the situation started to become clear. The match was drawn 1-1, a late equaliser denying us a much needed victory. Going home and watching the highlights on MOTD, I guess I wasn't alone in thinking that this would be the last time Eric would ever play for United. Thank Cantona I was wrong. Ok, he was suspended by United for the remainder of the season, found guilty in court of common assault, sentenced to a prison term later reduced to community service (lucky kids in the community I say, learning from the great man) and then screwed by the FA above and beyond what United had already punished him by banning him until October 1995. But he came back. And how. Returning to football on 1st October 1995, he was instrumental in helping United to regain the title in 1995 -96. In April 1996 he was voted Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers Association and in May he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Liverpool as United completed the double for the second time in three seasons. Quite a transformation in fortunes for the man, and a transformation
begs the question, what would have happened had he not been abused that Wednesday evening in London SE25? No doubt events on 25th January 1995 were hugely regrettable, but in the grand scheme of things part of me thinks that the following couple of seasons might not have panned out quite the same were it not for this incident. Before the events of Selhurst Park, Eric’s disciplinary record was poor, with a red card seemingly never too far away. And maybe it would have continued to be such, with the odd suspension thrown in here and there over the succeeding campaigns. As it was however, when he returned in 1995, he was now a different Eric. The genius was still there, but the temperament was now pretty much under control. It was as if he knew his next mistake was definitely going to be his last, and as such so he went to great pains to ensure that that 'final' mistake never materialised. It never did. Until he retired that is. But even then, the King is Red, long live the King.
By Al Monger @almanuman
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
Ravel Morrison & Paul Pogba The next Goldenboys? Ravel Morrison is a supremely gifted talent” proclaims the Manchester United website on the 18 year olds player profile. “Paul Pogba is a highly promising young French midfielder” screams the same website on the young Frenchman’s profile. These two then, according to the techies at United, are the latest to roll off of the famous Old Trafford conveyor belt. Are they really as good as some fans believe though? Harry Sherlock asks this very question... If Morrison’s performances in the reserves are anything to go by, the answer for the Englishman is yes. And then some. The attacking midfielder looks like he could emulate fellow Englishman Paul Gascoigne if he carries on the way he is going – in both ways. He has the ability to be mercurial for his club, to be the figurehead of a future star studded line up. His goal against Newcastle reserves in the FA Youth Cup is evidence of that. Controlling the ball, he beat two defenders inside the box before smashing the ball into the roof of the net. Then there was the scissor volley from the edge of the box in the FA Youth Cup final against Liverpool. The
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ball came in from a corner and the youngster, off balance, slipped slightly and had no option but to try and hit it on his way down. Needless to say, it found the back of the net. The goals he has scored could take up the rest of this piece, but he has so much more to his game than just scoring goals. Look at his performance in said FA Youth Cup final against one of United’s biggest rivals. The lad wasn’t fazed by the occasion, turning in a heroic performance as
the Red Devils came back from 2-0 down to win the game, scoring 2 of the goals – including the winner in front of a half full Anfield crowd. That is the major part of his game, he has the ability to turn a game on it’s head. To produce that one bit of magic that is needed to win a football match. That is why he is so highly rated by the Old Trafford management. Although, and I don’t want to get too hung up on this fact, his destiny is in his own hands. Morrison recently tweeted, following a reserve game, against Everton, where he was left on the bench:
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up against the stars of Barcelona at Old Trafford on a starry Tuesday evening. The former is what happens to most young footballers at Premier League clubs, but this young footballer has the raw ability that is needed to become the next best Englishman to burst onto the scene since one fresh faced scouser knocked a screamer past Arsenal a few years back. I wonder where he is now...
“Pi**take. I cannot wait till the end of the season!” (sic) Following that, Wayne Rooney, no stranger to controversy himself of course, tweeted back saying: “might come sooner than u think!” (sic) having obviously taking umbrage to the winger’s comment. Most of the attacking midfielder’s followers also tweeted him, believing his comment to relate to the club. However, Morrison then tweeted, trying to explain his previous saying: “why do people say I’m leaving I never said I’m leaving, I never said anything bad about the club – end of season = holiday with family.”
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Needless to say, an uneasy truce was called. He will mature though, and if he blossoms in the way previous youngsters at United have (think Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville and David Beckham) he will be the next big thing in world football. And he has the players around him to get his head straight. The likes of Giggs, Ferdinand and Evra will be able to put their arms around Morrison and make him see sense. Because if he doesn’t, he could slip through the net. He could end up turning out for a team like Burton Albion on a wet Saturday afternoon, instead of lining
Paul Pogba, on the other hand, looks like something pretty special as well. The Bambi-legged Frenchman has put in some astonishing performances for the reserves – smashing goals in left, right and centre. He can score from 20,30 and even 40 yards out, and he has been called the “most natural ball striker since David Beckham” at United. If you need any proof, just look at his wonder goal against West Bromwich Albion U18s, smashing the ball into the top corner from the corner of the box. And then there’s his goal against the Derby County U18s, beating two players before blasting the ball past
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
All that Harry wants for Christmas is… * Wayne Rooney to be reverted to his familiar striking role. * Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison to get some time in the first team, or to be loaned out to further their footballing education.
the keeper from 35 yards out with a Dennis Bergkamp esque strike. He, like Morrison, has scored some outstanding goals but that isn’t his best ability. He has a wonderful range of passing as well, with the ability to turn on a sixpence and put a laserguided pass through from 70 yards out. His ability and his showings in the reserves led Sir Alex Ferguson to give the Frenchman his first team debut in the Carling Cup against Leeds United in September. Ravel Morrison, as well, was handed a first team debut by the manager in 2010 in the Carling Cup against Wolves. Pogba, though, may get to the top a little quicker than Morrison as the Frenchman has recently been handed a new contract by the Old Trafford top brass – tying him down for at least
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Another two years, on top of the two years he already had, following a tentative enquiry from Inter Milan regarding his availability. Morrison, as already mentioned, has his destiny in his own hands. He could be the next Paul Gascoigne – spearheading a new United team to glory on all fronts – or he could slip through the net. The duo, though, seem certain to make an impact on world football. Whether that happens at United is down to them, but they both have the ability to become greats at United. Forget Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo, embrace Paul Pogba and Ravel Morrison, the new kids on the block!
By Harry Sherlock
@FootyFanatic
* Tom Cleverley to be given enough first team chances for him to have a chance of reaching England's Euro 2012 squad this summer. * A top quality defensive midfielder. Either let Phil Jones nail down the position, or spend some money on a top quality player - Yann M'Villa would be perfect. * Anders Lindegaard to be given a run of games between the sticks. He's a quality keeper, and could be just as good as £18.6 million man David De Gea. * Nani to be given a free role in the United team, a la Cristiano Ronaldo. Let him roam wherever he wants, he's good enough to make an impact anywhere on the pitch. * And finally, a derby day win over Manchester City when we visit them at Eastlands in April. Ideally through an obviously offside, never over the line, totally undeserved 94th minute Ryan Giggs goal that wins us the title!
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
A very special Fergie Part III In recent issues freelance football writer, and United fan, Will Tidey has been reliving some of Fergie’s most inspirational matches in charge at the club. In this final instalment we move across Europe to THAT final in Moscow ‘08. Will Tidey @willtidey
I was on live text commentary duty for the 2008 Champions League final holed up in the EurosportYahoo! bunker in Feltham and surviving on a steady flow of instant coffee and vending machine chocolate. It's hard enough watching a game like that at home with your closest friends, but having to write a coherent sentence every minute of the match, then file a full report on the final whistle, made for one of the more nerveshredding nights of my footballing life. All I could think about during the build-up were the
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repercussions of a Chelsea victory. First would come the agony of defeat. Then the torturous task of having to write several hundred words celebrating Chelsea's glorious triumph. After that, days, weeks, months and years of gloating from insufferable Chelsea fans everywhere I went. It was a quite sickening thought to behold. For Chelsea, reaching the 2008 final was the culmination of the spectacular Roman Abramovich revolution. The billionaire oligarch had embarked on an unprecedented spending spree when he took over the club in 2004, and he fully intended to realise his prolific investment with a European title. It had taken four years to get there, but there was surely an omen to be found in that
fact Chelsea's first shot at the big cup arrived in Ambramovich's city of Moscow. Avram Grant's team entered the final buoyed by a league victory against United in April. There was also their 2007 FA Cup Final defeat of Sir Alex Ferguson's men to lean on for inspiration, not to mention two seasons of dominance under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Mourinho had by now moved on to Inter Milan, but many of his players, and his philosophies for that matter, remained entrenched in a world-class Chelsea team boasting the qualities of Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Didier Drogba. But what of United? Ferguson and his team had
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
The second half flew by in a blur. Drogba hit a post, and Ryan Giggs almost came off the bench to win it late on. But neither side could land a knockout blow and extra-time duly followed. In was unbearable stuff, and as my fingers typed frantically I prayed for a resolution before penalties. Giggs came close, as did Lampard, then Drogba stupidly got himself sent off. But the dreaded spot-kick lottery loomed large.
once again been written off in the Mourinho years, so the next chapter was all too predictable. With a foundation of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in central defence, and the irresistible union of Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney rampaging forward in attack, United had answered their critics with back-to-back titles. It was beginning to look as though Ferguson had built a third great team at Old Trafford, to follow those he sent out in 1994 and 1999. But he'd need a second European title to prove it. It was about time the great man conquered the continent again. United had reached three quarter-finals and two semis since that famous night at Camp Nou in 1999, but each time fallen short on inspiration. This time was different. With a place in the final up for grabs against Barcelona at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes had fizzed one into the top corner to win it. United were watertight at the back, and razor sharp going forward. The title was theirs to win.
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And so to the match itself. Ferguson went bold and opted for Carlos Tevez alongside Rooney in attack, with a midfield four of Ronaldo, Scholes, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves in support. The back four was as solid as any sent out in the Ferguson era - Edwin van der Sar in goal, protected by Ferdinand, Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wes Brown. Chelsea set up in their trademark 4-5-1, with Makelele holding and Drogba tasked with leading the line on his own. United struck first, and who else but Ronaldo to provide it – heading home Wes Brown's cross in the 26th minute for goal #42 of the season. But Chelsea held firm, and found an equaliser before the break when Michael Essien's shot deflected conveniently into the path of Lampard. Van der Sar was already committed, and Lampard had the simple task of diverting the ball into an empty net. It was a lucky goal, but I'll begrudgingly admit they probably deserved it.
When Ronaldo missed a man at the opposite end of the office leaped to his feet in hysterical celebration. "Haha Ronaldo, you f**king w**ker, you absolute f**king c**t," he screamed, looking over at me for approval. He didn't get it, but when John Terry sliced the most important kick of his Chelsea-loving life, I made sure to punch the air in silence and bid him a polite goodnight as he left the building in disgust. The moment Terry missed I knew we'd won it. Chelsea had their chance and they didn't take it. And when the ultimate footballing mercenary Nicolas Anelka stepped up in sudden death the script was waiting to written. Van der Sar made the save and United fans all over the world erupted in wild celebration. "Manchester United were crowned European champions for the third time in Moscow," began my match report that night. I relished writing every single word of it. Will is a football writer for ESPN Soccernet, Bleacher Report and EurosportYahoo!, amongst others. His first book. 'Life with Sir Alex: A Fan's Story of Ferguson's 25 Years at United', is out now.
ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
@HoldAndGive
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
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ISSUE 10, DECEMBER 2011
The Final Word It’s sometimes hard to remember that United have won all but one League match since the derby day defeat in October as a result of the mediocre performances we have witnessed recently. Perhaps three points is the most important element at the moment, especially considering we are already playing catch-up in the table. The performances will come in time, there’s no doubt about that—hopefully in time for the busy festive period, extending all the way to our FA Cup third round tie... Happy Christmas one and all.
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ISSUE DECEMBER Issue 11 is out on Thursday 5th10, January 2012 2011