Rio Ferdinand has labelled young Reds centre-half Jonny Evans "fantastic" and claims the Northern Irishman made the right decision to stay at United, despite no guarantees of regular football.
Evans was a prime target for Sunderland last summer after impressing in the Championship during a loan spell at the Stadium of Light. But he opted to remain at Old Trafford, where Ferdinand says he's blossomed into a top-class defender.
"He's a fantastic young player," Rio Ferdinand told the Press Association. "For centre-halves it's always difficult to see the best of them at early ages. There's always a chance of them making mistakes but Jonny keeps that to a minimum.
"He's got a cool head on his shoulders. He's sat back and watched for a few years when he was younger. He went to Sunderland, did very well and they wanted to buy him, for obvious reasons.
"But he stuck to his guns, stayed here and last season he had opportunities to play. When he did so, he was fantastic."
And it wasn't just the odd Carling Cup game, either. Evans made 24 appearances in 2008/09, providing valuable cover for the established central-defensive pairing of Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
But Evans, a full international and one of the game's most exciting defensive prospects, could easily have been lured by regular football elsewhere had Ferdinand not offered the youngster some valuable advice.
"I spoke to him in pre-season last year in South Africa," Rio said. "He was at a stage where he wanted to play every week. He'd been doing that the season before at Sunderland and he didn't want to come back and play for the Reserves again. He wanted to play first-team football.
"It's the same argument for any young player: Do you want to go and play for mid-table team or do you want to be in the squad of a team where you're going to get chances to play in a title-winning or European Cup-winning team?
"When you look at it like that it's a bit of a no-brainer. The manager didn't want to let him go anyway, but I think Jonny came round to
thinking that it was better to be a part of the squad and play when the opportunities came."
Michael's delight at debut goal
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Report by Gemma Thompson
www.manutd.com
Michael Owen was all smiles after he struck his first goal in a red shirt and ensured victory for United in Kuala Lumpur.
The 29-year-old striker made his debut in United's opening Asia Tour game as a 61st minute substitute and hit the winner five minutes from full-time, pouncing on a loose ball after Ryan Giggs had been tackled in the area.
Owen was delighted to open his account for the Reds and hopes it will be the first of many.
"It was a really nice feeling [to score]," he told MUTV. "You train for weeks in preparation for that all-important first game and to score on your debut feels great.
"It's always nice to get off the mark, not just when you join a new club but any time. I was sat chatting to Wayne [Rooney] in the dressing room afterwards and he feels the same way after getting off the mark for the season.
"It's obviously doubly good for me with it being my first goal for the club, and even though it won't really count in the grand scheme of things, it does make you feel better. Hopefully I can score a lot more."
After a bright opening period, United were made to work hard for their 3-2 victory by a determined and energetic Malaysian XI. Owen felt the team performed well in the hot conditions and expects further improvements to follow.
"It was very hot out there. We've played in these conditions before and you just have make sure you prepare properly and do the right things afterwards to recover for the next game," he explained.
"I think the fans saw a good match today and hopefully we can put in some more good performances."
www.manutd.com
Michael Owen was all smiles after he struck his first goal in a red shirt and ensured victory for United in Kuala Lumpur.
The 29-year-old striker made his debut in United's opening Asia Tour game as a 61st minute substitute and hit the winner five minutes from full-time, pouncing on a loose ball after Ryan Giggs had been tackled in the area.
Owen was delighted to open his account for the Reds and hopes it will be the first of many.
"It was a really nice feeling [to score]," he told MUTV. "You train for weeks in preparation for that all-important first game and to score on your debut feels great.
"It's always nice to get off the mark, not just when you join a new club but any time. I was sat chatting to Wayne [Rooney] in the dressing room afterwards and he feels the same way after getting off the mark for the season.
"It's obviously doubly good for me with it being my first goal for the club, and even though it won't really count in the grand scheme of things, it does make you feel better. Hopefully I can score a lot more."
After a bright opening period, United were made to work hard for their 3-2 victory by a determined and energetic Malaysian XI. Owen felt the team performed well in the hot conditions and expects further improvements to follow.
"It was very hot out there. We've played in these conditions before and you just have make sure you prepare properly and do the right things afterwards to recover for the next game," he explained.
"I think the fans saw a good match today and hopefully we can put in some more good performances."
Club cancels Indonesia visit
Friday, July 17, 2009
Following the explosions in Jakarta – one of which was at the hotel the team were due to stay in – and based on advice received, the Directors have informed the Indonesian FA that the Club cannot fulfil the fixture in Jakarta on the 2009 Asia tour.
We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters, and will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made.
We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support.
Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts.
Club statement ends.
Speaking at a press conference shortly after arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It was a shock. We got the news just as we landed and it’s very disappointing.
"The Indonesian FA have worked very hard to get us over there and it’s a terribly big disappointment for them. There’s no other decision we could have taken in regards to the safeguarding of our players. We feel we’ve made the right decision."
Club captain Gary Neville echoed his manager's sentiments:
"We’re all disappointed not to get the opportunity to go to Indonesia. One of the great things about playing for this club is the chance you get to play in different countries and meet our fans from around the world. The players are as disappointed as everybody else."
We are working on a revised itinerary outside Indonesia with the promoters, and will make a further announcement when these decisions have been made.
We are deeply disappointed at not being able to visit Indonesia and thank the Indonesian FA and our fans for their support.
Our thoughts go to all those affected by the blasts.
Club statement ends.
Speaking at a press conference shortly after arriving in Kuala Lumpur, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "It was a shock. We got the news just as we landed and it’s very disappointing.
"The Indonesian FA have worked very hard to get us over there and it’s a terribly big disappointment for them. There’s no other decision we could have taken in regards to the safeguarding of our players. We feel we’ve made the right decision."
Club captain Gary Neville echoed his manager's sentiments:
"We’re all disappointed not to get the opportunity to go to Indonesia. One of the great things about playing for this club is the chance you get to play in different countries and meet our fans from around the world. The players are as disappointed as everybody else."
Strong squad for Malaysia match
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Report by Adam Bostock & Gemma Thompson
Sir Alex Ferguson will have a strong squad at his disposal on Saturday, when he names the line-up for United's first Asia Tour match against Malaysian XI.
All bar two of the 22 players on board the flight from Manchester to Kuala Lumpur are full internationals, the exceptions being Brazilian left-back Fabio da Silva and Italian striker Federico Macheda.
New signing Michael Owen is in contention for his first appearance in a United shirt, having joined fellow strikers Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and young Macheda on the plane.
Travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster; Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Fabio da Silva; Nani, Zoran Tosic, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs; Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov, Federico Macheda, Wayne Rooney.
Live blog: ManUtd.com's Nick Coppack is among the staff on the trip and he'll be publishing regular updates, complete with video clips and stills from his shiny new digital camera, following his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Friday morning UK time.
Live coverage: Saturday's match (kick-off 10:30 BST) will be the first of seven pre-season games being shown live on MUTV and MUTV Online.
Message board: From the above squad, which eleven would you start with in Malaysia on Saturday? Post your team and a brief explanation on manutd.com/talkingreds.
www.manutd.com
Sir Alex Ferguson will have a strong squad at his disposal on Saturday, when he names the line-up for United's first Asia Tour match against Malaysian XI.
All bar two of the 22 players on board the flight from Manchester to Kuala Lumpur are full internationals, the exceptions being Brazilian left-back Fabio da Silva and Italian striker Federico Macheda.
New signing Michael Owen is in contention for his first appearance in a United shirt, having joined fellow strikers Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and young Macheda on the plane.
Travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster; Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Wes Brown, John O’Shea, Fabio da Silva; Nani, Zoran Tosic, Darren Fletcher, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs; Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov, Federico Macheda, Wayne Rooney.
Live blog: ManUtd.com's Nick Coppack is among the staff on the trip and he'll be publishing regular updates, complete with video clips and stills from his shiny new digital camera, following his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Friday morning UK time.
Live coverage: Saturday's match (kick-off 10:30 BST) will be the first of seven pre-season games being shown live on MUTV and MUTV Online.
Message board: From the above squad, which eleven would you start with in Malaysia on Saturday? Post your team and a brief explanation on manutd.com/talkingreds.
www.manutd.com
Gibson agrees new deal
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Report by Ben Hibbs
Darron Gibson has agreed a three-year contract extension at Old Trafford and is aiming to challenge for regular first-team involvement.
The new deal keeps the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international at the club until at least June 2012.
"I am very happy to commit my future to United," Darron told ManUtd.com.
"Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season."
Gibson made 14 appearances for the Reds last season, playing an integral part in United's Carling Cup triumph. He also scored three goals, including an outstanding long-distance effort against Hull City on the final day of the league season.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Gibson expects even more from the Irish central midfielder this season.
"Darron was one of the young players who emerged last season as a United first-team player," he told us.
"His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first team spot."
Darron Gibson has agreed a three-year contract extension at Old Trafford and is aiming to challenge for regular first-team involvement.
The new deal keeps the 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international at the club until at least June 2012.
"I am very happy to commit my future to United," Darron told ManUtd.com.
"Last season I enjoyed every opportunity and when I got my chance I wanted to prove what I could do. I hope to continue that this season."
Gibson made 14 appearances for the Reds last season, playing an integral part in United's Carling Cup triumph. He also scored three goals, including an outstanding long-distance effort against Hull City on the final day of the league season.
Sir Alex Ferguson says Gibson expects even more from the Irish central midfielder this season.
"Darron was one of the young players who emerged last season as a United first-team player," he told us.
"His appearance ratio did not really reflect the high regard in which we hold him, as he has constantly worked hard to challenge for a first team spot."
Win a chance to meet the players
www.manutd.com
Claim a free photo opportunity with the Barclays Premier League trophy, Club World Cup and Carling Cup plus free Museum entry when you buy the new home shirt at Old Trafford's Megastore from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July.
You'll also receive a voucher to fill in with your details for entry into a prize draw, in which you could win the chance to meet three players during the season. These terms apply:
1. The voucher entitles one adult and one child per transaction to a free entry into the Manchester United Museum, Old Trafford where they are entitled to a free photograph with the Premier League, Carling Cup and Club World Cup trophies. 2. The voucher will only be redeemable at the Manchester United Museum, Old Trafford, on production of this voucher and a valid till receipt for the new home shirt. 3. The voucher can only be redeemed between Thursday 16 July and Sunday 26 July 2009 inclusive. 4. The offer is available for purchases made between Thursday 16 July and Sunday 19 July 2009 inclusive. 5. Only 1 free photo per voucher is permitted. 6. The Megastore and Museum opening hours apply throughout the offer period – please see instore for details. 7. Copied, damaged or defected vouchers will not be accepted. 8. The voucher has no cash value and is not transferable. 9. The voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion. 10. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult in the Museum. 11. The shirt and voucher are subject to availability. 12. Please note that if a refund is subsequently given for the new home shirt purchased the entry fee for the Museum and photograph fee will be deducted from that refund. 13. Subject to player availability.
Claim a free photo opportunity with the Barclays Premier League trophy, Club World Cup and Carling Cup plus free Museum entry when you buy the new home shirt at Old Trafford's Megastore from Thursday 16 to Sunday 19 July.
You'll also receive a voucher to fill in with your details for entry into a prize draw, in which you could win the chance to meet three players during the season. These terms apply:
1. The voucher entitles one adult and one child per transaction to a free entry into the Manchester United Museum, Old Trafford where they are entitled to a free photograph with the Premier League, Carling Cup and Club World Cup trophies. 2. The voucher will only be redeemable at the Manchester United Museum, Old Trafford, on production of this voucher and a valid till receipt for the new home shirt. 3. The voucher can only be redeemed between Thursday 16 July and Sunday 26 July 2009 inclusive. 4. The offer is available for purchases made between Thursday 16 July and Sunday 19 July 2009 inclusive. 5. Only 1 free photo per voucher is permitted. 6. The Megastore and Museum opening hours apply throughout the offer period – please see instore for details. 7. Copied, damaged or defected vouchers will not be accepted. 8. The voucher has no cash value and is not transferable. 9. The voucher may not be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount or promotion. 10. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult in the Museum. 11. The shirt and voucher are subject to availability. 12. Please note that if a refund is subsequently given for the new home shirt purchased the entry fee for the Museum and photograph fee will be deducted from that refund. 13. Subject to player availability.
Blog: See you in September
Report by Adam Bostock
Roll on Sunday, 20 September.
Forgive me for not taking it one game at a time and looking slightly beyond Saturday morning’s pre-season opener in Kuala Lumpur, but I just can’t help relishing the Reds’ first skirmish with the New Improved Manchester City, especially now they have one Carlos Alberto Tevez in their ranks.
The summer recruitment drive at Eastlands – with or without the still possible additions of Adebayor and Terry – will not only make the race for fifth place more interesting (look out Everton and Villa, City are coming), it should also make for a better derby than the one we witnessed at Old Trafford on 10 May.
Of course, United picked up three more points on that last derby day, thank you very much, but it became a procession after the break with the Reds already two-up; even the ever-industrious Darren Fletcher admitted afterwards, “We slackened off a bit in the second half, but we’d done enough to win the match.”
I wonder, did the lack of resistance from City, then Arsenal six days later, give the United players the best preparation for the bigger fish they had to fry in Rome? I’d say not – if every game is a full-blooded, high stakes affair, with both teams going hammer and tongs, surely that’s better for maintaining levels of intensity and tempo. The Reds were playing, almost literally, cup finals every week en route to lifting the European Cup in 1999; when, conversely, the Premier League was won at a canter in 2000 and 2001, the concurrent Champions League campaigns faltered.
City at home won't be a cup final, it never is for United, but coming just six games into the league season, it could tell us just how seriously we should take the threat from our shopaholic neighbours. Especially if the Blues have lived up to the expectations of their understandably giddy supporters and racked up a maximum 15 points before kick-off at Old Trafford.
So roll on the first derby of the new season, with a certain Argentine hell-bent on scoring against his former employers – assuming Mark Hughes brings him off the bench, that is. Such fire and brimstone from the Blues could bring out the best in the champions on the pitch and stir the crowd off it as we rise to the challenge of a new world order in football. Apparently.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Roll on Sunday, 20 September.
Forgive me for not taking it one game at a time and looking slightly beyond Saturday morning’s pre-season opener in Kuala Lumpur, but I just can’t help relishing the Reds’ first skirmish with the New Improved Manchester City, especially now they have one Carlos Alberto Tevez in their ranks.
The summer recruitment drive at Eastlands – with or without the still possible additions of Adebayor and Terry – will not only make the race for fifth place more interesting (look out Everton and Villa, City are coming), it should also make for a better derby than the one we witnessed at Old Trafford on 10 May.
Of course, United picked up three more points on that last derby day, thank you very much, but it became a procession after the break with the Reds already two-up; even the ever-industrious Darren Fletcher admitted afterwards, “We slackened off a bit in the second half, but we’d done enough to win the match.”
I wonder, did the lack of resistance from City, then Arsenal six days later, give the United players the best preparation for the bigger fish they had to fry in Rome? I’d say not – if every game is a full-blooded, high stakes affair, with both teams going hammer and tongs, surely that’s better for maintaining levels of intensity and tempo. The Reds were playing, almost literally, cup finals every week en route to lifting the European Cup in 1999; when, conversely, the Premier League was won at a canter in 2000 and 2001, the concurrent Champions League campaigns faltered.
City at home won't be a cup final, it never is for United, but coming just six games into the league season, it could tell us just how seriously we should take the threat from our shopaholic neighbours. Especially if the Blues have lived up to the expectations of their understandably giddy supporters and racked up a maximum 15 points before kick-off at Old Trafford.
So roll on the first derby of the new season, with a certain Argentine hell-bent on scoring against his former employers – assuming Mark Hughes brings him off the bench, that is. Such fire and brimstone from the Blues could bring out the best in the champions on the pitch and stir the crowd off it as we rise to the challenge of a new world order in football. Apparently.
The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.
Eckersley joins Burnley
Report by Ben Hibbs
Burnley have completed the signing of young Reds defender Richard Eckersley.
The 20-year-old Salford-born right-back has agreed a four-year deal at Turf Moor and arrives for Burnley's first season in the Premier League.
As a result of the player's age, the Clarets must now agree a compensation fee with United.
Eckersley made his first-team debut for the Reds in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Tottenham back in January, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Burnley have completed the signing of young Reds defender Richard Eckersley.
The 20-year-old Salford-born right-back has agreed a four-year deal at Turf Moor and arrives for Burnley's first season in the Premier League.
As a result of the player's age, the Clarets must now agree a compensation fee with United.
Eckersley made his first-team debut for the Reds in the 2-1 FA Cup victory over Tottenham back in January, coming on as a second-half substitute.
Watch live pre-season action
www.manutd.com
Good news if you can't wait for your next dose of live United action: MUTV and MUTV Online will be showing seven pre-season matches live this summer.
Live match coverage starts with all four games on the Asia Tour*:
Malaysia XI on 18 July
Indonesia All Star on 20 July
FC Seoul (Korea) on 24 July
Hangzhou Greentown FC (China) on 26 July
The action in Asia will be closely followed by two Audi Cup matches** in Germany:
Boca Juniors on 29 July
Bayern Munich or AC Milan on 30 July
Finally, the Reds return to Old Trafford for a friendly against Spanish opposition:
Valencia on 5 August.
To sign-up to MUTV Online and see all the content on offer, visit manutd.com/video.
To sign-up and find out more about MUTV, go to manutd.com/joinmutv.
*Supporters in Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea and China will not be able to watch the matches live on MUTV Online when United are playing in their country.
**Supporters outside UK and Eire will not be able to watch the Audi Cup live online.
Good news if you can't wait for your next dose of live United action: MUTV and MUTV Online will be showing seven pre-season matches live this summer.
Live match coverage starts with all four games on the Asia Tour*:
Malaysia XI on 18 July
Indonesia All Star on 20 July
FC Seoul (Korea) on 24 July
Hangzhou Greentown FC (China) on 26 July
The action in Asia will be closely followed by two Audi Cup matches** in Germany:
Boca Juniors on 29 July
Bayern Munich or AC Milan on 30 July
Finally, the Reds return to Old Trafford for a friendly against Spanish opposition:
Valencia on 5 August.
To sign-up to MUTV Online and see all the content on offer, visit manutd.com/video.
To sign-up and find out more about MUTV, go to manutd.com/joinmutv.
*Supporters in Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea and China will not be able to watch the matches live on MUTV Online when United are playing in their country.
**Supporters outside UK and Eire will not be able to watch the Audi Cup live online.
Van der Sar excited by tour
Report by Ben Hibbs
Edwin van der Sar can't wait to return to the continent of United's recent Club World Cup triumph when the Reds head out on a pre-season tour of Asia.
United were in Japan in December to become the first English team to be named World champions, and van der Sar is looking forward to returning to perform in front of the Reds' loyal Far East fanbase this month.
"The last time we were in Asia was a great occasion because we became world champions and everyone is looking forward to going out there again this week," Edwin told ManUtd.com.
Old Trafford is full most weeks with die-hard Reds from closer to home, but Edwin says these summer trips are an opportunity for equally devoted United fans from around the globe to see the Reds up close.
"It’s a great feeling to see the joy on people’s faces when we’re in Asia," he says.
"The fans are so fanatical and dedicated – some wait outside our hotel all day and night. Many of them don’t get the chance to see us very often so it’s great that we can over there and visit them."
Edwin van der Sar can't wait to return to the continent of United's recent Club World Cup triumph when the Reds head out on a pre-season tour of Asia.
United were in Japan in December to become the first English team to be named World champions, and van der Sar is looking forward to returning to perform in front of the Reds' loyal Far East fanbase this month.
"The last time we were in Asia was a great occasion because we became world champions and everyone is looking forward to going out there again this week," Edwin told ManUtd.com.
Old Trafford is full most weeks with die-hard Reds from closer to home, but Edwin says these summer trips are an opportunity for equally devoted United fans from around the globe to see the Reds up close.
"It’s a great feeling to see the joy on people’s faces when we’re in Asia," he says.
"The fans are so fanatical and dedicated – some wait outside our hotel all day and night. Many of them don’t get the chance to see us very often so it’s great that we can over there and visit them."
Asia ready for Reds' arrival
Report by James Tuck
Around 50,000 fans are expected to watch United's first open training session of the 2009 Asia Tour in Malaysia on Friday.
Supporters with special passes will see the Reds being put through their pre-season paces at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium from 10:30 BST (17.30 local), though this time is subject to change.
Julian Kam, chief executive of tour organisers ProEvents International Sdn Bhd, said: "We would like to encourage fans to come early, to ensure they get to the stadium on time to catch the training."
United play a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 10:30 BST (17.30 local). Fans can still buy tickets by calling the Ticketpro hotline on 03-78807999. Only 15,000 tickets are left, priced at RM58 (GBP11), and the match is expected to be a sell-out. Fans are advised to use public transport.
The Reds fly out to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday afternoon and ManUtd.com will have comprehensive coverage of the tour, starting with the travelling party and the latest pre-season photos of the squad.
The Far East trip also takes in Indonesia (July 20), Korea (July 24) and China (July 26). Read all the latest news and features in our dedicated Asia Tour 2009 section.
Around 50,000 fans are expected to watch United's first open training session of the 2009 Asia Tour in Malaysia on Friday.
Supporters with special passes will see the Reds being put through their pre-season paces at Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Jalil Stadium from 10:30 BST (17.30 local), though this time is subject to change.
Julian Kam, chief executive of tour organisers ProEvents International Sdn Bhd, said: "We would like to encourage fans to come early, to ensure they get to the stadium on time to catch the training."
United play a Malaysia XI at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 10:30 BST (17.30 local). Fans can still buy tickets by calling the Ticketpro hotline on 03-78807999. Only 15,000 tickets are left, priced at RM58 (GBP11), and the match is expected to be a sell-out. Fans are advised to use public transport.
The Reds fly out to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday afternoon and ManUtd.com will have comprehensive coverage of the tour, starting with the travelling party and the latest pre-season photos of the squad.
The Far East trip also takes in Indonesia (July 20), Korea (July 24) and China (July 26). Read all the latest news and features in our dedicated Asia Tour 2009 section.
Heroic United moments: 1-10
We’ve hand-picked half a century of the most iconic Red-letter days. These moments are in no particular order, but there can only be one place to start…
1. Sir Matt leads United to a first ever European Cup, 29 May 1968
The United story doesn’t start here, of course, but much of what the club has come to stand for can be traced back to this epochal moment. The 4-1 European Cup final victory over Benfica in 1968 was hugely significant. Not only were United the first English club to lift the trophy, it was the realisation of the long-held vision of Matt Busby. When Busby became United manager in 1945 he and his backroom team – his inestimable right-hand man Jimmy Murphy and those men of football science, Bert Whalley, Tom Curry and Bill Inglis – set their vision of youth as the way forward. Busby first took his young charges into Europe in 1956 (see number 2) but the tragedy of Munich in 1958 blew a hole in Busby’s masterplan. Busby’s side were aiming for a third consecutive league title and European glory when disaster struck, claiming the lives of eight of his braves and so nearly his own. Those who knew him best said he felt that he owed it to them to go on. A decade later, against Eusebio and co on a sweltering Wembley night, the United flag was finally planted at Europe’s summit. Vindication came courtesy of two goals from Bobby Charlton, fellow Munich survivor; and one apiece from George Best, the game’s first superstar, and Brian Kidd, who turned 19 that day. Busby’s glorious dream came at a terrible price, but this was a night where the guilt he felt was, in a small but significant way, assuaged.
2. United defy the Football League to enter the European stage, 22 May 1956
The stiff shirts at the Football League scoffed in 1955 when Frenchman Gabriel Hanot proposed a champions club cup for which the cream of Europe could compete. ‘Learn something from Johnny Foreigner? Pah!’ – or words to that effect – was the attitude of Football League secretary Alan Hardaker. If the Football League squeeze worked on Chelsea, champions in 1954/55, it didn’t affect Busby 12 months on after his swashbuckling Babes took their first title. At a board meeting on May 22, 1956, Busby insisted he would take his team into Europe. The board backed him, against the Football League’s wishes. United entered the European Cup in 1956/57 – the first English club to do so – beating Anderlecht 10-0 in the first match. Busby’s trailblazing European adventure was afoot.
3. “Knocking Liverpool off their perch…” Sir Alex arrives, 6 November 1986
OK, tracking down the exact quote isn’t easy but this apocryphal version of the boss’ mission statement on arriving at OT in 1986 isn’t far off the mark. With these words, he sounded a call to arms that every soul in M16 could heed. Classic Sir Alex. Getting inside the head of the United fan has always been a key part of his armoury. If any Liverpool fan tells you they were already wobbling, they’re just putting a brave face on. At 18 titles apiece, their cage is still rattling, and they hate it. Just ask Rafa...
4. “Fergie out!” say fans, but he’s backing by Sir Bobby, the board... and Mark Robins, 7 January 1990
It’s hard now to believe those chants really happened. Back then, though, United weren’t the bookies’ favourites to win every trophy going. In fact in January 1990 the only certainty – according to some pundits – was that Alex Ferguson was headed for the Old Trafford exit. But Rome wasn’t built in a day. Behind the scenes the boss, with Archie Knox playing Murphy to his Busby, was working towards his goal. His blueprint was to unfold spectacularly in the early 1990s, and though Mark Robins’ header at the City Ground on 7 January 1990 passed into legend for steering the Reds through a sticky third round FA Cup tie at Forest, the club’s directors already liked what they saw. Sir Bobby Charlton knew this was the right man; 19 years, 33 trophies on, he was bang on the money…
5. Brucey’s bonus: Sheffield Wednesday, 10 April 1993
With Sheffield Wednesday leading at Old Trafford, three minutes remaining and the memory of our 1991/92 title concession still painfully fresh, only the bravest souls held out hope of victory. Fortunately, one wore our no.4 shirt. First Steve Bruce powered home Eric Cantona’s corner, then, in the sixth of seven added minutes, he met a cross from centre-half partner Gary Pallister to nod in his second. Despite OT’s delirium, Brucey shrugged: “Suddenly you get your head to a couple and they fly in.”
6. Bright Spark: Oldham Athletic, 9 April 1994
Having shaken off a 26-year albatross by taking the inaugural Premier League title, we developed the steadfast resolve of champions in the 90s. That fortitude was rarely more evident than in overcoming Oldham – and the clock – in an FA Cup semi-final to preserve hopes of our first Double. Neil Pointon put the Latics ahead in extra-time but, with seconds remaining, Brian McClair’s lob served up one last half-chance for Mark Hughes. Hardly a gimme, but fortunately Sparky called upon his own unique brand of intricate brutality, guiding the ball into the far corner with the velocity of a cruise missile.
7&8. Spurs jangled: 16 May 1999 and 25 April 2009
Glory is invariably sweeter after flirting with failure. And the stakes have rarely been higher than the 1998/99 Premiership finale, the first leg of the Treble. Nevertheless we contrived to fall behind, before David Beckham’s equaliser raised Old Trafford spirits. Andy Cole emerged as the man of the hour by coolly lobbing home the winner. Fast forward a decade and, although five games remained, Spurs were again the opposition in a defining victory. Double the deficit and only half an hour to play. No matter. United only needed 22 of those remaining minutes to score five times and take a huge step towards title number 18.
9. The five-minute flip: Aston Villa, 6 January 2002
Villa haven’t overcome United this millennium. But John Gregory’s charges seemed destined to dump the Reds out of the FA Cup third round, with the clock ticking past 77 minutes and a two-goal lead. Cue a five-minute turnaround of such drama the pitch invasion couldn’t wait for the final whistle. Peter Schmeichel, then at Villa, and having enjoyed so many turnarounds at United, must have known what was coming when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer smashed a shot between his legs. Ruud van Nistelrooy then hammered in a volley and was mobbed by jubilant travelling reds. They barely had time to retake their seats before returning to the field, now in droves, to celebrate Ruud rounding Schmeichel to nudge home the winner.
10. Merseyside mayhem: Everton, 28 April 2007
Chelsea had closed to within three points of season-long leaders United as May loomed. With the Blues ahead at home to Bolton and the Reds two down at Goodison Park, we’d done with our fingernails and were gnawing at our elbows. With the odds finally stacked high enough, United clicked into overdrive. John O’Shea pounced on rookie keeper Iain Turner’s mistake to halve the arrears, before Phil Neville’s helped out with an own goal to level. Inevitably Wayne Rooney had his say, before Chris Eagles’ solo strike sealed it. Down at the Bridge a Bolton equaliser created a five-point lead for the champions-elect.
Look out for the next instalment - numbers 11-20 - on ManUtd.com on Tuesday.
www.manutd.com
1. Sir Matt leads United to a first ever European Cup, 29 May 1968
The United story doesn’t start here, of course, but much of what the club has come to stand for can be traced back to this epochal moment. The 4-1 European Cup final victory over Benfica in 1968 was hugely significant. Not only were United the first English club to lift the trophy, it was the realisation of the long-held vision of Matt Busby. When Busby became United manager in 1945 he and his backroom team – his inestimable right-hand man Jimmy Murphy and those men of football science, Bert Whalley, Tom Curry and Bill Inglis – set their vision of youth as the way forward. Busby first took his young charges into Europe in 1956 (see number 2) but the tragedy of Munich in 1958 blew a hole in Busby’s masterplan. Busby’s side were aiming for a third consecutive league title and European glory when disaster struck, claiming the lives of eight of his braves and so nearly his own. Those who knew him best said he felt that he owed it to them to go on. A decade later, against Eusebio and co on a sweltering Wembley night, the United flag was finally planted at Europe’s summit. Vindication came courtesy of two goals from Bobby Charlton, fellow Munich survivor; and one apiece from George Best, the game’s first superstar, and Brian Kidd, who turned 19 that day. Busby’s glorious dream came at a terrible price, but this was a night where the guilt he felt was, in a small but significant way, assuaged.
2. United defy the Football League to enter the European stage, 22 May 1956
The stiff shirts at the Football League scoffed in 1955 when Frenchman Gabriel Hanot proposed a champions club cup for which the cream of Europe could compete. ‘Learn something from Johnny Foreigner? Pah!’ – or words to that effect – was the attitude of Football League secretary Alan Hardaker. If the Football League squeeze worked on Chelsea, champions in 1954/55, it didn’t affect Busby 12 months on after his swashbuckling Babes took their first title. At a board meeting on May 22, 1956, Busby insisted he would take his team into Europe. The board backed him, against the Football League’s wishes. United entered the European Cup in 1956/57 – the first English club to do so – beating Anderlecht 10-0 in the first match. Busby’s trailblazing European adventure was afoot.
3. “Knocking Liverpool off their perch…” Sir Alex arrives, 6 November 1986
OK, tracking down the exact quote isn’t easy but this apocryphal version of the boss’ mission statement on arriving at OT in 1986 isn’t far off the mark. With these words, he sounded a call to arms that every soul in M16 could heed. Classic Sir Alex. Getting inside the head of the United fan has always been a key part of his armoury. If any Liverpool fan tells you they were already wobbling, they’re just putting a brave face on. At 18 titles apiece, their cage is still rattling, and they hate it. Just ask Rafa...
4. “Fergie out!” say fans, but he’s backing by Sir Bobby, the board... and Mark Robins, 7 January 1990
It’s hard now to believe those chants really happened. Back then, though, United weren’t the bookies’ favourites to win every trophy going. In fact in January 1990 the only certainty – according to some pundits – was that Alex Ferguson was headed for the Old Trafford exit. But Rome wasn’t built in a day. Behind the scenes the boss, with Archie Knox playing Murphy to his Busby, was working towards his goal. His blueprint was to unfold spectacularly in the early 1990s, and though Mark Robins’ header at the City Ground on 7 January 1990 passed into legend for steering the Reds through a sticky third round FA Cup tie at Forest, the club’s directors already liked what they saw. Sir Bobby Charlton knew this was the right man; 19 years, 33 trophies on, he was bang on the money…
5. Brucey’s bonus: Sheffield Wednesday, 10 April 1993
With Sheffield Wednesday leading at Old Trafford, three minutes remaining and the memory of our 1991/92 title concession still painfully fresh, only the bravest souls held out hope of victory. Fortunately, one wore our no.4 shirt. First Steve Bruce powered home Eric Cantona’s corner, then, in the sixth of seven added minutes, he met a cross from centre-half partner Gary Pallister to nod in his second. Despite OT’s delirium, Brucey shrugged: “Suddenly you get your head to a couple and they fly in.”
6. Bright Spark: Oldham Athletic, 9 April 1994
Having shaken off a 26-year albatross by taking the inaugural Premier League title, we developed the steadfast resolve of champions in the 90s. That fortitude was rarely more evident than in overcoming Oldham – and the clock – in an FA Cup semi-final to preserve hopes of our first Double. Neil Pointon put the Latics ahead in extra-time but, with seconds remaining, Brian McClair’s lob served up one last half-chance for Mark Hughes. Hardly a gimme, but fortunately Sparky called upon his own unique brand of intricate brutality, guiding the ball into the far corner with the velocity of a cruise missile.
7&8. Spurs jangled: 16 May 1999 and 25 April 2009
Glory is invariably sweeter after flirting with failure. And the stakes have rarely been higher than the 1998/99 Premiership finale, the first leg of the Treble. Nevertheless we contrived to fall behind, before David Beckham’s equaliser raised Old Trafford spirits. Andy Cole emerged as the man of the hour by coolly lobbing home the winner. Fast forward a decade and, although five games remained, Spurs were again the opposition in a defining victory. Double the deficit and only half an hour to play. No matter. United only needed 22 of those remaining minutes to score five times and take a huge step towards title number 18.
9. The five-minute flip: Aston Villa, 6 January 2002
Villa haven’t overcome United this millennium. But John Gregory’s charges seemed destined to dump the Reds out of the FA Cup third round, with the clock ticking past 77 minutes and a two-goal lead. Cue a five-minute turnaround of such drama the pitch invasion couldn’t wait for the final whistle. Peter Schmeichel, then at Villa, and having enjoyed so many turnarounds at United, must have known what was coming when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer smashed a shot between his legs. Ruud van Nistelrooy then hammered in a volley and was mobbed by jubilant travelling reds. They barely had time to retake their seats before returning to the field, now in droves, to celebrate Ruud rounding Schmeichel to nudge home the winner.
10. Merseyside mayhem: Everton, 28 April 2007
Chelsea had closed to within three points of season-long leaders United as May loomed. With the Blues ahead at home to Bolton and the Reds two down at Goodison Park, we’d done with our fingernails and were gnawing at our elbows. With the odds finally stacked high enough, United clicked into overdrive. John O’Shea pounced on rookie keeper Iain Turner’s mistake to halve the arrears, before Phil Neville’s helped out with an own goal to level. Inevitably Wayne Rooney had his say, before Chris Eagles’ solo strike sealed it. Down at the Bridge a Bolton equaliser created a five-point lead for the champions-elect.
Look out for the next instalment - numbers 11-20 - on ManUtd.com on Tuesday.
www.manutd.com
Heroic moments: 11-20
George Best was the British game's first superstar, and he features in the second part of our look at United's 50 most heroic moments from the last half a century...
11. Foulkes’ finest hour: Real Madrid, 15 May 1968
Was there ever a more unlikely goal-scoring hero than battle-hardened defender Bill Foulkes? More than a decade after tasting defeat in the Bernabéu in our first European Cup semi-final, Foulkes found himself back in Madrid, again staring up a mountain as Real built a 3-2 aggregate lead. David Sadler levelled matters with 19 minutes remaining, and a replay in Lisbon loomed. Just six minutes later, as George Best pulled a ball back across the hosts’ penalty area, there was Foulkes, “the last man any of us wanted to see there” according to Sir Bobby Charlton, to calmly sidefoot home a tie-tipping goal – one of only nine in 688 appearances. Foulkes recalled: “Matt asked me what on earth I had been doing in their penalty area, and I could offer no rational explanation.” Being 10 years after Munich, divine intervention wasn’t far from the mind…
12. Robson eclipses Maradona and dumps out Barcelona, 21 March 1984
You have a two-goal first leg deficit to overturn in Europe. You’re at home, but you’re playing Barcelona. And Diego Maradona. Tall order… unless your name’s Bryan Robson. Herculean efforts were run-of-the-mill for Captain Marvel, but this 1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarterfinal clash was something else. Maradona was outshone by Robbo, whose goals either side of half-time broke Catalan resolve. Frank Stapleton applied the coup de grace on one of the legendary Old Trafford nights.
13. Charlie Roberts faces down the FA’s bigwigs, 1909
In an era where shorts were long and moustaches were must-haves, box-to-box centre-half Charlie Roberts’ short shorts, clean-shaven face and close crop went against the grain. And he was as forward-thinking off the pitch. In 1909, Roberts and United team-mates – including Billy Meredith – railed against the game’s administrators and conditions they considered exploitative. In a bid to abolish the maximum wage and challenge the restriction of player’s movement between clubs, Roberts restored the defunct Players’ Union in 1907. And he came within a hair’s breadth of leading a national strike in 1909, just weeks after lifting United’s first FA Cup. At the 11th hour the Football Association agreed to recognise the union, and Roberts – who had stuck resolutely to his principles – struck a huge blow for player power. He duly became the union’s chairman.
14. “United will go on” – United Review, 19 February 1958
The programme cover said it all. Just 13 days after Munich, with 11 spaces where the team-sheet should have been, the Reds returned to the pitch. Crash survivors Harry Gregg and Bill Foulkes, supplemented by reserves, juniors and Stan Crowther (signed an hour beforehand), meshed with the fans on a night none of the 59,848 present – or the thousands locked outside – would forget. Debutant Shay Brennan, European Cup winner 10 years down the line, scored twice in a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
15. Turin cowed: Roy Keane leads from the front, 21 April 1999
“Competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him.” That’ll be Sir Alex on Royston Maurice Keane. Booked in the second leg of the 1999 Champions League semi-final against Juventus in Turin, with United 3-1 down on aggregate, Keane scored United’s first in a powerhouse performance. His display set up a date with destiny at the Nou Camp that was unthinkable 11 minutes into the game.
16. Schmeichel saves
the Reds – at the other end, 26 September 1995
Unbeaten European home record to defend? Two minutes left and 2-1 down? Send up your goalkeeper. They don’t normally score. Peter Schmeichel did, though, sprinting the length of the pitch to head home against Rotor Volgograd in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup first round to give United a 2-2 draw.
17. The battle of wounded knee – League Cup final, 21 April 1991
“I remember looking down and seeing this big flap of skin,” said Les Sealey. Most players would want to come off at this point but not the late Sealey, custodian in the 1991 League Cup final. He violently refused the advice of physio Jimmy McGregor to leave the pitch with his lacerated knee. Les later, however, collapsed en route to his flight home and underwent emergency surgery at Middlesex Hospital. A gallon and a half of saline solution was needed to flush out the wound. Nails.
18. George Best’s debut against the Baggies, September 1963
George Best’s place in the pantheon is undoubted. He changed the football landscape forever; the original pin-up, a style icon with film-star looks and female adulation by the bucketload. But his hip-swivelling, shoulder-dropping and fleet-footed work with a ball is what endures. “I think I’ve found you a genius,” were the words of United scout Bob Bishop to Matt Busby. And few doubted it when, in a seminal moment, the spindly 17-year-old from Belfast took his bow at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, leaving Baggies’ full-back Stuart Williams with an early version of twisted blood.
19. A brilliant Best batters Benfica, March 1966
Two seasons on from his debut, Best almost single-handedly inflicted a first home reverse in Europe on the mighty Benfica, scoring twice in the 5-1 European Cup quarter-final win. A sombrero-wearing George was then famously dubbed ‘El Beatle’ by Lisbon’s gobsmacked media men as he returned home.
20. Chopper who? Best crushes Chelsea’s hard man, October 1970
One of Best’s finest attributes was courage, never more apparent than for his wonder goal against Chelsea in a League Cup tie at OT in 1970. He gleefully rode horrendous tackles every week, but Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris’s lunge should have come with an ‘18’ certificate. Bestie merely regained his balance, glided forwards, rounded the keeper and slotted home. Few summed up Best’s brilliance more succinctly than Sir Bobby Charlton: “Our glorious history was created by people like George. He enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play.”
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11. Foulkes’ finest hour: Real Madrid, 15 May 1968
Was there ever a more unlikely goal-scoring hero than battle-hardened defender Bill Foulkes? More than a decade after tasting defeat in the Bernabéu in our first European Cup semi-final, Foulkes found himself back in Madrid, again staring up a mountain as Real built a 3-2 aggregate lead. David Sadler levelled matters with 19 minutes remaining, and a replay in Lisbon loomed. Just six minutes later, as George Best pulled a ball back across the hosts’ penalty area, there was Foulkes, “the last man any of us wanted to see there” according to Sir Bobby Charlton, to calmly sidefoot home a tie-tipping goal – one of only nine in 688 appearances. Foulkes recalled: “Matt asked me what on earth I had been doing in their penalty area, and I could offer no rational explanation.” Being 10 years after Munich, divine intervention wasn’t far from the mind…
12. Robson eclipses Maradona and dumps out Barcelona, 21 March 1984
You have a two-goal first leg deficit to overturn in Europe. You’re at home, but you’re playing Barcelona. And Diego Maradona. Tall order… unless your name’s Bryan Robson. Herculean efforts were run-of-the-mill for Captain Marvel, but this 1983/84 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarterfinal clash was something else. Maradona was outshone by Robbo, whose goals either side of half-time broke Catalan resolve. Frank Stapleton applied the coup de grace on one of the legendary Old Trafford nights.
13. Charlie Roberts faces down the FA’s bigwigs, 1909
In an era where shorts were long and moustaches were must-haves, box-to-box centre-half Charlie Roberts’ short shorts, clean-shaven face and close crop went against the grain. And he was as forward-thinking off the pitch. In 1909, Roberts and United team-mates – including Billy Meredith – railed against the game’s administrators and conditions they considered exploitative. In a bid to abolish the maximum wage and challenge the restriction of player’s movement between clubs, Roberts restored the defunct Players’ Union in 1907. And he came within a hair’s breadth of leading a national strike in 1909, just weeks after lifting United’s first FA Cup. At the 11th hour the Football Association agreed to recognise the union, and Roberts – who had stuck resolutely to his principles – struck a huge blow for player power. He duly became the union’s chairman.
14. “United will go on” – United Review, 19 February 1958
The programme cover said it all. Just 13 days after Munich, with 11 spaces where the team-sheet should have been, the Reds returned to the pitch. Crash survivors Harry Gregg and Bill Foulkes, supplemented by reserves, juniors and Stan Crowther (signed an hour beforehand), meshed with the fans on a night none of the 59,848 present – or the thousands locked outside – would forget. Debutant Shay Brennan, European Cup winner 10 years down the line, scored twice in a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
15. Turin cowed: Roy Keane leads from the front, 21 April 1999
“Competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him.” That’ll be Sir Alex on Royston Maurice Keane. Booked in the second leg of the 1999 Champions League semi-final against Juventus in Turin, with United 3-1 down on aggregate, Keane scored United’s first in a powerhouse performance. His display set up a date with destiny at the Nou Camp that was unthinkable 11 minutes into the game.
16. Schmeichel saves
the Reds – at the other end, 26 September 1995
Unbeaten European home record to defend? Two minutes left and 2-1 down? Send up your goalkeeper. They don’t normally score. Peter Schmeichel did, though, sprinting the length of the pitch to head home against Rotor Volgograd in the 1995/96 UEFA Cup first round to give United a 2-2 draw.
17. The battle of wounded knee – League Cup final, 21 April 1991
“I remember looking down and seeing this big flap of skin,” said Les Sealey. Most players would want to come off at this point but not the late Sealey, custodian in the 1991 League Cup final. He violently refused the advice of physio Jimmy McGregor to leave the pitch with his lacerated knee. Les later, however, collapsed en route to his flight home and underwent emergency surgery at Middlesex Hospital. A gallon and a half of saline solution was needed to flush out the wound. Nails.
18. George Best’s debut against the Baggies, September 1963
George Best’s place in the pantheon is undoubted. He changed the football landscape forever; the original pin-up, a style icon with film-star looks and female adulation by the bucketload. But his hip-swivelling, shoulder-dropping and fleet-footed work with a ball is what endures. “I think I’ve found you a genius,” were the words of United scout Bob Bishop to Matt Busby. And few doubted it when, in a seminal moment, the spindly 17-year-old from Belfast took his bow at Old Trafford in a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion, leaving Baggies’ full-back Stuart Williams with an early version of twisted blood.
19. A brilliant Best batters Benfica, March 1966
Two seasons on from his debut, Best almost single-handedly inflicted a first home reverse in Europe on the mighty Benfica, scoring twice in the 5-1 European Cup quarter-final win. A sombrero-wearing George was then famously dubbed ‘El Beatle’ by Lisbon’s gobsmacked media men as he returned home.
20. Chopper who? Best crushes Chelsea’s hard man, October 1970
One of Best’s finest attributes was courage, never more apparent than for his wonder goal against Chelsea in a League Cup tie at OT in 1970. He gleefully rode horrendous tackles every week, but Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris’s lunge should have come with an ‘18’ certificate. Bestie merely regained his balance, glided forwards, rounded the keeper and slotted home. Few summed up Best’s brilliance more succinctly than Sir Bobby Charlton: “Our glorious history was created by people like George. He enriched the lives of everyone that saw him play.”
www.manutd.com
Heroes: Part 1
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
www.manutd.com
From the home front to the global game, we find out who gave Sir Alex and his players the rush...
Sir Alex on Denis Law
Denis Law was my hero as a player. I idolised him. When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards. I thought, ‘This is it, I’ve made it, I’m having a cup of tea with Denis Law!’ He epitomised to me what a Scotsman is. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer.
Gary Neville on Bryan Robson
I always thought he was everything that a United player should be, and still do. Even when I watch footage of him in action now I always think of him giving everything for the cause at the defensive end of the pitch and then throwing everything at the ball to get it in the back of the net at the other end. Roy Keane was very similar in that sense and I’m sure that if I’d have been a kid growing up at school watching when Roy was playing he’d have been my hero. For me, those two players are just everything I think a Manchester United player should be. Blood, guts and thunder with real class as well. Don’t get me wrong you’ve got the skilful players like Giggsy, Scholes, Cantona and all those, but for me growing up it was always the Bryan Robson-type player that I loved.
Rafael on Roberto Carlos
It has to be Roberto Carlos. He won three World Cups and did very well in Europe even though he was very small. Sometimes, coming from Brazil, players don’t succeed in Europe, but he was successful for a long, long time. My favourite goal that he scored was for Real Madrid, the shot that he hit from the corner flag that flew into the top corner. The other was a free-kick against Italy in Le Tournoi, it was going about a metre wide and swerved in – just an unbelievable goal from a great player.
Anderson on Rivaldo, Ronaldinho
I’m a big admirer of Rivaldo for his technique, his passing and his aggressive way of playing and I’m also a huge fan of Ronaldinho. They are both excellent with the ball at their feet – the way they treat the ball is fantastic. I’m sure they’ll be remembered in football history for many years to come. Some people have made comparisons between myself and Ronaldinho and I feel very proud about that, but you have to remember that Ronaldinho is an established top class footballer who has been named the best player in the world twice. He’s a great guy and a good friend of mine, but no two players are the same – Ronaldinho is Ronaldinho and Anderson is Anderson. It’s an honour to play alongside him [for Brazil], it’s something every footballer in the world would like to do. He’s a great player and I hope one day I can reach the level he has reached.
Rodrigo Possebon on Zinedine Zidane
I think Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest ever players. I loved watching him play, even though he almost single-handedly knocked Brazil out of the World Cup twice! He had everything and I always used to look up to him.
John O'Shea on Paul McGrath
Paul McGrath was a big favourite at United, but I watched him a lot for Ireland too. What I liked about him was he was as comfortable at playing in midfield as he was at playing centre-back. It wasn’t a problem to him. He was the versatile type! And not only did he have great ability, he was also very calm on the ball. He was written off with his knees, but he went on to become the PFA Player of the Year. That shows you what a top player and determined character he was. He was a special player and someone who I looked up to.
Jonny Evans on Roy Keane
I reckon 80 per cent of young players now who supported Manchester United when they were growing up would tell you Keano was their hero, just because of the way he was and the character he is. He was an awesome player and an incredible leader. I watched the Treble season as an 11-year-old in Belfast, having supported United all my life, and can still see those images in my head of the Champions League semi-final against Juventus and how Keane totally changed the game. He grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck even though he knew he was suspended for the final. That stuck in my mind when I was growing up. There are other moments as well like when we won 4-2 at Arsenal and the banter between Keane and Vieira in the tunnel beforehand. As a supporter it doesn’t get any better than that.
Read more in the latest issue of Inside United
From the home front to the global game, we find out who gave Sir Alex and his players the rush...
Sir Alex on Denis Law
Denis Law was my hero as a player. I idolised him. When I first met him I was so excited. It was at a game in Paris, he had played in the first half and we went for a cup of tea afterwards. I thought, ‘This is it, I’ve made it, I’m having a cup of tea with Denis Law!’ He epitomised to me what a Scotsman is. He was daring and courageous, he had that bravado about him and he had style. He was a truly fantastic footballer.
Gary Neville on Bryan Robson
I always thought he was everything that a United player should be, and still do. Even when I watch footage of him in action now I always think of him giving everything for the cause at the defensive end of the pitch and then throwing everything at the ball to get it in the back of the net at the other end. Roy Keane was very similar in that sense and I’m sure that if I’d have been a kid growing up at school watching when Roy was playing he’d have been my hero. For me, those two players are just everything I think a Manchester United player should be. Blood, guts and thunder with real class as well. Don’t get me wrong you’ve got the skilful players like Giggsy, Scholes, Cantona and all those, but for me growing up it was always the Bryan Robson-type player that I loved.
Rafael on Roberto Carlos
It has to be Roberto Carlos. He won three World Cups and did very well in Europe even though he was very small. Sometimes, coming from Brazil, players don’t succeed in Europe, but he was successful for a long, long time. My favourite goal that he scored was for Real Madrid, the shot that he hit from the corner flag that flew into the top corner. The other was a free-kick against Italy in Le Tournoi, it was going about a metre wide and swerved in – just an unbelievable goal from a great player.
Anderson on Rivaldo, Ronaldinho
I’m a big admirer of Rivaldo for his technique, his passing and his aggressive way of playing and I’m also a huge fan of Ronaldinho. They are both excellent with the ball at their feet – the way they treat the ball is fantastic. I’m sure they’ll be remembered in football history for many years to come. Some people have made comparisons between myself and Ronaldinho and I feel very proud about that, but you have to remember that Ronaldinho is an established top class footballer who has been named the best player in the world twice. He’s a great guy and a good friend of mine, but no two players are the same – Ronaldinho is Ronaldinho and Anderson is Anderson. It’s an honour to play alongside him [for Brazil], it’s something every footballer in the world would like to do. He’s a great player and I hope one day I can reach the level he has reached.
Rodrigo Possebon on Zinedine Zidane
I think Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest ever players. I loved watching him play, even though he almost single-handedly knocked Brazil out of the World Cup twice! He had everything and I always used to look up to him.
John O'Shea on Paul McGrath
Paul McGrath was a big favourite at United, but I watched him a lot for Ireland too. What I liked about him was he was as comfortable at playing in midfield as he was at playing centre-back. It wasn’t a problem to him. He was the versatile type! And not only did he have great ability, he was also very calm on the ball. He was written off with his knees, but he went on to become the PFA Player of the Year. That shows you what a top player and determined character he was. He was a special player and someone who I looked up to.
Jonny Evans on Roy Keane
I reckon 80 per cent of young players now who supported Manchester United when they were growing up would tell you Keano was their hero, just because of the way he was and the character he is. He was an awesome player and an incredible leader. I watched the Treble season as an 11-year-old in Belfast, having supported United all my life, and can still see those images in my head of the Champions League semi-final against Juventus and how Keane totally changed the game. He grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck even though he knew he was suspended for the final. That stuck in my mind when I was growing up. There are other moments as well like when we won 4-2 at Arsenal and the banter between Keane and Vieira in the tunnel beforehand. As a supporter it doesn’t get any better than that.
Read more in the latest issue of Inside United
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