Progress on the new stadium is most welcome

Manchester United showcased plans of new 100,000 seater stadium on 11th March by Foster + Partners, the architecture firm of Sir Norman Foster. Norman's father worked at Metro-Vick in Trafford Park, perhaps the world's first industrial estate. Foster + Partners delivered the new Wembley stadium in 2007. Two local Mancunian's in Jim Ratcliffe and Norman Foster joining hands to regenerate the wider Old Trafford area being Manchester United fans is reassuring.

Jim Ratcliffe said “Today marks the start of an incredibly exciting journey to the delivery of what will be the world’s greatest football stadium, at the centre of a regenerated Old Trafford." Norman Foster added "This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today, with incredible regional and national significance. It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar. The stadium is contained by a vast umbrella, harvesting energy and rainwater."

This was the obvious next step after Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force's study of two main options to either redevelop 115-year-old marvel built by Archibald Leitch or build a new stadium altogether; delivered its verdict in favour of a new stadium on 17th January. Task Force was headed by Sebastian Coe, who successfully led London's 2012 Olympic bid and was the chairman of London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. With Coe the task force also had Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester and former United player Gary Neville.

United in April, 2022 had appointed a team led by Populous to create masterplan for redevelopment of Old Trafford. This was done by Ed Woodward and before Ratcliffe became co-owner. Populous had delivered the new 62,850 seater Tottenham stadium, considered by many to be the finest stadium in England today. Using Google tried searching for "wembley fan experience fans feedback" and got the following response in AI Overview: Wembley Stadium offers a generally good fan experience for many, particularly for major events, but some fans have reported negative experiences related to atmosphere, food and drinks, bag policies, and facilities.

New stadium at Old Trafford is modelled after the United Trident, a tower that Ratcliffe described as 'Eiffel Tower of the north". A few critics have called the umbrella enveloping the stadium as a 'circus tent'. Every new design has always had critics including the world-renowned Eiffel Tower. United certainly needed to do something about the stadium urgently as no major improvements to Old Trafford were undertaken since 2006 and it is not even on the list of stadiums for the bid of Euro 2028 by football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Since 1965 installation of cantilever stands on three sides of Old Trafford, United led the introduction of latest and innovative devlopments in stadium improvements. The glass-fronted private boxes the first in English football, executive lounges of the 70's, catering business turning profitable, thought of each area of the stadium to be financially self-sufficient, acquisition of 20-acre area around Old Trafford, second tier on existing three stands that increased capacity to 76,000. Fans have every right to hold the club accountable so that it retains the standards it set. For almost two decades fans have got a raw deal and ticket prices have continued to rise in last two seasons.

Larger worry for fans is that club continues to be in debt of over a billion dollars; debt which was used by the Glazers to do a leveraged buyout which should never have been allowed by Football Association and the Government. Building a new stadium will add to the debt by about 2 billion dollars and the Glazers having never put a penny of their enormous fortune into the club, funds will be starved to develop the squad. Existing players are ill-suited to the system preferred by Ruben Amorim. Club should have had a reset of the playing XI, reduced the average age to 23-25, made net profits from player sales with a strong pipe of U21 and B-team players, and then embarked on working towards a new stadium.

New stadium is expected to be ready for 2031 season, built on the land adjacent to Old Trafford. Existing stadium will sustain the club for 6 more seasons by not significantly impacting the matchday revenue which they would have been dented had they to play their home matches elsewhere. Naming rights to the new stadium might be inevitably sold and how odd it would be to not call it Old Trafford 'theater of dreams'. Housing projects will raise further funds but will it cater to the middle-class? Transport links will have to be ready beforehand to avert a parking nuisance for the locals. Ratcliffe certainly believes there's enough to make this work. In lieu of the boring football being played now, progress on the new stadium is most welcome.

Denis Law: The King of Stretford End

Denis Law passed away on 17th January, aged 84. He was part of the world famous 'United Trinity' alongside his friend George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton that dazzled in 1960's to make Manchester United football club the most admired club in the world. Denis Law was fans favourite as he gave his absolutely everything to score goals, exciting ones that showed his world-class abilities despite being slender and short in frame. He is the only player to have two statues in Old Trafford. His modest background as a son of a fisherman to being the only Scottish footballer to win the Ballon d'Or, is a remarkable fairytale.

Denis Law's first visit to Old Trafford was on 19th February, 1958 when United played their first match after the fatal crash in Munich which decimated the first team. Law was playing for Huddersfield Town's reserves under Bill Shankly where an operation to correct the squint in his eyes changed his life. Sir Matt Busby wanted to get Law after facing Huddersfield in FA Youth Cup but was unsuccessful. Debut at 16 for the Terriers and for Scotland aged 18. Sensational! Law moved to City and then to Torino for a British transfer record. Busby made Law his most expensive signing for $115,000 from Torino where Law although playing well, was finding it hard to adjust. Law wanted out and Busby would make Manchester his nirvana. Torino wanted to sell Law to Juventus for a record fee $160,000 reportedly but Law wanted to return to England to end his nightmare in Italy.

Law scored on debut against West Brom in 1962 in a 2-2 draw. United had an inconsistent season avoiding relegation in 19th position when there were 22 clubs in First Division, but managed to make it to the finals of the FA Cup thanks largely to Law's 6 goals. Law formed a great partnership with David Herd and duo scored all 3 goals in the final of the FA Cup against favourites Leicester City who had done the double over United in the League with stars like Gordon Banks, Frank McLintock, Ken Keyworth. It was United's first trophy since Munich. It was a momentous occasion for the club that was rising from the ashes literally.

The following season 1963-64 belonged to Denis Law as he scored 30 goals in League, 10 in FA Cup and 6 in Europe; 46 goals in all competitions - a record that is still held. This was mainly due to another Scot in Paddy Crerand joining United in the summer and providing more clinical assists from midfield. 18th January, 1963 will be a date that will be forever etched in memory when a young rookie George Best debuted against West Brom. It was the first of 293 matches the 'United Trinity' played together until 28th October, 1972 and scored 264 goals. Law's contribution was immense with 173 goals. Law won the Ballon d'Or in 1964 becoming the first United player and the only Scottish player to have won it. United still finished runners-up to Liverpool.

Emergence of John Connelly on the wing with 15 goals lifted United to win their first post war League title in 1965 and a second title in 1967 without Connelly but with John Ashton Jnr, David Sadler and crucially Alex Stepney as the new goalkeeper. They won the 'holy grail' the European Cup in 1968. Denis Law had a knee injury and did not play in the final. Matt Busby brought the cup to his bedside the next day! Busby announced that 1968-69 would be his last and Law banged-in 30 goals for his boss. Next season he played in only 16 games as his right knee injury blighted his contribution. Law trained alone in pre-season without taking off to regain his fitness and promptly came back to form to score 16 goals in 1970-71 season. Hugh McIlvanney argued that Denis Law would have been the only British player who could have made it to the 1970 World Cup winning Brazil team, considered the greatest team ever. 

On the eve of 1966 World Cup in England, Denis Law demanded a pay-rise from the club by writing a letter to Sir Matt Busby and going on leave. Busby informed the press about this saga by transfer listing the player and asked him to return at once to Old Trafford. United and Liverpool were the meanest clubs in First Division those days. Busby informed Law that if he apologized in front of the press, he would get a substantial pay rise in his next contract and become the best paid player at the club. Law dutifully obliged. This would quell any further discontent in the squad about money. 'Nobody is bigger than the club'. Law was intensely private person like Sir Bobby Charlton.

Law started the 71-72 season with a bang but injury limited his appearances later. When Frank O'Farrel was sacked after a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace in December of 1972, it was Law who suggested the name of reformed Scotland boss Tommy Docherty to Sir Matt Busby who was still calling the shots as a director at the club. Docherty initially steadied the club to safety and later offered Busby's favourite Crerand to be an assistant coach. Law also claimed that Docherty made a similar offer to him but was later transfer listed when on holiday with family back in Aberdeen. This saga was brought to the fore in a litigation between Docherty and winger Willie Morgan at the Old Bailey in late 70's.

Law scored 237 goals for United in 404 appearances, the 3rd highest tally behind Rooney and Charlton. Its common knowledge that he rejoined City and scored that infamous back-heel against United to confirm their relegation. What is less known is the fact that in May, 1963 Manchester City were needing a win against United in the penultimate match and were leading 1-0 when Law earned a penalty which drew the match and relegated City from the first division. 

Busby said Law was the quickest-thinking footballer he ever knew. Law would barely come-up till the shoulder of Liverpool great Ron Yeates but still managed to harass the monster out of the match. He was good with both feet, excellent in heading and knew the most important thing to do when inside the box was to score. Sir Alex Ferguson idolized him. Fans simply worshipped him. If the Team-sheet did not have his name, there were a few hundred less attending the match at Old Trafford. His work-ethic and brilliance on the ball were simply world class, cementing his status as one of true greats of the game. The King of Stretford End, hat-trick hero a record 18-times, hair-raising bicycle kicks and that celebration by raising his right arm while clutching his sleeve. Iconic.

Will Manchester United be sixth time lucky again?

Manchester United moved quickly to sack Erik ten Hag after losing 1-2 to West Ham which made them slip to 14th position in English Premier League, and appointed Ruben Amorim from Sporting in Portugal. Once the decision to sack Erik ten Hag was made the new Management team led by Omar Berrada went to Portugal to speak with Sporting and Ruben to conclude the deal in a swift manner unlike the previous drawn out saga. Amorim will be the sixth permanent Manager of the club after Sir Alex Ferguson, who was the sixth permanent Manager after Sir Matt Busby. Both the appointments are to start working in November. Both ended the duopoly of two stronger teams in their leagues in Scotland and Portugal, with Ferguson's Aberdeen knocking out Celtic and Rangers while Amorim's Sporting won against Benfica and FC Porto. Will Man United be sixth time lucky?

Yes, Amorim will be the first Head Coach of Manchester United and not the Manager as the football structure has changed since the INEOS took minority stake and control of football operations. Head Coach are the reality of modern football now. Like Ferguson ended League drought after 26 years at Manchester United, Amorim won the League in Portugal after 19 year gap. Amorim has been the most sought after coach in Europe after his Sporting team won 2 League Titles and 2 League Cup's since 2020. Amorim was on the shortlist to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, both Barcelona and Bayern Munich had him in their list, and he was interviewed by West Ham in the summer which he later described as a 'mistake'.

Amorim's teams thus far have mainly played in 3-4-3 formation with two expansive wing-backs, a position which is lacking in personnel at Manchester United. Mazraoui with his array of skills looks set take one slot but another one is a toss up between Dalot and oft injured Shaw. Garnacho and Amad could also get a mention but not so for Rashford and Anthony whose defensive qualities have been questioned in the past. His line-up could well be Onana(GK), Lindelof, de Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Mazraoui, Zirkzee, Hojlund, Fernandes. Without Rashford or Garnacho! Or like other previous United managers he will switch to 4-2-3-1 and fail.

In the interim fans have endeared themselves to former striker Ruud van Nistelrooy who looks the part as he handles the media with ease and loops fans at every opportunity. His first game as interim boss was in the Carabao Cup where United beat second string Leicester City 5-2, then drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the League which was a dull encounter, then beat PAOK Salonika in Europa Conference League 2-0  the first victory in Europe in 11 matches and since 1 year! Victory against PAOK was mainly due to solo exploits of Amad Diallo who was again overlooked by Erik ten Hag this season. In the FA Cup competition last year his match winner against Liverpool clearly suggested that Ivorian winger has the appetite to play in big games yet Erik ten Hag made the mistake twice! Amorim has not yet decided on keeping Ruud van Nistelrooy as part of his backroom staff.

Amorim reunites with Manuel Ugarte which might mean he can get the best out of Uruguayan midfielder. Like Erik ten Hag, Amorim also comes from a league considered lower to English Premier League and that leap of standards in competition on all fronts will take some amount of learning. His last home game was against Pep Guardiola's Man City and he won 4-1; an handsome score. His charm, wit and command over several languages including English will lend him a helping hand to navigate through the constant 24x7 pressure of being Man United manager. He considers Jose Mourinho as his mentor and Amorim is being termed as the next 'Special One' from Portugal.

United fans have been very patient and supportive of every Manager. They will embrace the Portuguese more so as it's the first 'call' of new CEO Omar Berrada and his team. Change of Manager was necessitated to save the season, getting the best coach will now help revive the push to top half of the season and target top 6 finish, may be not top 4. Club may need to support the new Manager in the January transfer window. Getting the control of the dressing room will be crucial and as Roy Keane often says they can put the manager 'under the bus'. Achieving a playing style that is evolving with every game will give huge belief to the fans that club is heading in the right direction. His ability to work with youth from the academy and even earn huge profits in transfers while still playing in his style makes Amorim perfect for Manchester United. Boas-vindas Amorim.

Painful transition from 14 losses, 6 draws last season to more draws and less defeats

Manchester United were not expected to start winning games consistently in English Premier League after that emphatic triumph in the FA Cup final over the favourites Man City. It was a one-off albeit a brilliant performance and United did not play at that level consistently throughout last season. United were not helped in pre-season when the 'only' new player who was available in Leny Yoro injured his metatarsal to rule himself out for the start of new season. To control games, they have neither overhauled their midfield nor changed tactics which is a dire indictment of manager Erik ten Hag. Worst start to a Premier League campaign (2w, 3d, 2l, -3gd, 7pts), poorer than last season rightly raises questions over the managers future.

No United manager has survived three season's since the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson. Odds are stacked against the Dutchman as the team have failed to demonstrate an identity, a style of play in first the two seasons. Jose Mourinho lasted till December with 1-3 away loss at Anfield the 5th league defeat, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ran out of gas in November at Vicarage Road in 1-4 loss to Watford which was also the 5th league defeat. United can easily lose their next three league games to Brentford, West Ham and Chelsea if losing 5 games is the criteria.

United as a club went through a big change in football operations being divested from owners the Glazer family to Sir Jim Ratcliffe owned INEOS group. A new football leadership team has been constructed with Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox who oversaw their first transfer window wherein they agreed with Erik ten Hag to acquire his on-field lieutenant in Matthijs de Ligt in 50 million Euro's deal than to go for expensive but Premier League proven Jarrad Branthwaite who would have cost at least 70 million Euro's. Critics would argue that instead of Yoro and de Ligt, Branthwaite would have made more sense. de Ligt is now reunited with his Ajax partner Lisandro Martinez, who was a blazing success initially but succumbed to injuries that battered the Red Devils last season.

de Ligt is only 25 needs time to adapt to the pace of Premier League and if he can bring the leadership and stability to the back four United can become a hard to beat team. They are conceding fewer goals and shots against have also dropped significantly with the exception of that Tottenham loss. Noussair Mazraoui has had the best start to his United career so far, being consistently picked and shown his ability to pass in tight spaces under press and contribute to improved team performance from right flank. Over the last 3 to 4 seasons United's threat have only come from left with Shaw, Maguire, Rashford, Fernandes making them a one dimensional counter attacking outfit. Anthony who cost United 95 million Euro's has bombed spectacularly so far and can his previously successful partnership on right wing with Mazraoui at Ajax be rekindled remains to be seen.

Onana, Martinez, Anthony, de Ligt, Mazraoui are the five who have played under Erik ten Hag previously at Ajax and now should provide him more control of the dressing room which has been notorious in the past at Manchester United with Roy Keane even labelling them to put the manager 'under the bus'. Erik ten Hag has revamped his coaching setup and directly hired Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar. This clearly demonstrates the grip he has been allowed to have on the club, yet the team has struggled to get a grip on the game. First half at Crystal Palace was amazing with near total possession and 4 very good chances to score, yet the level and tempo dropped later to end in a 1-1 draw.

250 staff were made redundant recently including Neil Harris who spent close to two decades as youth coach. It was also announced that Sir Alex Ferguson will leave his role as an global ambassador at the end of this season as part of cost cutting measures. Brentford visit Old Trafford with their manager Thomas Frank being the bookies favourite now (as Thomas Tuchel has been appointed England manager) as he is considered close to new United leadership team and will want to press his case by securing an important win. Yet the underlying team both playing and coaching has the deep imprint of Erik ten Hag and now to translate that to 90 minutes will need Manual Ugarte to succeed as Kobbie Mainoo has picked up injury. Ugarte had a brilliant Copa America with Uruguay in the summer but joined United late in the transfer window missing pre-season and thrust directly into action. His pedigree and work-rate should make him a success.

Transfer window:
Ideal: Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Neves, Ross Barkley, Victor Osimhen, Noussair Mazraoui
Actual: Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Manual Ugarte

Manchester United have started the transition to draw more than lose and being defensively solid. Erik ten Hag has remained patient delivering two trophies in two years and not lost his temper like Jose Mourinho did. Erik ten Hag giving preference to trophies over 'playing style' at United is totally misplaced but crucially it gives him time. 14th position is clearly unacceptable but riding these many changes at the club while football goes on is a challenge. Erik ten Hag has negotiated these changes and must now translate that on the pitch. Ideally that will kick-in in second half of the season, and for now being in the saddle riding through the bumps will be tough to stomach. Mourinho's Spurs trashed Solskjaer's United 1-6 and now his ruthless test awaits ten Hag at Fenerbahce.