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SIR ALEX FERGUSON was present at Simply Red’s concert at Co-Op Live in Manchester last week.
Rather than traveling to London to see United face a challenging match against Brentford, Ferguson opted for the musical performance of his long-time friend Mick Hucknall in his hometown.
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Ferguson and Hucknall have enjoyed a strong friendship throughout the years, with Hucknall even practicing with United ahead of their 1994 Champions League match against Barcelona, which ended in a hefty 4-0 loss.
During that trip, Hucknall took the opportunity to visit the rooms of Paul Ince and Ryan Giggs while they were roommates in Catalonia.
For those following United, it’s clear they are a shadow of the team they were during Ferguson’s era.
Don’t rain on my parade
XAVI holds a fondness for Manchester, but he has reservations about the city’s weather.
The former Spain midfielder has been without a coaching position since departing Barcelona last year, yet he is among the top contenders for the next Manchester United managerial role.
Xavi has previously acknowledged United’s prowess following their thrilling two-legged Europa League matches in February 2023.
However, he has jokingly confided to friends that the infamous rainy Manchester weather might deter him from accepting any offer from United.
The World Cup champion made his European debut for Barcelona in a gripping 3-3 game against United at Old Trafford in September 1998.
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The 45-year-old played a crucial role in securing the 2022-23 La Liga title with Barcelona, although his only other managerial experience was with Al Sadd in Qatar.
While currently without a coaching role, Xavi is busy by investing in Kognia, an AI firm employed by various football clubs for analytical insights.
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Take a swing
UNITED fans Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry played pivotal roles in Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black last week and may make a future appearance at Old Trafford.
McIlroy was previously invited to display the Claret Jug at Old Trafford following his 2014 Open win, and United staff have indicated he’d be welcomed back alongside Lowry.
Luke Littler was invited by United after his triumph at the World Darts Championship.
When McIlroy was celebrated on the pitch 11 years ago, it coincided with the season opener for 2014-15. At that time, United had won all their pre-season matches and secured the International Champions Cup in Miami.
A source from United noted that winning some matches would certainly improve the chances of McIlroy and Lowry receiving VIP treatment.
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Off court
MICK COURT’s departure as technical chief scout from United signifies yet another expected transition during the Ineos era at the club.
Court was once praised by former United chief Ed Woodward as the mastermind behind the club’s recruitment strategy. In 2019, Woodward claimed to confidants that he had “nothing to do with recruitment,” giving credit solely to Court.
Fast forward two years, and Woodward was trying to claim credit for Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.
Court was bewildered by Woodward’s narratives and even reached out to a journalist to express how disconnected he felt from recruitment decisions.
Despite managing to keep a low online profile, he was a familiar presence in the Old Trafford press box, where he conducted matchday analyses.
Paying the penalty
Officials from PGMOL privately admit that Brentford’s Nathan Collins SHOULD have received a red card during United’s latest defeat at GTech Stadium.
Referee Craig Pawson issued a penalty and a yellow card when Collins fouled Bryan Mbeumo, yet VAR official Andy Madley decided against recommending a sending-off, citing that the United player had lost control of the ball.
It is acknowledged at PGMOL headquarters that this was an oversight, as Collins’ foul denied Mbeumo a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
The explanation posted by PGMOL on X has sparked controversy on social media, labeled as “community noted” and accused of propagating misinformation.
Sun Sport understands this led to discussions with X, where the referees’ organization clarified their post was purely speculative behind the decision made, disregarding its accuracy.
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Groundhog day
A dedicated United fan has noted that Diogo Dalot has perfected the hands-on-hips pose with a distant gaze following significant defeats.
Dalot stood still in front of the away fans at Brentford, a scene reminiscent of his posture after an alarming 4-0 loss at Brentford three years prior.
A quick review of past images shows he held the same stance at Everton in April 2019 (another 4-0 defeat), Brighton in May 2022 (yet another 4-0 loss), and Crystal Palace in May 2024 (a repeated 4-0 thrashing).
The Everton loss marked Dalot’s first season with United.
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United family
UNDER-18 coach and legendary midfielder Darren Fletcher is making a significant impact behind the scenes at Carrington.
At 41, Fletcher is instilling United’s DNA into his academy team, promoting rapid counterattacks, agile wingers, and multi-faceted scoring this season.
If his stellar performance continues, Fletcher may soon be considered for an interim first-team managerial role in the event of a coaching shake-up.
United staff are truly impressed with Fletcher’s diligence, believing he is headed for a successful managerial career.
Fletcher quickly returned to work post-surgery for a cartilage issue suffered during the United Legends match against Celtic Legends in early September.
His Under-18 squad is showcasing exciting football and has emerged as early title contenders, featuring standout 14-year-old talent JJ Gabriel.
Fletcher’s team managed to keep a clean sheet in their first six matches before falling to a 4-2 loss to Man City in their most recent outing.
United goalkeeper Frederick Heath was sent off after fouling City striker Freddie Lamb in a one-on-one during the 80th minute.
A key factor in Fletcher’s appointment in July was the advancement of both his midfielder sons, Tyler and Jack, to the Under-21s.
Jack, along with Shea Lacey, is on the brink of making his first-team debut.
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Credit: PA
