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DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

Disabled Supporters Association

The official MUDSA magazine Volume 19, Issue 2, SPRING 2016 DISABLED SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH Jesse acebook! is now on F Join the group by visiting: facebook.com/groups/rollinreds Lingard We’ll be asking you for your matchday stories and photos for the magazine PLUS: and even your questions for 10 THINGS YOU the player interviews! Get involved! DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT 2 CONTENTS Vol 19 | Issue 2 | | CONTENTS Vol 19 | Issue 2 3

Winning streak... makes a dream start to his senior career with two goals against Midtjylland

Phil Downs, MBE Sue Rocca Secretary/DLO Treasurer C/O Ticketing & Membership Services, 113 Darley Avenue, Inside this edition… , Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester, M21 7QR , Manchester, M16 0RA T: 0161 861 9454 4 The Platform with Jamie T: 0845 230 1989 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] 5 Team Talk with Chas John Simister 6 Secretary Says… with Phil Jamie Leeming VI Representitive 10 Annual Dinner EDITOR C/O Ticketing & Membership Services, The official MUDSA magazine Sir Alex Honoured: 1 Althorpe Drive, Southport, PR8 6HS Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, Volume 19, Issue 2, Spring 2016 12 Exclusive Interview: T: 07590 406669 Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA This magazine is issued free of charge to MUDSA 16 Things You Didn’t Know: Juan Mata E: [email protected] T: 07521 863737 members. You can also view Rollin’ Reds and E: [email protected] 18 Pictures: MUDSA Christmas party download it in PDF format from our website: Chas Banks 22 MUDSA Tribute: Social & DEPUTY EDITOR Ann-Marie Lewis www.mudsa.org 24 Alex & Jon Neild C/O Ticketing & Membership Services, FAMILY EVENTS Photography: John and Matthew Peters Our Euro Adventure: Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby Way, 17 Bala Avenue, Holywell, CH8 7HD 28 Have Your Say: Your Letters Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA T: 01352 715794 Production: leemingdesign.co.uk T: 0161 610 8200 E: [email protected] Thanks this issue: Richard Trenchard 30 Souvenirs: MUDSA Merchandise E: [email protected] John Allen 31 MY MUFC: Rowena Webb Liz Edwards Des Turner QUadrant Rep/MERCHANDISE Alex & Jon Neild Rollin’ reds production 37 Ashburn Way, Mill Gardens, 2, Cae Bryn, Garth, Wrexham, LL13 0YY Llangollen, LL20 7DQ T: 01978 264822 Rollin’ Reds on Facebook: T: 01978 810528 E: [email protected] facebook.com/groups/rollinreds Keep yourself up to date with the E: [email protected] MUDSA on Facebook: latest news by visiting facebook.com/MUDSA.official www.mudsa.org 4 THE PLATFORM With Jamie | | TEAM TALK With Chas 5

Are the happy days Marcus Rashford… here again to stay? He’s one of our own! he trouble with publishing (in most cases) years but, trust me, it’s over now as you will see very time I start to write this piece, I begin looked like a tough ask but he scored two goals on is that as soon as you’ve written what you when you read Phil Downs’ news pages and the by reading the last one I wrote. Well, that his first team debut and created the kind of buzz we’d Thave to say, it’s out of date — especially feature we’ve dedicated to the Annual Dinner last Ewas back in September and we seem to forgotten. Incredibly, this performance gave him the with a printed magazine that only comes out November. It was a right royal occasion with Sir Alex have been on a constant roller coaster of ups impetus to make the starting XI against the Arsenal. a few times a year. That isn’t going to stop me and David Gill receiving honours and plenty of former and downs ever since. After the drubbing they gave us back in October, having an opinion though. players in attendance. Losing to Swansea, then beating Liverpool 3-1; there was a definite nervousness in the air before the As I write this, Manchester City and Liverpool I previously mentioned the introduction of some Losing 3-0 to Arsenal in what felt like 20 minutes of game. fans are hiding under rocks after yesterday’s younger players and while Jesse Lingard has been madness, then beating Everton at Goodison 3-0. This We needn’t have worried — Marcus showed results. The former around for a while now, erratic pattern seems to have continued ever since. astonishing maturity and scored two superb goals in

having been beaten by Chas and I chat with this is probably the first A string of draws and the unlikeliest defeats at places next to no time. us with a wonder strike Jesse Lingard at the season where he’s made like Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke in December. We have still suffered set backs… (Liverpool in the from Marcus Rashford, AON Training Complex a major impact. Chas This last run of poor results lead to the press Europa league for example) that’s what can happen and the latter having and I caught up with him attacking the manager and calls for him to go. Then with young players, but yesterday’s performance in surrendered a 2-0 lead at the AON Training things seemed to pick up with a tough but deserved the Derby showed that we have every reason to be at Southampton — Complex and you can win at , before losing again at Sunderland. It excited about what the future holds. eventually losing 3-2. So read what he had to say seemed that the so called lower teams were always Scoring a superb goal and forcing Demichelis right now I’m happy. on page 12. tripping us up. to foul him in the box. Although the ref bottled the 4 However, that hasn’t Juan Mata is another Of course, a series of injuries to key players decision, it was as clear a penalty as you’ll see. always been the case this player who’s phenomenal didn’t help the cause and so we started to see the It was fascinating to see Lingard playing so well season. contribution has seen introduction of some of the younger players, who in the number 10 role too. Jamie and I interviewed Now, I don’t know him awarded the normally wouldn’t get near the first team at this stage him recently and he confessed it was his preferred about you but it seems captain’s armband on in their development. position. The pace up front of Martial, Rashford and to me a bit like one step occasions this season and United fans have always loved seeing young Lingard gave Demichelis twisted blood and made the forward and two steps you can read a few facts players come through the ranks, but there was an whole defence nervous. It was a joy to watch. back — we’re really you might not have know understandable anxiety about whether it might be The bonus is that they all seem to be such nice, inconsistent and I just about him on page 16. too much too soon for some of them. well balanced young men. Rashford especially, still don’t know why. Were you at the One of the first to appear was Cameron Borthwick changing in the under 18’s dressing room and being OK, we’ve had a lot of injuries but so have the MUDSA Christmas party last December? We have a Jackson. I’ll be honest, I had no idea who he was. I was driven in to training by his mum. His teachers at other teams above us so I don’t think that’s an excuse. photo feature with highlights of the day on page 18 — looking through the subs bench and regularly seeing Ashton college speak glowingly of him, yet when he Perhaps our injury list has run so deep that aside are you in it? names that meant nothing to me along with some crosses the white line, he has no fear. from normal squad rotation we’ve had to introduce How time flies… with 10 years since the passing of very high squad numbers! However, Cameron very He can also hit an excellent free kick that dips completely new faces — some of them still at school — George Best, we pay tribute to the legend on page 22. much looked the part when he came on and reminded almost the way Ronaldo does. We’ve got that but they’ve slotted straight into place and performed Jon and Alex Neild are a couple of MUDSA me of a young . Totally unflappable pleasure to come. He probably wouldn’t magnificently so I don’t think that’s an excuse, either. members with a difference — they travel to almost and never showing any emotion, whatever the have got his chance without the injuries If there’s anyone out there who does have the every United away match and they have decided to situation. that beset the first XI, but having said that, answer will you please share it with us on the Rollin’ chronicle their adventures and report back to Rollin’ Also becoming a regular name on the team the word is that an explosive first training Reds Facebook page because we’d all like to know. Reds so you can enjoy their experiences. They went sheet was Jesse Lingard — a newcomer who looks session saw every player realise his talent Getting back to the magazine — it’s been a while to watch United v FC Midtjylland in Denmark and the part and gets better and better with each game. and convinced his manager. since the last one but we hope it’s been worth the you can read all about it on page 24. Then came the revelation that is It’s not just about luck, it’s about wait as we have a bumper edition for you — packed Finally, with all that’s happened over the last few Marcus Rashford. 18-years-old and taking your chances when they with news and features. months, we’ve had lots of letters of appreciation and leading the line for United against come… who needs ? It seems like we’ve been going on about MUDSA’s we’d like to share them with you on page 28. Midtjylland. 2-1 down We’ve got Marcus Rashford! 25th birthday celebrations for about the last five Jamie Leeming — Editor from the first leg, it Chas Banks — Deputy Editor 6 SECRETARY SAYS… With Phil | | SECRETARY SAYS… With Phil 7 A topsy turvy season so far think it’s fair to say far it’s been a rollercoaster Etihad yesterday? We won and a million thanks to our teams, the drama of seeing last year’s champions, season up to now. Most things seem to be up very own Manchester-born star Marcus Rashford Chelsea, close to the relegation zone, big teams failing Iin the air with the media full of speculation who pounced stylishly for the winning goal! to stay at the top of the table and not even making it about the future. Unfortunately I’ve missed a lot of the action after there in some cases. Having been through such a stable period from breaking my leg in early November but the bonus Surely most people’s second team is Leicester the mid-80s we find ourselves in the territory most was missing most of the winter! Having just returned City at the moment. They’re playing hard and fast other fans from around the country live in all the for the last couple of games I’ve been fortunate to with belief and energy, playing 4-4-2 all of the time time. It’s about taking the smooth with the not-so- avoid the torrential rain I was watching through the and they are still managing to outsmart the big guns smooth, however, that particular adjustment takes window and on the telly. after toying with relegation for the larger part of last you through a few heartaches. As we approach the final few games of the season season. Absolutely remarkable but also fantastic for Having said that — what on earth happened at the we can only point to the erratic form of so many the beautiful game! MUDSA 25 Years years old?… 26+ actually!

In the last RR issue I referred to the Annual Dinner The 25 years plaque was unveiled as one of the final events of MUDSA’s Silver Jubilee by Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard celebrations and a great event it was too. Arnold (centre, right) while Club Sir Alex was inaugurated as MUDSA Patron, photographer John Peters was also honoured with a miniature David Gill became the MUDSA President, the verson for his work with MUDSA legend Brian Robson was the guest speaker and the Manchester Suite was packed with around 550 guests. However, it turned out to be the penultimate mention of our first 25 years… not the last! (See photos on pages 10 and 11). Before playing Watford a few weeks ago we had the honour of greeting a number of Club Directors tell by the above that the workload during the in the Ability Suite, including Group Managing period building up to the 25 year landmark was Director Richard Arnold who did the honours by unbelievably hectic. doing the kind of thing the Queen normally does Apart the usual tasks of a committee member — pulling the curtain cord to reveal our new 25 that make MUDSA what it is, the work towards our year plaque (thankfully GPS had fixed it to the wall calendar of events had to roll on. Bearing in mind beforehand as it weighs almost 30KG)! the committee are completely committed to the Chas had arranged for the plaque to be made at MUDSA cause and yet unpaid, I think it’s fitting of the same forge which had the honour of making the me to pay tribute to them and give them my sincere name plate of The Flying Scotsman, therefore the and heartfelt thanks for the incredible job they do. forge now has two illustrious customers in its back catalogue! always the same — they thought it was a great story enlist the services of the author Mark Metcalfe to The MUTV documentary ‘We are United: The and well told, so all credit and thanks go to John for produce a book entitled ‘MUDSA: 25 Years’. Your future… Story of MUDSA’ had been more than twelve months doing such an amazing job. Of course the stars are It needed to be a slim volume but to include all in the making with John Gubba as the Producer/ the MUDSA members, not only those who appeared the main points and key figures from over the years, Director. The Premier took place in the Ability Suite on the screen but the vast army of members who hence, it became a big ask to squeeze 25 years into The Review the night before it went to air but sadly I wasn’t able stay loyal to the organisation which was the first to a book you could just pick up and glance through. Most members are aware of the review currently to join what was apparently an amazing occasion make a promise of equality and inclusion to all its The thanks of MUDSA members go to Mark for the taking place which will assess the permutations involving laughter, tears and oohs and ahhs. members. almost impossible task he managed to achieve. relating to the advancement of the facilities we have. The feedback from everyone who’s seen it was As if the above wasn’t enough, we managed to A note about your committee… Anyone can On behalf of their clubs, the has 8 SECRETARY SAYS… With Phil | | SECRETARY SAYS… With Phil 9

Continued… committed to meeting the principle guidelines MUDSA of Accessible Stadia which effectively means changes will take place. As yet, the precise details of the changes are EVENTS not decided and, as deliberations continue, I can only say the questionnaire most members completed has provided a light to shine on the main issues involved. We hope to be able to provide details of any confirmed plans as they surface. Clearly there are many things to be considered in such a large stadium, however, the Season 2017-18 has been highlighted by the Premier League as the target season for these enhancements to be introduced. Watch this space!

MUDSA Bowling And finally… Challenge It’s a rarity I would mention anything twice, what things used to be like — even those members members can enjoy every season. They don’t have The Bowling Challenge takes place at Parrs however, most things have exceptions. coming to the games over the last ten years or more to give anything a second thought… every detail is Wood Leisure Complex with trophies and With the intention of deliberately repeating won’t either. planned to provide a seamless transition from one prizes up for grabs! This year’s event is on myself I would like to say more about the committee The simple fact is the committee are responsible season to the next with little extras added all the Sunday, May 8th. Contact Ann-Marie or look and what they do. Newcomers won’t remember for bringing all the elements of MUDSA together so time. No one knows how things would look without out for the email closer to the time. MUDSA but it sure wouldn’t be the same. The current committee will take us into the next 25 years which have already started but it’s the committee’s job to think of the future and we would like members with ambition and skills to offer to consider whether they would want to be part of the future MUDSA committee. Once again, our heartfelt thanks go to the senior administrators of the club and to all those who help MUDSA go from one success to the next. Phil Downs, MBE — MUDSA Secretary / DLO

MUDSA Goes to the Dogs! This year’s event takes place at Belle Vue Dog track on Friday, July 29th. It costs £21.50 for adults and £8.50 for kids including a three- course meal. Contact Ann-Marie or look out for The current MUDSA committee: (Clockwise from bottom left) Ann-Marie Lewis, Sue Rocca, Chas Banks, the email closer to the time. Phil Downs, John Simister, Jamie Leeming with Group Managing Director Richard Arnold and Customer Relations Executive for MUDSA Ashleigh Davison. Opposite page: Liz Edwards and Des Turner. 10 CHRISTMAS PARTY | | CHRISTMAS PARTY 11 Sir Alex honoured at MUDSA 25th ack in the 1980s when United were Lyn Laffin became our hounarary vice-President. having mixed success on the pitch with Each received gifts to mark the moment. Ba new manager from Scotland, a group Sir Alex was given a specially commissioned of disabled fans who huddled around the edge sculpture entitled ‘Part of Football’, as MUDSA has of the Old Trafford pitch on match days got helped so many disabled fans to be involved with Clockwise: Phil Downs together and formed MUDSA, which has gone the Club. Made of stainless steel and created by presents David Gill Lancashire artist Clare Bigger, it features and Sir Alex with on to become the largest disabled commemorative supporters’ association in the world. half a football with strips of steel that MUDSA sculptures and the committee Fast forward to the 2014-15 form abstract shapes of people meets with the Annual season and we’ve seen a year of celebrating — it even includes a Dinner special guests celebrations to mark the 25th guide dog and a wheelchair. anniversary which culminated David received a hand- in the MUDSA Annual Dinner. made plaque and Lyn a On October 23rd, 2015, specially made gold brooch. the Manchester Suite, at Specially made plaques Old Trafford, played host to were also presented to the a star-studded bash hosted by GPS team and a plaque to Phil our usual funnyman Mark Jones himself. Phil didn’t know about with guest speaker this and was visibly moved when sharing some hilarious stories from the moment came to receive it. his days as captain of the Club and a In honour of reaching the 25 year well received performance from mark, MUDSA also commissioned a book Duggie Brown. written by Mark Metcalfe to chronicle the The highlight of the evening history and achievements of the was an emotional set of organization over the 25 years speeches from Chas Banks, of its existence. Phil Downs MBE and the man This was presented to Sir without whom, none of this Alex and other guests and would have been possible — Sir copies were placed on every . It was with the table for the members to enjoy. help of Sir Alex and his secretary Once again, MUDSA would like Lyn Laffin that MUDSA was born, way to thank everyone who’s been involved back in 1989. with helping us over these 25 years to become the To mark the occasion, Sir Alex was installed as proud organisation we are today and we hope we can MUDSA Patron, David Gill as MUDSA President and be just as successful in the next 25.

Chas Banks brought a tear to many eyes with his emotional speech 12 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Jesse Lingard | | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Jesse Lingard 13 Louis’s given me an

opportunity to It’s good to prove myself and mix youth players with I can’t thank the older him enough pros

12 Jesse Lingard might only be 23, but he’s already become one of there’s a long way to go yet and we’ve got the established faces at United. With more than 20 appearances guys coming back from injury. You’re just always trying to make an impression on the behind him, and under a boss who believes in giving youth a manager for that place. chance, the Warrington whizz tells Rollin’ Reds he is determined RR: You touched on the history of the club earlier, you know with the and to take his chance to cement his place in the starting line-up Class of ’92… Do you feel like something alongside a crop of exciting youngsters for years to come… exciting is happening here at the moment? Definitely. The emergence of a lot of youngsters has brought back the years when guys like Scholes, RR: There’s a host of young players coming through I played every game I could and scored on my Butt, Neville and Beckham were coming through the the ranks at United, so does that make you a senior debut. Then at Brighton, I played every game ranks. It’s good to mix youth players with the older player now? there too so I got that consistency in my pros and having that experience in there as well. Ha, ha — yeah, you could say that! has game that you need, and ready to play at RR: Who do you think will be the next ones to a philosophy of bringing the young ones through and United. come through the ranks? the people who have got their chance at the moment RR: Is it weird thinking you’re a Danny Drinkwater, Matty There are loads – Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Joe have taken that chance and done well in the team. United player, but you’re at another James, … Riley and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, to name a few. With United, history shows that they want to bring club? RR: Are you still in touch with RR: Oh yeah! He’s 18 and played centre half against young players through and I think that’s what we’re Yes, it’s weird. But you know when them? Watford’s Troy Deeney the other night… doing in this era. you’re on loan you are with Yeah, some of them every now and Yeah, he held his own extremely well. I’ve not RR: What’s it like trying to make an impression? that club and helping that club, again — they’re a good bunch of lads. played with him before, apart from in training. How difficult is it to make the transition? fighting every week for three RR: Was Danny Drinkwater here RR: You wonder whether some of the established It’s always hard, especially when a new manager points. You can’t be slack with when you were? names are going to get back in the side when they comes in. You’re constantly trying to impress the anything you do. You have to Yes, he was a year above or two years come back from injury when you see how well coaches, though, trying to get that first team place. help that team do well, and above me. I think he was a late developer some of the young lads are playing. RR: And you’ve had three managers now… they’ll be reporting back, too. but I’m glad he’s doing well. Well, I’m sure it’s great for the manager because he’ll Yeah, three and I’m only 23, which is unusual. RR: Is it the same lads at RR: Now you’re back here, and in the first have lots of choice — it’s all healthy competition. RR: You’ve also had four loan spells too? Leicester there now as when team squad… do you feel established in the RR: Louis has brought several players through who Yeah, at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton and Derby. you were there? team? have turned out to be world class during his time I didn’t play much at Leicester, but at Birmingham Yeah, the majority of them – I’ve played around 21 first team games now, but at various clubs, including Bastien Schweinsteiger 14 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Jesse Lingard | | EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Jesse Lingard 15

FACT FILE… Full Name: Jesse Ellis Lingard DOB: 15nd December 1992 (age 23) Height 1.75 m (5ft 9in) Nationality: English Hometown: Warrington Position: Winger

Stats: Caps: (U17: 3), (U21: 11) Goals: 4 (United), 2 (international) Dab hand: Jesse does his dance to Honours: celebrate scoring Louis against Shrewsbury United: FA Youth Cup 2010/11 in the FA Cup likes a bit of banter but and Andres Iniesta – how does it he’s also very RR: What parts of your game , the English pros around the place. feel to come through under him? to you need to improve on? They give me guidance. And as well. He’s 14 It’s great. Louis’s given me a great focused when And what’s Louis Van Gall done it at United, and is helping me any way he can. opportunity and I can’t thank him it comes to improved for you? RR: Do you see yourself as a winger, Jesse? enough. I was hoping to get my chance the game I think Louis has improved my I like playing at Number 10, but everyone else does, under , but obviously that game understanding and game too. If you play on the wing, it’s always easy to come didn’t come around. I’ve had to be patient and knowledge, seeing the bigger inside as well. I’m not an out and out winger. wait for that chance, but Van Gaal has seen the talent picture. We do a lot of switching of play, and it’s RR: Who are the leaders in the dressing room? and is putting it into good use. that understanding that has improved. He likes Well, obviously Wazza’s the captain. Carrick is vice RR: What’s LvG like? In private, can he be quite quick, direct wingers, but does like to instill different captain, and too. They’re the three funny? features in your game. captains. After that, it’s Juan Mata. Yes, he is! He likes a bit of banter, to be fair. He is laid RR: You were born in Warrington – but how did RR: Have you got one eye on the European back, but when it comes to football he’s very focused you get a name like that? Championships at the moment? and he wants you to have your head screwed on and You know what… I think it was my great, great, great It’s always in the back of my mind. But I’ve got to get into the game. He’s also a really honest bloke. grandma. Her name was Jesse Ellis, so I’m Jesse Ellis concentrate on Man United and keep doing well. He’ll definitely tell you if you’re doing badly, or doing Lingard. A lot of people think I must be Norwegian, Anything else that happens is a bonus. something good. He tells the press straight, too. or Scandinavian, especially after Anders Lindergaard RR: Do you have any superstitions, or rituals? RR: Is he out there training with the lads? being here and my name sounding a bit like his. No but some players do — Juan Mata puts his left He comes out all the time, every day, watching us. RR: Did you have to work hard at football when boot on first and steps onto the pitch with his left foot. RR: The Arsenal game was a cracker. Do you really you were a kid, or did it just all come naturally? RR: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever been notice the fans getting behind you in a match like I think with most footballers, it’s natural. You start asked to autograph? that? off young, at school and when you get home you just Someone’s forehead! You get some weird requests – You do hear them, especially when it’s a dead ball want to play. When you come to United, they teach phone cases and plastercasts, and so on. situation. Or, when you’re attacking. We started you some skills when you’re starting off. But most of RR: What’s your all about! that week off well, with the win at Shrewsbury, and it is just a natural thing. Ha, it’s a dance called The Dab that’s trending at the beating Midtylland. You know, the fans were really RR: Have you thought aout what you were going to moment. There’s a few sportspeople doing it from up for it against Arsenal and it was a massive three do if you didn’t make it as a footballer? to basketball! points for us. Not really… As long as I got my grades at school, that RR: So, you’re a bit of a mover on the dance floor? RR: There have been some ups and downs this was important, and hopefully everything would look Yeah, yeah…well, a little bit. I won’t be doing a ‘robot’ season, but do we just need to keep going? after itself after that. like , though! Yeah. As long as we can reach some consistency, who RR: Who have been the most influential players? RR: You’ve not got a song yet. Any suggestions? knows what can happen this season. Since I’ve got in the team, the likes of , Ha ha… I need to score in the derby, then I’ll be a hero. 16 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW Juan Mata | | THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW Juan Mata 17 Mata of facts things you probably didn’t know about FACT FILE… 10Manchester United’s super Spaniard Full Name: Juan Manuel Mata Garcia DOB: 28 April 1988 Height 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) Since moving to Manchester United, Juan is one Nationality: Spanish has learned all about the club’s history and of Juan’s best friends Full Int. Caps: 1 culture and says that he would like to sit down 4 at United. Ander says: 39 and have a coffee and a chat with Eric Cantona — “I think we are very similar. We Honours: wouldn’t we all! understand football and life in a Valencia Copa del Rey: 2007/08 similar way. We love football but we also love a lot of Chelsea Mata’s footballing idol is Andreas Iniesta and other things, like the cinema and to read. We try to FA Cup: 2011/12, Champions League: 2011/12, Europa League: 2012/13 he says that if he had the power he would sign spend time together, also with ”. Spain the Barcelona playmaker and bring him to Old World Cup: 2010, European Football 2 Championship: 2012, Confederations Trafford. Off the pitch, Juan lives a relaxed lifestyle 16 and enjoys visiting museums and parks and Cup: Runner-up 2013, Third 2009 Juan is left footed and he always puts on his 5 nipping into Manchester’s Northern Quarter left boot first and steps onto the pitch with his for a coffee and a bite to eat. 3 left foot first. Mata has a pet Parrot called Ruud — it knows Juan has played football for as long as he can the words to all the United songs and sings remember. He used to play with his dad and 7 them when he sees Juan on TV. 6 with his sister and her friends. He is a Spanish international, having represented Spain at under-16,under-17, 8 under-19, under-20, under-21, Olympic, and senior levels.

His creative talents extend further than the football pitch and Juan says that if he wasn’t a 9 footballer he would love to work in marketing — a subject he is studying.

Juan is a graduate of Real Madrid’s youth academy, He played for Real 10 Madrid Castilla in 2006–07, before joining Valencia in 2007–08. He became an integral part of the club’s Midfield maestro, midfield, making Mata, has become a fim favourite 174 appearances with United fans WARNING: over the course of One of these facts four seasons. might be made up! 18 CHRISTMAS PARTY | | CHRISTMAS PARTY 19

Christmas party a big hit as usual Chris is MUDSA ld Trafford’s Manchester Suite was buzzing on Sunday, December 13th Oas it played host to the most exciting day in the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association (MUDSA) calendar — Player of the Year the Christmas Party! As you will see from the gallery, a fantastic time was had by all and as usual, all the first team players came along to meet members and their guests, have their photos taken and sign everybody’s goodies! MUDSA members voted for Chris Smalling as their Player of the Year because of his outstanding and consistent performances that have made our defence the best in the league up to Christmas. We would like to thank all the players who attended the Christmas Party, a tradition which is now in its 26th year and is the most popular event in the MUDSA calendar. 20 CHRISTMAS PARTY | | CHRISTMAS PARTY 21 22 Rollin’ Reds Tribute George Best | | Rollin’ Reds Tribute George Best 23 Simply the Best… It’s 10 years since George died and Rollin’ Reds marks the occasion with 10 of his best quotes and tributes… 22 24 ON THE ROAD With Alex and Jon | | ON THE ROAD With Alex and Jon 25 Our Euro adventure t was Monday 14th December 2015, my dad Alex and Jon Neild have been on time (10:15am) we had a super flight and landed collected me from school as normal and I safely in ahead of schedule. remember asking him who United had drawn to almost every United away On arrival we decided to get something to eat Iin the Europa League, as the draw had taken match this season and here before checking into our hotel. We unpacked our place earlier that day in Nyon, Switzerland. stuff and checked the team news only to find out He told me that we would face FC Midtjylland from they share their story about that Rooney hadn’t travelled due to knee ligament Denmark. I knew very little about this team so when the Reds’ trip to Midtjylland damage which could rule him out for some time. I got home I went on the internet to find out more. I We settled in for the evening and watched Roma v found that two local clubs Fremad and Ikast League by Cypriot side APOEL in the third qualifying Real Madrid which ended 2-0 to Madrid after a FS both merged in April 1999 and FC Midtjylland was round, but made the Europa League group stage by wonder strike from Ronaldo — how I would born. After checking the fixture dates, dad told me it winning a play-off against Southampton. love him back home at Old Trafford. was to be played during the midterm from school. I We left home slightly later than planned and soon Thursday 18th February: It was the was desperate to go and asked mum immediately if hit traffic on the M60 Swinton interchange due to a morning of the game and I was woken I could apply. broken down lorry, dad decided to come off and head by room service. Dad told me to I was successful in the ballot and was fortunate down the East Lancs and through Worsley. Once we have a good breakfast, as we still to attend as United were only given two wheelchair joined the motorway again it was clear and we had had to travel to the centre of spaces and about a week before the match my tickets a good run to Manchester Airport. We arrived at Denmark. for the game arrived. My dad wasn’t happy about the Terminal 1 and parked up, after a quick check in we It had been price, though — £71 (but I’m worth it). went through security only to find out that the team snowing in The day before the game, I woke up early (7:40am) were flying from the same terminal direct to Karup in the night in excitement as today we were flying to Copenhagen Denmark. and the ahead of United’s first match in the Europa League Sir ground was under Louis van Gaal, after failing to qualify from this covered, but season’s Champions league group stages. We hung around as long as we could to see the all the roads It’s not United’s first time in this competition but players and we bumped into Sir Bobby Charlton and were clear. The it will be mine. Often the butt of many jokes, the Paddy Crerand. Our gate (27) was then announced airport was fully Europa League was created in the 09-10 season. It so we quickly rushed through the terminal before operational was previously known as the UEFA Cup after the catching our flight. Dad had chosen seats at the rear and I counted Cup Winners’ Cup also merged with it in 1999. At of the plane, thinking we would board from the back eleven gritters the time it was considered as United’s best route into like the last time we flew to Copenhagen on route to working in next season’s Champions League. Wolfsburg. He couldn’t have been more wrong and tandem to keep FC Midtjylland are competing in Europe for the first we had to negotiate the full length of the plane. It was the runways time after they were knocked out of the Champions fun though because there were lots of United fans on clear. This was board and they were all giving me high-fives. good news There was little time to spare and the pilot took off because we had

Alex and his dad, Jon, bump into all sorts of friendly faces on their travels to watch United play away 26 ON THE ROAD With Alex and Jon | | ON THE ROAD With Alex and Jon 27

arranged to meet my uncle Nigel at Copenhagen the Handelsbanken stand. The corner was full so we minutes later after coming on after an hour played. airport at 1pm, he had managed to get a ticket from sat along the main stand. Unfortunately the walkway This prompted our second change with Pereira fellow MUDSA Red Andy so he could come along was narrow and didn’t allow much room for access immediately replacing Mata on 78. and help my dad. Apart from watching the team play once wheelchairs were in place and because it was The game ended in a 2-1 defeat for United for the it’s got to be one of the best things about watching used by press and corporate supporters, we had a second game running. Me and dad felt United played United — I get to meet so many friends and new restricted view due to a cameraman. well and had bossed the game and never really felt people. Everyone is always kind and helpful towards Toilets were located on the ground floor and worried but it was a difficult night for us and we were Alex and Jon me and I feel really happy about that. there was only the one accessible toilet, this was also unable to take advantage of the chances presented even met We flew with Danish Air Transport (DAT) to Karup, shared with other staff and supporters so at times we to us. From our fifteen shots at goal only three were who was commentating the closest airport to the ground. It’s on a military did have to queue — not good. on target and a couple of sloppy mistakes cost us on the match airfield which was constructed during German We watched the players come out on a freezing taking the lead into the second leg at Old Trafford in occupation in 1940. It was a short flight — only 50 cold night, I noticed that David De Gea pulled up and I a week’s time. minutes and we saw the Thomas Cook plane that told my dad I wouldn’t expect him to play. Fans had travelled a long way and paid a hefty United had chartered on the runway as we landed. Just before kick off my dad moved us into the price for the ticket, so frustration was running high From here we got a taxi to our Hotel (Herning #9) Sportmaster Tribunen (Danish for stand) where with a few fans turning on the players at the end. As which is only a five minute walk to the ground, but United fans were situated. There were no wheelchair difficult as it is to watch I will always support my team before that my uncle had to collect his ticket from the spaces but thanks to a local fan we managed to get and my dad always tells me that results like this just congress centre which was only a short taxi ride from an end seat on the front row of the second tier, right make the good times even better. our hotel. behind the goal we were attacking in the first half. I Lucky On arrival to the MCH Arena in Herning, it sat on my dad’s knee so I could see the game so I was looked impressive despite the ground only having a much happier. The hotel we were staying in was close to the 11,800-capacity. On entering the stadium we had to Blanket ground, so after the match we hung around to see get the lift to the first floor, from here we could access if we could see any of the players. Their coach was the press room and met Owen Hargreaves who was FC Midtjylland fans, nicknamed The Wolves, parked directly outside the main stand ready to take reporting for BT Sport. He used to play for United, were in good voice, but couldn’t match the travelling them directly to Karup for their flight home. We signing for us in 2007 and winning both the Premier . It was -3° degrees but thankfully I had managed to see the players once they had boarded and Champions league in his first season. numerous layers of clothing on and the stewards but we did get up close to LvG during his post match 8am, got changed and headed down for breakfast. Access to our seats was OK, it was unreserved provided us with a blanket and hot drinks which we press conference. Dad checked us in online for our return flights and as seating and we had a choice of areas to go. There was were very grateful for. As we heading pack to our hotel to have some we had a couple of hours to kill before our flight we plenty of disabled seating under the private boxes in after a nervous start, United managed to take much deserved rest, we bumped into Rod Thornley, heading back to the ground. the lead through Memphis on 37 minutes. He had a sports therapist at United and brother of Ben who When we got there the company responsible for lacked a lot of confidence more recently so I was we had seen at Manchester airport the previous day. all the Europa League branding were packing the pleased for him. Unfortunately we were unable to He spoke to one of the backroom staff and they gave stuff away. One of the guys was from Blackburn and hold out until half time and an unusual poor pass me one of United’s warm-up balls — how lucky am I! allowed us into the ground and also gave us exclusive from Carrick presented Sisto with a chance which he We arrived at our hotel on a high despite the access to the teams’ dressing rooms. I even nipped didn’t waste on 44 minutes, he had looked dangerous poor first leg result, we had burger and chips whilst onto the pitch, much to the groundsman’s anger. Passing through all night and gave the home side some belief. watching the other Europa league games from earlier We headed back to our hotel to arrange a taxi as airports has United started the second half positively creating that night, I was very tired by this stage and about our internal flight from Karup back to Copenhagen become normal for Alex and Jon several chances with Mata heading wide and Lingard 11pm local time I asked my dad if I could go to sleep was at 2:05pm. The flight was delayed so we had a as they travel to hitting the crossbar. LvG mades his first change with and I slept with my new ball under my arm. hectic dash to our flight back to Manchester but with watch United at places like the Schneiderlin replacing Herrera on 72 minutes but The next morning we woke around the help of Falck Assistance we managed to board MCH Arena in Denmark (right) this wasn’t enough to stop Onuachu netting five our return flight home on-time. We arrived back in Manchester at Alex was glad to get back to the 4:45pm where it actually felt much warmer warmth of the hotel because it despite the low temperature. We said was -3˚ outside! goodbye to uncle Nige and swung by Old Trafford on our way home to collect tickets for the U21s’ game against City on the Saturday, only to find out that Ashleigh had kindly posted some out for us. We arrived back home it was great to see mum again and we had some tea before bed and the U21 game the next day! 28 HAVE YOUR SAY Your Letters | | HAVE YOUR SAY Your Letters 29 Your letters

Hello all, for next year, you have a table of devoted followers The food was excellent, and can we just I just wanted to say a huge thank you to the MUDSA now. Hello, add another vote of thanks to the bar and team for such an amazing night at the annual dinner. Take care, have a great festive period and thanks I wanted to send you an email to Star waiting staff whose pleasant and helpful I had the time of my life and I can’t thank you enough. for everything over the previous eight-or-so years. commend you. I found the MUDSA 25 attitude was second to none. Duggie Chas’s speech brought a tear to my eye and I think Without that chance meeting we may never have had booklet a fascinating read, well put together letter Brown was hilarious, Bryan Robson the work you all do is fantastic. I have a disability that all the fun we did in the ensuing years. and of good quality. extremely entertaining, and as usual Mark I enjoyed tracking the development of people cannot see and I’m now the same age as my Thank you, Kev Jones kept everything and everyone in dad when he died of the same thing but I’ve always years and it was nice to see some familiar facesMU inD there.SA over I think the order marvellously! been included and made some fantastic friends which it was a particularly poignant read as I went to the C It was also great to be there for all the League final at the in 1999 and in Moscow 2008 I feel truly blessed with. Hi Ann-Marie hampions announcements and awards, and a pleasure MUDSA has helped me through some of the Thank you for arranging the MUDSA Christmas party able bodied and didn’t have any idea at all of the kind of to support MUDSA on its 25th anniversary. toughest times of my life and gives me something to this year — it was an amazing event (as always) and adventures fellow MUDSA members we tackling to get there. If you could please pass our thanks on look forward to. If I can do anything to help please let has provided great memories I will treasure forever. I must also confess that I never fully understood the to everyone concerned, we would be very me know because I’d love to give something back. What MUDSA do is truly special and everyone significance of the ‘half-time draw’ offered to us members until grateful. Saturday. I now realise that it is a help towards the running of Thank you, Nicky involved in the organisation should be immensely Kind regards, Don and Mary Hooper the magazine etc and will definitely participate from now on. 28 You are a credit to not only Manchester United but the world of disability as a whole. Hello all, Hi Ann-Marie Many thanks to all for another great evening at the All the best for Christmas and the New Year, Thank you so so much for organising the Annual Dinner last night. Your hard work was well Kind regards, Francis Christmas party. I’m sure it took an awful lot worth it and certainly very much appreciated. of hard work but I can assure that you have Best regards to all the organising committee. given one little boy the best day of his life so Gordon and Jane Collinge far. Daniel was in total awe of all of the players on Friday night, a brilliant evening and thoroughly and nearly burst into tears when Wayne Hi Chas enjoyed by all the guys who were fortunate enough Rooney walked in. Just dropping you a line to say thank you for a fantastic to attend. Thank you for giving him the best Christmas you evening which managed to surpass last year’s. Being a ‘Boro fan it was good to have a good chat could imagine. I thought the evening was great this year — the with Robbo early in the evening, saying hi to all the Tina Hopkins food was spot on and it was good to meet up with all United legends and then topping it off with of Sir Alex our old friends and even nicer that they didn’t shy — a truly memorable event! away from being able to speak. I though your speech Cara Thomas You should be proud of all the years of MUDSA and was happy to Hi Ann-Marie, was very good — it really hit the mark. meet David! what it has achieved, not to mention your amazing I can’t thank you enough for Sunday! It certainly Only one small disaster, at the start of the evening support to our injured troops, and I’m pleased that made one of George’s dreams come true. He hasn’t a waiter manage to drop a bottle of red wine in my lap Rick got the message across so well. The boy is really stop talking about it, and I have a feeling this will be (much to my horror, and even more to his), poor lad good at public speaking now! the topic of conversation all Christmas! Thank you so thought the end of the world had come.If doing that Thanks again for all your hard work! much! wasn’t bad enough all his top brass had just decided Take care for now, Johno George was star stuck on most of the photos, to have a quick discussion next to our table, it was like specially one with Juan (that’s his current favourite watching a scatter bomb go off the slowest on their proud. I just want you all to know that your efforts player along with Wayne). feet had to stay and grovel. Hopefully no real damage and hard work are greatly appreciated! Hi Chas, Looking forward to catching you next time we’re done. Wine came out of the shirt and the suit is at the Kind regards, Cara Tomas Sorry it’s a bit late, but Don and I just wanted to let at a game! dry cleaners. you know how much we enjoyed the Annual Dinner Once again thank you so much and I hope you and We all thought the comedian was spot on — not again this year, and we would like to thank everyone your family have a fantastic Christmas! seen him for years but still as good as ever. In fact, we Hey Chas, involved for all their hard work in making it such a Best Wishes , James enjoyed it that much I’d like to book our table again Just a note to say a big thanks for all your efforts wonderful evening. | MY MUFC 31 Cantona’s skill and MUDSAMUDSA charisma with the MerchandiseMerchandise ball was outstanding e are committed to offering our A chat with MUDSA member Rowena Webb at the derby… members fairly priced products with Wall the profits going to MUDSA. Merchandise is available on match days from our VI rep John Simister in the Ability Suite and from RR: How long have you supported United? Quadrant rep Liz Edwards in both quadrants. 26 years, or, since I was about 14. Before that I Merchandise is also available from the club supported the same team as my dad until I was museum. old enough to make my own mind up. That team was Liverpool — Boooo! Badges and lanyards £2.50 RR: Earliest memory of Manchester United: Key rings (leather) £3.00 Around 1995 Pens (boxed) £3.00 RR: Best United Memory: Cufflinks £5.00 Treble, 1999 Rowena (centre) and 1GB USB memory stick £4.50 RR: Favourite all-time United Player: her friend Lesley Ann 30 SPECIAL OFFER Cantona. His skill and his charisma with the ball even bumpend into just after the draw Boxed pen OR leather was outstanding. I think opposition players were with City in October key ring AND badge £5.00 scared of his charisma and his attitude on the pitch which was win, win, win! RR: Can I detect a bit of an accent with you? passion and start scoring again because you have it I’m from Capetown, South Africa! inside you. Believe in yourself! RR: Favourite current player: RR: Who do you think will win the league? new for Rooney although I don’t think United has a really big United. Either that or we’ll be second. I still have the 2015/16 star at the moment. 20|13 logo on my Facebook page and I’m desperate RR: Have you been to a derby before? to change it to a 21 so I really hope we win it. Ha ha, I haven’t even been to the UK before so this is RR: What other sports events do you go to? my first match at Old Trafford — a baptism of fire! It’s Cricket, football and rugby mainly. worked out really well actually because we went to RR: Do you mind me telling us a bit about your the MUDSA Annual Dinner on Friday night. We met disability? Fergie and Robbo so it’s been a great weekend. I’m a double amputee — trans-metatarsal on my left RR: Player would most like at United: foot and trans-tibia (below the knee) on my right leg. KEYRINGS LANYARDS . I think he’s still young enough It’s been caused by diabetes and I’m also on dialysis. and has definitely got the skill and the talent. I sometimes use a prosthetic limb but at the MEMORY STICKS RR: Which of the summer transfers are moment it’s mostly a wheelchair for me. you most excited about? RR: How do the facilities at South African Martial and Depay. They are two great grounds compare to here? young players and I think in a few years they I’ve only been to Capetown Stadium which CUFFLINKS will be like Rooney and Ronaldo used was built for the World Cup and they’re to be. very good. RR: If you could offer advice to RR: What do you think of the PENS any player — who would it disabled facilities here at Old be and what would you Trafford? say? They’re far superior to Wayne Rooney. I’d anything I’ve seen before. say settle down, find It’s a great view here — nice your focus and your and close to the pitch. 32

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