United travel to White Hart Lane

It has been a very somber month on November for the Red Devils Fans of Mumbai. The terror attacks which shook Mumbai in November have left us all in shock. The scheduled screening for the game against Man City was called off as a mark of respect to the innocent victims, the football sessions were also called off for a couple of weeks (resumed on 7th December).

United is 3rd in the league, 6 points adrift the league leaders with a game in a game in hand. They take on Tottenham this weekend, the team has done well under the guidance of Harry Redknapp. Dimi (if fit) will be travelling to White Hart Lane in United colors and how the Red’s would love to see him score here.

The games will be coming thick and fast this Christmas season and United’s bench will have to stand up and be counted. Rooney, Tevez are netting in the goals. The latest we hear is that Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov are all doubtful for Saturday's trip to Tottenham. We will miss Evra and Rooney through suspension. Now that’s quite a task SAF has on his hands…

United travel to Japan next week in their quest to be “Fifa Club World Champions”. That would be a real icing on the cake and will give the players that added impetus in their quest to win a hat trick of Premier League titles. Here’s what Ryan Giggs had to say about the competition (courtesy fifa.com), “It's a bigger competition now. In the past it was just Europe against South America, but now every continent is involved. It would be very special to be crowned champions of the world. Obviously, there's two games to play this time, so it's going to be even tougher, but would be great if we did."

Julien Menezes

MUFCM Screening – Chelsea v/s Manchester United

The big games for United have come quick and early. The moderators at MUFCM had their hands full right at the beginning of the season, they were at their usual best and made sure no stone was left unturned to entertain the die-hard United fans of Mumbai.

The fans poured in – 44 was the head count for the game. We were on tenterhooks as to what would be the outcome as United have perennially been slow starters. Well, if anyone had a doubt, the first 18 minutes would have eliminated them all. United were off the blocks in breakneck speed and were deservedly ahead courtesy Park. By half time we were all big smiles and laughing our guts out. This all changed in the second half as United were on the back foot and Chelsea dominated and piled on the pressure. They drew level – Kalou sneaking in a header. That was the game! A point at Stamford Bridge – not too bad I’d say!
We were visibly disappointed, but it was now time for us to look forward as the big games were out of the way.

A lot is happening at the Manchester United Fan Club Mumbai. I’m sure there are plenty of United supporters out there who can still make it. So, if anyone of you reading this blog is a United fan to the core make sure you come along – its 100% pure adrenalin rush watching the game with a bunch of crazy fans.

Julien Menezes

Battle of the Bridge

Game 4 for United. Screening no 3 for the Manchester United Fan Club of Mumbai (MUFCM). I missed the earlier screenings of the Newcastle and Liverpool games. This game promises to be a cracker and we all are geared up for it. The Working committee will meet couple of hours prior to the game followed by some pre-match videos and then the screening!

United haven’t got off the blocks…yet! United know that a win here will surely kick start their season. The mood in the camp is of quiet confidence after a good opening game in the Champions League against the “drawing” team Villarreal. Ronaldo’s return gives us that extra bite we need in midfield and upfront, Dimi’s doubtful, this will be a blow as he scores (while playing for Tottenham) against Chelsea. Fletcher is going great guns and Tevez is in mesmerizing mood. Rooney has tried but not hit the target and will be geared up to put a few past Petr Cech.

Chelsea have been knocking in the goals (9 in 4 games). They are unbeaten at home – 84 games if I’m not mistaken. That’s some record!! Deco has settled well at the Bridge and Scolari will go all out to ensure the record is intact. The battle will be won or lost in midfield, this is precisely where Giggs, Ronaldo, Owen, Fletcher, Nani, Anderson and Park (scintillating form in the CL) will have to be at their ‘Sunday best’. It all boils down to who Fergie has in the starting line up. All the players will be eager to put 1 past their closest rivals of last season (at home and Europe) and sure shot title contenders this year. On the other hand I strongly feel both keepers will play a key role in their respective side’s success.

All in all the game will be critical for United and drawing away to Chelsea will not be a bad day at the office for SAF’s Red Army.

From the look of it a healthy no of fans will be turning up for the screening. It will be a sea of Red, come 21st September.

Go on you Reds – the Devils from Mumbai are will be singing in Unison, GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!


Julien Menezes

MUFCM Screening – v/s Liverpool (A) – Sep 13

My Screening Feedback

I spent the last week worrying if enough people would turn up for the game. Many of us at MUFCM spend a lot of time organising events & we were worried if the screening would really be good.

When I woke up today morning, I saw quite a few had registered so I was relieved that at least many would be turning up for the game. Quite frankly, its the biggest game, I always look for both the Liverpool games when the fixture list comes out.

I entered the hall, news came through that 'there was NO ESPN'. Had me worried a little that something like that could possible ruin the evening. However, we got ESPN soon enough.

As the crowd started building, 2-3 people brought their flags. The huge MUFCM poster was unveiled and it was BRILLIANT. It was awesome and just gave me a picture of what we have managed to achieve at MUFCM.

The videos were playing as I was doing some small paper work & talking to some guests from Liverpool Mumbai. The Kick-Off came pretty soon & I was sat on my seat ready for a humdinger. There was fair bit of noise and everything about the screening seemed perfect.

The ambience for football was amazing, we even had rival fans over and there was lots of banter. Some amazing videos were played at half-time. Some passionate fans even knew a lot of chants sung at Old Trafford. Every now and then you would hear someone shout United!! even when we were trailing. Many joined in when 'Glory Glory Manutd' was sung. It was fantastic.

Even now, the terrible United performance and the loss still did not sink in. However deep down I felt a deep sense of satisfaction in the way the screening was conducted.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for making it a great event. I'd like to thank the Screening team members, Sunil, Sumit and everyone who contributed in every little way. Hope to see you'll next week.

It would've been wonderful had we capped it off with a win. Nonetheless.

Glory Glory Man United!

Srikanth
MUFCM




Screening Review: (Body Count = 40)

Well Srikanth has summed up pretty much everything. After so much work in the off season, it was great to see the first really big screening go so well.

The membership has started rolling & slowly we should be ever increasing in number. I will still appeal everyone to come & sign up for either of our (Premium or Basic) Memberships. For marketing purposes its really important to have a definite number of registered members.

The official flag/poster looks awesome, I cant wait to take it to pubs & other football events. The website will be up & going by this month end. So we can really step up publicizing & marketing our website, till the next set of screenings in Nov/Dec.

Having 'Liverpool Mumbai' certainly helped create an even more electrifying atmosphere. There was not one moment when people were quite, there was constant chanting & bantering going on, it was like sitting in a stadium. If six Liverpool fans can help create such an amazing atmosphere, we can imagine when we have equal number of rival fans. Joint Screenings are certainly the way to go in future, provided there is no personal abusing & fighting.

The food was amazingly good last night & almost never unendingly served. It served as a great chakna for by Booze.

Unfortunately I was a bit late, due to traffic on my way, so couldn't play all the pre match videos, specially the 20 minute special video on Manchester United. However I promise to come on time next time & surely play that video.

Overall it was certainly one of the best screenings, except for the result ofcourse.

Sunil Thakur
MUFCM

Liverpool vs Manchester United (A) - 13th Sep .

With a draw and a win from their first two games of the season, Manchester United find themselves 9^th in the premier league table and travel to Anfield to take on bitter rivals in the form on Liverpool on Saturday, 13^th of September . With players like Carrick, Giggs and Hargreaves returning from injury, Nani returning from suspension, Anderson returning from Olympic duty and new signing Berbatov all set to make his debut for the reds, Manchester United are looking at their strongest best .

On the other hand , things don’t look very good for Liverpool. On big occasions like this, you need your big game players to step up and with Steve Gerrard and Torres fighting a race against time to be fit for the game, their absence could make it even more difficult for Liverpool. Albert Riera, the 26 year old left sided winger completed his move to Liverpool from Spanish side Espanyol on the last day of the transfer window and will be hoping to play some part in the game.

United won the corresponding fixture last season by a goal to nil and will be looking for a similar result whilst Liverpool on the other hand will leave no stone unturned to make sure they put up a good show in front of their home fans . This one promises to be an absolutely brilliant tie as two of the most successful teams in the history of English football lock horns. Its pretty obvious I'll be rooting for the team from Manchester .

Hope to see you’ll at the screening on the 13^th. For more details :

http://www.orkut.co.in/CommMsgs.aspx?cmm=53483970&tid=5242509984288331608&start=1

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=38577536557

- Rohit Ramachandran

Portsmouth v/s Manchester United

The draw at home on Game week 1 will surely be hurting United. It was a game which they should have won, hands down. They now travel to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth on what could be a very important game for the Domestic and European Champions. Monday night football promises to be a mouth watering affair if United decide to turn it on in their first away game of the season.

It will not be easy for sure as Harry Redknapp is a shrewd manager and has formed a team capable of causing a few upsets. United learnt it the hard way when they were knocked out by Portsmouth in the FA Cup Quarters (Portsmouth eventually won the FA Cup). Then the 2 teams met in a friendly where United got the better of them. The Charity Shield saw Man United win on penalties. All in all expect a tough game.


The Tevez and Rooney pairing should warm the hearts of all Red Devils. Tevez was the man of the match in the Charity Shield game. His winning attitude and approach would spur on his team mates. Campbell was unlucky on day one and I’m sure he will come up with a goal to open his account.


Sir Alex knows the importance of this game and will leave no stone unturned to ensure his team leaves with 3 points in the bag and 3rd place in the league standings. There is no way they can lose and a draw will be criminal. Let’s hope they better their last seasons start by winning one of the opening 2 fixtures.

United drew their first 2 games last season and ended as Champ10ns!!! Anyone see a “good omen”….enjoy the game all you United fans…it will sure be a late night for us.

Julien Menezes

The Season has begun

Manchester United walked out of the tunnel and onto the hallowed turf - Old Trafford. Once again, as they have done on numerous, United will take on what comes their way to defend their title as “Premier League Champions”. On hand is the game with the Magpies – Newcastle United, their whipping boys, United have rammed in 11 goals in the last 2 outings against Newcastle.

The stats said it all, it was 3 points for the taking in the 90 minutes of playing time. Well no one told Newcastle, as Keegan’s boys put on a spirited performance, soaking a lot of pressure from United’s attacking force. Campbell was all over the place and Rooney was wearing out the pitch of Old Trafford. But for all their efforts and for some inspired goalkeeping from Shay Given, United were unable to trouble the score-keepers.

It was Newcastle that went into the lead, courtesy a towering header from Martins! The United defense was nowhere to be seen, one could have forgiven the Magpies for thinking there were in dreamland. Then United did what they do best ‘get them on the counter’. Reality check Mr. Keegan, a cross from Giggs and Fletcher was on hand to send the ball past Shay Given’s defenses. 1-1 and United were back in the game.

However, Newcastle were resolute in their defense, the Argentine Coloccini had a good outing in his debut game along with Taylor. Sir Alex wouldn’t be too pleased with the result but would take the point gained as it’s important to get points on the board in the start of the season. Sadly for United, Carrick will be out for a while. With Nani suspended and Owen recovering it will tough going for United. Next up are all away games to Portsmouth and potential title challengers Liverpool and Chelsea. It’s never an easy game when playing in the Premier League and The Boss very well knows it.

These will be absolutely critical games, the teams which come up trumps will have the early advantage and momentum in pursuit of the title. One hopes United succeed in signing an out and out striker no sooner than this weekend. That will go a long way in calming Fergie’s nerves (if any).

Go United!!!

Julien Menezes

Special MUFCM Screening – v/s Newcastle United (H)

The 2008-09 season was about to kick off on August 17, 2008 against Newcastle United. Only for the second time we were about to have a screening for a match involving a team, other than the Big 3 contenders (Arsenal, Chelsea & Liverpool), the only other such screening was against Manchester City, when we marked the 50 th Year of The Munich Tragedy.

It was a special screening as we were about to launch MUFCM's Official Membership. Over the off season we tried to get in touch with the people at Old Trafford, in order to gain Official Status, but we came to know that, they wanted at least 50 of us to spend an insane amount of money (Rs 3000) per season, for benefits which are not that beneficial to us. So we chucked the idea, instead we thought why not start our own membership, offer people a lot of benefits, build our fan base for few years, then maybe again approach the guys at OT. A lot of work & planning went into figuring out the way the Membership Structure should be.

This is what we came up with ...

After two seasons of successful operations as a fan club, it brings us great pleasure to announce the launch of MUFCM’s Official Membership Scheme! The membership scheme will help in establishing MUFCM as an independent fan club and will encourage more Manchester United supporters to join us! The scheme consists of a 2-tiered structure as follows: Premium Membership – for the uncompromising Manchester United supporter! Basic Membership – for the Manchester United supporters who are not yet able to take up the premium membership, but still want to get associated with MUFCM!

Coming back to the screening, firstly we would like to thank everyone who came (Body Count = 20) for the screening last night. It was a special screening for us, as we Officially launched our Membership System. A screening of a match against Newcastle might not be that exciting as against any of our main rivals like City, Liverpool, Chelsea & Arsenal, so we even more appreciate the people who showed up.

The pre match videos before the match were awesome to watch, specially the Ole tribute video & the Season review video (The Flag Keeps Flying). The match was a bit disappointing, as we were expecting another Newcastle hammering, specially as we heard the news of Chelsea winning 4-0 against Portsmouth. But considering all the players we are missing, the team played pretty well, although we still would have liked to have started with a win at home. Even last Season we had started slow, hopefully like last time we start grinding out results, as all the players come back in the Team.

We already have 14 people who have signed up for our Premium membership & many more for the Basic membership. So in that respect the Screening has been a great success, although a win for United could have made it even better.

Hoping for a even bigger turn out & a better result next time round. Next up will be Back to Back screenings on Sept 13 & Sept 21, for away matches against two of our fiercest rivals, Liverpool & Chelsea respectively.

Sunil Thakur
The MUFCM Main Team

Its about to begin

The new EPL season is about to begin. Soccer crazy fans all around the world just can’t wait for kick off! For us out here in Mumbai and at the Manchester United Fan Club of Mumbai, Sunday just couldn't come sooner. It was a dream end to last season, 2 trophies for all the hard work.



The new season had a good curtain raiser in the form of the traditional Community Shield game. United played Portsmouth, the team that knocked them out of the FA Cup, and won the game on penalties (déjà vu anyone...) A win is a win and a trophy would please a United fan on any given day, and that to coming at the start of what could be a grueling season.

Chelsea, runners up (to United) in the EPL and UEFA Champions League have bolstered their team. Avram Grant has given way to Scolari (Brazils World Cup winning Team Coach, last coached Portugal in the EURO Championship 2008).

Liverpool, hopefully will standup and be counted and not just flatter to deceive in the EPL, they somehow seem to play on a different plateau altogether when it comes to the Champions League though.

Arsenal, surprisingly have let many of their star performers leave, will Arsene Wenger go the United way and put youth to the fore??Guess we will have to wait and watch.

Tottenham, Blackburn, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Manchester City (with Ex-United player, Mark Hughes at the helm) will be a handful. One of these teams will surely give the top four a run for their money. Though as it has been seen over the years, it’s at the final leg – post January the many of these teams lose focus and the Top Four stay as they are. Will this season be any different…

Manchester United haven’t bought any one in yet. SAF knows his team and a swoop for an imposing striker up front should come through very soon. You will not find many Star players, but you will be sure to notice hardworking Team-players who give their sweat and blood to ensure the Color of Champions is “Manchester Red”.

The season is going to have its share of thrills and spills, of sheer ecstasy and heart-break, of ups and downs, of Red cards and Yellow Cards, of super saves and jaw-dropping goals. All in all it promises to be a joy-ride for which we wish we all had season passes!! Nonetheless MUFCM has its own special way of bringing out the vociferous you to the fore in all its screenings (come watch it in a sea of red, where all that you will hear is GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED).

United take on Newcastle in the season opener, it will not be an easy game. The record books say that it will either be a draw or win for the home team. Well for us hard core Man United fans, a win will see us all go home smiling.


Julien Menezes

Hungry Kya ?

Mancehster United did the Double last season. I had started supporting & watching Manchester United since 2000, so I never knew, how did it feel, to do the Treble. I always had that regret, of not watching the 1999 season, specially the dramatic finals. Whatever United did or won after that, never seemed to satisfy me. But last season was just like a dream. United not only won the League, but also won the Champions League, that too in the 50 th year of the Munich Tragedy. Somehow it seemed like destiny, Giggs (surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's record 759 league appearances) scoring the goal to win us the EPL, Scholes (who missed the 1999 CL Finals) scoring to take United to the CL Finals & John Terry (The Chelsea Captain) slipping when he had a chance to win it for Chelsea.

During Pre Season, I felt this void, this emptiness, as in What now ? How could this season be ever better than last season ? I wondered how SAF keeps the players motivated to keep winning. For the first time the Pre Season dint excite me, for the first time I wasn't much bothered about when the Season is going to start. I wish time could just stop here, and United would be English & European Champions forever.

But you got to move on. And so did, most of the other Teams, specially Chelsea. They have replaced Avram Grant by Luiz Philipe Scolari, the man who took Brazil to WC Glory, few years back. They brought in Portuguese playmaker Deco & his Portuguese compatriot Jose Bosingwa. The midfield looks awesome, with three match winners & proven goal scorers - Deco, Ballack & Lampard; backed up by defensive midfielders like Essien & Mikel and wingers like J Cole & Malouda. The defense has always been their strength, even their offense looks impressive with Kalou, Drogba & Anelka. With rumors of Robinho or/and Kaka coming to Chelsea they certainly have great depth in the side & would be front runners along with United to not only win the League & Champions League, but to do it by playing attractive football, something which Roman always wanted.

Chelsea were the almost team last year, they almost won the Carling Cup, almost won the League & almost won the Champions League. They certainly will be very very hungry, this season, to change the almost tag. This is what worries me the most. Will United players be as hungry as Chelsea players ? Will they be able to defend atleast one of their titles, if not both ? Will SAF outwit Scolari ?

It certainly will be the biggest test United players have faced in the last 2-3 seasons, specially as United are so close to Liverpool's league record. If United could win the League or/and Champions League again, it certainly will be one of the greatest Manchester United teams ever.

My heart says United, but head says Chelsea. Hope I am proved wrong.

Sunil Thakur

Who Put the Ball in the Germans' Net?

On the 25th of August, 1996, a 23 year Old Norwegian forward came on as a 64th minute substitute for Manchester United in a league game against Blackburn Rovers. Eight minutes into his debut, the youngster ran onto a ball headed on by Jordi Cryuff and slotted home an equalizer past the Blackburn goal keeper. He had just saved Man United from the brink of defeat, something he would go on to do time and again right through his Manchester United career. The youngster in question is none other than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had just announced his arrival on the Old Trafford stage.

Signed in July 1996 from Molde FK for £1.5 million, Solskjaer made 366 appearances for the club and scored a total of 126 goals in the 11 years that he spent at Old Trafford. Solskjaer went on to score 19 goals in his first season as a Manchester United player and played a major role in helping them win the league title that season. He was very often dubbed as "Super Sub", because of his tendency to come off the bench as a substitute and very often, score crucial match saving goals.

A model professional, Solskjaer did not play for money. He valued playing for the red of Manchester United more than the money. He wanted to be loved and adored by the fans... He was a lethal finisher no doubt, but it was the commitment and the professionalism with which he played that made him a real favorite amongst the Old Trafford faithful.

Ole’s most important contribution on the football field might have been the stoppage time winner in the champions league finals against Bayern Munich at the Nuo Camp but it is unfortunate that it very often overshadows other essential contributions made by him.

What about the fours goals he scored in 12 minutes after coming on as a substitute in a league game against Nottingham Forest in 1999? He helped United win the game 8-1 which till date remains the premiership’s biggest away win. Or the late winner against Liverpool in the treble winning season? Owen had given Liverpool the lead early on in the game and it seemed certain that United were going to get knocked out of the FA Cup in the 5^th round at the hands on their bitter rivals, Liverpool. Fortunately for United, Dwight Yorke leveled the score in the 88th minute and a couple of minutes later, Solskjaer slotted the ball past the Liverpool keeper to win the game for United.

And then the winter of 1999, where Ole repeated what he had done 10 months ago against Nottingham. Only this time, it was Everton at the receiving end. He scored four goals against them ensuring United, after going a goal down won the game 5-1.

And then there was the whole Rob Lee saga. With very few games left for the 1997/98 season to end, it was essential for United to win against Newcastle in order to keep up with table toppers, Arsenal. Ole had come on as a substitute when the score with the score being tied at 1-1. In the closing stages on the game, Ole came very close to scoring the winner only to see his shot cleared off the line by a Newcastle player. The ball fell to Rob Lee who had a free run on goal. Had he scored, United’s season would been over. Sprinting back with phenomenal determination, Ole chased Lee till the edge of the United area and went into a horrible tackle which resulted in a red card being handed out to Ole by the referee. It was completely out of character but it was a sacrifice he made for the team. He was given a standing ovation by the old Trafford crowed as the got off the field.

Half way through the 2003/04 season, Solskjaer began to struggle with a knee injury which would eventually be the cause of his retirement. It was at around this time when the United fans in order to show their support the Solskjaer mounted a banner that read ‘20 LEGEND’ at the Stretford End of Old Trafford.

On the 5^th of December, he played for the Manchester United reserve team against the Liverpool reserve team. The baby faced assassin had finally made his long awaited comeback. 3 weeks later, he made his first team return in a league game against Birmingham City. Ole was slowly but surely returning to full fitness. Just when things started looking up for Ole, he injured his cheek bone in a game against Middlesbrough which kept him out for the game for another five months.

In August 2006, he made another comeback to the first team in an away game against Charlton and also scored his first premiership goal in 2 years. It was a special moment for Ole and everyone associated with the club. After two torrid years of struggling with injuries, Ole was back. He scored 11 goals that season and won the league title with Man United for the sixth time in his career.

On the 5^th of June, 2007 Solskjaer announced his retirement from professional football. The news shocked United fans throughout the world. After 11 long, illustrious years with the club, it was time for him to hang his boots. He was a player who scored many crucial goals for us, a player who loved the fans and was loved even more in return by them. A player who was never involved in any controversies. A player who never complained about being left on the bench for a majority of his Man United career. A legend in every sense of the word. Thank you Ole for all the goals. Thank you Ole for all the memories. You will never be forgotten.

20LEGEND - RESPECT!

-Rohit Ramachandran

MUFCM 2007-08 Season

Unfortunately I wasn't in Mumbai for the first year of MUFCM (2006-07). But I use to follow everything online.

I came back to Mumbai just before the start of the Season 2007-08, my first year at MUFCM. And what a Season it was. Never in my life I would have imagined, United would do the Double.

How many screenings have you attended: I am the only person to attend all the screenings & get togethers, last season.

Best screening moment: Has to be the Champions League Finals, I don't think I will ever be more happy than that moment.

Things which you'd like to be included in the screening: More interaction, I wish everyone would interact more, rather than just sitting there. Also I wish people knew more songs & chants, to sing along.

Overall Experience: Too good. The best part was I made so many friends along the way. I would seriously recommend someone new to come to our Screenings. The atmosphere there is electric, its cheaper than going to any other place in Mumbai, and the overall package of pre-match videos, match on a big screen, fellow United fans, singing chants, Music & Food, etc is just totally worth it.


My MUFCM Journey through the 2007-08 Season:

I made a small video, which has mostly pictures from all screenings & get togethers at Manchester United Fan Club of Mumbai (MUFCM), last season.

Have a look ...

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=xRPXWAYPK-k

Hope you guys like it.

Sunil Thakur

MUFCM Screening (Chelsea - Champions League Finals)

Days Before: Manchester United was in the Champions League Finals, and we all were planning, where to watch the match. Initially Avon Ruby wasn’t available for late night matches, so a screening was out of question. The moderators of the main Manchester United community on Orkut were planning to get together in Goa, people from Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore & even Mumbai were going to meet up in Goa to watch the match together. I was extremely tempted, as I have never been to Goa before. But then out of the blue, Sumit struck some kinda deal with Avon Ruby & we were all set to have a screening for the Champions League Finals.

Night Before: I couldn’t sleep and was online all night, talking to a friend of mine, Vignesh (Chelsea Fan). We were talking about silly reasons why our respective clubs would win the Finals. They too were having a screening somewhere in Mumbai. We wanted to have a joint screening but somehow couldn’t arrange it. Anyways after hours of talks and deliberations, I somehow managed to sleep, dreaming about the most glorious day in my life.

Hours Before: It was time to leave home for the screening, with my laptop & speakers; I left for Dadar, a few hours before the match. It felt like I was going on a war or something. I was never this nervous, not even during exams. On my way I kept talking to Sumit, who told me we were expecting more than 100 people at the screening. We were extremely nervous about how were we going to accommodate so many people. I picked up lots of booze on the way, as it was going to be a long long night.

Minutes Before: We played around one hour of pre match videos, including some emotional videos from the Munich Tragedy, Busby Babes videos & videos of United’s previous European triumphs in 1968 & 1999. Meanwhile the place had filled up, absolutely jam-packed till the end. The excitement & anxiety could be felt in the hall, as everyone waited for the match to start. Myself along with Nandan, Saumil & Gaurant took our customary seats in the front.

Champions League Finals: I guess, I don’t have to say much about the match, as everyone knows what happened. United took the lead through ‘That Boy Ronaldo’, but Chelsea had equalized just before half time, through Lampard. The match went into extra time & then penalties. Many people couldn’t even bare to look at the screen. We decided to hold hands, like the players, through the penalties. When Ronaldo missed, I started visualizing how the whole world was going to blame him, even after the fantastic season he had and how he couldn’t score in big matches & big situations. We had lost all hope, especially when we saw John Terry, Mr Chelsea, stepping up to take the decisive penalty, which could win it for Chelsea. But then out of nowhere Terry slipped & his kick hit the post. I cannot describe the noise we made that time. Suddenly all hope was back, and the word ‘B.E.L.I.E.V.E’ was in everyone’s mind. Anderson & Giggs coolly slotted their respective kicks. All the pressure was on Chelsea, especially on Anelka, as he had just come on before the penalties. As soon as VDS stopped Anelka’s stop, people went mad.

Minutes After: I had tears in my eyes and I couldn’t stop hugging everyone. We were singing & shouting chants and songs, on top our voices. By the time the match ended, I was completely drunk. People told me later that I was standing on this chair, singing & shouting, for about an hour and refused to come down even after the match & presentations ceremony. Anyways, after about 2 hours of post match celebrations, drinking & head banging to Rock Songs, everyone left to head home. On my way home I wished I could die, as I was never going to be happier than this.

Hours After: I reached home at about 5-6 am, absolutely drunk & exhausted. Even then I couldn’t help myself & went online, to read reactions on all forums and read the interviews of players & managers, after the match. After about 1-2 hours of reading & watching pictures of United’s victory, I went to sleep, with the satisfaction of having watched United win the European Trophy.

Night After: Next day I woke up with a bad hang over. Immediately went online, met many of my friends online, spent the whole day, reading about last night, trying to download videos. I thought of calling Vignesh, as I knew he would have been heart broken, but then decided to let him be for few days. Sometime during the day, Sumit called and informed me that we had 111 people during the screening, which was an all time record.

Days After: I always had this regret that I hadn’t watched the 1999 season, especially the dramatic finals. I always wondered, when would United would win the Champions League, in my lifetime. It couldn’t have happened at a better time or year. With this win, they earned their third European Cup title and kept up their record of never having lost a major European final. Coincidentally, this season marked the 100th year since Manchester United won their first League title, 50 years after the Munich air disaster and 40 years after Manchester United became the first ever-English side to win the European Cup.

My life long dream was fulfilled, now I could die happily, knowing that I had watched Manchester United win the biggest trophy possible.

Sunil Thakur

MUFCM Get Together (Wigan - May 11, 2008)

On 11 May 2008, United retained the Premier League title with a win over Wigan Athletic. With title rivals Chelsea only able to draw with Bolton Wanderers, United finished the season two points clear. Here are some pictures from that night, at All Sports Bar, Andheri.

MUFCM Screening: Manchester City – Home (10th February, 2008)

Firstly let me introduce myself, I am Sunil Thakur here, one of the moderators of the community, writing a small review of the screening.

We always wanted to have a screening for a City match, as not everyone here in Mumbai actually understand how big the rivalry between the two clubs is. Just few days back on Feb 6 th, the 50 th year of the Munich Tragedy, a big tribute was paid by everyone associated with the club and also all football fans across the world. We thought we could pay our tribute by having a special screening for the City match.



On match day we got a special cut out of the players who had lost their life in the tragedy, everyone paid their respect & tribute by lighting up a candle. As planned we also played a special video about the players and the tragedy. I think the emotions got to everyone, that explains the somber mood before the start of the match. Just before the match we got a call from one of our members who now works at Old Trafford saying that he had informed the people there about our screening and the guys there at Manchester United were going to call us to thank us for everything. We couldn't believe what we had heard and were quite excited about it. but unfortunately the call never came, perhaps they got busy or something, but at least now they know about us.




By the way credit has to be given to the City fans for behaving themselves so well during the one minute silence, before the match.






Everyone knows what happened in the match, so I am not going to say much. Perhaps all the emotions got to the players as well and clearly we dint play well. City played well and deserved to win.

About the screening, we had few problems at the start with the clarity of the channel, but thankfully it was worked out after 20 minutes. This time instead of we writing about the screening I am going to include few reviews written by our members who had been to the screening.

1. Paras Bhatia:

Me and a couple of friends reached the venue just after 6. The Munich video was already going on and most of the people had arrived. We lit candles near the picture of the Busby babes before settling down to watch the video. We couldn't watch the full video because kick off time arrived and the atmosphere was pretty upbeat since most of us were expecting at least a win if not a thrashing of our city rivals. The match started and neither of the teams looked very dominating . However City soon improved their performance and were rewarded with the 1st goal of the match scored by Darius Vassel.

However all of us were unfazed and we hoped that United would soon equalize. After all OT is our fortress. At 45' the second goal was scored by Benjani and the atmosphere became a bit sombre. Feeble attempts to charge up the atmosphere were made by few people but most of us were too shocked to say anything. Those of us who were eating the appetizers didn't have the will to eat anymore. The second half was also dominated by man city as they completely halted United's attempts to score goals. Carrick provided an injury time goal but it was too late for it to be taken for anything other than a consolation before going into the match against Arsenal at OT on 16th Feb. after the match , pictures were clicked as is the tradition after every screening(many glum faces can be spotted in the pictures). The food was good and the service was also good.

Pre match atmosphere could have been more electric(Glory Glory Man United was sung just once during the entire screening and that too after the pictures were taken ). Yet it was a great experience!! Good Job Organizers.... Hope to attend many more screenings and also hope to see United win this year's league!!!!!!!

Hightlight: The main highlights of the screening were the Munich video,seeing our team walk out in the retro kit and the pre-match ceremony including the minute's silence(Observed without any disturbance.. Good job City fans!).

Suggestions: What I found different from the Liverpool screening was that the atmosphere during the city game was less electric. During the Liverpool game, most of the time we were continuously chanting,but here it was not like that. I expected much more enthusiasm here since
this was a very special match. So ,myself included of course, hopefully everyone will go through most of the chants before we meet up for the home game against Liverpool on 23rd March.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED !!!




2. Udayan Kotibhaskar:

A fantastic job by the organizers, a was touched by the candle lighting thing. Great job guys, hats off!!! The videos were awesome!

About the screening, well, no offense, I thought we were just not cheering the team. Agreed, that United were already trailing by the time we were getting into the mood, but hey, we could have always started right from the start! This is cliched but it's times like these when we need to get right behind the team. Even OT was silent, guess just affected by the anniversary.

I really think we need to get ourselves acquainted with the chants and start singing them from the first whistle. It's our screening, it's our team and it's our love for them.

I hope we are more loud and frequent in our cheering next time.

COME ON YOU REDS!!! GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!




In the end on behalf of all the Moderators, I will like to thank everyone who had come for the screening.

Sunil Thakur
MUFCM

No Man U, Only Man Utd

In India, there are a number of amateur football fans who tend to call the club they follow by names which are an utter insult to the same. An avid Manchester United fan and the moderator of Manchester United Fans in Mumbai community on Orkut, Dhruv Tikka voices his concerns as to why the Red Devils mustn’t be referred as ‘Man U’ atleast by their fans.

This term is only used by United rivals as a complete and utter insult to the club. Many United competitors would sing a song about the Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of eight players.

Man U Man U went on a plane Man U Man U never came back again...

If you’re a Man United fan and that doesn’t get your blood boiling, I’m sure nothing will.

Manchester United are nicknamed UNITED, MAN UNITED, MAN UTD and RED DEVILS.

There are no official songs with a ‘Man U’ word nor will one lay his hands on an official merchandise using that term. Manchester City isn’t christened Man C or an Aston Villa as Ast V. Like the song goes ‘There’s Only One United’ so people will know where your loyalty is.

The term Utd is the proper abbreviation for the word United and nothing else. Why can’t some accept this and get over themselves....

The Scousers (Liverpool fans) often tease United about the Munich incident again by chanting ‘Man U Never Intended Coming Home.’ It wasn’t just chants as it was also popular to write this as graffiti.

When did this chant originate? Possibly in the 1960’s.

There was huge competition between clubs to sign Duncan Edwards when he was a schoolboy in the early 50s and there was even a newspaper campaign in the Midlands to pressure him into signing for a Midlands club, as he came from Dudley. His signing for United caused a lot of people in the Midlands to regard him as a traitor and was hate figure for them.

It was West Brom fans who first began this mantra.

Duncan Edwards is manure, rotting in his grave,Man you are manure-rotting in your grave,

The origin of Man U is a song to insult the dead Duncan Edwards. The Liverpool and Leeds fans copied this with their own versions. It is strange to hear from United fans referring them as ‘Man U.’

There was literally a bloodbath up on the old Scoreboard End at Old Trafford in 1964-65 season when the West Bromwich Albion fans sang. A big battle took place with the home fans outnumbering the visiting ones and hammering them to the utmost.Get the picture?

Most clubs did try to ban the chant. After United won the European Cup , it sprang up again but this time there was also ‘Who's that lying in the aircraft.’ The West Brom fans taunted using a United song ‘Who's that team we call United.’

But by the end of the decade it became universal and the term "Man U" became the word used by almost all rival fans to affront United. Everyone knew what it meant. It was laughter at the death of Duncan and the Babes.Fans of Spurs and oddly enough Chelsea never sang Munich songs either.

A place where the word ‘Man U’ could spell doom was Millwall, even if you were a United fan .United played them when they were in the second division and the policemen were asked to work despite having a leave.

The League officials had even tried to stop allocating United fans a ticket to Millwall.The kick off was put forward to 11 am to try and stop all United fans from going down there. It was billed as the ‘fight of the century.’

Not one single punch was thrown inside the ground. There was even a picture in the Sunday Mirror of two United fans with "Harry the Dog" What did happen was after the match a combined force of 20,000 plus United and Millwall fans descended on the Kings Road and smashed the place up, including the football ground.

But a lot of the violence that happened with United fans around that time was usually sparked by the words ‘Man U.’

When Teddy Sheringham signed for United, incidentally he referred the club as ‘Man U’ and received a dressing down from Sir Alex Ferguson.

So, I expect the so-called Unite fans stop chanting ‘Man U’ and as far as rival fans are concerned…..

Dhruv Tikka
MUFCM

MUFCM – the Story Thus Far

The name Manchester United stirs up varying feelings ranging from awe to love and stretches to downright hatred, but seldom fails to evoke any feelings at all. To the millions of Utd fans or Red Devils as they are fondly called the name represents many things. Weekends cannot come fast enough for the Red Devils, so that they can catch their beloved team usually winning and more importantly winning in style. European nights are a wee bit special, with memories of Turin, Camp Nou, Old Trafford and various other stadiums still fresh in the memories like it was yesterday.

Football has always played the bridesmaid in India. Cricket is the undoubted numero uno sport in this country, where Sachin’s name is revered and Ronaldo’s would be greeted with a quizzical look. But things are changing, largely owing to ESPN Star Sports which brings us comprehensive coverage of the Barclay’s English Premier League. Football is fast catching up in the non footballing parts of the country which would be the whole of India barring Goa and Kolkata, where football is a way of life.

Orkut has aided and abetted in the growth of football with numerous communities springing up in support of various clubs. It was on Orkut that MUFCM {Manchester United Fan Club – Mumbai) was born. It was started by a die hard Utd fan Sumit Goenka and his fellow Mancunians with the sole intention of supporting the club they love outside of the virtual world and actually get together and watch Utd in action together. For those of us who are not lucky enough to visit Old Trafford, the Mecca for all Red Devils, watching them in action with fellow supporters is the second best thing.

The description on the Orkut community is very apt. Here is a little excerpt from the MUFCM community page itself.
“Introducing MUFCM, The Manchester United Fan Club of Mumbai!! This is NOT just another community on Orkut.. This is a stepping stone to forming a REAL LIFE Manchester United supporters association in our own city.”
“and maybe one day we'll see Manchester United on a pre-season tour in Mumbai!!”
“dare to dream? dare to act? here is our opportunity!!”
“GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED !!!”

We started off small and faced many hurdles, being the first of such fan clubs to emerge in Mumbai, which is notoriously pro cricket, owing in no small amount to the fact that this is the birth place of demigod Sachin (the writer himself is a huge Sachin fan). Our first few screenings took place at a hotel in far away Chembur and didn’t get the kind of participation we had hoped for. So we decided to screen the big games only, the likes of Arsenal, Chelski and Pool. We book a banquet hall (usually Hotel Avon Ruby, Dadar), where the game is shown on a projector screen and starters are on for the duration of the game.

The atmosphere is amazing, owing to the fact that we also let non-Utd supporters attend the screenings, which is largely appreciated by the large pro-Utd support too. The best moment undoubtedly has come during the screening of the Liverpool game (3rd March 07) during the second half of last season. Utd were leading the race to be the Champions of England with Chelski in hot pursuit. On that day Liverpool was the better team at Anfeild and Utd hung on till the last minute of time added on, when John O’Shea scored the GOAL!!!!!! that sent thousands at Anfeild and the Red Devils present at the screening into nirvana. To describe that moment in words is difficult but I remember my throat was hoarse for a few days as I am sure was the throat of millions more around the globe.

In terms of participation the FA cup final (19th May 07) was the biggest success. In my eyes though the biggest success of MUFCM has been to get Red Devils around Mumbai and rest assured there are plenty of us, to come together to share a common passion for football in general and Manchester United in particular. A year back I didn’t know anybody from the MUFCM community and today I am writing am article for Touchline India about this very community. The long term goal of MUFCM is to gain official recognition and to one day watch Utd play a pre-season friendly in Mumbai. In the short term we wan to increase the participation for the screenings and the various footy events we organize.

Glory Glory Man Utd!!!

Saumil Sethna, (moderator MUFCM) For MUFCM and Touchline India