Top of the World, Top of the EPL!

3 weeks into the New Year and United are sitting pretty at the Summit in the English Premier League. The defending champions of the EPL, Europe and World club football, find themselves in familiar territory. They have gone 10 games without conceding a goal, the defence, has been their mainstay, especially Vidic and Evans (injured!). United may not be pumping in the goals right, what matters are the results and they have managed to do just that. The goals will come for sure.

Every team that takes on United puts up a brave fight, this is a challenge you face when you are the defending Champions of the “best league in Europe”. Many of our key players are either under the surgeon’s knife or nursing injuries. The medical team at old Trafford has their hands full with the spate of injuries to the players. Add to that the injuries sustained in the Semi Finals of the Carling Cup and you are left wondering, whats gonna happen. Rooney (pic below) has been absolutely superb this season is injured and will return only in Feb. The others include (a star cast!) Rio, Evra, Evans, Brown, Rafael, Anderson, Nani and Park. Shoot!!

Well, there is no dearth of talent in the United squad. Sir Alex is too experienced to let injuries hamper his quest in maintaining his team’s No. 1 position. It is exciting for all the supporters and fans to know that we are in contention to win 4 trophies (early days yet, but what the heck! This is United we are talking about) this season. It will be one remarkable feat if United manage to do that. Geez, as a die-hard Manchester United supporter, I can’t wait for the drama to unfold.

MUFCM will surely be ready for that and screenings for the big games will be scheduled so that no one misses out on the action. Be sure to check our website for more details (http://www.manutdmumbai.org). You don’t want to miss out on anything and MUFCM we will ensure you are a part of the excitement if not history! If ever there was a place, in Mumbai, to catch the game live, in an atmosphere that is truly “electric” it’s got to be with the Manchester United Fan Club of Mumbai.

Pictures courtesy – Manutd.com and Fifa.com

Julien Menezes

Special Screening - Manchester United v/s Chelsea

It's amazing to think how football brings people, countries, and even cultures closer. This time, two English clubs, without even knowing it, brought the people of Mumbai together, for a noble cause...

"Be the change you want to see" - Mahatma Gandhi

Rarely does one witness a scene such as this in India, that too for a game of football. The screening of the big game between Manchester United and Chelsea in Mumbai on Sunday was a big hit, with a number of fans clad in their team’s colors flocking to the location with flags, banners, scarves and a lot of energy!

The event, organized by MFFCA along with Goal.com, was held in order to raise some funds for the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks, and by way of the screening, over Rs. 11,000 was raised on the night alone, and has been passed on to an NGO working for the terror victims.

The event took off even before it began, with many supporters turning up over an hour before kick-off, singing and cheering their team on in advance. By the time the game had started, close to 100 people were packed inside the hall, with a lot of noise being made now. As expected, more than half the people were Manchester United supporters. Most of the rest were Chelsea fans, and the numbers were made up by a sprinkling of a few Arsenal and Liverpool fans here and there.


There were a few girls in the house as well, when the match kicked off, proof of the fact that it’s not only men that follow football in India. The energy in the hall was contagious, with chanting, flag-waving, and a lot of friendly (read unfriendly) banter amongst rival fans. United fans had a gala time taunting the Blues supporters about the Champions League final last season, and were in raptures when Ronaldo headed a quickly taken corner into the back of the net just before half time. However, the goal was disallowed, and Chelsea fans responded with loud chants, taking the mickey out of the Red Devils.



However, only moments later, they got their back, as Vidic scored from the retake, and the United fans brought the house down with loud cheers and continuous chanting! It was certainly the most exciting and entertaining two minutes of the night, as the second half was pretty one-sided, leaving most Chelsea supporters dejected.



Despite the banter, and the slightly humiliating scoreline for Chelsea, the fans showed great spirit, and all stayed back after the game for group photographs, and the usual post-match discussions. Sunil Thakur, of the Manchester United Mumbai fan club, remarked, “I think everyone really appreciated the whole event, and the cause for which it was organized. The coming together of all four fan clubs in order to do a little bit for Mumbai was a very nice gesture, and even if the contribution isn’t huge in terms of money, I think it’s the thought that counts.”


It sure does, and one could see the satisfaction on each fan’s face when they left the hall, that they’d done their bit in coming together and making a contribution to a cause dear to their heart. As for the screening itself, it was fabulous, with an atmosphere befitting the match, and a lot of fellowship among fans who had never met each other before. Thakur continued, “It was the best screening I’ve ever attended bar the Champions League final in May, and the cause made it even more special.”


All in all, the fan clubs of Mumbai have set a wonderful example, in maximizing the enjoyment out of a big match, and showing fans all across the country how football can bring people together. In fact, there will be more joint screenings coming up in the city, for the other big four clashes coming up.




Atishay Agarwal & Sunil Thakur
Goal.Com & MFFCA

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