The Making of a Legend: The Mark Wilson Chronicles (Part Ten: Will Wilson enjoy a trip to the Theatre of Dreams)

[mark wilson27]

January 4^th:

The draw for the FA Cup 4^th Round sees us pitted away from home to either Doncaster of League One or Ipswich of the Championship if we beat Luton in the 3^rd Rd

January 6^th:

Luton (h) FA Cup 3^rd Round

A cracking start to the game saw us taking the lead on the 1^st minute as D.Benedetti ran through the defence with real ease and fired in on his debut. It got even better for the debutant as on the 7^th minute he headed in from a M.Khumalo cross which evaded the Luton keeper. We were in complete control of the game and on the half hour it was three nil with A.Xhepa playing a one two with M.Vandamme and firing under the onrushing keeper.

The second half was all my side as we controlled every aspect of the game and on the 55^th minute J.Ashmeade head the chance to score with his first touch but he fired wide of the post when it was easier to score. Nine minutes later we grabbed the fourth and final goal as D.Benedetti completed his debut hat-trick with a fine shot from outside the are which gave the keeper no chance of saving.

Man Utd 4-0 Luton D.Benedetti 1, 7, 64, A.Xhepa 30

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong (P.Lane), M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

[mark wilson27]

January 9^th:

Tottenham (h) (22/38)

The game started with Spurs controlling the play and on the 17^th minute they took the lead with F.Mora heading in from close range after my defence seemed to fall asleep. However ten minutes later we grabbed the equaliser as D.Benedetti jinked through the defence and fired under the onrushing keeper. On the 38^th minute Spurs hand another chance to score with a long range effort which stung the fingers of K.Swaby.

The second half started with my side dominating and on the 63^rd minute A.Xhepa played a one two with G.Mokulu and fired past the keeper. Six minutes later we added another goal with a thunderous effort from G.Mokulu which gave the keeper no chance of saving. On the 77^th minute we grabbed another goal but this time it was a comical own goal as Spurs fired a ball against the upright and it bounced off the back of K.Swaby and into the net for the own goal. With nine minutes remaining in the game we made it 4-2 as D.Benedetti headed in a M.Khumalo cross.

Man Utd 4-2 Tottenham D.Benedetti 27, 81, A.Xhepa 63, G.Mokulu 69 / F.Mora 17, K.Swaby 77 og

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis (P.Lane), B.Oppong, M.Khumalo, A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme (O.Scherbakov), K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

[mark wilson27]

January 12^th:

Aston Villa (h) EFL Cup Semi Final 1^st Leg

We dominated from the start and on the 19^th minute we took the lead as D.Benedetti continued his scoring form with a rasping effort past the Villa keeper. Eight minutes later we had another chance with G.Mokulu rattling the crossbar from outside the area. We were all over Villa and on the 43^rd minute K.Jardine ran onto a G.Mokulu through-ball and fired just wide of the post.

The second half was again all my side and on the 58^th minute S.Pino curled in a wonderful shot past the keeper from the corner of the area. Three minutes later we made it three nil as G.Mokulu threaded a great ball to the feet of O.Scherbakov who wasted no time in firing under the keeper. We continued the pressure but it took till the 89^th minute for us to grab the final goal as S.Pino headed in a G.Mokulu cross to complete a first leg rout.

Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa D.Benedetti 19, S.Pino 58, 89, O.Scherbakov 61

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme (O.Scherbakov), K.Jardine, D.Benedetti (J.Ashmeade)

After the game I was informed that the attendance of 95,285 is a new EFL Cup record attendance, beating the previous record of 91, 635 in 2023 set by Manchester United

January 13^th:

The draw for the FA Cup 4^th Rd sees us facing Championship side Ipswich after they Doncaster on penalties in the 3^rd Rd replay

 

[mark wilson27]

January 16^th:

Liverpool (h) (23/38)

A brilliant start saw us taking the lea within 19 seconds as M.Vandamme ran in from the wing to volley home a K.Jardine cross. On the 13^th minute we had our next chance with a long range effort from D.Benedetti which stung the fingers of the keeper. Ten minutes later Liverpool came close with a well worked move which was thwarted by A.De Russis. On the 28^th minute we grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu headed in from an A.Xhepa cross. Two minutes later it was three nil as D.Benedetti played a one two with M.Khumalo and fired under the keeper.

The second half was all my side and on the 54^th minute D.Benedetti had another chance to score with a rasping effort which was diverted wide by the defence. Seven minutes later we grabbed a fourth goal as K.Jardine hit home a wonderful free-kick from 25 yards after J.Ashmeade was brought down. We were all over the Scousers and on the 71^st minute the fifth and final goal of the game was scored as A.Xhepa finished a great team move. The perfect performance by my side

Man Utd 5-0 Liverpool M.Vandamme 19 sec, G.Mokulu 28, D.Benedetti 30, K.Jardine 61, A.Xhepa 71

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong (P.Lane), M.Khumalo (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (J.Ashmeade), D.Benedetti

 

[mark wilson27]

January 19^th:

Derby (a) (24/38)

A good start saw us taking the lead in the 8^th minute as G.Mokulu headed in an A.Xhepa cross. It didn't take long till we had our next shot as D.Benedetti beat the offside trap but fired wide of the post. We were all over Derby and on thee 34^th minute we had another chance as D.Benedetti rattled the crossbar from close range when it was easier to score.

The second half was much as the first with my side controlling the play but we struggled to get past the stubborn Derby defence. On the 67^th minute we had our first real chance of the half as K.Jardine stung the fingers of the keeper. With seven minutes remaining in the game we finally grabbed the second goal as D.Leonardi fired in a thunderbolt from thirty yards to give the Derby keeper no chance of saving. However the scoring didn't finish their as deep into injury time Derby pulled an undeserved goal back as C.Brunetti headed in past K.Swaby.

Derby 1-2 Man Utd C.Brunetti 90+2 / G.Mokulu 8, D.Leonardi 83

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo (D.Leonardi), A.Xhepa, G.Mokulu, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (S.Pino), D.Benedetti (O.Scherbakov)

 

[mark wilson27]

January 23^rd:

Stoke (a) (25/38)

Stoke had the first chance of the game as they broke through the defence with ease and fired towards goal but K.Swaby saved well to deny them. On the 19^th minute we had the first chance to score with a curling effort from M.Vandamme but the Stoke keeper managed to tip it over the crossbar. Seven minutes later we grabbed the lead as A.Xhepa jinked into the area with the ball and fired under the onrushing keeper. On the 33^rd minute we made it two nil as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a K.Jardine cross past the Stoke keeper.

The second half was eight minutes old when Stoke pulled a goal back as they split my defence apart and J.Serrano slotted in. On the hour mark we had our next chance to score as D.Leonardi hit a thunderous free-kick against the upright after G.Mokulu was brought down. With twelve minutes remaining we had the chance to grab a third goal after D.Leonardi was brought down in the area, D.Benedetti stepped up for the penalty and fired it straight at the keeper. Luckily for him the Stoke side didn't come close to scoring and we walked away with three points.

Stoke 1-2 Man Utd J.Serrano 53 / A.Xhepa 26, D.Benedetti 33

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, J.Smith, A.De Russis, B.Oppong, M.Khumalo, A.Xhepa (S.Pino), M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine (D.Leonardi), D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

January 26^th:

Aston Villa (a) EFL Cup Semi Final 2^nd Leg (agg 0-4)

With us four nil up I made a few changes and on the 20^th minute we added our first goal as A.De Russis rose above the defence and headed a K.Jardine corner into the back of the net. Twelve minutes later we had another chance as D.Leonardi jinked through the defence and tried to curl the ball past the Villa keeper but it didn't curl enough and went wide. On the stroke of half time we had our next chance as D.Leonardi threaded the ball to the feet of A.Grossi who lashed the ball wide of the post.

The second half was two minutes old when we mad it 2-0 as A.Xhepa hit a thunderous shot past the Villa keeper from just outside the area. We were all over Villa and just after the hour mark we made it three nil and seven nil on aggregate as S.Pino slotted in from close range after a wonderful ball from D.Leonardi. With eight minutes remaining in the game we grabbed our final goal as L.Guglielmi showed some silky skill to beat the defence and fired under the onrushing Villa keeper to complete the rout

Aston Villa 0-4 Man Utd A.De Russis 20, A.Xhepa 47, S.Pino 64, L.Guglielmi 82

M.Joosten, L.King, T.Franco (B.Oppong), A.De Russis, P.Lane, D.Leonardi, A.Xhepa, L.Guglielmi, M.Vandamme (S.Pino), K.Jardine, A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

We have qualified for the EFL Cup Final with an 8-0 aggregate win over Aston Villa, where we will be facing local rivals Manchester City. The final will be played on the 28^th February at Wembley

 

[mark wilson27]

January 30^th:

Ipswich (a) FA Cup 4^th Round

After the dominant performance of the last game I was hoping for more of the same but my players failed to deliver and we struggled with the basics of the game. On the 36^th minute Ipswich had the first chance of the game as they broke into the defence but T.Franco managed to clear of the line.

The second half was just as bad as we struggled with everything that is football. The only player in my side that did well was T.Franco who kept the few Ipswich attacks at bay. Not a great performance at all

Ipswich 0-0 Man Utd

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, G.Mokulu, A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi (L.Guglielmi), M.Vandamme, S.Pino (K.Jardine), D.Benedetti (O.Scherbakov)

The end of the month sees me sitting second in the table some two points behind Liverpool who we demolished earlier in the month.

[mark wilson27]

February 2038:

February 1^st:

Transfer deadline day news sees my side bringing in 24yr old Dutch Left back Martjin Reekers for a fee of £42,000,000 from OM

I have also brought in 24yr old Argentinian Defensive Midfielder Martin Arruabarrena from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £133,000,000

The draw for the FA Cup 5^th Rd sees us facing an away tie against Championship side Plymouth, if we beat Ipswich in the replay

February 3^rd:

Watford (h) (26/38)

We started the better and on the 14^th minute we took the lead with a long range effort from A.Xhepa which gave the keeper no chance of saving. Ten minutes later we had another chance as D.Benedetti headed a D.Leonardi cross straight into the keeper arms. On the 39^th minute Watford had their first shot as they piled into the area but K.Swaby saved brilliantly to deny them

The second half was three minutes old when T.Franco slipped with ball and V.Gauthier fired in under K.Swaby. The away fans joy didn't last long as on the 52^nd minute D.Benedetti beat the Watford defence to a loose ball and lashed the ball past the keeper. The goal took any wind out of Watford's sail and we dominated. On the 65^th minute we had yet another chance as A.Grossi curled the ball towards goal but the Watford keeper saved well to deny them. On the 73^rd minute we made it 3-1 with A.Grossi thumping an A.Xhepa cross into the top corner. With three minutes remaining we had the chance for a fourth goal as M.Vandamme was brought down in the area, A.Grossi stepped up but his penalty was poor and it went wide of the post.

Man Utd 3-1 Watford A.Xhepa 14, D.Benedetti 52, A.Grossi 73 / V.Gauthier 48

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, A.De Russis, M.Reekers (B.Oppong), G.Mokulu (S.Pino), A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, M.Arruabarrena, D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

 

February 6^th:

Crystal Palace (a) (27/38)

We played the better and on the 11^th minute we came close to taking the lead as a long range effort from D.Benedetti was well saved by the keeper. Three minutes later G.Mokulu came close as he broke through the defence but his final effort was as poor as the Palace defending. On the 18^th minute we finally took the lead as D.Benedetti beat the offside trap and rounded the keeper to slot home into the empty net. Twelve minutes later we had yet another chance with a brilliant team move which saw the Palace defence split apart but M.Vandamme failed to convert the shot.

The second half was again all my side but we couldn't get past a stubborn Palace keeper. On the hour mark we had our closest effort of the half as G.Mokulu headed just wide of the post. On the 72^nd minute we grabbed the second and final goal of the game as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a D.Leonardi corner into the top corner of the net. By rights we should have completely battered Palace.

Crystal Palace 0-2 Man Utd D.Benedetti 18, 72

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, A.De Russis (J.Smith), M.Reekers, M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (S.Pino), G.Mokulu, D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

February 10^th:

Ipswich (h) FA Cup 4^th Round Replay

Ten minutes into the game we took the lead as J.Ashmeade rose above the defence and headed an A.Xhepa cross past the keeper. Twelve minutes later we had another chance with J.Ashmeade jinking through the defence but his final effort went wide of the post. On the 34^th minute we had our next effort as D.Leonardi curled a wonderful ball into the area but M.Vandamme headed over the keeper and net. A minute into injury time we finally grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu slotted in from close range after the Ipswich defence failed to deal with a T.Jarvis low cross.

The second half was two minutes old when we made it three nil as L.Guglielmi ran in from the wing and unleashed a thunderous effort into the top corner of the net. Soon after the same player had another chance but this time the keeper was on hand to tip the shot over. On the 65^th minute it was four nil as A.Grossi ran onto a L.Guglielmi through-ball to slot in under the keeper. Seven minutes later the final goal of the game was scored as A.Grossi dinked the keeper from just inside the area after running through the defence with ease.

Man Utd 5-0 Ipswich J.Ashmeade 10, G.Mokulu 45+1, L.Guglielmi 47, A.Grossi 65, 72

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco, A.De Russis (J.Smith), B.Oppong, L.Guglielmi, A.Xhepa, D.Leonardi (K.Jardine), M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

[mark wilson27]

 

February 13^th:

Hull (h) (28/38)

The first half was ten minutes old when my side had the first chance of the game as a long range effort from M.Vandamme rattled the crossbar. Soon after we had another chance to score with a curling effort from D.Leonardi which the Hull keeper saved brilliantly. We were all over the Hull side and just after the half hour we had our next chance as G.Mokulu headed just wide of the upright from a L.Guglielmi cross.

The second half had barely started when the first goal was scored as A.Pina beat A.De Russis to a loose ball and fired in under K.Swaby who was half asleep. I was furious but my players responded well as they piled on the forward pressure and on the 63^rd minute we levelled the scores as S.Pino jinked through the defence with ease and ired under the onrushing keeper. We kept on the pressure and on the 74^th minute Hull were reduced to ten men after G.King was given a second yellow card followed by the red. With ten minutes remaining in the game we finally took the lead as D.Leonardi curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner after A.Grossi was fouled. On the 82^nd minute the final goal was scored as D.Leonardi ran with ease past the defence and fired past the Hull keeper to give us a 3-1 victory

Man Utd 3-1 Hull S.Pino 63, D.Leonardi 80, 82 / A.Pina 46

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco (J.Smith), A.De Russis, M.Reekers, L.Guglielmi (S.Pino), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu, J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

February 17^th:

A.C.Milan (a) Champs Cup 1^st Knockout Rd 1^st Leg

Finally we get back into midweek European action and we didn't have the greatest of games as Milan controlled a lot of the play. They had the first effort on the 18^th minute as they broke through my defence with relative ease but K.Swaby was up to the task and saved the ball. Ten minutes later they had another chance but this time it was the crossbar that saved us. We were being outplayed and on the 39^th minute K.Swaby blocked another effort from the Milan defence. On the stroke of half time we went a goal down as A.De Russis brought down the Milan attacker in the area, L.Enrique stepped up and fired the penalty high into the area.

The second half wasn't much better as they piled on the pressure but it took a mistake from K.Swaby to give them the chance to score as he brought down a player in the penalty area, L.Enrique stepped up and fired the penalty again high into the net. Soon after we had our first real effort with L.Guglielmi crossing into the area but A.Grossi fluffed his shot high and wide of the goal. On the 79^th minute we had another chance with M.Arruabarrena trying his luck from the edge of the area but the Milan keeper saved well. With three minutes remaining in the game we got the away goal as D.Leonardi headed in a S.Pino corner to give us a glimmer of hope.

A.C.Milan 2-1 Man Utd L.Enrique 45+1 pen, 67 pen / D.Leonardi 87

K.Swaby, T.Jarvis, T.Franco, A.De Russis, M.Reekers (P.Lane), L.Guglielmi, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu (S.Pino), J.Ashmeade (A.Grossi)

[mark wilson27]

February 20^th:

Plymouth (a) FA Cup 5^th Rd

We started brightly and on the 5^th minute we had our first effort of the game as D.Benedetti rose above the defence and headed a M.Vandamme cross just wide of the post. Ten minutes later we had another chance to score with a long range effort which saw the Plymouth keeper at full stretch. On the 33^rd minute we broke the deadlock with a well struck effort from D.Benedetti which gave the keeper little chance of saving. Straight from klick off though Plymouth nearly caught us off guard as they piled forward but luckily for us L.King was alert enough to slide in and save the day. With two minutes remaining in the half we grabbed goal number two as G.Mokulu hit a thunderous effort into the top corner.

The second half was two minutes old when Plymouth grabbed a goal back as D.Pearson capitalised on a K.Swaby to send the home fans wild. On the hour mark we had the next chance of the game as S.Pino curled a free-kick into the area but D.Benedetti fluffed his header over the crossbar. Soon after we should have regained our two goal lead as S.Pino missed from close range after a great team move split the defence apart. On the 74^th minute Plymouth had a goal ruled out after a foul on T.Franco. With ten minutes remaining the Plymouth keeper again saved the day with a wondrous save from D.Benedetti. On the 89^th minute though Plymouth equalised much to the delight of the home fans as A.Smith showed some skill to beat my defence and keeper. It looked like it was going to another replay but deep into injury time the winner was scored as the Plymouth came up for a corner and nodded the ball onto A.Smith who tapped in from two yards to send my side out in a shock result. Furious isn't the word I could use for how I felt

Plymouth 3-2 Man Utd D.Pearson 47, A.Smith 89, 90+2 / D.Benedetti 33, G.Mokulu 43

K.Swaby, L.King, J.Smith, A.De Russis (T.Franco), M.Reekers (P.Lane), L.Guglielmi, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, G.Mokulu (S.Pino), D.Benedetti

After the game I was informed that L.Guglielmi will be out for around 3 weeks after straining his back during the shock loss

 

[mark wilson27]

February 24^th:

Man City (a) (29/38)

I was hoping for a reaction from players after the FA Cup exit but all I got was rubbish and five minutes into the Derby game City scored as P.Thomsen shot home from ten yards after my defence fell asleep. On the 9^th minute it got even worse as I.Coda Zabetta shot home from the edge of the area after my side kept on backing away from him. The vein in my head was about to explode and on the 23^rd minute I had the crossbar to thank after City came close. We were just not at the races and on the 38^th minute K.Swaby produced a great save to deny him with a low save by the post.

After the half time rollicking my players came out and made me feel even better as I.Coda Zabetta got his second of the game as he beat virtually my whole side and slid in under K.Swaby. It was getting embarrassing as City just piled on the forward pressure and on the 64^th minute they had another chance with a curling effort which went just over the corner of the goal. Two minutes later though we scored a goal that we didn't deserve as K.Jardine ran in from the wing with the ball and fired in low past the keeper. On the 77^th minute though the referee ruled out a City goal as L.King was adjudged to have been fouled in the build up. Deep into injury time City had one more chance to score as J.Smith fouled in the area for a penalty, I.Coda Zabetta snatched the ball for his hat-trick but K.Swaby managed to get his foot on it after diving the wrong way. In truth we should have been battered. A third loss in a row

Man City 3-1 Man Utd P.Thomsen 5, I.Coda Zabetta 9, 47 / K.Jardine 66

K.Swaby, L.King, J.Smith, A.De Russis (T.Franco), M.Reekers, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (K.Jardine), G.Mokulu, D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

February 28^th:

Man City (Wembley, London) EFL Cup Final

A poor start saw D.Collado beating the offside trap and firing under K.Swaby. On the 9^th minute City had another chance to score as M.Johansson rose above my defence and headed a I.Coda Zabetta cross past my keeper but luckily for us it hit the crossbar. On the 25^th minute we had our first chance as D.Benedetti barged into the area and slid the ball towards goal but R.Mesquita saved well to deny him. Six minutes later City had another chance with F.Alvarez curling the ball towards goal but K.Swaby saved well. Just before the break we had our next chance as M.Arruabarrena stung the fingers of R.Mesquita.

The second half was five minutes old when D.Leonardi was brought down in the area, D.Benedetti stepped up for the penalty and fired the ball straight down the middle past the keeper. On the 62^nd minute we came close to taking the lead as A.Grossi beat the City offside trap was thwarted by a great challenge from G.D'Angelo. Nine minutes later City had came close as D.Collado fired towards goal but K.Swaby saved well, with the throw out from K.Swaby G.Mokulu controlled the ball and fired past R.Mesquita from twenty five yards. It was end to end stuff and on the 84^th minute City had yet another chance as B.Platt stung the fingers of K.Swaby after my defence seemed to fall asleep. With two minutes remaining in the game we had the chance to increase our lead as A.Grossi ran through the defence and fired towards goal but R.Mesquita saved well to deny him.

Man Utd 2-1 Man City D.Benedetti 50 pen, G.Mokulu 71 / D.Collado 4

Man Utd: K.Swaby, L.King (capt), T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (G.Mokulu), S.Pino (K.Jardine), D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

Man City: R.Mesquita, L.Pinho, G.D'Angelo, A.Melnyk, K.Gerland (capt), F.Alvarez (R.Luscher), I.Coda Zabetta, M.Pascual, P.Wilkins (E.Goncalves), M.Johansson (B.Platt), D.Collado

The end of the month sees my side top of the table level on points with Liverpool with 61pts after 29 games.

 

[mark wilson27]

March 2038:

March 6^th:

Leicester (h) (30/38)

Leicester had the first of the game as a poor pass by P.Lane was intercepted but luckily for him K.Swaby managed to block the effort. On the 28^th minute we had our first chance as S.Pino tried his from outside the area but the shot rattled the crossbar and went over and out. Eight minutes later Leicester had another chance to score with a thunderous shot which skimmed just wide of the upright.

Three minutes into the second half the opening goal was scored as D.Benedetti ran through the Leicester defence with ease and fired under the onrushing keeper. Soon after we had another chance to score with a long range effort from G.Mokulu which stung the fingers of the keeper. On the 65^th minute we grabbed goal number two as D.Benedetti ran onto a M.Vandamme through-ball and wasted no time in lashing the ball past the keeper. Twelve minutes later Leicester came close to pulling a goal back as they beat the defence with ease but K.Swaby managed to tip it round the post. On the 83^rd minute Leicester had one last chance in the game as M.Reekers fluffed a clearance but luckily for him the Leicester effort was as bad as the clearance

Man Utd 2-0 Leicester D.Benedetti 48, 65

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena (K.Jardine), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, S.Pino (G.Mokulu), D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

March 9^th:

A.C.Milan (h) Champs Cup 1^st Knockout Rd 2^nd Leg (agg 1-2)

The game started slowly with little attacking efforts to shout about in the first twenty minutes. It was Milan who grabbed the first chance of the game as they broke through the defence but L.King managed to clear the ball off the line. On the 35^th minute my side had the next chance with a curling effort from M.Arruabarrena which clipped the top cross joint of the goal. With a minute remaining in the half we grabbed a fluky goal as K.Jardine crossed into the area but his cross screwed off his foot and looped over the Milan keeper.

The second half was a tight affair with the majority of the play staying in the middle third of the pitch. On the 67^th minute though Milan had the chance to equalise after J.Smith fouled in the area, O.Arboleda stepped up for the penalty and fired it wide of the goal. The final chance of the game came in the 89^th minute as D.Leonardi stung the fingers of the keeper from close range. The 1-0 win though was enough for my side as we qualified on the away goal rule

Man Utd 1-0 A.C.Milan K.Jardine 44

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa (M.Khumalo), M.Arruabarrena (G.Mokulu), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (D.Benedetti)

We qualify for the quarter finals after beating A.C.Milan on the away goal rule after a 2-2 aggregate draw

 

[mark wilson27]

March 13^th:

Walsall (a) (31/38)

A great start saw us taking the lead on the 7^th minute as A.Grossi barged into the area and fired under the Walsall keeper. Ten minutes later we had another chance to score with D.Leonardi crossed into the area but A.Grossi headed wide of the post. On the half hour Walsall came close with their first effort of the game as they beat the offside trap but K.Swaby was alert enough to block the effort.

The second half was dominated by my side and on the 61^st minute we added another goal with D.Leonardi running in from the wing and wasted no time to curling the ball into the top corner. Ten minutes later we had another chance with M.Vandamme heading just wide from a D.Leonardi cross. With five minutes remaining in the game Walsall had the chance to pull a goal back with a well worked team move but the final effort was poor and the ball went wide of the post

Walsall 0-2 Man Utd A.Grossi 7, D.Leonardi 61

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), M.Khumalo (M.Vandamme), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (D.Benedetti)

March 19^th:

The draw for the Champions Cup ¼ Final has taken place and is as follows:

Dortmund (GER) v Man Utd (ENG)

R.Madrid (ESP) v OM (FRA)

Juventus (ITA) v Napoli (ITA)

Barcelona (ESP) v Roma (ITA)

March 25^th:

Injury news sees D.Benedetti out for around 4-5 weeks after spraining his ankle on International duty

[mark wilson27]

March 27^th:

Arsenal (h) (32/38)

A cracking start saw us taking the lead on the 8^th minute as D.Leonardi jinked through the defence and fired in past the Arsenal keeper who stood no chance. Six minutes later we had another chance as K.Jardine crossed into the area but A.Grossi fired just wide of the post. On the 20^th minute we grabbed goal number two as D.Leonardi curled in from the outside of the area after the Arsenal defence kept on backing away from him. We carried on the pressure and just before the break K.Jardine had his next chance with a long range effort which the keeper tipped over the crossbar.

The second half started the same as we carried on the pressure and on the 58^th minute we made it 3-0 as G.Mokulu headed home a free-kick from D.Leonardi. It was too easy for us or so we believed as Arsenal started to up the gears and on the 64^th minute they had the chance to pull a goal back as A.Moinaro stepped up for a penalty but his strike went high and wide, However seven minutes later Arsenal grabbed a goal back as L.Ndiaye beat the defence with surprising ease and fired under K.Swaby. After a verbal rollocking from myself the players regained their composure and with nine minutes remaining in the game O.Scherbakov grabbed our fourth goal to secure the three points

Man Utd 4-1 Arsenal D.Leonardi 8, 20, G.Mokulu 58, O.Scherbakov 81 / L.Ndiaye 71

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (S.Pino), A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

 

[mark wilson27]

March 31^st:

Dortmund (a) Champs Cup ¼ Final 1^st Leg

We controlled the first half with ease and on the 17^th minute we had our first chance as K.Jardine curled the ball into the area but A.Grossi fluffed his effort. Soon after we had another chance as M.Arruabarrena hit the crossbar from twenty odd yards. It was too easy for us and on the 33^rd minute K.Jardine had another chance with a long range effort but the Dortmund keeper was on hand to block the effort. Just before the break M.Vandamme was clear on goal but the Dortmund keeper saved bravely at his feet.

Four minutes into the half we finally broke the deadlock as S.Pino showed some great skill to beat the defence and wasted no time in giving us the lead. However after the goal Dortmund started to play and on the 57^th minute they came close to scoring but J.Smith was alert enough to slide in and clear the ball. Ten minutes later J.Smith again saved the day with a wonderful block on the line after K.Swaby fluffed a save. With fourteen minutes remaining in the game Dortmund were reduced to ten men after M.Albusberger was sent off for a second yellow card. The tie is still very much in the balance

Dortmund 0-1 Man Utd S.Pino 49

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena (S.Pino), D.Leonardi (G.Mokulu), M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, A.Grossi (O.Scherbakov)

The end of the month sees my side top of table three points clear of Liverpool after 32 games

 

[mark wilson27]

April 2038:

April 1^st:

The start of the month sees D.Leonardi win the Premier Division Player of the Month for March after scoring 3 goals in 3 games and getting an average rating of 8.00. I have al;so won the Manager of the Month after winning all three Premier Division games

April 3^rd:

Injury news sees S.Pino out for 7-8 weeks after tearing his knee ligaments in training, meaning he could miss the rest of the season

April 6^th:

Dortmund (h) Champs Cup ¼ Final 2^nd Leg (agg 1-0)

The second leg was a lot more even with the play being in the middle of the pitch, however on the 23^rd minute Dortmund took the lead as S.Muller curled in over K.Swaby to give him no chance. Ten minutes later we had our first chance as D.Leonardi ran through the defence with ease but his final effort was poor. Just before the half time interval we had our next chance as O.Scherbakov headed a M.Vandamme cross straight into the keepers arms.

The second half was thirteen minutes old when we levelled the scores as L.Guglielmi hit home with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a substitute. On the 62^nd minute we took the lead as D.Leonardi ran onto the area unmarked and volleyed a L.Guglielmi cross into the top corner of the net. Dortmund piled on forward and on the 77^th minute S.Muller curled the ball past K.Swaby but the upright saved the day. With three minutes remaining in the game we scored another goal as T.Franco head diverted a cross past K.Swaby for an own goal but luckily for us it was too little too late as we progressed

Man Utd 2-2 Dortmund L.Guglielmi 58, D.Leonardi 62 / S.Muller 23, T.Franco 87 og

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov (J.Ashmeade)

We have qualified for the Semi Finals after a 3-2 aggregate victory

April 9^th;

The draw for the Champions Cup Semi Final is as follows:

Roma (ITA) v Juventus (ITA)

Man Utd (ENG) v OM (FRA)

 

[mark wilson27]

 

April 11^th:

Sunderland (a) (33/38)

Sunderland came straight for us and on the 9^th minute they took the lead with a thunderous effort from L.Davies which gave K.Swaby little chance of saving. Four minutes later it got even worse as L.Davies pounced on an error by J.Smith and slotted in with ease. We were all over the place and on the 17^th minute it was three nil as K.Goodwin curled in from outside the area. Sunderland were rampant and on the 35^th minute they made it four as L.Davies completed his hat-trick with a low shot into the bottom corner of K.Swaby's net.

The second half wasn't much better as Sunderland dominated and we never got a touch of the ball. The only difference this half was that Sunderland were very wasteful and only scored the one goal as M.Adams completed the rout with a simple header . A very poor day at the office

Sunderland 5-0 Man Utd L.Davies 9, 13, 35, K.Goodwin 17, M.Adams 87

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov (A.Grossi)

 

[mark wilson27]

April 19^th:

Newcastle (h) (34/38)

Another poor start saw us going a goal down on the 2^nd minute as C.Grimshaw fired in from outside the box after J.Smith was slow to clear. However eight minutes later we levelled the scores as O.Scherbakov headed in a D.Leonardi cross. Soon after we came close to taking the lead as K.Jardine threaded the ball to the feet of O.Scherbakov who fired wide of the post.

The second half was all my side and just after the hour we took the lead we deserved as O.Scherbakov tapped in from close range after M.Khumalo's effort was parried by the keeper. We were by far the better side and with two minutes remaining in the game we made it 3-1 and secured all three points as M.Vandamme thundered an effort in from twenty five yards much to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful

Man Utd 3-1 Newcastle O.Scherbakov 10, 63, M.Vandamme 88 / C.Grimshaw 2

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), D.Leonardi (G.Mokulu), M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov

 

 

[mark wilson27]

April 24^th:

Burnley (a) (35/38)

Nine minutes into the game Burnley grabbed the lead as A.Agnew headed into the top corner after a corner. On the 23^rd minute we had our first chance to score as K.Jardine curled into the area but M.Arruabarrena headed wide of the post. Six minutes later we got the equaliser as J.Ashmeade jinked through the defence and slotted in under the on rushing keeper. With a minute remaining in the half we took the lead as D.Leonardi hit a brilliant free-kick into the top corner after J.Ashmeade was brought down.

The second half was alittle more quieter with not much action to report. The only piece of notable action was on the 67^th minute as J.Ashmeade barged through the defence and fired in a loose ball to give us what turned out to be all three points

Burnley 1-3 Man Utd A.Agnew 9 / J.Ashmeade 29, 67, D.Leonardi 44

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), A.Xhepa (G.Mokulu), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (L.Guglielmi), K.Jardine, J.Ashmeade

 

[mark wilson27]

April 27^th:

OM (h) Champs Cup Semi Final 1^st Leg

OM started the better and on the 13^th minute they came close to scoring with a rasping effort from the edge of the area but K.Swaby tipped it over the crossbar. Soon after it was T.Franco who saved the day with a brilliant challenge just inside the area. We were all over the place and on the 34^th minute T.Franco again timed his challenge to deny the OM attack. Just before the break it was our chance to be denied as J.Ashmeade ran into the area but his final effort was dire and it went well wide of the post.

The second half started much as the first with OM piling on the pressure and around the hour mark J.Smith cleared off the line after K.Swaby failed to deal with a simple shot. On the 69^th minute we had our next chance as L.Guglielmi crossed into the area but M.Vandamme lashed the ball wide of the post. Ten minutes later OM were denied by the outstretched arm of K.Swaby. With seven minutes remaining OM opened the scoring as S.Edenfield diverted a D.Leonardi cross past his own keeper to give us an undeserved first leg lead

Man Utd 1-0 OM S.Edenfield 83 og

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena (G.Mokulu), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (L.Guglielmi), J.Ashmeade (D.Benedetti)

The end of the month sees my side top of table still some six points clear of second placed Liverpool with nine points left to play for

[mark wilson27]

May 2038:

May 1^st:

Brighton (h) (36/38)

After the way we were outplayed in the last game I told the players I wanted more and they gave me that with some great play. It took us till the 26^th minute to open the scoring as D.Leonardi curled a wonderful free-kick into the top corner after J.Ashmeade was brought down on the way to goal. Six minutes later it was two nil as K.Jardine whipped a corner into the area and P.Lane headed past the Brighton keeper. On the stroke of half time we added a third goal as K.Jardine hit home into the top corner after beating the defence to a loose ball.

The second half was four minutes old when K.Jardine grabbed his second of the game and our fourth with a low effort at the keepers near post. We carried on the pressure and on the 73^rd minute we made it five nil as J.Ashmeade headed in a corner to complete a brilliant performance

Man Utd 5-0 Brighton D.Leonardi 26, P.Lane 32, K.Jardine 45+1, 49, J.Ashmeade 73

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine, J.Ashmeade

 

[mark wilson27]

May 5^th:

OM (a) Champs Cup Semi Final 2^nd Leg (agg 1-0)

My side got off to a bad start as on the 11^th minute we went a goal down as F.Tshibumbu headed in past K.Swaby who was slow to react. Soon after they had another chance but this time K.Swaby made amends with a brilliant save. On the 29^th minute we had our first chance to score with a long range effort from J.Ashmeade which stung the finger of the keeper. Ten minutes later we had another chance as M.Vandamme beat the offside trap but his final effort went wide of the post.

The second half was ten minutes old when T.Franco produced a brilliant block to deny the OM attack. Just after the hour mark OM came close again this time P.Lane timed his tackle to perfection to deny them. On the 78^th minute we had our next chance as D.Benedetti ran through the defence but his final effort was dire and it went high and wide if the post. Four minutes later OM grabbed another goal as B.Leto fired in under K.Swaby to give OM the aggregate lead aswell. With two minutes remaining we had another chance to pull the tie level but D.Benedetti again fluffed his effort and we were knocked out the competition

OM 2-0 Man Utd F.Tshibumbu 11, B.Leto 82

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, M.Khumalo, M.Arruabarrena (G.Mokulu), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, K.Jardine (L.Guglielmi), J.Ashmeade (D.Benedetti)

My side have been knocked out of the Champions Cup 2-1 on aggregate

 

[mark wilson27]

May 8^th:

Domestic news sees my side winning the Premier Division for a second year running after Liverpool lost 1-0 to Arsenal before my side even kicked a ball

May 10^th:

Bournemouth (a) (37/38)

My players hadn't celebrated much as I wanted to finis the season well and on the 16^th minute we took the lead as A.De Russis headed in a D.Leonardi corner after O.Scherbakov's initial effort was tipped round the post. Twelve minutes later we had another chance to score with K.Jardine rattling the crossbar from outside the area. With three minutes remaining in the half we came close to scoring again as O.Scherbakov headed wide of the post when it was easier to score.

The second half was two minutes old when Bournemouth were reduced to ten men after P.S.Francini was given a straight yellow card for a foul on O.Scherbakov. On the 55^th minute we made it two nil as M.Reekers hit a thunderous effort past the keeper and into the top corner. Nine minutes later it got even worse for Bournemouth as they conceded a third goal from their own player as C.Ostlund diverted a M.Arruabarrena cross past his keeper. We carried on the pressure and on the 83^rd minute we had our final chance as M.Potts stung the fingers of the keeper from close range

Bournemouth 0-3 Man Utd A.De Russis 16, M.Reekers 55, C.Ostlund 64 og

M.Joosten, J.de Jong, T.Franco, A.De Russis, M.Reekers (B.Oppong), L.Guglielmi (A.Xhepa), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov (M.Potts)

 

[mark wilson27]

May 16^th:

Everton (h) (38/38)

The final game of the season saw us get off to a dire start as within a minute A.Nieblas jinked through my defence and fired under M.Joosten. Ten minutes later they had another chance with a powerful strike which went just wide of the post. On the 19^th minute we equalised as O.Scherbakov ran onto a M.Arruabarrena through-ball and fired past the outstretched arms of the keeper. Twelve minutes later my side came close to grabbing a second goal as K.Jardine threaded the ball to the feet of O.Scherbakov who lashed the ball just over the crossbar.

The second half was all my side as we powered on forward but for all out pressure we could only grab one more goal as O.Scherbakov slotted in from ten yards to send the Old Trafford crowd wild. After the final whistle we were awarded Premier League trophy

Man Utd 2-1 Everton O.Scherbakov 19, 80 / A.Nieblas 1

M.Joosten, J.de Jong, T.Franco (J.Smith), A.De Russis, M.Reekers (B.Oppong), L.Guglielmi, M.Arruabarrena (A.Xhepa), D.Leonardi, G.Mokulu, K.Jardine, O.Scherbakov

[mark wilson27]

 

May 17^th:

The end of season awards have been handed out and the following players have been included in the Players' Team of the Year, they are T.Franco, J.Smith, D.Leonardi, A.Xhepa and M.Vandamme

 

Final Premier Division Table:

1^st: Man Utd (85pts) (Champions) (Champs Cup)

2^nd: Liverpool (76) (Champs Cup)

3^rd: Chelsea (73) (Champs Cup)

4^th: Sunderland (71) (Champs Cup)

5^th: Tottenham (65) (EURO Cup)

6^th; Man City (61) (EURO Cup)

7^th: Arsenal (60) (EURO Cup)

8^th: Everton (57)

9^th: Hull (53)

10^th: Derby (51)

11^th: Watford (50)

12^th: Leicester (50)

13^th: Stoke (49)

14^th: Walsall (46)

15^th: Swansea (44)

16^th: Brighton (39)

17^th: Crystal Palace (38)

18^th: Burnley (33) (Relegated)

19^th: Bournemouth (29) (Relegated)

20^th: Newcastle (24) (Relegated)

 

 

Man Utd End of Season Awards:

Fans Player of the Season: D.Leonardi (36%)

Young Player of the Season: T.Franco

Top Scorer: D.Leonardi (21)

Highest Average Rating: A.Xhepa (7.57)

Most Man of the Match Awards: D.Leonardi (8)

Most Yellow Cards: T.Franco (12)

Most Red Cards: B.Oppong, J. de Jong (1)

 

May 23^rd:

Club news sees Chairman Marinus Geerts withdrawing his financial support for the club. In the long terms I don't know what this means for the club. He will however stay on as Chairman for the foreseeable future

 

June 2038:

June 1^st:

Awards news sees myself winning the Manager of the Month Award after winning the last three games of the season

June 2^nd:

More award new sees D.Leonardi winning the Best Player in Europe Award after scoring 21 goals in 55 games and earning an average rating of 7.54

June 25^th:

The board has given me their expectations for the forthcoming season.

They expect me to reach the final of the Champions Cup, win the Premier Division and FA Cup. The EFL Cup and Community Shield they have counted as not important. I have been given a budget of £140,000,000 to do this

 

[mark wilson27]

Season Twenty Three 2038/39

July 2038:

July 3^rd:

With all the players back in preseason I held a team meeting and announced that this would be final season as Manchester United manager. I'm hoping my fifth and final season will be successful

 

July 8^th:

The first friendly of the preseason sees my side beating AS Monaco 2-0 with K.Jardine and A.Xhepa both scoring

July 9^th:

Transfer news sees O.Scherbakov joining Barcelona for a fee of £37,000,000 with the fee potentially rising to £49,000,000

July 11^th:

The next friendly sees my side beating Al-Sadd 1-0 with D.Benedetti grabbing the only goal

July 12^th:

L.King has been named in the World Cup Dream Team and also decided to end his International Career after 84 caps for England

July 13^th:

The next friendly of the preseason sees us beating Jahra 5-0 with goals from L.Guglielmi, T.Franco and a hat-trick from D.Benedetti

July 17^th:

We now face Maccabi Herzliya and beat them with ease 4-0 as J.Ashmeade, J.Smith both scored and S.Pino grabbed a brace

July 18^th:

I have had France, Italy and Brazil all wanting me to become their new manager. I have of course turned them down to concentrate on finishing my Manchester United career on a high

July 21^st:

My side face FLA in a friendly at Old Trafford and despite dominating we ended up with a 0-0 draw

July 24^th:

The next friendly sees us facing FC United and we thrashed them 9-0 with M.Vandamme, A.Xhepa and A.Grossi all scoring a goal. L.Guglielmi, S.Pino and D.Leonardi all scored a brace

July 27^th:

I then set a behind doors friendly with the reserve side and my first team beat them 6-0 with L.Guglielmi grabbing a brace, the other goals came from M.Vandamme, D.Benedetti, A.Xhepa and J.Smith

July 30^th:

The odds for the forthcoming Premier Division season sees my side placed as 5-2 favourites

We also faced Middlesborough in a friendly and beat them 5-2 with D.Benedetti grabbing a four minute hat-trick and the other goals coming from S.Pino and M.Vandamme

 

[mark wilson27]

August 2038:

August 8^th:

Man City (Wembley) Community Shield

The first effort of the game came in the 11^th minute as P.Wilkins crossed into the area and D.Collado headed into the arms of K.Swaby. Five minutes later we had our first chance as S.Pino hit a powerful strike towards goal which beat the keeper but not the body of G.D'Angelo. The next attack saw the opening goal as M.Pascual beat my defence and unselfishly passed the ball to his captain I.Coda Zabetta who slotted into the empty net. Just after the half hour City had another chance as P.Luscher tried his luck from outside the area but K.Swaby tipped it over the crossbar.

The second half was all my side as we piled on the pressure and on the 58^th minute D.Benedetti ran into the area with the ball but G.D'Angelo slid in and cleared the ball. Ten minutes later we had another chance with A.Grossi heading onto the crossbar. We were all over City and on the 77^th minute G.D'Angelo again saved the day with a brilliant block to deny S.Pino. On the stroke of full time we had our final chance as A.Grossi put the ball into the net but the referee ruled it out for a foul in the build up

Man Utd 0-1 Man City I.Coda Zabetta 23

Man Utd: K.Swaby, L.King (capt), T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi (L.Guglielmi), M.Vandamme (G.Mokulu), S.Pino, D.Benedetti (A.Grossi)

Man City: R.Mesquita, I.Etxabe, G.D'Angelo, A.Melnyk, K.Gerland, F.Alvarez, I.Coda Zabetta (capt), M.Pascual, P.Wilkins (L.Edwards), P.Luscher (B.Platt), D.Collado (M.Fortunato)

 

[mark wilson27]

August 9^th:

I have been asked to choose the Captains for the season, Lee King will be my Captain and Tommaso Franco will be my Vice Captain

August 13^th:

The board have set out their expectations for the season with them wanting the Premiership Title, FA Cup trophy and to reach the Champions League Final. Their not bothered about the EFL Cup

August 14^th:

Sunderland (h) Premier Division (1/38)

Six minutes into the first game of the season and my side were in the lead as D.Benedetti ran through the defence with the ball and fired with pace past the outstretched arm of the keeper. Ten minutes later we had our next chance as D.Leonardi crossed into the area but S.Pino failed to connect with the ball. On the 24^th minute we made it two nil as D.Benedetti ran onto a D.Leonardi through-ball and wasted no time in dinking it over the onrushing keeper. Just before the break Sunderland gave us a warning as they beat the offside trap but K.Swaby was on hand to block the effort.

The second half was all my side as we controlled the play with ease and just before the hour mark D.Leonardi made it three nil as he curled a free-kick into the top corner after D.Benedetti was brought down on the way to goal. On the 75^th minute S.Pino has his chance to score with a well struck effort which the keeper flapped at, however D.Benedetti failed to tap in the loose ball.. With two minutes remaining we had our final chance as D.Benedetti again failed to complete his hat-trick with a miss from three yards out.

Man Utd 3-0 Sunderland D.Benedetti 6, 24 D.Leonardi 59

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa (L.Guglielmi), M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (G.Mokulu), S.Pino, D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

August 22^nd:

Arsenal (a) (2/38)

My 900^th managerial game in my career and it got off to a great start as D.Benedetti headed in on the 2^nd minute from a M.Vandamme cross. On the 19^th minute we had another chance to score with a low shot from S.Pino which stung the fingers of the Arsenal keeper. Twelve minutes later M.Arruabarrena rattled the crossbar from close range after beating the defence to a loose ball. Just before the break Arsenal came close with long range effort which K.Swaby was at full stretch to save.

The second half saw Arsenal starting to dominate and on the 49^th minute T.Franco blocked off the line to deny the home side. Ten minutes later Arsenal had another chance as they broke through the defence but K.Swaby saved well. On the 69^th minute we had our next chance as D.Leonardi crossed into the area but D.Benedetti headed wide of the post. With ten minutes remaining in the game Arsenal had their next chance as they broke through the defence but T.Franco was on hand again to slide in with the tackle and deny them the deserved equaliser

Arsenal 0-1 Man Utd D.Benedetti 2

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, S.Pino, D.Benedetti

 

My record after some 900 games is as follows:

Played: 900

Won: 563

Drawn: 154

Lost: 183

Goals Scored: 1957

Goals Against: 1006

Win %: 62%

 

[mark wilson27]

August 26^th:

The draw for the EFL Cup sees us pitted away from home against League One side Sheffield Wednesday.

The other draw we were in was for the Champions Cup Group. The groups are as follows:

Group A: Paris Saint-Germain (FRA), Celtic (SCO), Ajax (NED), Brondby IF (DEN)

Group B: Juventus (ITA), Dortmund (GER), AS Saint-Etienne (FRA), SK Rapid Wien (AUT)

Group C: A.Madrid (ESP) Roma (ITA), Dynamo Kyiv (UKR), Liverpool (ENG)

Group D: Man Utd (ENG), R.Madrid (ESP), FCP (POR), Anderlecht (BEL)

Group E: Olympique Lyonnais (FRA), Leverkusen (GER), SLB (POR), Hearts (SCO)

Group F: Napoli (ITA), Barcelona (ESP), Dinamo (CRO), Olympiakos (GRE)

Group G: Bayern (GER), INTER (ITA), Sunderland (ENG), Red Star (SRB)

Group H: OM (FRA), Chelsea (ENG), Zenit (RUS), Fenerbahce (TUR)

 

August 28^th:

Wolves (h) (3/38)

We controlled the game from the start with some great attacking play however it took till the 23^rd minute to open the scoring as S.Pino jinked through the defence and fired with pace under the onrushing keeper. Ten minutes later we had another chance as D.Benedetti headed straight into the keepers arms when it was easier to score. Just before the break we had yet another chance as M.Arruabarrena tried his luck from outside the area but the Wolves keeper saved well to deny him. Two minutes into the half we grabbed a second goal as T.Franco headed in a D.Leonardi corner past the Wolves keeper after S.Pino's initial effort was well saved. On the 68^th minute we had another chance to score as J.Ashmeade stung the fingers of the keeper from twelve yards with his first touch. Ten minutes later M.Vandamme rattled the upright from the edge of the area after running onto a loose ball. Wolves did however have one shot throughout the game as K.Swaby was alert enough to deny them.

Man Utd 2-0 Wolves S.Pino 23, T.Franco 47

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa (L.Guglielmi), M.Arruabarrena (G.Mokulu), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme, S.Pino, D.Benedetti (J.Ashmeade)

The end of the month sees my side top of the table after winning the opening three games of the season. Man City are second with seven points and Swansea are third with six points.

 

[mark wilson27]

September 2038:

September 1^st:

I have been awarded the Manager of the Month for August after three wins out of three

September 10^th:

The odds for the forthcoming European Champions Cup have been released and my side have been made 5-1 favourites to lift the trophy

September 11^th:

Leicester (a) (4/38)

We began the better and on the 12^th minute we came close with a long range effort from D.Leonardi which stung the fingers of the keeper. Eight minutes later we had another chance as A.Xhepa headed wide from the post when it was easier to score. On the 28^th minute Leicester had the chance to take the lead after J.Smith was caught handling the ball in the area, R.Marques stepped up and fired towards goal but K.Swaby guessed right and saved the kick. With six minutes remaining in the half we finally took the lead as D.Benedetti ran through the defence and half volleyed a D.Leonardi cross past the outstretched keeper.

The second half was all my side as we controlled all the possession. On the 58^th minute we had the first chance of the half as S.Pino jinked through the defence with the ball but his final effort was as poor as the defending, Soon after we had another chance with D.Leonardi trying his luck from close range but the keeper saved well to deny him. With three minutes remaining in the game we grabbed our second goal as G.Mokulu rose above the defence and headed a D.Leonardi cross high into the top corner. In truth we should have scored about ten

Leicester 0-2 Man Utd D.Benedetti 39, G.Mokulu 87

K.Swaby, L.King, T.Franco, J.Smith, P.Lane (M.Reekers), A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena (L.Guglielmi), D.Leonardi, M.Vandamme (G.Mokulu), S.Pino, D.Benedetti

 

 

[mark wilson27]

September 14^th:

Anderlecht (h) Champs Cup Grp D (1/6)

It was Anderlecht who had the first chance of the game as they blew through my defence with ease but K.Swaby managed to tip the ball around the post. On the 16^th minute my side had their first effort as L.King punted the ball up field but S.Pino curled the ball wide of the post. Ten minutes later G.Mokulu came close but the Anderlecht keeper saved well to deny him from close range. On the 32^nd minute we finally broke the deadlock as D.Benedetti ran onto an A.Xhepa through-ball and slotted under the keeper. Six minutes later we grabbed goal number two as L.King crossed into the area and A.Gomez diverted the cross past his own keeper.

The second half was three minutes old as A.Gomez scored again as he knocked a comical back-pass past his keeper after coming under pressure from D.Benedetti. We were in complete control and on the 76^th minute S.Pino stung the fingers of the keeper from outside the area. With six minutes remaining in the game we were awarded a penalty after M.Arruabarrena was brought down in the area, D.Leonardi stepped up and fired past the keeper to complete a 4-0 victory and give us three points.

Man Utd 4-0 Anderlecht D.Benedetti 32, A.Gomez 38 og, 48 og, D.Leonardi 84 pen

K.Swaby, L.King, A.De Russis, J.Smith, P.Lane, A.Xhepa, M.Arruabarrena, D.Leonardi, G.Mokulu, S.Pino, D.Benedetti

Other Grp D Result: R.Madrid 1-0 FCP