MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : MANCHESTER UNITED – SEPTEMBER 1996

It’s the early months of the 96/97 and Eric Cantona is the cover star of Manchester United’s official magazine, in what would turn out to be his last season at the club.

Pat Crerand writes in his column about a summer of new arrivals and some experienced players leaving, stating that he wished to see the European Cup back at Old Trafford some day..

In news, Old Trafford was being considered as a venue for the 1998 European Cup Winners Cup Final. That would be played in Stockholm, but it made it’s way to England in 1999 at Villa Park, the last final of the competition. Old Trafford would have to make do with the 2003 European Cup Final.

There was a poll for readers, asking if Old Trafford needed a new scoreboard.

Meanwhile, Gary Pallister announces he is raring to go after an injury ravaged 95/96 season.

Cover star Eric Cantona gets a four page interview, revealing that he didn’t watch Euro 96, but wanted England to win it.

As Untied are back in the European Cup and one of eight seeded teams automatically in the group stages, and previews the tournament, with 1995 winners Ajax amongst the seeds, managed by future United manager Louis Van Gaal.

There are four pages dedicated to United’s pre-season routine, with a look at how they compare to other sports.

There are also match reports from United’s early pre-season games, against Portadown and a League Of Ireland XI.

There are profiles of United’s five new signings Raimond Van Der Gowu, Karel Poborsky, Jordi Cruyff, Ronny Johnsen and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

There was an offer for readers, where you could get a 1997 Eric Cantona calendar for £5.

Gary Pallister takes questions from fans, the recently departed defensive partner Steve Bruce being a prominent subject.

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : MANCHESTER UNITED – APRIL 1998

The 97/98 season is approaching the final straight, and Andy Cole is the cover star of Manchester United’s official magazine.

As you open the magazine, there is an advert for a video game called Three Lions, the official video game of the England football team.

In news, United look set to add to the Norwegian contingent at Old Trafford with the signing of 17 year old Erland Hanstveit.

Cover star Cole gets interviewed, revealing that his best goalscoring season at United is due to the team playing to his strengths.

It was recently the 40th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, and the commemorations were covered in a three page feature.

There is a profile of Raimond Van Der Gowu, dubbed the most patient man at Old Trafford due to his role as sub keeper.

In reviews, the guide to food at football grounds gets four stars out of five.

The magazine ends with a Q and A with Peter Schmeichel, who reveals that he wouldn’t go on TFI Friday.

MAGAZINE ARCHIVE : MANCHESTER UNITED – DECEMBER 1999

It’s the end of the 20th Century, and the last edition of the century from Manchester United’s official magazine sees Jaap Stam mocked up to look like a giant, crushing opposing strikers.

United are getting set to head to Japan to take on Palmieras in the Intercontinental Cup Final, and the Brazilian side gets a profile.

United have made a new signing this month – off the pitch, as George Best joins the magazine as a columnist and he gets introduced, as if he needed to be introduced.

Cover star Stam gets a five page profile, revealing he enjoyed making tackles as much as scoring goals.

There’s a Dutch theme to this magazine, as United’s back-up goalkeeper Raimond Van Der Gowu gets interviewed.

In his column, Sir Alex Ferguson talks about new signing Mark Bosnich, describing him as “The best keeper in the country”

Which lead nicely into an advert for the next edition, which will see Bosnich’s predecessor in United’s goal, Peter Schmeichel, being interviewed.

United are through to the Second Group Stage of the European Cup, and their three opponents – Fiorentina, Valencia and Bordeaux all get profiled.

The magazine ends with a quiz between David May and Steve McClaren, with McClaren winning by a score of 7-3.