SIGNED PROGRAMMES

My son, no mean footballer, has a job that takes him to the inner sanctum of most European football clubs. His latest venture was into Old Trafford for the UEFA Champions League Group H match between United and Juventus. Cunningly he gets a programme, one of many I guess provided for his job, and finds a celebrity who politely obliges to sign the programme. So today I acquired the 23rd October 2018 UEFA Champions League programme signed by Denis Law.

Couldn't ask for more, could I? The tie played on October 23rd 2018 resulted in a 1-0 loss for United at home (74,000) and a 2-1 win away (42,000).


Son knows that he is contributing to a considerable collection of programmes, dating to the early 1960s, some in terrific conditions, some signed, so a bit scruffy. But if treated seriously, they will fetch a "small fortune" in the future. I'm leaving the pile to him in my will!!

Back to United and Juve, the two massive clubs have played each other 14 times in similar ties with results even at P14 W6 D2 L6.
The first combat was a 2nd Round tie played on the 20th October 1976 at Old Trafford with a 1-0 win for United. 59,000 attended.
The return was a 0-3 defeat away on 3rd November 1976. Over 66,000 saw this.
The United squad included: Stepney, Houston, Nicholl, Greenhoff, Albiston, Coppell, Daly, McIlroy, Macari, Pearson, Hill, McCreery and Paterson (born Elgin, played for Nairn County!).

Since then they have met in 1984 Cup Winners Cup Semi-Final (loss 2-3), 1996 (1-3) , 1997 (3-3), 1999 (4-3) and 2003 (5-1).
The other 1984 semi-final included Aberdeen versus Porto, who won 0-2 during the Ferguson era. Sir Alex, of course, joined United in 1986.