The latest in our series of Premier League programme reviews for the 2020/21 season today turns the attention to Manchester United’s issue. Read our full review below and click here to see all of the other Premier League issues from this season.
The familiar square-shape of ‘United Review’ returns for 2020/21 with another stylishly designed issue. Attractively presented throughout, the programme serves up some high-class page design that make good use of the space available with the square format.
The programme offers perhaps fewer recurring features than many other clubs’ issues but does provide some one-off articles that are well worth reading. For example, the programme for United’s match against Arsenal included an article putting together a team of London-born reds from the past. That same issue also included a feature on the ‘Manchester United Calypso’ from 1957, written by Eric Watterson and Ken Jones – a four-page article on this most unlikely of football tracks!
One recurring retro article takes for its inspiration United having recently passed the 10,000 goal landmark, having former players look at which goal was their favourite. There is also a five-page player feature, including some full-page photography and plenty of reading.
The visitors’ section covers six pages and includes a two-page opening article called ‘Opposition Focus’, noting the club’s recent form, alongside their tactical set-up and various stats. There is also a brief manager profile, biographies of four key players, and ‘History Lesson’, which shines a light on notable aspects of the club’s past.
The programme features several articles related to past matches between United and their opponents. ‘I Remember’ has the recollections of one player involved in a notable clash between United and their visitors, while club legend Paddy Crerand contributes a column in which he looks forward to the game ahead, as well as looking back to past encounters.
United Review includes a decent amount of club information, with pages for the club’s under-18 and under-23 teams that include news, match updates, and fixture details. There is also coverage of United’s increasingly prominent Women’s team, and ‘The Month Ahead’ which previews upcoming matches for each of the club’s teams. ‘Worth Knowing’ is a news section over three pages, and there are two pages devoted to the work of the Manchester United Foundation. Each issue also features a comprehensive stats section.
There is much to like within the United programme, although it does perhaps lack a coherent flow, in terms of how the various sections sit together. This gives the programme a slightly a disjointed feel, despite the quality of the page designs, with the impression left of an issue that would benefit from a more logical arrangement.