Today we turn our attentions to Manchester United’s programme – United Review – in our latest review of the 2021/22 Premier League issues. Read our full review below and click here to see all of the top-flight programmes for the season.
United Review returns for 2021/22 in its familiar square shape. As usual, the programme is notable for its high-class design work, with plenty of eye-catching page layouts that make full use of the space available.
The programme takes a different approach to original content than many issues, with fewer recurring features and more one-off articles that are often related to recent on the pitch events. In the Aston Villa issue, there was a column called ‘Learning on Loan’, featuring profiles of various United players who have developed their skills on loan to other clubs. ‘Meet the Fan’ is an interview with a supporter who has been represented in the ‘handshake’ illustration that has adorned the cover of United’s programme for decades. One feature that is present on a regular basis is a two-page column from Paddy Crerand that this season includes ‘Paddy’s A-Z’ – described as “an alphabetical journey down memory lane”. Each issue also features player interviews as well as a three-page junior fans section.
The opposition section covers eight pages, each of which is well laid out with impressive use made of the team’s colours. The opening page gives club facts and some pictures from around their home ground, before ‘Talking Points’ examines the team’s fortunes, including some notes on what to expect tactically. A stats page provides a head-to-head record, key club stats, and the most recent Premier League line-up, while ‘In the Spotlight’ profiles four key players as well as the club’s manager, with full squad listings on two sidebars. ‘The Time Vault’ is a well-written feature, looking at various stories from the club’s history, accompanied by some retro images, and the section is completed by ‘Opposition Q&A’, in which a former player associated with the visiting club is interviewed and offers their thoughts on the team’s prospects.
Club information consists of a column from the manager, ‘Worth Knowing’, which collates recent news and other goings-on from around the club – as well as noting landmark occasions, and a couple of pages on the work of United’s Foundation. Unfortunately, not every issue provides updates from the club’s other teams, but when it is included, there is a solid overview of the academy and women’s teams. The first-team stats section is very comprehensive, covering four pages and including a two-page results and fixtures spread that makes excellent use of the width afforded by the programme’s shape. ‘The Month Ahead’ meanwhile picks out key dates for the diary, including fixtures for each of United’s various teams.
Whilst there is plenty to like about United Review, the approach to original content can leave certain issues feeling lighter in reading than others. This is a shame given the club’s storied history, with a more consistent approach to content likely to move this programme closer to the league’s best issues.