The week ahead for Reds
The final week of 2018 is packed with anniversaries and there are two first-team matches at home for Manchester United fans to look forward to.
As Christmas fast approaches, here’s our guide to what lies ahead for the Reds…
MONDAY
After Saturday's win at Cardiff City, United turn attention to the Boxing Day match against Huddersfield Town. Christmas Eve also marks 23 years since the last time the Reds played on 24 December – a 3-1 defeat against old rivals Leeds United, at Elland Road, in 1995.
TUESDAY
The Reds beat our local rivals Manchester City 2-1 in 1896 and 1-0 in 1897, in the first matches we played on Christmas Day. The last occasion we played on 25 December was in 1957, when goals from Tommy Taylor, Bobby Charlton and Duncan Edwards saw off Luton Town 3-0 in the old First Division at Old Trafford. It will also be 13 years to the day since United reached an agreement to sign Nemanja Vidic from Russian outfit Spartak Moscow.
WEDNESDAY
The Reds will take on David Wagner's Huddersfield Town in the Premier League at Old Trafford, in caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first home game in charge (kick-off 15:00 GMT). United have been involved in some Boxing Day blockbusters, including 6-3 wins over Nottingham Forest (1961) and Oldham Athletic (1991), a 4-4 draw at home to Derby County (1970) and a 4-3 triumph over Newcastle (2012). It’s also two years since Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s outrageous scorpion-kick goal against Sunderland.
FRIDAY
Solskjaer is likely to speak to reporters in a press conference at the Aon Training Complex ahead of the Reds’ home clash with Bournemouth. The time of the media briefing is yet to be confirmed.
SATURDAY
The Reds will continue preparations for the visit of the Cherries. Meanwhile, on this day in 1970, Matt Busby replaced Wilf McGuinness to start his second spell as United manager.
SUNDAY
The Reds will be hoping to end 2018 on a winning note when Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side visit Old Trafford in the Premier League (kick-off 16:30 GMT). United will be looking to complete a league double over the Cherries after a 2-1 victory at the Vitality Stadium on 3 November. MUTV subscribers will be able to enjoy 90 minutes of live build-up from 15:00 GMT.
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