Australian TV presenter and former rugby league player Beau Ryan proved to be a popular and good natured host, with players all smiling when he jokingly asked how they managed to win the Melbourne Victory last night’s 4-1 win on the A-League side at the iconic MCG.
United legends Bryan Robson and Andy Cole, both club ambassadors, were also at the launch along with former kitman Albert Morgan.
The new away strips are said to be inspired by United’s classic white shirt and feature red and black Adidas three stripes and a v-neckline with geometric shapes. The helix pattern, which is woven into the fabric of the shirt, represents the three pillars of the club’s philosophy: youth, courage and success.
Fans certainly hope to see more of that next season.
While Fernandes and co. Busy hosting the crowds in Federation Square, a more intimate affair took place in Melbourne at the Marriott Docklands hotel, which is home to many of United’s non-playing and technical staff.
United captain Harry Maguire and striker Anthony Martial were among eight players to take part in two separate Q&A sessions with around 30 fans from United supporters clubs in Brisbane, Perth and New South Wales.
The biggest cheers came when Maguire briefly filmed the supporters singing his song at the end, while a question about who the players want to beat the most next season was met with loud approval from the assembled crowd. Maguire and fellow defenders Alex Telles and Ethan Laird everything went for Liverpool while goalkeeper Matej Kovar chose Manchester City.
Maguire spoke as candidly as eloquently about his struggles last season and determination to put things right, as well as the demands new manager Erik ten Hag is making of the players.
The England defender also relived his thumping penalty during England’s shoot-out defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final last summer, suggesting that while it was impossible to replicate such a pressure cooker environment in training, England needed to keep improving from 12 yards with the World Cup on the horizon.
United’s non-playing staff were heading for a big night out in Melbourne’s St Kilda’s area on Saturday night, with everyone at the club taking Sunday off. Some will spend it watching the local Aussie Rules Football side of Essendon take on the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium and others plan to head to AAMI Park to watch rugby league outfit Melbourne Storm compete against the Canberra Raiders.