Mark Gelder
This has been a topsy-turvy fortnight for United, losing to Southend in League and the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, losing to Sheffield United in the FA Cup, and then this week we see Robert Hall returning on loan, and also the home sell-out of a little local derby in March next year. Saturday however sees a return to business in the football league.

United face their first match of the season against Steve Evans' Crawley Town at the Broadfield Stadium, after a gap of a season whilst Crawley were winning promotion from the Conference with an impressive 105 points, finishing 15 points clear of AFC Wimbledon. They also had a decent FA Cup run last year, with wins against league opposition of Swindon Town, Derby County, and Torquay United, before finally losing to Manchester United 1-0 in the 4th Round. “Project promotion” had been achieved, after as yet unidentified backers had bankrolled a squad packed full of talent, all apparently paid for up front with no debt. The cup run and Old Trafford game would though have probably brought in around