1987-88 Season - February

Mira is struggling and so do the team but the Brazialian bites back following criticism from the "unknown" Lawrie McMenemy.

Saturday 06 Feb 1988 - Wimbledon [A] - D1 - Drew 0-0

A battling performance earned United a valuable point at Plough Lane in a match best remembered for Vinnie Jones' thuggery which was encapsulated by his tear jerking method of shackling Gazza being caught on camera.

Stewards advised Jones to stay clear of the players lounge after the match as it was thought that some United supporters had infiltrated the area and might want to exact their own revenge on Gascoigne's behalf.

Wednesday 10 Feb 1988 - Monaco [H] - Fr - Lost 1-2

A weakened United side lost to Arsene Wenger's Monaco side. The match included a "bust-up" between love/hate pairing Gazza and Mira.

McFaul used his programme notes to dispel rumours that Gazza would be leaving at the end of the season even though his contract ran until the end of 1988/89. He "will see out every minute of that contract" the Irishaman stated defiantly.

Saturday 13 Feb 1988 - Norwich [H] - D1 - Lost 1-3

Before the game McFaul challenged his players so to show him "how good they are" and warned them "not to let him down". Therefore it was no surprise that they were outclassed and slumped to their first competitive defeat of the year.

Once again Gazza and Mira had words with each other with Mira accusing the Dunston youngster of not passing to him. McFaul told them to cut it out "or else".

The Brazilian was now with out a goal since January 1st and some of the crowd were starting to get on his back.

Saturday 20 Feb 1988 - Wimbledon [H] - FAC5 - Lost 1-3

Disaster in the FA Cup as United slumped to their third defeat of the season against The Wombles.

The frustration was clearly getting to Mira who was accused of spitting at players during the match and after the match he kicked Dons 'keeper Beasant in the back. This prompted an angry reaction from Terry Gibson and only quick action from players of both sides prevented the incident getting out of control. Incredibly Mira escaped punishment.

TV pundit and sacked ex-Sunderland manager Lawrie McMenemy attacked Mira for being "unsuited to English football" and having a "selfish style" that caused problems for his team mates. He went on to suggest he wouldn't see out the season.

Mira answered back via his own press conference stating that he "was not bothered what this unknown man" had to say about him. Mira also claimed that his loss of form was down to tiredness as a result of not having had a break for almost a year.

Saturday 27 Feb 1988 - Chelsea [H] - D1 - Won 3-1

A scintillating first-half display by the little Brazilian brought a brace of goals and was the perfect riposte to his critics. Gazza added a third in the second-half but once again there was little interchange between the two wayward talents. McFaul subbed Mira before the end; a decision which clearly upset him.