1987-88 Season - September

Mira arrives amid samba fever but apart from a creditable draw at Old Trafford United are struggling and are embarassed on TV when they crash 4-1 at home to Liverpool.

Tuesday 01 Sep 1987 - Norwich [A] - D1 - Drew 1-1

Mira's clearance comes through just in time for him to make his debut at Carrow Road and he helps his team mates recover from a goal down to get a draw. Peter Jackson grabbing the goal.

Saturday 05 Sep 1987 - Wimbledon [H] - D1 - Lost 1-2

A dismal performance by The Magpies as an isolated Mira must wonder what he's come to. The Dons were 2-0 up after only ten minutes and could have easily won by more.

The supporters made their feelings clear at the final whistle as United slump to 18th.

Saturday 12 Sep 1987 - Man Utd [A] - D1 - Drew 2-2

McFaul rings the changes and is rewarded with a battling display and the little Brazilian's first two goals. Mira gleefully celebrating - arms akimbo - in front of the travelling hordes

After a shaky start Mira put the visitors ahead with a deflected free-kick. The Red Devils equalised immediately and took control again before the Samba star went into overdrive; scoring again and hitting the angle of post and crossbar. Once again though the home side hit back and it was 2-2 at half-time.

An overly physical second period produced no more goals but United were well pleased with the hard earned point.

Sunday 20 Sep 1987 - Liverpool [H] - D1 - Lost 1-4

In front of the TV watching millions Newcastle slumped to a humiliating defeat making it three defeats in a row at home. McFaul lays into his players calling them "collectively sloppy" and accusing them of "playing with fear"

Chairman Stan Seymour angered fans even more by suggesting that "no one had expected us to beat Liverpool"

Wednesday 23 Sep 1997 - Blackpool [A] - LC2 - Lost 0-1

The League Cup has been rebadged again and is now called the Littlewood's Cup but United's dismal form in the competition continues as they are beaten 1-0 at Third Division Blackpool in front of only 7,959 spectators.

The only goal came from ex-Magpie Tony Cunningham who was perfectly set up by a wayward Gazza back pass.

Saturday 26 Sep 1997 - Southampton [H] - D1 - Won 2-1

Glyn Hodges finished avery short stay when he was sold to . John Cornwell replaced him and made his debut against The Saints.

McFaul was now under intense pressure and was mightily relieved when goals form Goddard and Mira secured a first home victory.

After his goal Mira ran straight to the bench to give Willie a hug; "I told him I was going to score for him" he said. After the match McFaul revealed that had fined the Brazilian for being late. The amount? A fiver.

United finish the month in 15th.