UNITED SPECIAL Teen star handed special birthday gift

YOUNG defender Max Dunne knows what he must do to succeed at United – because club legend Nicky Butt has told him.

The Mancunian academy prospect has signed his first professional contract with United, joining the likes of Angel Gomes, Aidan Barlow, Aliou Traore, Arnau Puigmal and George Tanner.

And the 18-year-old, described by under-18s coach Kieran McKenna as a ‘tough, aggressive defender who is good in the air’, will use Butt’s guidance to try to make his name at the club he has supported since the days of his childhood.

“Obviously, being from Manchester and supporting United, it’s a boyhood dream to turn professional with the club,” Dunne told MUTV.

“Nicky Butt has been telling me how I’ve been doing and what I need to improve. I signed the contract just after I turned 18 but I got told about it before my birthday so it was like a special present.

“My family were really happy, as was I.”

Dunne was part of the United under-19s squad that was in Belgrade to face FK Brodarac in the UEFA Youth League this week as the club was commemorating those who lost their lives in the Munich Air Disaster back in Manchester.

The young Reds claimed their place in Friday’s round-of-16 draw with a 2-0 win, and their trip included visits to the venues where the Busby Babes played their final game and had their last meal together – the Partizan Stadium and Hotel Majestic – before the tragedy 60 years ago. ‘YOUR coat’s from Matalan!’ the Geordies chanted as Jose Mourinho leapt out of his heated seat and prowled the touchline at St James’ Park.

The Portuguese had long established himself as one of football’s most fashionable figures back in 2004 and had packed his Sunday best for Chelsea’s FA clash against Newcastle in typically freezing temperatures up north.

And when the home support took exception to his threads – Armani, no less – Mourinho played to the gallery as he pointed to the designer label on his jacket.

The grey number, complete with cashmere scarf, proved a lucky charm as Mourinho marked his first visit to St James’ with his first ever win against Newcastle. Easy, right?

Remarkably, though, the Portuguese has never tasted victory in the league at St James’ despite three spells in England and he has managed more away league games at Newcastle without winning than at any other club in his entire career.

In nine attempts in all competitions, Mourinho has led his side to victory on just two occasions in the League Cup in 2004 and 2006. But, surely, that league hoodoo will end on Sunday when he comes up against old foe Rafa Benitez?

Newcastle have not won a league game at St James’ since October 21 – losing five and drawing three – which is on the verge of equalling their worst ever run, when they went nine home games without a win in August, 1999. One Ruud Gullit was manager then.

But there is a reason why NE1 has been an unhappy hunting ground for Mourinho.

As well as a vociferous home support, and a side who have regularly upped their game when Mourinho’s sides have come to town in the past, the club have used a couple of tricks to try and get the better of opponents before the whistle even goes.

In the away dressing room, for example, there