United Beyond Manchester

Every fan knows the highs and lows of football. The gut-wrenching feeling of a loss and the euphoric feeling of a win are constants of the sport. Emotions bind us to the clubs that we love and cause us to banter online to end. Non-football fans call us crazy for our passion and we know they are right. But nothing will stop us from supporting our clubs through the thick and thin.

Manchester United fans know better than most when it comes to the extreme highs and lows of the sport. Through the Sir Alex Ferguson years, no one could stop the mighty Manchester United, and supporters had much to brag about. Now, we can’t seem to get anything right on the pitch, and fans are forced to take heat from rivals and defend shreds of positivity when they appear. Through every emotion, the passion of Manchester United fans never wavers, and we will forever back the boys in Red.

For United supporters, it is the hope that gets you. Ever since the end of the Fergie days, we have had promises of a Manchester United rebirth. Countless world-class managers have come in spending billions of pounds to bring glory back to Old Trafford. Those promises have all fallen short due to miscalculations, misspending, and plenty of misses in front of goal. Now, our hope is at an all-time high. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team bring more promises of taking United back to the top. Will we be rewarded this time, or will the hope turn to disappointment yet again?

Manchester United is a worldwide community. We are a community united in Manchester and beyond. When you connect with another supporter, you immediately have a world of conversation possibilities. You can talk about the current happenings of the club, the performances, the past, and the future. You can discuss personal feelings, opinions, and memories that bond you to the club. Manchester United is a family for everyone and being a fan makes you a part of that family.

A true fan’s loyalty is unbreakable. This kind of loyalty leads us to protest when our owners prioritize their pockets over the club and defend our club and players online when rival fans comment. As an American fan, this loyalty is epitomized by getting up at 7 am on a Saturday for the early kickoff times. Loyalty is a critical aspect of a true fan’s football identity.

Nothing says loyalty and passion like Derby Day. A horrible season can feel like a success with a win over Manchester City or Liverpool. Eric Cantona said it best when he said:

“On derby day in Manchester, the city is cut in two. The Blues and the Reds invade the street, and if your team wins, the city belongs to you.”

Derby days are special, and the emotions they bring are even stronger than normal matchdays.

Fandom is special. Football is an incredible way for people to connect and share experiences. Our passion and love for our teams don’t change with time. Manchester United ’til we die. I’ll leave you with a United twist on an old American song:

Take me home, United Road,

To the place I belong,

To Old Trafford,

To see United,

Take me home, United Road.