Fan Highlights is a way for United Beyond Manchester to highlight the great fans of our beloved club. Every supporter is important, and we want to allow each one to have a voice and share their special moments as a fan. All we do is ask the questions, and the highlighted fans share answers in their own words.

This week’s Fan Highlight is, because of a request, me. I have enjoyed getting to write about other United fans and their stories, and today, I will be sharing more about me and my journey. Enjoy!

Questions:

How did you become a Manchester United fan?

I started playing football when I was seven, back in 2007. When I started playing, I started watching the sport when I could on television. Being from the United States, only a limited number of matches were available to watch (there are more options now). Because of the success under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United games were always the ones that were televised. I got to start watching matches with my dad, and Wayne Rooney quickly became my favorite player.

What is your earliest Manchester United memory?

My earliest Manchester United memory was not actually of a match or trophy. My earliest memory as a supporter was when my dad got us Wayne Rooney 2009 home kits. This was a special moment for me since it was my first-ever football jersey.

What is your favorite Manchester United memory, and why?

My favorite Manchester United memory was the Manchester Derby in March 2020. I was a freshman in college and had just started dating my girlfriend, who is now my wife. This was the first match we ever watched together, and the Reds pulled off a shocking win over City at Old Trafford.

In that match, United grabbed a first-half goal through a Martial volley after a cheeky free kick. A famous Scott McTominay finish from distance made it 2-0 in stoppage time to give Ole Gunnar Solskjaer an incredible derby win.

Who is your favorite current Manchester United player, and why?

My current favorite player is Kobbie Mainoo. I’m sure that many fans would say the same this season, but it has to be him. He is such a joy to watch and is mature far beyond his years. His composure on the ball is something that United has been missing, and he will only get better over time. He is already a valuable piece of the first team and should be the cornerstone of the team for years to come. He also plays the position that I did.

If you could bring one former player to the current team, who would it be and why?

Nemanja Vidic. Manchester United has been crying out for a defensive leader for years. The legendary center-back gave everything for the badge and would bring both physical and mental toughness to the team immediately. His commitment to the team was unmatched, and he gave everything, whether it was a derby or a match against a lower-level team. I would take Vidic in a heartbeat.

If you could sign one player for the club this summer, who would it be and why?

I would sign Antonio Silva from Benfica. The 6’2 Portuguese defender is everything that Manchester United needs. He is a strong player who is solid in the air and dangerous on set pieces. His biggest strength is his quality in possession. He completes over 90% of his passes and looks to progress the ball at every opportunity. He is a good tackler and can also cover spaces wide and centrally. Manchester United is linked to plenty of good defenders, but Antonio Silva is my favorite of the links.

Where is your favorite place to watch matches? Who do you enjoy watching matches with the most?

As I have never been to Old Trafford, my favorite place to watch matches is at home. Every once in a while, I will watch a game at a local pub or with a group of supporters. As for people I enjoy watching with, my dad and I always watched matches together, and we still call after every one of them. Now, I typically watch matches with my wife and cat.

What else would you like fans to know about you or your love for the club?

Manchester United is a club that unites, and I have enjoyed connecting with fans from all over the world. Whether the club is going through a rough patch or flying high, I will be supporting the team every matchday.

Football and Manchester United is very important to me and you, but always remember that there are still more important things in your life. Don’t let a rough match ruin your day.

My passion for the club and its fans led me to start United Beyond Manchester this February, and I hope to continue to grow it alongside my fellow fans from across the globe. Because, after all, we are United, whether in Manchester or beyond.

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Do you want a chance to feature in a Fan Highlights post? DM us on Twitter, or email us at unitedbeyondmanchester@outlook.com!