How do you capture history forever? For long-standing official club photographer John Peters, it’s a question he’s been answering for 30 years with Manchester United.
From the Sir Alex Ferguson era to Erik ten Hag’s first season in charge, John has been there for some of the club’s greatest moments. But in recent weeks, particular photos from his vast archive have been on display across ManUtd.com and collectibles.manutd.com. Now they’re finding their way to fans to live forever as digital collectibles.
3 May 1993. The first Premier League title win in United’s history. A night when players like Bruce, Hughes, Cantona and Robson cemented their status as legends. And the first night of John’s career with United.
Now, with the 30-year anniversary of that Premier League triumph reverberating around the club – a story reaching a new generation of fans – what was it like to be there? We found out how John captured history forever for the very first time.
Nice to meet you, John. Your 92/93 photos offer a rare glimpse into the changing-room celebrations the night United won the first-ever Premier League. How did you find yourself there?
“I actually completed 30 years with the club in May, so I’m connected to that night. At the time I was a photographer at Manchester City – but that was my first-ever assignment for Manchester United. Once the final whistle went, and the team had had all their celebrations on the pitch, the urgency was to get into the dressing room, to do all the exclusive pics.”
What a night to join the club. Can you describe the atmosphere?
“It was electric. I remember getting there and Sir Alex was with a big bottle of champagne. The hustle and bustle. Directors, players, staff – they all wanted to be photographed with the trophy. It all unfolded so quickly and, because I was new to the place, I put my cameras away and went home after a while. But I know they all partied long into the night. Great times.”
How did the players react to you, given it was your first night with the club?
“Nobody knew me, but they were all keen to have their photographs taken with the cup. They didn’t need much encouragement. There were beers in the bath; I’m not sure you’d get that now, but it was electric.”
Is there one photo that stands out in particular among the collection?
“The one with Sir Matt Busby is a special one, as he passed away some years later. And those with Bryan Robson, who’s become a friend for 30 years. He’s top, top quality. As a player, as an ambassador for the club and as a friend.”
That 92/93 season famously ended a 26-year wait for a league title. Did it feel like something was changing at the club?
“It did. The team had already won the league, whether they beat Blackburn or not, but Sir Alex sat them all down, and said next year it’s going to get harder. Everyone wants to beat the champions. It’s harder to retain it than actually win for the first time. But he won it so many times and brought so much success to the club. When I first met Erik ten Hag, he introduced himself and said “so you were here for all that success?”
. I was very lucky to be here. Just fantastic memories.”
How did your career with United develop from there?
“I captured the dressing room, then the following day, I showed my pictures to the head of commercial at the time, Edward Freedman. He said 'that’s fantastic’ and asked me to go on the bus tour around Manchester with the team. It was challenging, because of course they’re all leaning out with the cup and showing it to the crowd. Then suddenly I was asked to go on tour to South Africa with the team and I said ‘hang on a minute, I’ve got other commitments’. I was a freelance photographer for City, the BBC, and Granada at the time. But I had a chat with my then wife, and she said I had to go for it.”
Once you were full-time with United, do you remember the first match you captured?
“It was away at Norwich. Being a bit naive, I drove there and back. It was a six-hour journey. I said to my wife: ‘I’m not doing this’. 30 years later, I’m still here. I rang Manchester City, where the role was purely match action, and said I was moving. United was the bigger picture.”
That 92/93 season has a special place with you. Any others that standout from your time at the club?
“'99 and the Treble-winning night in Barcelona. My son was still a teenager then and that was his first-ever away game. When the final whistle went, photographers raced to the halfway line to get the best position for the trophy lift. I can remember, and I’m not ashamed to admit it, I was screaming with joy. I couldn’t believe it. I started taking pictures when players went for a walk that morning at 11am. I didn’t stop until 7am the following day.”
How has the game changed in all your years behind the lens?
“My era was with Sir Alex, and footballers were different in those days. I went to Steve Bruce’s house one year after United won the league, took photos and celebrated. But that was a different era. Different demands. Players used to come back from summer and they’d put half a stone on. You can’t afford to do that now. I used to work a game, then I’d go into the players’ lounge for a drink afterwards. And I’d get the players’ wives coming up to me saying 'When will you photograph my house, my kids?'.”
Did you photograph a lot of players outside of Old Trafford?
“I photographed Ryan Giggs’ 21st birthday party. I photographed Wayne Rooney’s wedding, his kids’ christenings. I’ve done shoots for John O’Shea, Wes Brown – they’re all friends. When I first started, a lot of my work was in the Manchester United magazine, which was outselling the biggest football magazines at the time. The reason people bought it was because they got exclusive pictures you’d never see in other magazines. Once a month, I would go to a player’s house and photograph them with their families. The players trusted that you would never take a photo inappropriately or supply it to anyone. That relationship was key.”
Did you have a favourite player to photograph?
“I can’t pick a favourite. There’s too many; too many good friends over the years. I got on well with Ole, Ryan, Wayne. All great people. Great times, great memories.”
You mentioned meeting Erik ten Hag and his recognition of what you’ve lived with United. Do you see any similarities in that team from the '90s and now?
“What a season he’s had. It feels like we’re one or two years ahead as a club of where we thought we might be. If he can continue to progress, I can see more trophies soon. Absolutely, without question. Manchester United are a club that has and always will win trophies at the top of the game.”
Will you be there to capture the moments if United can get more silverware next season?
“I’m semi-retired now, but I still do a bit of mentoring, a bit for the under-18s. It keeps me active. My son’s the main guy now. He’s off in Norway with the team, then off to Edinburgh, then off to America for the pre-season. The trips away are hard work – I don’t miss that side of it. But I miss a hell of a lot of things.”
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Read the terms applicable to the benefits of the 92/93 collection.
Manchester United’s officially licensed Digital Collectibles, powered by Tezos and brought to you by Tezos ecosystem companies, are a form of cryptoasset. Manchester United Digital Collectibles have been issued as a collectible item and not an investment. However, it is important that you keep in mind that:
1. Manchester United Digital Collectibles are not currently regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK and are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme;
2. the value of Manchester United Digital Collectibles is variable and can go down as well as up;
3. tax may be payable on any profits made on the sale of Manchester United Digital Collectibles; and
4. for those Digital Collectibles which require purchase, the decision to purchase Manchester United Digital Collectibles requires careful thought and consideration. You should seek independent financial advice if you are in doubt. You should not purchase any cryptoassets if you do not fully understand the nature of your purchase and the risks involved.