On Monday night, Manchester United will return to action for the first time in 24 days and the Stretford End has something special prepared.
Fans’ group The Red Army is continually working hard to improve the Old Trafford atmosphere and, this season, a flag display has been introduced across the Stretford End lower tier.
For the Leeds game, there will be over 180 flags in tier one and, for the first time, the TRA has confirmed another 120 flags will appear across tier two.
The much-anticipated display will also include a large flag the same size as the TRA ‘eagle’ in T2’s central area, guaranteeing a spectacular view ahead of kick-off.
This initiative is all designed, funded and managed by fellow supporters and TRA members. The club would like to thank the supporters who helped to lay out the flags on Sunday afternoon.
In a big interview that is only available to read in United Review, the matchday programme at Old Trafford, captain Bruno Fernandes speaks passionately about the power of our fans.
He also gives his seal of approval for the work that is ongoing in the Stretford End, though he humbly admits he hasn’t noticed whether there is a flag in his honour.
“I’ve seen – obviously we know it before the game, we can see that,”says Bruno. “I think it brings a very nice atmospheric vibe to the stands.
“Every player that looks up to that sees that it’s not changed the way they support us, but it gives you a lot of nice feelings, seeing that side of the stadium is full of flags for some players. I haven’t seen if there are any for me or not, I don’t try to see if there’s something for me [laughs].”
Assured there is a flag for him, Fernandes smiles: “I'm not sure! It is fun, I just enjoy to see these kinds of things. I’ve been a fan myself. I’ve been in that type of occasion and I really like it.
“I think it gives a lot of energy and I think for us to see that, and for certain players to have their own flag, if they acknowledge that then I think it gives them an extra motivation for the game.”
‘Barmy Charlie’, Barlow was the number one creator of football flags in the United Kingdom – hundreds of which were made for his fellow United fans.
Look around Old Trafford tonight, and you’ll see scores of his designs, as you will at many other football grounds elsewhere.
His son Liam has also paid a moving tribute, which you can read online.