Countdown: 10 telltale signs you are a true Red!
We are proud to have millions of Manchester United fans around the world, all following the club with individual levels of dedication and commitment. So where do you sit on the scale of support? Check out these 10 telltale signs you’re a true Red…
Are you really a true Red if you didn’t have United wallpaper and bedding as a child? And let’s not forget the added extras that brought your space to life, like the trusty MUFC lamps, plus the posters… who didn’t have the posters? All of this made your own little Old Trafford at home. Heaven!
2: YOUR SHIRT COLLECTION IS VAST
Growing up, you had them all and couldn’t wait to rock the latest strip. If you were lucky, maybe you even had a name and number printed on the back – but only after choosing carefully, of course, because we all had to pay by the letter back in the day! Nowadays, you’re still representing, either in the current kits or with a classy retro number to impress your mates.
Whether it was hand-knitted by your nan, a silky beauty from decades gone by or a present-day edition that has your favourite player’s face embroidered on to it, anything will do to hold over your head and yell “UNITED” on matchday. Everyone has a few, tucked away at home.
Who is our all-time leading scorer? And who is our all-time leading appearance maker? This is easy work for a top Red and, as such, you’re always on the lookout for the more obscure facts that leave your pals stumped. Whether it’s Wayne Rooney’s goals (87 per cent scored with his right foot, by the way) or Ryan Giggs’s appearances (460 at Old Trafford), you’ve all of the info to hand.
You’ve read all the books, you’ve watched all the footage and you’ve visited the club museum. Perhaps you have a favourite player from every decade, you can list all of our managers, or you have some favourite stories you like to tell the unsuspecting. You’ve done your homework, like a true Red.
6: YOU'VE GOT UNITED INK
Let's be honest, an MUFC-themed tattoo is taking your dedication to the extreme and those that have ink can only be applauded. Whether it's the club crest, a favourite player, Sir Matt, Sir Alex or Ole, we love to see it - and especially on matchday at Old Trafford, like this guy...
He’s your only Solskjaer and you know that home is United Road. Ooh Aah Cantona, you really do know all the words, you deserve to be knighted. On matchday - whether you're at Old Trafford or watching from home - you sing loud, you sing proud, win, lose or draw.
8: YOU’VE WRITTEN TO THE CLUB
Perhaps you were offering your services as the next club legend, or begging for a players' autograph, you’ve been in touch and received something on that lovely headed paper in return. Those from an older generation may have received a response via this lovely typewriter...
9: YOU’VE CHANGED YOUR APPEARANCE
Has the red run out in your face painting kit? Perhaps you’ve had the Bryan Robson perm, David Beckham mohawk or the Zlatan Ibrahimovic ponytail? Whether you pulled it off or not - most don't! - true Red points are earned for effort.
10: YOU’RE SURROUNDED BY LIKE-MINDED REDS
Where’s the fun in supporting alone? Everyone needs somebody to attend games with, scream at the TV with, or debate the latest transfer gossip. Luckily you’ve got your faithful group of true Reds to make some noise with and, we promise you, the club would be nowhere without you. We are all part of the United family.
Of course, whether you tick all of these reasons or not, we think you're a true Red and can't wait to see you on matchday again soon. Up the Reds!
The items shown above are all on display in the Old Trafford Museum.