An Old Trafford anthem the players love

Bruno Fernandes was instrumental in changing the playlist last season to enhance the atmosphere, as well as the squad’s connection with the fans. 

The 1971 track ‘Country Roads’ has been an anthem for Reds across many decades, with adapted lyrics, and it is now played ahead of kick-off.

“It's a moment where every fan lifts up,” Bruno told us last April. “Everyone in the stadium feels that song very much and it's a song that resembles the United history as well. It was little mix of things that we thought might be a good thing to try.”

In the first issue of United magazine, themed around music, livewire forward Amad reveals he and the players are energised by the tune. 

“I love the song at Old Trafford where everyone sings together too: ‘Take me home, United Road, to the place I belong, to Old Trafford, to see United, take me home United Road...’ Every time when they put that song on, I sing it in my head. 

“Even in the dressing room we play that song sometimes before we go to the pitch, to remember: wow, we are playing for Manchester United. It gives us energy. 

“You see the fans singing the song and you think: today is the day, we have to win for them. Then when you start playing you are so relaxed, because [you know] the fans are there to help you.”

JOHN DENVER TO…

The days of sticking to one genre of music are long gone. 

We all like to mix it up and Amad is no different.

When he isn’t listening to John Denver, or The Stone Roses, he’s dialling into ‘90s hip hop and a seminal west-coast artist. 

“The guy I listen to most is 2Pac,” he told our new magazine.

“Before the games I also listen to music from my country. But I watched 2Pac’s documentary and I liked his history, the man that he was, so I was like: I want to know who 2Pac is. 

“Because when he died, I wasn’t born, you know! So I was really interested in the guy that he was, because he gave a lot to music in America, and he was involved in politics too. He’s the guy I listen to most when I am free. 

“My favourite song is Soon As I Get Home.”

FURTHER READING

Explore our club's connection to music in issue one of United magazine - order one online and have it delivered to your door.