David Price wins 2025 Ian Stirling Fan Award

This award was established in honour of our great friend Ian Stirling, recognising his contributions on the Fans’ Forum, Fans’ Advisory Board and ISLO for Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (M.U.S.T).

Now in its third year, the fan award symbolises what it means to be part of the United family, going above and beyond for the United community and fanbase.

David is a worthy winner of this year’s accolade.

As secretary of the Plymouth Supporters’ Club for over 28 years, he has tirelessly dedicated his time to cultivating a core community of United fans on the south coast and enabled hundreds of fellow United supporters to travel across the country to follow the club, whether the team are playing home or away.

Brought up in Old Trafford, David’s love for United was never in doubt.

He spent countless hours watching the reserves and youth-team games with his dad, including United’s 9-0 victory against Plymouth Argyle in which Bobby Charlton and Shay Brennan scored hat-tricks and Duncan Edwards sealed the final goal of the match.

David said: “Here we are today 70 years later. In the intervening period there have been many highs as well as lows supporting United. 

“What has been constant over that time has been the incredible support that United has. I have seen the development of the supporters’ club grow from humble beginnings to the global network that we have today. Put on a red shirt and you are part of that community.”

Chris Wyatt, a fellow member of the Plymouth Supporters' Club, backed David's nomination: “David has been on the committee since the supporters’ club was established in 1996.

“David is now 77 and a full-time lecturer in genetics at the University of Plymouth, and yet he still manages the most time-consuming job at the Plymouth Supporters’ Club! Without him, all our members would struggle to get to games.

“He sends and receives thousands of emails a season as well as countless hours on the phone to the club. To add to this, he is a wonderful, selfless human being and does things for others at the detriment of his own time and relaxation. He is very deserving of this honour.”

Fellow member Ashley Hale added: “David works tirelessly around the clock to always look to help others within the Plymouth Supporters’ Club.

“His hard work goes unpaid, and nothing is ever too much for this amazing man. Thank you, David: you are a credit to everyone and Manchester United.”

Manchester United’s director of fan engagement, Rick McGagh, said: “We are delighted to recognise David’s lifetime of service to his fellow fans by awarding him this prestigious honour.

“The award is intended to recognise a fan who goes above and beyond in helping their fellow supporters or local community – something Ian Stirling epitomised. David is a very worthy winner and his dedication and passion for the club allows many fans from the Plymouth area to regularly attend Old Trafford.

“On behalf of the staff, players and management at Manchester United, congratulations David and we look forward to seeing you at Old Trafford soon to present you with your award.”

Thanks to everyone who nominated!