Club formed for United fans in armed forces
The new Manchester United Armed Forces Supporters' Club is dedicated to all of our fans who have proudly served their countries as military personnel.
This means it is unlike most of our other groups, which are formed around followers' geographical locations.
As founding member John Ward explains, you can be based anywhere in the world and still be part of the new organisation, provided you have proof of either current or previous service in any nation's air force, army or navy.
"I'm one of many thousands of military personnel who support Manchester United," he began.
"No matter where you are in the world, you're always trying to follow your team. When I asked United if we could form a supporters' club, it was really positive for us when they replied, 'Yes, we definitely want to do this.'
"The football club already has strong links with the military, dating back to the First and Second World Wars when some of our players served their country. Some of them were killed in action.
"Every year, when it is Remembrance Weekend, it is nice to see that something is done at Old Trafford, such as the minute's silence, to remember the players who went to war."
Fans from all corners of the globe are welcome to join our Armed Forces Supporters' Club.
"It's not just about the UK," confirmed John. "We've got fans all over the world who serve in the forces and it's nice to have that kind of mutual link.
"United is the common ground between us and it can break down barriers, because sometimes we work differently and have different views.
"Football is something we can agree on. Usually if we are having a bad game, we'll all say so. And if we are having a great game, we'll all say that as well."
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John himself has encountered other Reds in many different areas.
"I remember being in Uganda, helping to train their army," he said. "They were peacekeeping in Somalia and the other lad I was working with, Lee, was a Chelsea fan.
"I would teach them 'Glory, Glory, Man United.' And when I sent them over to Lee for his part of the training, he’d send them back singing a Chelsea song.
"So there was always that kind of banter going on and the Ugandans understood it because Manchester United is a massive club."
Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement at United, said: "We are delighted to welcome our armed forces group to our global network of official supporters' clubs.
"This is our 291st club and we are very much looking forward to working with them.
"We are already discussing how we can work together around Remembrance Sunday, and we thank all their members for the service they have given."