Manchester United have the biggest fan base in the world. Being the most successful club in one of the most popular leagues in world football certainly helps expand their fan base.
While many of the United fans are ‘plastic’, here are eleven sure shot ways of knowing that one is a true supporter of the Red Devils.
#1 You know that Sir Alex Ferguson is the greatest coach that there ever was, ever is!
In 26 years as the manager of Manchester United, he has won 38 trophies, which is more than what Arsenal has ever had in the entirety of their existence. No one will ever match Fergie’s longevity. And you even loved him when he gave the ‘hair-dryer treatment’ to the star players.
No one’s bigger than the club.
#2 You take pride in the ‘99 Treble
“Beckham..into Sheringham.. AND SOLSKJAER HAS WON IT!!! Manchester United have reached the promised land!”
This piece of commentary from is still fresh in your mind.
It was called the impossible dream, and who else but the Red Devils became the first team ever to win the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League in the same season. Atlas, we do not do Mickey Mouse trebles like Liverpool.
#3 For you, games are only over when the final whistle blows
Even now, three years after Sir Alex’s retirement, you know in your heart that the game is not over until the final whistle. Whatever the scoreline, you know there is always time to snatch victory from the opposition. And there is nothing more joyous than an injury-time winner.
#4 For you, Paul Scholes was the greatest English midfielder. Period.
You are always perplexed when your friends debate whether Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard is the best ever English midfielder. Scholesy is the obvious answer to you. He is our own ‘Ginger Prince.’
And you keep reminding every one of his screamers, especially the one against Aston Villa in 2006.
#5 You hate Liverpool more than Manchester City
As Gary Neville had once said, “It's different from Chelsea. It's even different from City, at least for me. It's almost an out of body experience. The tension is immense."
You hate the scousers, you hate that they wear the same colour and you just cannot stand that they are actually playing the most attractive football in England right now. However, you always have your comeback ready – they have 18, we have 20.
#6 You love Phil Jones’ face
Yeah, he never plays more than two games in a row without getting injured. But you just love his facial expressions on the football pitch. And you keep telling eevryone that he is actually pretty good and would one of the world’s best had he stayed injury-free. Don’t lie!
#7 Your favourite number is 7
You have a special affinity towards the number, 7. Thinking about George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, are you? And you definitely cannot decide who our best number seven has been – you love them all. And you hope that we can finally find a worthy successor for the sacred squad number.
#8 You have a dream that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford someday!
He is one of the best footballers on the planet right now. You know he left the club for Real Madrid for a world record fee at that time and all. You know that he is 31 and has signed a new five-year contract at the Spanish club but you still fantasise that someday he will be back, wearing the number seven jersey.
#9 You have no doubt that God is a United fan.
How else can you explain John Terry’s slip when he was taking the final penalty kick in the shootout in Moscow in 2008 that won us the Champions League? How else would you explain Steven Gerrard slipping that cost the Scousers their first league title in 25 years?
#10 You just love Diego Forlan
His career never really took flight at United. Nonetheless, he has a special place in the hearts of all United fans for his classic brace against Liverpool at Anfield in 2002.
“He came from Uruguay. He made the scousers cry!”
#11 You actually respect Arsenal of all English sides
They always come fourth anyway. And they gave us Robin Van Persie who won us our 20th Premier League title.
However, every time you see an Arsenal fan, you keep talking about the 8-2 match at Old Trafford.
