My United

My United : Jamie Moore

When did you first start supporting United?
I really started to get into United when I was about seven, in 1985, when we had the red kit with the badge in the middle and white bands on the shoulders. When I was at primary school at St Edmonds in Little Hulton we were all United fans – there was only one Liverpool fan! There were no City fans in our class – most people in Salford are Reds – City fans usually come from south Manchester. My dad was never really into football, he loved boxing and racing pigeons. My grandad was a big United fan and we always used to watch the match together.

First hero?
Bryan Robson. I think I carry some of his traits with the injuries I’ve had! I loved Robbo. He was all over the pitch, wasn’t he? You felt he was a proper captain – one minute he’d be back in defence and then up supporting the forwards. He was so brave. He was an unbelievable player.

First game?
Portsmouth, in the 1987/88 season at home. I think we beat them 4-0! [nearly, it was 4-1] I was stood up in the Stretford End at the back. I was playing for Barr Hill in Salford at the time and went with my mate, Gary Lewis, who was on the books at United and is now coaching in America. His dad was our team manager and took us both. I just remember the atmosphere – it’s things like that that stick with you. I’d never seen anything like it in my life!

Do you get to many games?
When I can. I’m not a season-ticket holder, but my manager Steve Wood is. When I’m in training for a big fight he bans me from going due to the weather. When I do go, we start off in the International Suite and then go in the Stretford End.

Do you know any other fighters who are United fans?

My United: Angus Loughran

Why United?
They were the first team I ever saw live and I was hooked from then on. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Old Trafford on a regular basis over the years, both as a broadcaster and a fan.

Favourite past player?
It has to be Bryan Robson. I followed his whole career and he was an instrumental leader. When he signed from West Brom he made a big impact on the club and is a legend.

Favourite current player?
Ryan Giggs. I’ve watched him blossom over the years into a top, top player. You never know what he’s going to do in a game, but he can pull anything out of the bag. He’s not the best tackler in the world but he certainly tracks back well. And of course the memory of his goal in the FA Cup semi-final in ’99 will live on forever.

Favourite game?
The quarter-final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1984 against Barcelona. I was sat in the old Scoreboard End for the game and Old Trafford was jumping that night. United had lost the first match 2-0, but they came back to win 3-0 in the second leg; it was a truly epic night. Maradona was in the Barca side that night but he was outshone by Bryan Robson and Frank Stapleton who were absolutely magnificent. It’s the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced at any sporting event I’ve been to in my life.

Where do you sit at Old Trafford?
I’ve got tickets dotted around the ground with friends. Sometimes I’m in the press box when I’m working, but I always try to watch to as many games as possible as a fan. I like to

My United: Warren Dermody

When did you first start supporting United?
About 30 years ago, when I was a kid. My dad instigated my interest in the Reds while I grew up in Blackley. I probably first started going to the matches with my father sometime during the late 1970s, then my mates from the White Moss estate where I lived would accompany me. Later my pals from Moston came along. I used to love going in the United Road Paddock with my brother Steven, best mate Robo, Nick, Michael, Mark and Fudge. They were great days!

First United hero?
Gordon Hill. I was left-footed and he was too, so there was an affinity. His dribbling skills were fantastic. Hill used to be brilliant at free-kicks. Fans called him ‘Merlin the Magician’. Stuart Pearson was also a favourite. ‘Pancho’s’ clenched-fist salute after he had scored looked ace! I loved Jimmy Greenhoff, too.

Favourite all-time Reds?
Where do you start? I always liked Roy Keane and I think Scholesy is a genius – and he’s from Langley! As I’ve said, Hill and Greenhoff were great and Stevie Coppell was good, too. Eric Cantona was a genius, I admired Alex Stepney and you can’t ever forget ‘Captain Marvel’, Bryan Robson.

Do you manage to get to games often?
Unfortunately, I don’t go to many games these days. I’d love to – but it’s hard for me to obtain tickets. I enjoyed being in the United Road Paddock because of the terrific rivalry with the away support. The banter between both sets of fans was always very funny. We were very close to each other and you could check out who had the smartest clothes, plus the singing and jokes were great, too. That terrace was full of real fans. One of my mates, Fudge, is actually a Manchester City supporter, but he loved coming to United games for the buzz – he often started the chants!