Manchester United Supporters' Club Guidebook, 2023/24

SUPPORTERS’ CLUB GUIDEBOOK 2023/24

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 1

12/10/2023 12:41

Dear Supporters’ Clubs, Fans have always been at the heart of Manchester United, and as first-team managers we are both proud to be part of such a magnificent global community.

Of course, we deeply appreciate the support we receive whenever we play at Old Trafford, Leigh Sports Village and venues all over the world, but we can also feel the love we get from fans who aren’t always able to be in attendance.

Supporters’ Clubs are vessels for passion and commitment to our cause, so we would like to take the opportunity to thank you deeply for your backing, whether that means travelling to games, watching match screenings, supporting charitable causes or connecting fellow Reds. Whatever form your support takes, we are all on the same team with the same goals.

Your dedication inspires all of us, so we hope in return we can make you and your Supporters’ Club feel special as part of the United Family.

Best wishes, and keep the Red flag flying high.

Erik ten Hag and Marc Skinner

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 2

12/10/2023 12:41

Welcome to our new Official Supporters’ Club

We have listened and developed a plan to

Guidebook.

help you by ensuring you have access to the content, support and exclusive opportunities

Our global network of official Supporters’ Clubs

to serve your members.

is something everyone at Manchester United Football Club is very proud of. It is also

Strengthening and growing our Supporters’ Clubs

something we are committed to supporting

is a strategic priority in our fan engagement plan,

and growing this season and beyond.

and something we are determined to achieve.

The community created by our Supporters’ Clubs

We have introduced a range of exclusive offers and

is one of the many great things about Manchester

benefits to support our Clubs, from our ‘Warm-Up’

United, and together we can grow the connection

events with Legends, to discounted coach parking

and bring fans – wherever they are in the world

and involvement in our fan press conferences.

– closer to the players and the Club.

And we will continue to roll out more benefits and activity across the season.

We have recently completed a large phase of discovery work, listening to those

I hope you find this guidebook helpful and that it

running Supporters’ Clubs and to individual

encourages more fans to get involved in running

members, to better understand the reasons your

their branch or starting a new one. The United

Club exists, the challenges you face, how we can

family is incredibly special, we are proud that you

help, and the opportunities we can share for even

and so many people across the world are part of it,

deeper engagement and better experiences.

and we hope this guidebook demonstrates our commitment to making your Manchester

Club secretaries told us that your love for the Club

United experience as great as possible.

and being part of a community are the primary motivators for running their branch. And members

Best wishes and thank you again for your

told us they value their Supporters’ Club because

incredible support.

they forge lifelong friendships through a shared passion and love for Manchester United.

Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 3

12/10/2023 12:41

MUSC ON THE MAP Every Supporters’ Club branch across the globe, including some recent additions...

Are you part of the movement? If you are interested in starting your own Official Supporters’ Club, email musc@manutd.co.uk

69

55

NORTH AMERICA 40

2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

26 4 9 12

25

24

20

22

6

15

3

10

17

23

13 14 16

18 21

7

11 8

1

19

5

Manchester United Supporters’ Club

Bermuda Canada Canada – Niagara Reds (new in 2022/23) Canada – Toronto Reds (new in 2023/24) Mexico USA USA – Atlanta USA – Austin (new in 2023/24) USA – Chicago USA – Cleveland USA – Dallas Reds USA – Denver Reds USA – Indianapolis USA – Indy (Indianapolis) USA – Los Angeles USA – Memphis Reds USA – New York Reds USA – North Texas Reds USA – Orlando Red Army (new in 2023/24) USA – Philadelphia USA – Phoenix Red Devils USA – Pittsburgh United (new in 2022/23) USA – Red Devils DC USA – San Diego USA – San Francisco Red Army (new in 2022/23) USA – Seattle

5758

63 26 39

32

41 35

AFRICA

Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association 28

SOUTH AMERICA Manchester United Women Supporters’ Club

33

27 Brazil 28 Peru

27

29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Botswana Egypt Ghana Ghana Red Devils Ivory Coast Kenya Liberia Mauritius Mauritius Red Devils Mauritius United Army Morocco Rodrigues Island Sierra Leone South Africa South Africa – Cape Town Tanzania (new in 2023/24) Togo Tunisia Zambia (new in 2023/24) Zimbabwe

Our global Supporters’ Club for LGBTQ+ Reds: @RainbowDevils

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 4

12/10/2023 12:41

31

EUROPE 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

85 Bangladesh 86 China – Beijing 87 China – Changsha Reds 88 China – Dongguan Reds 89 China – Foshan Reds 90 China – Guangzhou 91 China – Hangzhou 92 China – Hong Kong 93 China – Shanghai 94 China – Shenzhen 95 China – Shenzhen Red Devils 96 India – Bangalore 97 India – Chennai 98 India – Delhi NCR 99 India – Goa 100 India – Goan Red Devils 101 India – Hyderabad 102 India – Kerala 103 India – Kolkata 104 India – Mizoram

Hungary Iceland Italy Liechtenstein Red Devils Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Poland Romania Russia – Moscow Reds Russia – Krasnodar Reds Scandinavia Slovenia Switzerland – Swiss Devils Switzerland – Suisse Ukraine Ukraine – Kyiv Reds

105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128

India – Mumbai India – Nagaland India – Nagpur India – New Delhi India – Pune Indonesia Japan Japan – Tokyo Kazakhstan – United of Almaty (new in 2022/23) Korea Malaysia Malaysia – My Malaysia Malaysian Fan Club Maldives Maldives Glory Maldives Red Army Myanmar Myanmar Glory Nepal Pakistan Singapore Taiwan Thailand Vietnam

MAKE CONTACT! 38

55

To find the details for your nearest branch, visit ManUtd.com/en/ fans/supporters-clubs

60

79 72 66

40

53

54

49 28 29

5758

56

61

52

31 62

73 46 45 81 82

52

75 60

71 49 50

80

35

77 84

59

83

67 68 76 54

57 7034

48

78 113

55 56 30

42 63

64

43

51 26

51 62

65

36 37

46

39

58 59

106

102

103 104

134

18

96

133 101

30

108 109

129

111

74 84

67

98

124

108

95

123

82

139

136

110 137

138 107

83

135

81

79 105

85 76

77 72

73

61

107

109

101

96

97

31

129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139

34

47

48 29

own 3/24)

24

64 71

90 8998 94 95 88 92

68

121

94

22

Bahrain Iraq Israel Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates UAE – Red Maniacs

37 36

38

40

91 87

112

93

126

122

99

127 128

119

118

90

120

91 92

115 116

97

117 125

86

⊲

110

OCEANIA 140 Australia – Brisbane 141 Australia – New South Wales 142 Australia – Perth

42

112 114

25

111

88

102

MIDDLE EAST

45

27

66 70

69

63

100

78

19

65

104

103

93

99

100

106

85

80

⊲

33

87 114

130

131 132 105

32

86 89

74

y

24)

ASIA

Austria Austria Red Devils Baku Reds Belarus Belgium – Flanders Mancunians Belgium – Red Flag Bulgaria Bulgaria Red Devils (new in 2022/23) Croatia Cyprus Cyprus Fan Club Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece – Athens Greece – Hellenic Netherlands – Dutch Mancunians Hungarian Fanatics

142

43

113

140

141

Manchester United 2019/20 Yearbook 157

Turn the page for UK and Ireland → (Information correct as of 23/08/23)

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 5

12/10/2023 12:41

UK & Ireland ENGLAND 1 Bedfordshire 2 Bristol, Bath & District 3 Cheshire – Chester & North Wales 4 Cheshire – Crewe & Nantwich 5 Cheshire – High Peak 6 Cheshire – Macclesfield 7 Cheshire – Newton-le-Willows 8 Cheshire – Stalybridge 9 Cheshire – Warrington 10 Cumbria – Barrow-in-Furness 11 Cumbria – Carlisle & South West Scotland 12 Cumbria – West Cumbria 13 Cumbria – Westmorland 14 Devon – Plymouth 15 Devon – Torbay 16 Dorset 17 Durham & North East 18 East Anglia 19 East Sussex – Brighton 20 East Sussex – Hastings 21 East Yorkshire 22 Gloucester & Cheltenham 23 Hampshire 24 Hereford 25 Hertfordshire 26 Isle of Man 27 Kent – Invicta Reds 28 Lancashire - Blackpool 29 Lancashire – Fleetwood 30 Lancashire – Heywood 31 Lancashire – Lancaster 32 Lancashire – Middleton & District 33 Lancashire – Royton 34 Lancashire – Southport 35 Leicestershire 36 Lincolnshire – Grimsby 37 Lincolnshire – Lincoln 38 London 39 London – London Association (MULA) 40 London – London Fan Club 41 Norfolk – East Anglia 42 North Devon 43 North Warwickshire Reds 44 North Yorkshire 45 Northampton – Wellingborough 46 Northamptonshire – Corby & Kettering 47 Northumberland – Berwick-upon-Tweed 48 Nottinghamshire – Mansfield 49 Nottinghamshire – Nottingham 50 Oxfordshire – Oxford & Banbury 51 Shrewsbury 52 Somerset – Bridgwater & South West 53 Somerset – Yeovil 54 South Yorkshire – Barnsley 55 South Yorkshire – Doncaster & District 56 Staffordshire – North Staffs 57 Surrey 58 Warwickshire – Leamington Spa 59 Warwickshire – Rugby & Nuneaton 60 West Midlands – Birmingham 61 West Midlands & Hereford 62 West Midlands – Walsall 63 Worcestershire – Redditch 64 Yorkshire – Bradford & Leeds 65 Yorkshire – Featherstone 66 Yorkshire – Keighley 67 Yorkshire – South Elmsall CHANNEL ISLANDS 68 Guernsey 69 Jersey NORTHERN IRELAND 70 Ballymoney 71 Banbridge 72 Bangor 73 Carryduff 74 Cavehill 75 City of Derry 76 Cookstown 77 Craigavon 78 Downpatrick 79 Dungannon 80 Fermanagh

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 6

96 75

70

86

Are you part of the movement? If you are interested in starting your own Official Supporters’ Club, email musc@manutd.co.uk

100

85 89

76

93

72 91 81 84 83 98 101 73 88 87 95

102 74 92

79

77 94 71

78

80 99 90

107

82 97

106 104

105

47

103

11 17

126

13

118

12

139 137

26

134

44 10

124

125

29

128

31 30 33 32

28 143

34

127 117

130 129

119

136 142 141

138

140

122

144

4

56

48 49

108

35

123

41

43

18 46

61

24

58

59

45

1 25

22 114

42

50

110

113 111

109

2

38 39

52

27

23 16

14

40

57 53

WALES 108 Aberystwyth 109 Cardiff South and Vale Reds 110 Chepstow 111 Glamorgan & Gwent 112 Gwynedd 113 Pontypridd 114 Swansea

60

63

115

SCOTLAND 103 Ayrshire 104 Edinburgh 105 Glasgow (see 11 for South West Scotland) 106 Kingdom of Fife (new in 2023/24) 107 Perth

36 37

62

133

First North Down (Bangor) Hilltown (new in 2023/24) Iveagh Youth (Belfast) Lagan (Belfast) Larne Limavady Lisburn Lurgan Muckamore Abbey Newry Newtownards Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (Belfast) Omagh Portadown Portaferry Portstewart Rostrevor South Belfast South Down Strabane Tower Ards West Belfast

21

67

55

51

116

135

81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

65

5

131

132

54

6

7

3

66 64

8

112

120 121

9

19

20

15

68

69

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 115 Abbeyfeale 116 Arklow/Wicklow 117 Ballyfermot Red Devils (new in 2022/23) 118 Bundoran 119 Carlow – Bagenalstown Reds 120 Carlow 121 Clare 122 Clonmel 123 Cork 124 County Longford 125 County Roscommon 126 Donegal 127 Dublin 128 Kells 129 Kevin Moran (Dublin) 130 Kildare (new in 2022/23) 131 Kilkenny (new in 2023/24) 132 Killaloe 133 Killarney 134 Killeshandra/Ballinagh Co Cavan 135 Kilmallock 136 Limerick 137 Mayo 138 Newport Town, Co Tipperary (new in 2022/23) 139 Sligo 140 Tipperary Town (new in 2022/23) 141 Tralee 142 West Limerick 143 Westmeath/Castlepollard 144 Wexford

12/10/2023 12:41

JOIN THE FAMILY For those fans interested to know how to go about forming an official Manchester United Supporters’ Club, here’s the topline information. Get involved!

We are always delighted to welcome new Supporters’ Clubs into our global family. For your fan group to become recognised as an official Manchester United Supporters’ Club, you need to meet the following criteria: •

At least 30 of your members need to be Manchester United Official Members or Season Ticket Holders .

•

You must have a lead contact and a deputy who are Official Members or Season Ticket Holders, who can liaise regularly with the Club.

•

To access tickets through the Supporters’ Club allocation, at least 50 of your members need to be Official Members registered in the same country.

To start the process of becoming an official Supporters’ Club, please email musc@manutd.co.uk with the following information: •

The name, address, phone number and email address of your lead contact / deputy, and any social media handles your fan group uses.

•

The names and Supporter IDs of all Official Members and Season Ticket Holders in your fan group so we can verify that you meet the threshold for official status and access to tickets. Each person in your fan group should confirm that they agree to you sending their information to the Club.

Our team will cross-check the information and reach out if we require any further clarification. Assuming you meet the criteria for official status, your group will have to agree to the Supporters’ Club Code of Conduct in order to be an MUSC. This is an important document and MUSCs must comply with the code of conduct at all times. This document can be read at manutd.com/musccodeofconduct. We are happy to organise an introductory call so you can meet our team and ask any questions.

The lead contact and deputy will then be given login details for the Supporters’ Club Tunnel (our extranet) and the ticketing microsite (to register ticket applications) and you’ll be able to access all the benefits available to official Supporters’ Clubs.

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 7

12/10/2023 12:41

Seasons pass, players come

Withington-born Red Pete

and go, and eras soar and fade.

Sharman. “And by the late ’40s,

Indeed, football’s non-stop

I was going regularly to watch

forward thrust is one of the

us at Maine Road and local

game’s most seductive

grounds like Bolton, Burnley,

qualities. But there is one

Anfield and Stoke.”

constant at Manchester United (and indeed every

The pioneering successes of the

club): you. The fans.

Busby Babes in the 1950s amplified United’s standing within the

The Red Army has always been with

national – and international

us, from our very earliest days at

– consciousness. In 1959, our first

North Road, Bank Street and then,

overseas branch was formed in

finally, Old Trafford, which opened

Malta. “The foundations of our

to great fanfare in 1910. Even

Supporters’ Club were built one

throughout the period between

year after the Munich disaster,”

the two world wars – a phase

explains president Joe Tedesco.

characterised by very mixed

“Eighteen months later, Sir Matt

fortunes on the pitch – our

sent a Manchester United team

support rarely wavered.

to Malta to play a friendly game against a Malta league selection.”

In 1920, a record pre-war United

A LOVE FOR ALL SEASONS How Manchester United’s fan base evolved from the local draw of the Heathens in the 19th century to the global community we are all part of today...

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 8

crowd of 70,504 flocked to the

UK-based fans had started to travel

stadium for a league game with

to away games in greater numbers

Aston Villa. During the 1930s and

during the 1950s – usually via

1940s, the club’s support began

gruelling train journeys – but

to swell and expand, planting

it wasn’t until the 1960s that

the seeds for the global network

supporters from Manchester and

of Supporters’ Clubs we so

across the country started to

cherish in 2023.

regularly organise coaches to home and away games.

A century ago, fans would gather in the local areas around Stretford,

“I always say I was born in the north

into Salford and north Manchester.

– north of Charlton, south-east

Many travelled across the city to

London!” laughs Andy Mitchell,

Old Trafford on the trams and

secretary of the Manchester United

trolley buses of the day,

London Fan Club, which was

forming strong friendships

formed in 1965. “To me, United are

with like-minded fans.

an international club, supported all over the world, and I’ve got nothing

There were no official Supporters’

but admiration for anyone who

Clubs then, but the needs of fans

supports their team and puts their

were quickly expanding. “My dad

hand in their pocket to support

once walked from Hulme to

them. When I first started going,

Edgeley Park when United and

there was no match tickets and you

Stockport were in the Second

simply turned up. But there were

Division,” marvels lifelong,

always loads of Cockney Reds.”

12/10/2023 12:41

“The foundations of our Supporters’ Club were built one year after the Munich Air Disaster...

18 months later, Sir Matt sent a team to Malta”

In the 1970s, fan groups were

I took the 24-hour ferry from

invited to begin a closer and more

Gothenburg. Then I got the bus

official relationship with the club.

from Felixstowe to London. The

In some cases, United issued

game was on Saturday, so I left

£300 to help branches get off the

Norway on Thursday. I was 16.”

ground. There were other

In 1979, Lars even sold his car

problems to negotiate, too. Later in

to finance a trip to United’s

the decade, hooliganism became

fruitless 1979 FA Cup final with

a greater threat to the game and

Arsenal. Talk about dedication!

trains were often cancelled, creating chaos for match-goers.

The following decade, the 1990s, was a landmark one for the club,

Former club secretary Les Olive

with Alex Ferguson orchestrating

encouraged official UK clubs to

five Premier League triumphs in

travel to games and helped them

seven seasons and a first European

with tickets, as such Supporters’

Cup since 1968. Off the pitch, there

Groups were seen as trusted. The

was an explosion of United

club disseminated newsletters and

Supporters’ Clubs in Ireland – more

held conferences, to try and forge

than 40 new official branches were

closer links between the

registered in the 1990s alone. The

ever-growing United community.

silverware helped, as did two outstanding players from Cork.

By the 1980s, most cities in the UK had an official club and coaches

“There was always a connection

travelling to Old Trafford every

there with Ireland, but when I was

week. Progress had been made

there in the 90s and then Roy

overseas, too, in areas like

Keane came and joined us, it went

Scandinavia, where live English

on to a different scale altogether,”

football broadcasts had

notes United legend Denis Irwin.

enticed a hungry audience.

“We were so successful… it’s very tribal in Ireland, as it is in England.

Lars Morten Olsen, who hails from

If your dad supports a club, you

Sarpsborg in Norway, has been

support them as well. So there was

attending matches since the 1970s,

an awful lot of Man United fans.

and works full-time for Manchester

Northern Ireland too. Don’t forget

United Supporters’ Club

how many players have played for

Scandinavia – which was founded

United. George Best, Norman

in 1981. “My first game was

Whiteside… you can list them

Tottenham away, ’76/77,” he

all: Sammy Mac, Paul McGrath,

recalls. “The bus from my

Kevin Moran and Frank

hometown was about four hours.

Stapleton and more…” →

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 9

12/10/2023 12:41

→ The new millennium delivered

we now have 16 different Clubs

further milestones, as United

across India. In the United States,

continued to enshrine itself as

more than 20 new MUSCs have

one of the planet’s most successful

sprung up during the last decade.

and beloved football clubs.

A Supporters’ Club policy was

Whether we’re up or down on the

introduced. A first Supporters’

football pitch, our global support

Club in India (Mumbai) came on

continues to astound. Head to Old

board. Our network of branches

Trafford for any match during the

became truly global, with

2023/24 season, and you’ll find

representation in all

Reds from all over the planet, from

populated continents.

Beswick to Belfast, Bangalore and beyond. Each with their own

Odysseys to Old Trafford might be

incredible story to tell, with their

once-in-a-lifetime experiences for

inspiring passion bursting forth.

supporters belonging to some of our more far-flung branches. But

It’s a story more than 140-years

United’s centrality to fans’ lives

deep. One that continues to richen

was no less profound.

with every passing year; with every new fan. And our incredible,

For the 100-plus members of the

continent-crossing network

Iraq Manchester United

of Supporters’ Clubs are the

Supporters’ Club, formed in 2014,

engine at the heart of this

football was a positive escape from

incredible United story. ○

violence, fear and uncertainty during the aftermath of war. The Club began congregating in Baghdad, where there were 60 gatherings a season. The supporters viewed games at shopping malls, for safety reasons – in May 2016, Islamic State killed 28 Real Madrid fans in two separate attacks on cafes within 100km of the capital.

“We gave innocent people in our country since 2003, but life must continue, and watching United every week is our only joy,” noted chairman Alaa Alshawi. “We have Arabs and Kurdish, Muslims and Christians and many other religions. At first they came just to see their beloved team, but now they come to see each other.

The love of football and especially United brings us together under one ceiling.”

There were 80 new branches made official during the 2010s.

Many, like our Iraqi Club, hailing from overseas. In 2023, most countries now have official representation, with some countries boasting multiple Clubs.

From that first branch in Mumbai,

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 10

12/10/2023 12:41

Each Supporters’ Club branch has their own incredible story to tell, with their inspiring passion bursting forth

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 11

12/10/2023 12:41

COMMUNITY How a love of Manchester United can bring people together to have a hugely positive impact away from the football...

United’s network of Supporters’

£1,000 to help charities that were

Clubs expands and thrives

aiming to support children

thanks to the pure passion that

during their response to

exists for our club throughout

the Covid-19 crisis.

the world. But Supporters’ Clubs are not just about football.

Our Pakistan branch donated over £2,000 to a local charity working to

In recent years, we’ve frequently

protect children who had lost

seen our branches go above

parental care, or who were at risk

and beyond, proving just how

of losing it. In Lancaster, teenage

influential and impactful

season-ticket holders Rory, 14,

supporters can be when

and Elliot, 16, tackled a gruelling

a love of United is harnessed

65-mile off-road bike ride from to

for the good of others.

Old Trafford to raise money.

There were similarly inspiring

Over the summer, we saw fantastic

stories from Lagan, Nepal,

examples of Supporters’ Clubs

Brisbane and beyond.

putting massive energy into helping out their adjacent

“It’s critical for the club and the

communities, particularly those

branches to work together,” said

who are most disadvantaged.

MUSC Lancaster secretary Andy

Around our Tour 2023 match with

Baker. “We’ve been around a long

Arsenal in New Jersey, the USA

time, we’re out in the community

and New York Supporters’ Clubs

engaging with people on

teamed up with Manchester United

a day-to-day basis… working

Foundation – whose core focus is

together can be beneficial

supporting youngsters in deprived

for both.”

areas of Greater Manchester –

last season – saw supporters from

because they may not identify

to support two youth-focused

Heroic fundraising drives and

Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong,

specifically with our stories,”

stateside charities, Street Soccer

community initiatives are the most

India, Ireland, Norway, Poland,

explains committee member Cass

USA and America Scores.

dramatic examples of the power

Sweden, Thailand (and, of course,

Hyde. “I’m trans, for example, but

our Supporters’ Clubs can wield.

Salford and Manchester) getting

not everyone is, and they might

During the worst of the Covid-19

But there’s also a quieter side

to know each other. For those

not get that experience. But they

pandemic, over 200 Supporters’

to their influence, which should

attending Old Trafford for the very

understand football and being a

Clubs helped raise money for

not be overlooked.

first time, it was a big, warm first

football fan. If you link those two,

hug from the global United family.

it makes more sense to people.”

children from all over the world as part of the ‘United for the Children’

At a time when there is an

The evening also raised a fantastic

campaign. It meant that, at a time

increased focus on loneliness and

£10,000 for the Foundation too

The humble railway workers that

when no supporters were able to

mental health issues, our branches

– a further example of

founded our club in 1878 would

even attend matches, Reds

regularly bring together hundreds

our fan base’s generosity.

never have envisaged that their

everywhere were still utilising

of thousands of people, forging

their passion for United and

relationships that would simply

Meanwhile, our official LGBTQ+

resulted in such a positive impact

making their presence felt.

not exist were they not

Supporters’ Group, Rainbow

on so many lives, in every corner

simple football team could have

underpinned by a common love of

Devils, have been working since

of our world. But that’s a reality in

Manchester United Foundation

United. Our first two ‘Warm-Up’

2019 to “empower and celebrate”

2023, and many of our Supporters’

approached every MUSC across the

nights for fans – held before the

United’s diverse fan base. “Football

Clubs are the driving force behind

globe to take part, offering up to

Aston Villa and Fulham matches

gives an ‘in’ for a lot of people,

that reality.

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 12

12/10/2023 12:41

“It’s critical for the club and the branches to work together... it’s beneficial for both”

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 13

12/10/2023 12:41

RED PLANET The numbers associated with United’s global fan base are simply staggering, covering different cultures and too many time zones to mention...

Many football clubs can boast an

matchday trips to Manchester: “We

international support, but none

are always so greatly welcomed at

can lay claim to have the same

Old Trafford and work closely with

global network as Manchester

the ticket office. They can see

United. With over 1.1billion fans

we are a special bunch!”

and followers worldwide, and official Supporters’ Clubs

With over 500 season tickets

spread around six of the seven

among its membership, it’s little

continents, pockets and

surprise that Scandinavia currently

outposts in far flung

leads the way as the Reds’ biggest

destinations can be taken as

Supporters’ Club. Regular journeys

given, but the level of dedication

via Manchester Airport are not the

adopted by members of the

only measure of dedication,

MUSC family is truly remarkable.

however. “Getting visas for Iraqi citizens is very difficult,” admits

The oldest Official Supporters’

MUSC Iraq chairman Alaa Al Shawi,

Club, stationed in Malta,

“so we go everywhere to see United

celebrated their 60th anniversary

in countries that give us visas.”

in 2019 with a 61-strong party

That has included a European

visiting Old Trafford, while the

matchday trip to Turkey in which

Scandinavian branch, which has

local security forces, objecting to

our largest fan base, passed four

the Iraqi Reds’ presence in the

decades in 2021 and continues to

crowd, cut short the experience

swell in numbers, passing 48,000

for some. Nevertheless, that

members. The roots to such

couldn’t spoil the occasion for

branches run deep. As Joe

the whole party. “We all felt

Tedesco, president of the Maltese

so proud,” beamed Al Shawi.

branch, said: “Our foundations

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 14

were built after Munich,” while

Geographical issues, omnipresent

Bernt Hjornevik, CEO of MUSC

in the fandom of Reds stationed

Scandinavia, says of his branch’s

further from M16, can sometimes

12/10/2023 12:41

“The only things that can make me happy and cry are my family and Manchester United!”

be overcome during pre-season tours. United’s trip to Australia in 2019, for instance, provoked mass migration Down Under. Emma Fitzgerald, club secretary of the New South Wales branch, said: “Many of our members got to meet United players, coaches and legends and enjoy a week with fellow Reds from all over Australia and the world.” Fellow fan Robert Waltham, meanwhile, used social media to invite supporters to a Melbourne pub for tour match screenings, and was inundated.

“Some came from New Zealand, South Africa, India too,” he laughed. “There were 600-700 there across two floors. I couldn’t get through the door at one point!”

Matchday attendance may be straightforward for some MUSC members, while others must circumnavigate sizeable obstacles, but many are still simply unable to make it to see the Reds in person, so screenings and social events bring together like-minded supporters in an ever-growing number of territories. The United Family is enormous and, like any large family, numbers are always on the rise, with another seven branches opened during the Reds’ Tour 2023 in America, and there’s no sign of the process slowing.

Though distances, time zones and cultures divide them, there is one bond at the heart of the collective dedication. As Batholomew Jingulam, president of MUSC Malaysia, beautifully puts it: “The only things that can make me happy and cry are my family and Manchester United!” ○

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 15

12/10/2023 12:41

Pitchside presentations We celebrated Supporters’ Club special occasions and anniversaries at every Premier League home game in 2022/23.

Overseas visits Supporters’ Clubs from Cyprus to San Diego made us feel at home while on the road last season, bringing the Club, our Legends and fans together. We enjoyed events with eight overseas Supporters’ Clubs in the last year, demonstrating the extraordinary dedication of our global fan base.

UK engagement As well as visiting Supporters’ Clubs across the world, there was plenty to enjoy for UK branches, including fan press conferences and an end-of-season pitch day, where Reds enjoyed an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get changed in the dressing rooms, walk down the tunnel and play on the hallowed Old Trafford turf. Were you one of the fans who scored in front of the Stretford End?!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2022/23 There were many Official MUSC events that helped make last season a memorable one. Here are just some of the moments that took place at Old Trafford and beyond...

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 16

12/10/2023 12:41

The Warm-Up events We introduced a brand new initiative for 2022/23 where fans congregated at Old Trafford on the eve of a first-team match to meet up and socialise with fellow Reds from around the world. We welcomed 650 fans from 37 Supporters’ Clubs across 21 countries to the International Suite for our first two events, enjoying Q&As with Wes Brown and Norman Whiteside and Carabao Cup photo opportunities. Most importantly, the events raised £10,000 for the MU Foundation – thank you all for your generosity!

Biennial dinner A total of 290 guests representing 145 Supporters’ Clubs joined us on a brilliant evening in October 2022.

As well as a complimentary sit-down dinner and free bar, guests enjoyed a speech from Richard Arnold, CEO, a Q&A with Bryan Robson andJohn Murtough, Director of Football. Not to mention the Foundation raffle, comedian and free Maui Jim sunglasses & Cadbury’s chocolate!

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 17

12/10/2023 12:41

HOW WE WORK...

An inclusive and collaborative relationship between the Club and our official Supporters’ Clubs is vital to our success. Here’s how we do it – together…

•

We hope to grow our global Supporters’ Club network together in partnership with you.

•

We promise to listen to your thoughts, ideas and feedback and consult with you ahead of launching anything new.

To work in true partnership, we have several ways for you to communicate and share your thoughts with us: •

Supporters’ Club Tunnel – an extranet to share content and ideas, and respond to updates, news and polls from the Club.

•

Monthly Teams call to raise ideas and concerns directly with Michael Leneghan, Supporter and Disabled Supporter Liaison Manager.

•

Dedicated ticket escalation line with Operations Team to discuss and resolve ticket related queries .

•

Annual survey to capture how you rate our support and engagement with you, and to gather insights on emerging ideas.

•

Fans’ Forum participation to ensure your voices are heard on wider Club issues.

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 18

12/10/2023 12:41

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 19

12/10/2023 12:41

THE BENEFITS There are so many reasons why you should get involved with the MUSC family, and these benefits provided to official branches are just some of them...

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 20

12/10/2023 12:41

Experiential •

Pitch-side special occasion celebrations with a Legend

•

Behind the scenes access (such as fan press conferences, new player signing moments)

•

Exclusive access to The Warm-Up events

•

Events on Tour, and other overseas visits

•

Biennial dinner at Old Trafford

Ticketing •

Access to dedicated Supporters’ Club ticket allocation

•

25% coach parking discount

•

Dedicated contact in Operations Team to discuss and resolve ticketing queries

•

Ticketing microsite to manage Official Members

•

The lead contact and deputy of MUSCs with 150+ affiliated Official Members, so long as they are qualifying Season Ticket Holders, can access two tickets (one each) for domestic away games where the allocation exceeds 2,500.

Communication •

Supporters’ Club Tunnel (extranet)

•

Monthly Teams call with Supporter & Disabled Supporter Liaison Manager

•

Monthly newsletter

We are also exploring several new benefits including updated Supporters’ Club branding, more Supporters’ Club coverage on our club platforms and a campaign to tell all known fans about their local Supporters’ Club.

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 21

12/10/2023 12:41

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 22

12/10/2023 12:41

WHAT’S TO COME...

Here are just some of the initiatives to be rolled out during the 2023/24 season and beyond. We will be in touch with more news and updates throughout the campaign… first Supporters’ Club Guidebook, with new branding And here it is! The book covers our vision for and pledges to you as we grow the global network, equipped with new Supporters’ Club branding. We also hope to evolve how the new branding can be rolled out by branches.

launch of the Supporters’ Club Tunnel The Tunnel is an always-on extranet that will be the place to share content with your members and respond to updates. It will also include news and polls from the Club, to launch in autumn 2023.

new marketing campaign, and more coverage We aim to tell all known fans about their local Supporters’ Club and encourage them to join to help you grow your membership numbers.

We will also give Supporters’ Clubs more coverage on our official platforms – like ManUtd.com, the app, matchday programme United Review and official magazine Inside United – to spread the word. If you have a story you’d like to tell, or a member you’d like to celebrate, you can get in touch via The Tunnel.

More Warm-Up events Following our successful trial events from last season, we plan to extend The Warm–Up at Old Trafford throughout 2023/24. Check The Tunnel for the latest information.

Revised ticket policy We undertake a continuous evolution of how Supporters’ Clubs buy home match tickets. We will consult with you every step of the way on any changes.

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 23

12/10/2023 12:41

key contacts General enquiries about Supporters’ Clubs:

musc@manutd.co.uk If you’re interesting in starting a new Supporters’ Club:

musc@manutd.co.uk Rick McGagh, Head of Fan Engagement:

rick.mcgagh@manutd.co.uk Michael Leneghan, Supporter & Disabled Supporter Liaison Manager:

michael.leneghan@manutd.co.uk Code of Conduct:

manutd.com/musccodeofconduct

SupportersClubGuidebook-FINAL CGIM (1) (1).indd 24

12/10/2023 12:41